Pearl EO-301 Echo Orbit-1

Just switch it on and away you go! The unit is solid state, that is it build with discrete components (transistors, resistors, capacitors and so on). There are no difficult entries to make, patches to assign or go through a EZ-Setup manual of 389 pages. Three inputs, one instrument and two microphones, each seperatly adjustable. 3 playback heads which allow multi-tap echo and an adjustable tape speed that defines the echo delay. The heads are selected by a big knob ranging from 1 to 6 thus allowing the following settings (where 1 is the playback head farest away from the recordhead): pos.1: 1, pos.2 = 2, pos.3 = 3, pos.4 = 1+2, pos.5 = 1+3, pos.6 = 2+2

In combination which the adjustable tape speed, this gives you a wealth of various echo's.

You'll have to be honest here: the modern all digital echo units probably give you a clearer sound but hey, how come there's a company that rebuilds the sound of tape echo's by modelling the sound these babies make?! If you're looking for that slightly distorted sound that degrades with every hours that the tape is running, you're set. I've played around with digital units but sold them all on Ebay and waited for an oppertunity to get my hands on a affordable tape unit. It collects dirt so you have to clean it regulary and oil some of the mechanical parts and yes, you have to splice tape! I'm using a Strat with a Fender Deluxe amp for playing Shadows (Ventures) like music. As another contributor already said, its clear and firm in the mid-tones and holds back on the basses which improves the sound of the echo after it has been generated for the 20th time!

Mmmm... Depends. If you're into splicing tapes, cleaning capstans and knowing (and feeling) a little bit about this kind of granddaddies in the echounit universum, you're OK. If you're the kindof musician that wants Plug-And-Play, don't use it.

Like with all ancient units, zip, zero, nothing, nada. Have a good friend in the neighbourhood or you should know more than flipping a switch on or off. (I got mine from someone who didn't know how to splice tapes so he basically used one tape for 2 year and was wondering why the sound was so bad!) I'm not giving any number here since it would be unfair to the Pearl company to enter "basically worthless). I'm sure that Pearl recognized its responsibility when this unit was state of the art, some 25 to 30 year ago!

Music played: Shadows / Venture style (Pulp Fiction!)
Playing for some 40 years now. Fender Start, Fender Amp
If it were stolen or lost?! Please, I'm gonna be sick! I would go out and hunt for another unit and be standing right next to Saint Peter to give the thief a "blast from the past" whenever he would arrive at Heavens Gate!

i have only heard this perfect tape echo, so i really cant say anything for this category.

the rythm is pretty unique and very very very good and beautiful. it is so fine that....... hmmm... and the sound itself is very clean and smooth.

as i said i have only heard this fine machine

i dunno

as i know it is worth of number 10 and parrot sign:).

Not very hard to use. Pretty much same kindaoff like other tape echos.

one word is right for this category: Beautiful.
I like to use it with second delay in top of it so the sound pretty much different then but for me it's perfect.

Like all other tape echos it might get tricky, but if you now it`s tricks youll can live with it.

you really cant buy any parts for it. Atleast not from finn.

if you play shadows or kindaoff music it is tape echo of your dreams.

Pearl Echo Orbit-1 is a less known tape-echo unit from 70's. It is also very rare and sought after. As all units of the time, Echo Orbit is very easy to use, although it requires tape changing and cleaning...

Echo Orbit's sound is very unique. It's only really useful echo mode is number 6, and it has same rhythm as Roland RE-201. Echo Orbit's sound however is more "living". Bass is weak, and weakens even more at every regeneration of the delay. This is only a big plus, because the echo doesn't make the sound to get muddy. The crystal clear sparkling echo, that is left, makes your guitar really cently weep. This unit's sound is the only right sound for those, who are already addicted. Only known artist using Echo Orbit is Finnish Esa Pulliainen playing guitarsolos in Agents.

Echo Orbit is unfortunately quite unreliable machine. I woudn't recommend to use it on a gig without backup. However, if you learn to know it's tricks, you might be able to prevent trouble with right treatment.

There is no support available any more. There is no parts and no original tapes left to buy. You must do by yourself. I hope Pearl someday realizes to make reissue model, and parts!

I play a bit Shadows-kind of music. I don't ever want to change the sound. If my Echo Orbit finishes and I can't find another, I certainly want something that sounds as near as possible.