Marshall EH-1 Echohead

Okay, it's a delay pedal...anything other than a ten here and you really need to scrutinize the review. This pedal is as easy as it gets. Plug it in, choose right (mono) or left or stereo. If in mono, using left channel has a natural decay when you turn it off...right channel gives you immediate delay stop. My favorite patch is the reverse echo.

My set-up is very simple. Carvin guitar> Pitch-Black Tuner> Compressor> Bad Monkey> Regenerator> EchoHead> Marshall JCM 900...all in front of the amp.

It has HiFi, Analog, Tape Echo, a Multi-Tap, Reverse, and a spectacular Modualtion Filter. Lots of choices. The delay time goes up to 2000ms and it has Feedback control and a level control.

The unit is surprisingly quiet. I've had no problems with noise of any type. It does alter the overall sound just a tad but then again I do not try to sound like someone else...I use it to get my own particular sound. As far as the sound quality of the different patches, I have no complaints. Every one of them is distinct and different in it's own right. I'll give it a 9 as it does alter the sound but again, I don't know of any delay pedal that doesn't.

I use this pedal religiously as it is a part of my overall sound. It is always on. It takes to daisy chaining very nicely with your power supply (I use the OneSpot with NO problems at all). I have owned this pedal for two years now and I use it on Sundays at my church for two services, sometimes three depending on Sunday night. We also rehearse for 2-1/2 to 3 hours on Tuesday night and for another 2 hours on Saturday so it gets used quite a bit. It's built like a tank although I'm beginning to notice the actual switch seems to be getting a little loose (but I stomp pretty hard).

Never had to deal with Marshall regarding a failure however, I have emailed them questions in the past regarding some of their other products and they have always responded.

I play alot of classic rock and Christian rock. I have been playing now for 40 years. I use primarily Carvin guitars, Marshall and Carvin amps. This pedal goes well with everything I have. If it gets lost or stolen I will buy another tomorrow. It has a very small footprint (smaller than my Bad Monkey).

This, I think, is a rocker's delay pedal. If you want pristine clean you need a tape echo...but if you're a rocker this is it.

I wish it came with a tap tempo pedal but that would probably drive the price up another 50 dollars.

I'll be real honest about why I chose this pedal from the start. I have an early 90's Marshall JCM 900 and have never had a problem with it (it's now 17 years old) so I just figured with that kind of reliability I would try the EchoHead. I am NOT disappointed. I've tried all the rest of the boutique echo pedals but nothing has convinced me to buy anything else.

My first proper effects review so I might not hit all the necessary points.

This is a fairly simple Delay pedal.
Four knobs: Model, time, feedback and level

6 delay models, choose your model, set the delay time and level, then stomp on it.
Max delay time is 2 secs

Model 1 = HiFi
Model 2 = Analogue
Model 3 = Tape echo
Model 4 = Multi-tap
Model 5 = Reverse
Model 6 = Mod Filter

The only problem I have is that you can never see where your setting is while standing, because the black line indicating the positions of the knobs are virtually invisible on the chrome background.

From my guitar (Ibanez RG/Dean Z79) I go Boss Tu-2 >> Morley Bad Horsie 2 >> Marshall Jack hammer >> Boss Ch-1 >> Marshall Echo head >> then to my amp (Laney lg35r).

This pedal isn't noisy at all, the only pedal that causes hiss is the Jack Hammer when it's switched on. The sound you get is great for the price, I don't use all the models on it, only the first 3, i have no need for extra modulation or reverse delay. HiFi is the standard digital delay. Analogue is a great setting and the one I use the most, the repeats don't break up to much, but just enough.

I bought this pedal just to add something extra to my sound, as I always felt something was missing, it does a great job.

Well I advise anyone who buys a Marshall pedal NOT to use batteries, they don't like it and often fail to output a sound at an audible level, Mine came with the battery already connected, and after a few uses with the battery and power supply the battery was dead, so I took it out and it worked fine. So only use a power supply. It works fine so far in a daisy chain and I don't seem to have any problems.

I would use it without a backup definitely (I cant afford 2 of everything anyway) My other Marshall pedal has done dozens of gigs and apart from a few scratches it's fine. Easily withstand a bomb blast hehe.

P.s Don't put this (or any Marshall pedal) in a bag with other pedals if you don't like scratches. It marks other things easily and puts a great dirty grey mark on most finishes.

Never dealt with them

I play 70's and 80's hard rock, lately having a fad with the Scorpions, so a fairly high gain sound is needed, and it doesn't distort or disagree with the other pedals in my chain. If it was stolen or lost i would buy it again as soon as possible seeing as it does almost everything a DD-6 does, but at half the price. It does have an external tap tempo but i'm yet to buy a tap tempo pedal (there isn't one included). I do wish it had numbers around the 'Delay time' knob so you could see how many MS its repeating at but i can live without that.

If your looking for a cheap delay pedal that just adds an extra something to your sound, but at the same time has a fair amount of features, go for this pedal. I don't think there is another pedal that does what the EH-1 does in the same price range. Excellent pedal.

I use a boss fs-5u tap tempo pedal and i'm getting the delay tap I desired from the Marhall EH-1 and that's very easy. Just make sure the polarity is set correctly.

From clean to overdrive/distortion sound, the delay coming out was smooth. When doing some volume swell with the delay, it sounds perfect. I used a yamaha rgx and a line 6 spider amp.

Its solid.

N/A.

Perfect. But definitely need a tap tempo pedal as well. And is affordable compared to other expensive delays.

Standard digi delay layout, so it's easy to get decent sounds from it straight up. Just a stock delay. The six modes are great.

The fact that you can choose whether to make the delays stop immediately when you turn the effect off or let them trail is a bonus. (Only in mono. You choose by selecting the output: left output = trail. right = immediate stop. (I think I got that the right way round. You get the idea anyway.) ) This i a great feature on such a cheap unit. AND tap tempo as well. Great value.

