Roland DC-10 Analog Echo

At first it may take some time to get the unit set up right. There is a level selector that allows you to pick 20, 35, or 50 dB. There is also an output selector that allows either high or low settings. You certainly have to play with these settings according to what application you are using the unit. Theres three jacks on the front, one for imput, one for echo, and one for direct output (which is direct + echo). It took me about thirty minutes to decide how I think it sounds best... Which is Level = 35 db, Output = High. I run the unit through the FX Loop on a 1959SLPX. I noticed if I ran the unit in front of the amp, the effect is much more prevelant (almost too much), so I find that the FX loop is where it needs to be.

I'm running this unit through a Fender Stratocaster and a Marshall 1959SLPX. There are four dials to play with on the front panel. The first dial from left to right is volume: controls your amplifier's signal, repeat rate: how long or short the repeat is, intensity: how many times the echo will repeat, volume: volume of the echo itself. What a good reverb sounds like can vary between different user's just like anything else I guess... I think this unit is much better than most any digital reverb unit on the market today. Reverb is suppose to give the impression that you are in a big room (duh) but this unit makes it believable. I like warm organic sounds that sound and feel "real" and this unit does that wonderfully. I've compared it to many other reverbs and this is the one that really convinces me that what I am hearing is real, instead of processed. It only has a second of echo to offer so it is defenitely not a "delay". I've gotten some great sounding echoes that remind me of that old rock-a-billy type sound. I also wouldn't be suprised if this unit was used in some of Pink Floyd's old recordings because thats what it sounds like. I decided to buy this unit when I went to see Yngwie Malmsteen in concert and noticed this little box sitting on his pedal board. I love it.

I have only owned the DC-10 for a few months. Although being as it is 30+ years old and in perfect working order gives you a good idea of its reliability. I would say "time will tell" but its older than I am.

I e-mailed Roland requesting the DC-10 documentation and they replied the next day with plenty of help.

If this unit were lost or stolen, then I would try to get another one given I could actually find one... They are extremely rare. This unit is one of those boxes that you just leave on! I find it is very pleasing with whatever type of music I feel like playing.

Input gain level, volume, repeat, time, echo volume, output gain level....no manual..the thing is 30 years old

I have a ton of effects, so I will just review it from the viewpoint of playing it clean. The echo effect just isnt so warm, but its o.k. The delay time is almost a second.Yeah, it does all the stuff an analog echo (self-oscilation, etc) will do, but I prefer the dc30 for warmth and a longer delay time. Theres almost no info about this on the web, so Id thought Id write a review. In summary, a good first echo, if bought cheap. Dont pay alot for this thing. (Actually, I will sell it and make my money back and a little profit. I just wanted to hear it.)

I think that Roland stuff is rather reliable, so I bought it without even giving it a listen. Maybe theres something screwy, but I doubt it.

I called Roland Japan and asked them if anyone can fix a space echo, and they couldnt. No chance on this.

I guess if you dont have anything else, this will be o.k. I a/b'ed this to a dm2(dm2 won for warmth), and a dc30(dc30 won for chorus, delay warmth and length). This is the first of three machines, in which the dc30 is the last. It was also released under Boss as the dm100 dleay machine. Yeah, it is analog, it is warm, but, like I said, the dm2 blew it away. The dc10 advantage is time, but it isnt enough to make me give it a higher score. Check out my reviews of the dm2, the Boss dm300 and the re201 Space Echo for my views on echos...anyway..its not bad, but it ain't so good...