Fender Jag, Mustangs and strat->Boss limiter->Boss auto wah->ProCo Rat->Electro Harmomix Little Big Muff->Boss hi-band flanger->MXR Phase 45->Carl Martin tremolo->Echohead->Laney LC-30 valve combo or Vase Trendsetter Delux valve head and Marshall 212 cab.

The tape delay mode is SO good. Analog is good but not quite as warm as ideal. Digital delay is perfect and crisp. Multi tap is ok but hard to master. I cannot find a use for reverse but maybe that's cause I play mostly rhythm and obviously it's going to have difficulty tracking and reversing six notes at once.

The filter delay is good but frustrates me sometimes. Sometimes you use and it's all up in your face (in a good way). Other times, you can barely detect it. I don't know what it's based: is it strumming volume, like an old envelope filter?? Don't know.

All the knobs work like they should. I made a tap tempo footswitch myself for about $5 and it works fine with the unit. No discernible noise or digi artefacts. No tone suck when bypassed.

At the end of the day, I never turn it off. It's always on, in either tape or analog mode. It doesn't sound perfect but it's a nice, solid tone, especially for a digital emulation.

****PLEASE READ****

I noticed one thing. It doesn't like any kind of short power interruptions or shorts, even elsewhere in your signal chain. It flicks off then on again, the LED comes on but there's no delay. Switch it off then on again at the wall, and you're good to go. I have no idea why it does this but it's like clockwork.

I discovered it because another pedal on my board shorted out sometimes (my dodgey cables). When it did, everything went off then came back on again, except the delay wouldn't work. It did it several times, all under exactly the same circumstances. When I discovered that, it actually motivated me to fix all the dodgey cables on my board, so it's all good.

I'm wondering how many of these (and other Marshall in the same line may have the problem too)get returned because of this. Mine almost did. And the store wouldn't have had a clue and would have just given me a new one. I also wonder how many of the reliability complaints below are caused by this.

Never used, so wouldn't know.

Let's face it, unless you have Dave Gilmour's guitar tech (and money), there's always going to be something you wish every effect (or amp or guitar) had. This does what it's meant to very nicely.

RE: if it got stolen. Man, there are some violent musicians out there. If it gets stolen, go buy another one or a similar product. Don't hacksaw someone's limbs for a $50 pedal. It's only stuff. Get over it.

Great pedal, especially for the price. Solid, nice tones, good variety, good emulations.

When I first tried this unit, I just wanted to replace an old analog pedal which had gone bad... Arion SAD 1, which was ok, warm sounding, but some component had let the "time" fail. Back to the Marshall. I'm an old codger who grew up in the sixties with the likes of the Shadows and the Beatles,and we,[our band] had a Klempt Ekolette, which was one of the better tape echoes at the time, so I was familiar with how they should sound. This story will continue next paragraph, but to answer the main Question...easy to use, except for the previous complaints of hard to see dials, and you must use an independent REGULATED wart like a BOSS. The unit does not like daisy chains or incorrect voltages.

Continuing the saga. I'm mainly talking about instrumental songs here, for I've found that a little echo in a vocal is ok but gets too cluttering if used too much. Guitars and amps are mostly immaterial here but it goes without saying that a good valve[tube] amp is best. If you are after instrumental quality sounds, the single coils probably rule. Now to the nitty-gritty. Firstly, the Marshall does thin out the core guitar sound, but this can be adjusted with eq on the amp. My wart does seem to produce some hum [someone else mentioned this],but in a band context, it doesn't matter. Now here's the good bit. Everyone else has dismissed the multi-tap setting and I can only conjecture it's because most guys haven't ever used genuine old tape echoes, because maybe they are a bit young to have seen the early sixties. The old tape echoes had the ability to have the tape heads switched in or out as seen fit, unlike delay pedals which will only give you regular spaced repeats. The multi-tap setting is the only sound I've heard that comes close to old tape settings. On a clean note it will stretch your sound without that annoying repeat breaking up the note. On a palm muted note, you will hear the way tape echoes used to sound, a la Hank Marvin. Naturally you have control over repeats and timing. Without going to the extremes of complicated downloads of "echoes of the past" or whatever, and the expensive hardware associated with it, you can get a very good facsimile of the bygone instrumentals. I love it.

So far it has not given trouble. I was initially baffled when it wouldn't work daisy chained, and when the voltage from a non regulated wart wouldn't work it either. The instructions mentioned none of this.

Never tried to get in touch, but I'd like to buy another as a spare.

My style of music, if you hadn't guessed, is a bit old fashioned, and mostly clean stuff. Started playing in the sixties, left it all alone for a long time and got into it again five years ago, and what a ball I'm having. Smorgasbord with gear and information, and new songs. Anyone ever remember how hard it was to buy a guitar back then? And then try to figure out how to play the latest surfing hit played on your auntie's scratchy old HMV? I guess I like this pedal for it's one particular feature, which I might have mentioned, but the other features are quite usable also, just like a regular delay. I have never heard another delay with the multi-tap feature, except for a vintage[as digital goes] rack mount Boss unit.

Is easy of use i havent any problem with it

Its only one bad thing this stompbox is not transparent especially when I use it with 3rd chanel in my Marshall 6100 sound become plastic tranzistor i really dont like it.
My second guitarist have a boss delay and I can compare it to my marshall, boss was better, now I buy Akai headrush and this stomp have better transparency of sound than marshall too.

for this price i want better sound not only beauty design

very easy to use. Buttons are little too shiny, therefore you cannot see very well the level mark on them. Beauty has it's cost over here:)

Ok. This thing really blows away. Tape delay and analog mode are one of the best i've ever heard (except original tape delays - their warmth is unbeatable... but it would be unfair to compare this stomp with em, right?).
If you need delay and dont have money to spend, GO FOR IT!
It will get 9.

no problems for me.

not needed

I play rock and blues. Strat, Tele, SG - works fine with all of them.
Really nice pedal:)

This is a basic delay/echo stompbox. Good, solid design and not a real estate hog on the pedal board. Easy to use. 4 knobs. Mode, Rate, Feedback, and Level. Simple and straight forward operation. My biggest (and only) complaint is on stage, it is almost impossible to read the settings because the knobs are so shiny. I haven't come up with a fix for this yet, but Marshall should take note. Several other reviewers have made suggestions, I just haven't figured which to use yet.

There is also an input for a tap tempo. This requires a separate switch and the Marshall switch advertised on their website is not available in the US. I use a Boss FS-5U and it works just fine. The tap capability makes this pedal MUCH more desirable than non-tap and even those such as the Boss or Digitech where you have to hold your pedal down 3 seconds and make a wish or something. Here, you just tap away and it works great.

Also, there are two outputs. One standard and the other allows for natural decay of the effect. When you turn the switch off, there is no abrupt shutoff. Only a nice, natural decay. All delays should have this feature.

I don't notice any tone changes with my setup. When the effect is off, signal is good and no noise.

Sounds:

HiFi - Typical digital delay accurately reproduces what goes in.
Analog - Warmer sounding. This is my favorite.
Tape - Also a favorite. Electronic simulation of old style EchoPlex or other tape machines. This setting sounds good with distortion.
Multitap - OK. Don't use this one much. Too much going on here for me.
Reverse - Interesting and I've actually incorporated this effect into 2 or 3 tunes. Fun for an occasional solo, but once or twice a night is plenty.
Modulation - Sounds fine. I never use the setting, though. A bit of a chorus type effect with delay.

My favorites are the analog and tape. They are the most natural sounding with my setup.

Pedalboard setup is: BuddaWah > TS9 > Marshall Regenerator > Ernie Ball Jr.Volume > Echohead w/tap >

Guitars used are American Strat with Roland synth, Gibson ES-335.
Amps are Fender Vibrolux, Fender Blues Jr., Tech 21 Trademark 60 with additonal PowerEngine cabinet.

Overall, I love the sound and playability of this box. It was exactly what I needed.

Built solid. I gig without a backup, but I have backups. Just don't take them. If it goes out, I'll take it out of the chain until the end of the night, then go get another off my shelf.

Sent an email to the company asking about the tap switch shown on the website. Got a reply in about a day that they weren't available in the US. Bummer about the switch, but the response was good. This is the only experience I've had with CS, but I was impressed to get a quick answer.

I play classic rock, blues, jazz, and have since classic rock was the "new stuff". Began playing at 9 years old. Now 50+. If stolen or lost, I'd buy this again. Nice features, sound and value for the money.

Once I get a mix and a feedback setting, I'm good to go. Tap out the rate depending on the tune and there you go.

I really don't like the fact that the knobs can't be easily read. That, IMHO, is the worst thing about this pedal. Otherwise, a great little box.

I'm going to vary a bit from the guidelines a little bit and give a review based on just the equipment I use. When I read some of the reviews, they come across a little as bragging...ie 'I use PRS custom guitars, several other effects, a super distorto nut cruncher amp and a kazoo....well maybe not a kazoo...anyway, I'll tell you what I used this effect with and how it worked, I'm not going to go on about what I own but rather what I tried with this unit.
This effect falls in the category of pretty easy to use, but don't buy this if you like to change settings 3 times during a tune. Little turns make a big difference, and this pedal will go into the noisy endless repeat mode if you let it....in other words if you turn the knobs too far in that direction.
They gave this pedal 6 modes, I think it would have been a better design if they stayed in one mode and it had a more 'open', less intense sounding delay. I guess it was a business decision in that regard as it is a minor cost to include that feature in the circuit card.
However, because an idiot cannot deal with these added features I give it a non-idiot proof 8.
The same guy can't slow down on the highway because there's a gas pedal in the car...but we won't have to worry about him for long will we?

This is where the rubber meets the road....the bullet hits the rhino...you get the picture... I have tried this with only my amps, not at some music store with a bunch of people in my face trying to sell me something while the guy in the corner plugs into a Splawn an cranks it to 11.

This is what I tried:
Guitar>effect>amp-Marshall 1977 JMP...result: didn't like it, neither did the amp.
Guitar>effect>amp-Mesa DC-5...result:didn't like it
Guitar>amp with the echohead in the send/return of the DC-5...liked it
Guitar>effect>amp-JCM 900...result: didn't like it
Guitar>amp with the echohead in the send/return of the JCM..it was Ok
Guitar>effect>amp-Blues Deville...didn't like it...

sooo the trend was... I didn't like it in the front end of an amp. The reason is it changes the voicing of the amp slightly. On the DC-5, which has a higher gain, it seemed to overwelm the preamp with artifacts. It also made a very odd (but low level) electronic noise as you could hear the oscillator in the pedal cycling.
The noise was less pronounced in the return loop.
Because of the noise I gave it a 7.

Lucky for me I have other pedals to use and also a multifunction pedalboard (which I won't get into here), so as far as reliability it's not an issue, my amps are all tweeked to sound as good as they can and a lot of times that's all you need.
Guitars used were:
Fender strat with SA EMG's
Schecter with humbucking EMG's the 60 and 81
Gretsch hollowbody anniversary
Ibanez RG with the stock INF's
As a sidenote the pickups all the way open tend to drive the effect in an undesirable way when going into the front of the amps.

Never talked to them, sent them an email once but they never responded. That was 4 years back, maybe they have the internet working now.

In between loading up the elephant gun and duck hunting, I play jazz, classic rock, original music, blues, weird sounds...etc.
I have been in many bands and have played semi-pro for 30 years, on and off.
I bought this without even trying it out as I have a Marshall compressor pedal and a Marshall chorus pedal. I don't think as highly of this pedal as the other Marshall pedals mentioned.
What this is good for is a basic step on step off, fatten the sound and sh*t simple thing-a-ma-jig. I like the pedalboard going into the back of two stacks, but it's a pain in the buttocks to haul that rig to a gig ...especially a bar gig, it's just not worth it. I can speak from experience that the other Marshall pedals never failed me, and I was able to cover a variety of songs with them. When playing live, simple is always better and the most frustrating thing for me is when someone brings a pedalboard in and the volume levels from each patch are different. So there you go, simple, sounds good if you know how to keep your foot off the gas, actually a good buy for what it is, handles a basic function if your amp doesn't have reverb, get a little slapback to boot.

Additional tip:

For a very cool, very usable vibrato effect (with no delay), use these settings:
Mode = Mod Filter
Time = 0 (knob turned far left)
Feedback = 12 o'clock
Level = 12 o'clock

There ya go! You can adjust the Time knob only a fraction though, otherwise you start to hear a delay on shorter notes.

Very easy to use, just needs a little time to find out what is the sound you want, how much feedback, level....

Just digital sounding, but you can pick up modern sounds as classic rock pieces.
I prefer the first 2 effects hifi & analog, but also the reverse mode is very interesting to imitate "are you experienced" & thing like that.
It is noisy when you are using a battery, who don't seam to last a lot, but with an adapter everything is ok.
The effects are ok, though 3 modes where enough, I use this pedal as support to my solo, reverb takes the attack away while echo/delay reinforce it, but anyhow my settings are pure analoge through a tube amp .

It is a good pedal, I don't think marshall will bring crap if they were not sure of this pedal.
Many people complained about the battery, but this happens also with the LINE 6 echopark or the IBANEZ digital & analog delay.... so just use an adaptor.
I certainly would use it during a gig: why not?

Play basicly blues & classic rock, it is a good choice, I got almost 10 year experience (classical guitar & blues)
I know what's good when I buy a pedal, I'm not that kind of person searching for racks or multi effects things, finaly it is the guitarist who makes the sound & not the effect, so if your playing is bad, a digital delay will not help you.
Got lots of pedals: TS9, classic fuzz, holy grail, octavia fuzz & a clyde deluxe by fulltone & this echohead is just as good as the others, when I 'll be tired of it I'll sell it: voil??!
I wish as said by other people that it hat an adaptor.
It's not so expensive & built in a solid box & also the switch is excellent.
Invest first your timle and money in guitar studies, when you feel you know a lot, the search for your sound & your pedals, everything you'll get under your feet will sound awesome.........cheers

It is just simple, maybe the settings depend on the guitarist.

I prefer to play without effects, but I use this effect sometimes, just during some solos of Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix.....
The echohead goes thru a Vox 848 Clyde McCoy wah wah & a TubeScreamer, out in a Hotrod Deluxe by fender, with a fender stratocaster with Texas special PU
The sound is good, it is digital & analogue simulation, reverse, multitap.... no noise at all.
I was wondering thru' lots of effects, didn't want to spend a lot for a pedal that I use sometime, memoryman would be a good choice, but prefer a microvibe instead.

No problems
THE NEGATIVE ASPECTs OF THIS PEDAL are THE BATTERY(life), better use an adapter!! it's almost impossible to work with a 9v battery & also THE LEVEL indicator on the knobs is too reflecting.

I play latinjazz, blues, rockblues & some psychedelic stuff.
Should be a little cheaper, echo is an effect that most guitarist don't use very often: so.
The quality is good & also very hard construction, possibility to add tap-pedal & a sort of true by pass called by marshall "passive bypass".
I wish the BATTERY could last more or at least that Marshall could mention it when you buy it or just eliminate the battery & make it with adapter included in the price.

Easy to get good sound out of.
Editing patches???turn the knobs...I know it's hard but you can do it.
Manual...did it come with one?..why?

First of all I should explain I own a brand new (used 10 times or so) EP-3 Echoplex, a DL-4, and have owned and played Eventide GTR-4000
Boss GT-Pro. Roland SDE-3000, SDE-2500, SDD-2000..and too many others to list.
I use Gibby LP's and Wolfgang USA guitars. Cyber twin head w/412
JSX w/xxx cab and Mesa F50.
This pedal is not noisy at all...very quiet...studio quiet.
The effects are subtle enough to not blanket your tone but are strong enough to always sound good..very tweakable and the different models are very good. I think some of the reviewers should take another look and actually spend more than 2 minutes trying to get "their" tone.

I'm just saying that since I own an Echoplex that is absolutely stellar, I can't lug it around and don't want to damage it since it's now worth a chunk of cash, so this EH-1 would be my choice over the rest of my delays. Honestly, I didn't expect that. I figured here goes another "test pedal" and I'll probably sell it after the honeymoon is over...NO WAY. I played this once and was absolutely hooked. I had like 1 minute to turn the knobs and I thought I would probably just hook up the DL-4 which was in my bag...never did...the EH-1 performed stellar and gave me a new edge that the DL-4 seems to eat.
The DL-4 is great sounding but it has a huge tendency to take the modulation and delay in it's own direction without warning...don't really like that, and it's very noticable.
I like the EH-1 and I give credit for Marshall for being honest in their presentation of this pedal.

This thing is a small footprint and is built like a tank.

Don't know. Haven't owned that much Marshall gear but a friend of mine...
I'll give them a 9 since I really don't know.

I play Christian contemporary music and this sounds great with what we play. I've been playing for 30+ years.
I have a pro studio and tons of other gear..SDE-3000, SDD-2000 which are two of the best delays in the world, but who wants to lug them around in a box since they're hard to find and pristine vintage gear...not me.

I would replace this if it was lost or stolen.
I love the delays and the modeling actually sounds different from one to the next..more than just a small filtering change.
I basically did the comparison in the sound quality section.

This will definately be a songwriting tool. I used to take a rack unit on vacation for writing on the run...now I can just take the EH-1 without a question as to whether it will perform.

In closing I would surely recommend the EH-1 Echohead delay.
Marshall did a premium job on this and I would not listen to the negative reviews much as they couldn't have spent much time with it.
The guys I play with are all professional guys and they all loved it...that's not an easy task. ;) AND that, is why I give it a 10.

If you've used delay pedals before this is nothing new. I agree that the knobs are a little fiddly and difficult to see the black marker but that's really splitting hairs.

I was after an analog-sounding delay with tap tempo and bought this as it was the cheapest one I could find (the only others I could think of were the Akai Headrush, DLS EchoTap, Line6 Echo Park and, God forbid, some Digitech offering).
My frame of reference as regards analog delay is my majestic Maxon AD999 and, compared to that, the analog simulation not that authentic (doesn't have the same creamy, dark warmth or ability to self-oscillate).
Nevertheless, it is a very pleasant effect indeed. Not cold like most digital delays, and for my uses, is perfectly acceptable as an alternative to the real thing (especially with the tap tempo function and very lengthy delay times).
On the subject of tap tempo, you CANNOT just use any sustain/momentary type footswitch to control this - I went through about 4 different ones before I found one that worked (cheapo Meridian SK20). I much prefer having a separate footswitch for triggering the tap tempo rather than having to do some complictaed tap-routine (press for 5 secs, release for 2, turn around, press for 2 secs, do a handstand, make a sandwich, tap and hold for 3 mins, then tap away...) that most of the other pedals require.
As regards the other 'sounds' on the pedal; I will probably never use the digital, tape or modulation settings but may get into the multi-tap at some point to get some Sigur Ros type atmospherics going, but if the pedal had only the analog mode I would still pay the same for it.

Been fine so far (six months usage several times a week).

I have e-mailed Marshall several times about various gear-related subjects and never yet received any reply. This is poor. Thankfully my queries were not that important but if they were I would be seriously cheesed off. There isn't even a phone number on their website.

A great value, highly useable and pleasant sounding analog delay simulation with the added benefit of long delay time and tap tempo (although if you want something that sounds identical to a DM2/Memory Man/MXR/AD80 you may not be entirely satisfied).
BTW this pedal is NOT true bypass. Marshall describe it as having 'passive bypass' - if it really were true bypass they would have called it that - so it's probably some sort of buffered electronic switching (more useful than true bypass anyway as it will help to buffer your signal on its long journey along that cable to the amp).

Easy to figure out: 4 knobs that control the 6 modes, delay time, repeats and time. I love simplicity! Yet there are a few little things that mean this gets a 7. Firstly the knobs are tiny and a little bit fiddly. No real worry but a bit annoying. Second, there is no way you'll see what setting this thing is on in the dark - the markers are near invisible due to the polishe knobs. Lastly, i think the delay knob should have been marked with times rather than just dots. This last one is a personal preference really and an issue of lazyness but still it might help some people looking for a specific delay time.

Im upgrading all my gear from a multieffects unit. I realised after I bought this that I was probably looking more for a reverb pedal. But that doesn't matter now. I love this pedal. The digital and analog delays are great, as is the tape. Havent tried multitap yet but working on it. Mod filter is odd but useable. A little disappointed witht the reverse delay - I wanted a stronger reverse sound but as this was an additional feature to other great models I dont really mind.
Sound is great through both humbuckers and single coils. Run it on power supply to avoid large batter bill. beware that lighting can have effect on digital units. Some people have reported static and i think its more to do with their houses than the pedal. Awesome beast

Owned it for about 3 months now. Built like a tank. You could throw this at someone at a gig, knock 'em out and continue playing without any care. No need for backup

No opinion as i havent dealt with them but the website has really good info so i can imagine support is good. After all, its marshall!

Theres a few niggles here or there but thats more personal preference. An amazing pedal. I play a real mix of music from classic rock to experimental. Have been using this for perfect circle style stuff and it really works well. Same for doing Muse songs. It can also do U2 style stuff (apparently thats why everyone buys delay...hmmm maybe not) If you want a good solidly built, well priced pedal to expand your tonal palette this is where it is at

pretty simple really, its got lots of options on it but the manual is really good. the only gripe i have is that its difficult to see the knobs when you're on stage, but the good thing is that the knobs are really responsive but not over sensitive, what i mean is that if you're trying to find a delay time that you had two mins ago its really easy to get it back by turning it here and there. some delays are not like this because the knobs are to sensitive so even though you are convinced the knob was in the same position as before, the delay time isnt right. i hope that makes sense?

I love delay, I mean I really love delays, I use it on everything, I like to create a lovely sonic landscape in which i can bathe in and swim around in. so I love delays. I bought this to replace a digitech digidelay, which is a good pedal, sounds similar to the boss. I also use a line 6 DL4. I wasnt happy with the digidelay because, although it was good, i only used one setting on it, and that setting was ok rather than amazing. Anyway i was looking for something a little warmer. So i got this. Its amazing, it really is. favourite settings are the analogue and tape modes, also the multitap. They sound so warm, and very natural sounding, this is a very natural sounding delay pedal. The digital delay setting suprised me the most because even this is warm and natural sounding. the reverse setting is "interesting" shall we say but could be used. the modulation setting is good for creating amazing alien sounds to. but overall my opinion is this is that its really warm sounding. I love it, for the price, the compact housing and the fantastic sounds it makes I dont think i'll ever switch, based on all of this i give it a 10

its built like a tank, ive had marshal pedals before and they last for years

couldnt say so will remain at neutral 5

if it were lost or stolen i'd buy another straight away. for any delay purposes it outclasses the digidelay and the boss stuff. the delays themselves sound much more 'real' to my ears than anything i've used before, including the Dl4, but the DL4 is a different beast so to compare them would be wrong. i love the fact that its so warm sounding? my favourite setting is the tape delay. i love tape delay and this does a pretty good impression of one, probably nothing like the real thing but what this does sounds beautiful. its so tweakable to. plus the option of a seperate tap tempo works better for me. all in all for me its perfect - sounds lovely, cheap, looks cool, reliable

Very easy to use, just for standard setting average use.
Heav not try with certain very usefull tapswitch expander pedal.
(For live giging important).
I put it in front of amp input, after distortion pedal.

The sound out of this unit is compared to price very nice and musical.
Tried it with Peavey Classic 30 and small practise combo without springreverb.
My favorites are Mode 2.analogue, 3.tape echo, for more special use #4. Multi tap.
I hade a Line6 echopark, that did not sound better, just had more possibilitis, what also makes it more difficult do get the right or usefull sound by a short twist of knobs.
There are many other units on the market, that maybe have more to offer. But also more mony is required also, to get it!

No plastic, just solid steel and heavy weigth.
The only real bad point is the noise, (that appears instead as delay), when the battery is near empty. And this happens very very soon. Battery eater!!!!!!!!!
So use with 9V Adaptor is required for proper sound benefits and no bad surprises at the wrong moment.

Don't speak chinese and not tried:-)

I play Blues and Pop and mainly repair and modify amps and guitars.
Bougth it 2.hand almost new.
If ther where a sencond switch for tap delaytime, wow....!!!
Not usefull in battery mode.

comon...its easy, play 10 minutes around and you know whats goin on !

Sorry, I have orderd it online so I never have test it before, but after one week I send it back.
The only mod that is "nice" and nearly usable, is the analog thing.
The rest is stupid ussles toy adding fun shit with no musician feeling.

I have a Boss DD3 and a Maxon Ad 900 as main delays.
A Roger Mayer Voodoo Vibe and a Maxon modded Phaser for specal effects.
But I was interessted in that " all in one box " hype thing.

No, for me its wasted money and time.
For kids that beginning with adding the amp sound extra dimensions, it can work for some time, but not when you play studio session jobs or playing payed gigs, serious !

My Guitars ; Music Man Petrucci 7 string with piezos, PRS single cut.
Gibson Lucille.
My Amps ; 2 x Engl Souveraigns 2x12 Combos and a Engl Screamer at home
My Effectes ; To many to count, but for live gigs I only use the Boss
DD 3, the Voodoo vibe, the Maxon Ts 9 and a
Cry Baby. Amp chanel switcher.

send it back after 1 week, dont know.

?

I dont need toys, I need real musician equipment, that helps to express my soul, technik and sound needs. That one is shit.
When you know what you want or just need a toy for home !? well.....

Four knobs, all easy to get used to quickly. If you have used delay pedals before this should be a breeze...

The sounds that come from this little digital device are quite plesant. Having mostly messed around with the reverse & tape settings I am very happy with the tones it has provided me.

Much better overall tone than the Digitech digital delay. have yet to a/b with the Boss DD6.

Sometimes the delay can get a bit too saturated and noisy. Not to mention 'distorts' with harder pick attacks into a pair of humbuckers.

This pedal is in use with my Ampeg G20.

Spillover is incredibly cool! Why does none of the competition have spill over?????

My last two Marshall pedals were built very solid, and lasted quite a long time. (in fact they are still kicking around to this very day.) I'm sure I would not have a problem keeping this thing around for years to come.

never delt with Marshall directly

I'm pretty enthusastic about this $90 pedal. It's the second cheapest delay pedal I have seen or played through. (the cheaper being the DE7 Ibanez digital delay)

Yes, it's not as good sounding as my Maxon AD999, nor does it sound as good or operate as easily as my Danelectro 'Reel Echo' it still is an amazing little box.

I do wish the delay time in reverse mode was a bit longer. For my use (reversing an already delayed signal... cascading my AD999 into the EH1) it does what it needs too how it needs to.

Straight forward enough - the usual delay features, delay length, number of repeats and dry/effect mix, plus the 6 different "modes" including tape delay, analog, reverse, digital, modulation and tap tempo. HOWEVER, and several other reviews have mentioned this, as with all these Marshall effects, the knobs are a nighmare to see unless you are 2 feet or less away from them. On my Marshall effects I have replaced the knobs with plastic alternatives[difficult to find them the right size though] or painted the top of the knob and drawn a line on them with black felt pen.The different modes are written in very small print too on the front of the pedal - not easy to see in a live situ.This HAS to bring the overall score down to 6 for me. Also, it doesn't have an instant long to short delay ability at the flick of a switch or twist of a knob- like the danecho, Boss or digitech.

Very good sound I would say. My fave is analog - because the decay of the repeats is nice. Tape comes a close second. Didn't get the Modulation - couldn't see what the point of it was, and didn't think I could hear it. Don't think I'd use tap tempo, but having to have a footswitch in addition to the pedal to do this is not as good as the Boss. Reverse is let down by it not being available as totally dry [ same as Boss DD5]so you can't get that Are You Experienced thing . I bought the pedal partly because of this feature, and haven't found it of much use as it is without the dry repeat option. The carry over of echos is a great idea, but doesn't work when you use the pedal in stereo. Again I wanted this pedal to work in stereo to run into two amps, but also wanted the carry over feature. So I suppose I goofed.

Just to repeat what others have said - don't power effects units with batteries unless they are designed to sound better that way [old tranny boost and fuzz pedals for example]. Delay pedals take up far too much juice. Be careful with your daisy chaining here - I had one of the unused output plugs on my daisy chain resting against the metal case of another pedal on my board and it meant that when I switched on the Echohead, there was no effect at all -just the red light. It took two gigs for me to realise what the problem was- again I goofed. I think the on/off switch is flimsy too. It looks like a regular heavy duty one, but doesn't operate like it. No probs with popping or crackles tho'- and mines an early one. True bypass effects sometimes pop when you switch them on for the first time.

Never dealt with 'em

Well, maybe I'm going through all the different types of delays before I get back to using the one I started with. I'm getting a digitech x series to replace this one because it has the tap tempo on the pedal, the carry over in stereo [I think], the dry reverse, and all the features of the echo head. The Line 6 Echo Park has the best features but is let down by the power supply hum issue. Will I regret selling my echohead? Who knows. I liked my Danecho very much but thought this more versatile.
I don't think my set up makes a difference to the sound, so I won't bore you with the type of pick up I have on the bridge side of my custom color 1967 Custom Shop Relic Candy Apple Red Fender Competition Mustang Jap Reissue with 9" radius neck. [joke.]
This pedal is Value For Money all the way though. I should keep it really but the knob thing really does bug me - its too fiddly by far.

Easy to use. The knobs are clearly labled and easy to turn, and stiff enoguh so as not to move on their own accord. The manual was basic, and there are no stupid annoying patches to edit etc...

This replaces my Korg AX10G onstage. I don't think the Korg is a stage pedal... It is flimsy, and microphonic! Jeeez.

The only thing about this pedal that is confusing is thus. Other people here claim it doesn't work when turned on, etc... now here is something interesting. Mine does the same thing. True bypass whether it is turned on or not. This has something to do with which pedals in my chain (well I only have 2 pedals) comes on first etc... and which receives the electricity first off.

All settings are good imho except reverse. Reverse is useless as it doesn't work rhythmically, but works in time with any input signal it receives, then churns it out randomly. I have no use for reverse. If you turn the time on reverse right down, ditto feedback, you get one repeat, which is like a bounce back of the original signal only reversed (more like reversed dynamics) which is semi useful. Even if it sounds a bit like a step filter.

The only fault on my pedal is that the Tape delay simulator adds clicks, which disrupts the timings of the repeats on only the longest delay time setting.

Not screwed me over yet. I can use it onstage without backup, and delay is an important factor in my sound.

Never dealt with about pedals. I use one of their amps though, and it kept giving me grief at one point.

Its good. You can over-use delay so this is a good place to start.

If you have messed with echo units, it's fairly easy, twist knobs and start experimenting. The only thing about these Marshall pedals are the chrome knobs and a little black slash that is impossible to see from a distance or in dark lighting, I need a floresent markings on them to see the settings. (must run to hobby store)
There is a feature that if you plug the output to amp in output 2, the echo fades after disingageing, of course the output 1 will cut off as soon as you step off the effect. I am enjoying the fade as I use this for mood solos and the fade works real well for the songs I use this effect on.

Clear in a good way, I have used Boss DD-3,DD-5,DD-6, and a Guyatone TX Tube Echo and run through a Soldano HR50, into Marshall 2x12, and 4x10 cabs. I experiment with dirt pedals so that may change on a weekly or ? basis. Right now it's a Digitech BadMonkey, Barber DirectDrive, Boss SD-1 Keeley mod, Marshall Chorus, Marshall EchoHead, 55/77 LP, 81 LP Studio, Fender Tele Deluxe RI, Fender Stratocaster. So far the sounds are cutting thru to my ears expectations without the digital sound I hear in Boss echos.

So far, many rehersals and 1 gig, and performing with no problems. I use a VooDoo Lab Power supply, and if it dies at a gig I can get by without, just no echo in the solos!

N/A

Playing ROCK music, originals and some juicy covers, with 25+ years pickin' n grinnin'. Like I've stated, the pedal so far is what I was looking for and has made me smile instead of wanting to kick the pedal into scrap heaven. A big plus, I usually don't like to mess with my pedalboard too much when I play with the band, so everything is dialed in before hand and I should be able to kick the effect on/off with no concern, the music and vibe of the moment is important during a performance and getting ticked at the non performance of a piece of equipment really sucks.

With that said, I am diggin' my EchoHead to the point of getting one for my home jammin', I use a Yamaha DG Stomp, Digitech Screamin' Blues, Marshall BBII, into a Fender Pro Jr...time to make some noise!

Pretty easy to use. You'll need to spend sometime figuring out what settings work right for you, but I think this is the way with all delays.

The sound of this pedal is terrific. I just loved the Tape Echo setting, I could get everything from Piper At The Gates Of Dawn to a great Slap Back. I even loved the Reverse setting, and was starting to workout a good intro to What Condition My Condition Was In (my band does a monthly Lebowski Night).

Unfortunately, despite the great sound this thing is not trustworthy at all. I got the same noises and lack of any effect at all, that others have described on here. I have a Marshall ED1 that I bought used, and it is reliable as the day is long. So it looks like Marshall just dropped the ball on this one, it is a shame if they get it to work right it would be a great pedal.

Haven't dealt with them. I just sent it back to the store.

I just sent this back to the store yesterday. I've got my eye on a digitech digi-delay to replace it. If Marshall fixes the noise problems I'd get a new one, but at present it is not worth the $4.00 shipping.

Very easy to get a GREAT sound out of this thing. 4 knobs and a button. Lots of sockets for various things. I recommend using a momentary switch to set the tempo with your foot. It's probably dead easy to make your own even.

I have read the reviews below so lets get a few things sorted:
1). NEVER run this pedal on batteries. Battery life is short and it will sound bad in 15-30 mins. This in probably not a matter of dud batches, but design issue perhaps. ALWAYS run it with a regulated DC adapter such as the Boss one, and you'll be sweet. The store I bought this from said the only returns were due to use of a battery in this pedal. Never use a battery! If you can live without a battery, then this pedal is for you!
2). One person below commented that they wished true bypass had spill over. Well if that were the case, then it wouldn't be true bypass would it, because that's impossible. With true bypass you bypass the entire effect when pedal is disengaged - hence any spill is cut off immediately.

Easy-as pedal to use, however 9/10 here. I deduct 1 point because the knobs are hard to read in dim lighting. Marshall need to paint the line real thick and with a bold colour, instead of a thin black line on a silver knob.

Sounds GREAT. Not muddy at all. Not clinical or cold either. All the delay modes are distinctive. It covers all bases. Analog mode sounds analog. Digital mode is crystal clear. You may need to set the pedal to longer delay times with lots of feedback (aka regeneration) to appreciate some of the other effects such as Mod Filter (phaser type effect on the repeats) and Tape Echo modes (slight warble on repeats). With the generous 2 second delay time, numerous delay modes, tap tempo, stereo ping pong, mono spill, mono-nonspill, etc, this pedal would suit most peoples delay needs.

I have tried the expensive Digitech X-Series DigiDelay and that was alot more difficult to get a good sound out of. It sounded muddy to me also. The Rocktron Short-Timer a beautiful sounding delay, but only 400ms delay. This Marshall Echohead was about the same price as the Rocktron, but had so many more features. Never tried the Boss delays, so cannot compare.

Seems solid enough, but only time will tell. The older Marshall pedals (e.g. Shredmaster) seem bullet-proof and there are many still around. So that must say something. However, these are not as solid as the Boss pedals, so only an 8/10 here.

If you take into account that many of the reliablity issues people have complained about are due to the pedal not running on batteries, then this is not really a matter of reliability, but (poor) design in this respect.

Never owned a Marshall product before, so it's too soon to tell.

Freakin' awesome pedal - if you can live without using batteries. If not, then perhaps try a different pedal. The price of this pedal is so cheap, yet this pedal competes well against the more expensive (twice the price!) DigiTech X-Series Digi-Delay pedal. I reckon it smokes the DigiTech, but that's just my opinion.

Very simple; knobs for type of delay (Tape delay, reverse etc), delay time (time between delays), feedback (number if repeats) and level (volume of delays). I like the way the I/O is set out so that the signal goes in and can come out from two outputs, which is cool if you want to run two amps at the same time. Then when you kick delay in, it delays through one amp, then the other. Used this in recording, but not live - not rich enough for stereo rig...yet.
Tap tempo input is a simple 1/4" jack. Any non-latching footswitch will work, so long as the polarity correct, just try both, one works. You can use keyboard sutain pedals which is handy if you have one lying around.

I play a PRS soapbar through various pedals (permanent members are Lovepedal Eternity and Cry-baby - and now this) into a Rivera 45. No noise coming from the echo-head, quiet in and out of operation.
I tried the echohead and loved it right away. Id used a boss before this and it was just like ambience to me, and I was looking for a more involved delay that can be part of your compositions, you know? For example, the Echo-head has nice ambient echos but it also has crisp tape delay sounds, which i use in songs as a harmonizer. Im the only guitar in the band and with level on full and feedback on one repeat; I can have my melody as a round- a sort of off-set harmony. Tap in the tempo, and its like I'm playing at, and its like having a second guitar copying you, just a beat, (or two or three or four or five etc beats) later.

I can then dial in low feedback, low level echos thats like playing in a concert hall or a cave.

Reverse delay is beatiful. Slow tempo solos shine with reverse delay. Basically it repeats what you play in the last beat but backwards. For example if the tempo was tapped in minims and i play a crochet C followed by a crochet D it would imediatly, after the second crochet, spit out D and then a C, in time, but with spacey reverse attack. Its wild.

My absolute favourite setting doesnt really sound like delay at-all. With delay time on the smallest possible and level and feedback cranked, you get a crazy metalic, bouncy sort of tracking. Its equally wild.

On some settings you can get delay times that are quite long. I can essenstially sample a bar with tempo tapped. After about 10 repeats, it sort of looses energy, and you can't overdub. But if you want a sampler, dont look at reviews for a delay pedal.

I put my distortion and drives infront of it, becase if you put them after they get confused by the delays and start getting flabby. Drive on, with wah, with crazy full level echos sounds fabulous and full. Its a vital tool for me and my band.

This totally lets it down...

First one I got, brought it home and tried it. It ate a battery in two minutes. So i figured Id use my power supply which is fine. But after about two weeks of this it started to crakle over the delays so it was just crakling instead of delay. SO i took It back and they said "batch fault, have this one from a different batch." After two months it did exactly the same stuff so I took it back again, and got a third one. This third one has served me well for the last two months, but I fully expect it to break again.

Battery life is quite bad, half an hours worth in a 9 volt, then it starts going shady. Always DC it...

It broke on the morning of a recording by the way, but there was a rack delay which worked just as well. therefore I dont reccommend gigging without backup, but Im too damn poor to get backup.

Only people Ive dealt with are the guys in the music shop, they just took the old one and gave me a new one both times, straight away.

Would be 10 if they could sort out all the duds goin around.

Absolute bargain, shame about the reliability!

I play rock and blues and this matches for my psycadelic rock but not really for blues.

If it were lost or stolen Id buy another, but Ill be safe in the knowledge that whoever stole it would have to try and take it back,when it breaks down, without a receipt. Take that hypothetical theif!

I love how involved you can make it in your sound, its fab. It definatly helps the music rather than getting in the way.
I personally have no problem taking it back if it breaks again, becasue i get a new warranty each time. Maybe this one will be fine, like the other reveiws and I was just unlikey with two turkeys.
Great product! but be warned about the reliability.