SIB Mr Echo
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Product: SIB Mr Echo
Price Paid: USD 160
Submitted 11/10/2008
at 10:34pm
by Jim Orwell
Ease of Use
:
No Opinion
Sound Quality
:
No Opinion
DELAYS NOT LONG ENOUGH FOR SPACY LEAD WORK; HAS A GOOD SLAP-ECHO SOUND
Reliability
:
2
******* AWFUL. THE THING IS A TURKEY OF A DESIGN. NOTORIOUSLY BAD. PCB DESIGN IS TOP NOTCH, BUT THE STANDOFF CONNECTORS TO THE POTS ARE A LOOSE FIT AT BEST. IT WILL FAIL, AS MINE DID AFTER 4 MONTHS OF LIGHT USE. THE SWITCH DIED ALSO.
SAY NO
Customer Support
:
1
HARD TO GET HOLD OF.
Overall Rating
:
1
AVOID THIS PEDAL.
Product: SIB Mr Echo
Price Paid: aus 330
Submitted 08/11/2008
at 12:02am
by frankenstein
Ease of Use
:
10
Its really easy to use and get a great sound out of it.
Sound Quality
:
10
awsome sound quality the best delay i have ever heard. I used to own a boss dd6 but that sounded to artificial and cold. the mr echo sounds nice and warm.
The guy at the store that i bought it from told me it was a analogue delay but i have read reviews contradicting that. If it isnt an analogue delay its got me fooled coz it sure sounds like one.
Reliability
:
No Opinion
it seems very strong and sturdy but i cant really comment coz i havnt owned it very long. i would gig it without a backup coz who really has the money to buy backup pedals???
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
never had to deal with the company
Overall Rating
:
10
I play alternative rock music and if you want a really nice sounding delay i would recommend buying this but at the same time if your into cheap, brittle, artificial guitar sounds this is not the pedal for you. coz i know some people are.
Product: SIB Mr Echo
Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted 08/06/2007
at 04:02am
by Carlos
Email: losian at gmail<dot>com
Ease of Use
:
10
This review is for the original footswitch-problem-plagued MR. ECHO - not the newer MR ECHO PLUS that has better footswitches. Overall this is a very straight-forward delay. The only strange thing about this pedal is the SLAM feature - the repeats have to be up to a certain amount for the delay to really "take off" when you hit the slam.
Sound Quality
:
10
The best thing about this pedal is the separate MIX and VOLUME knobs - this allows you to have a BOOST when you turn the pedal on for solos - not something most delay pedals have. The delay trails have a high end roll-off sound to them - nice & mellow. The delay time amount is continuously variable for those spacey pitch-bending effects. If you want a mellow analog delay sound - this is it. If you want a crisp digital sound where the delays sound exactly like your original guitar tone, go somewhere else.
Reliability
:
No Opinion
See below.
Customer Support
:
10
I bought this pedal used. The previous owner was fed up cause of the footswitch problems so he sold it to me for $50. I contacted SIB, UPS-ed the pedal to them for $12. Two weeks or so later I got the pedal back from SIB, FULLY REPAIRED AND WORKING GREAT!! Now that's Customer Service.
Overall Rating
:
10
This is an excellent delay pedal for those seeking a noise-free analog delay sound, but there is room for improvement. 550ms is pretty short these days and it would be nice if the high-end roll-off of the delay trails was user adjustable. Suggestions aside the audio quality of this pedal is superior to my other delays (Akai e2 headrush, guyatone md-3, DOD PDS 2000) and the customer service was a big plus!
Product: SIB Mr Echo
Price Paid: USD 109.99
Submitted 01/28/2007
at 12:52pm
by Drewcifer
Ease of Use
:
7
The controls on this pedal are pretty straight-forward. May take some getting used to if you're more accustomed to Boss or Digitech type digital delays. Easy to tweak.
Sound Quality
:
9
I wouldn't put the sound quality at 10 for "pristine" because in my mind, pristine equates to crystal clear and shimmery. This pedal is not meant to do that. The singal decays and distorts as it repeats intentionally, giving a very warm and natural sound that, in my opinion, rivals any EH memory man or Space Echo I've ever toyed with. I don't think this pedal is actually analog as some people say, but it's very convincing. You can get "Edgey" style delay sounds as well as the more spacey ambient type sounds that's good for Shoegaze and post rock-ish music. It works well with other pedals, it doesn't seem to exploit their weaknesses or hinder them from doing what they do either.
Some have called the slam feature a gimic, which is understandable. That type of effect isn't very useful in a lot of straighforward music, but honestly, do you use that stupid WARP feature on your BOSS DD-6? Or the reverse feature for that matter? I think the slam button is great for noisey endings to songs and soundscapes, and oddly enough, for wierd solos too. Depending on what notes you're playing when you hit the slam, the repeats can make a nice harmonic tone.
Reliability
:
6
I didn't bother to read other user reviews before I bought this thing. It was kind of an impulse buy. To my dismay, I had the problem with the slam switch after owning it for almost a year. Even if I had the pedal set to just one repeat, if I hit the slam switch, as soon as I let off, it went to infinite repeats, instead of back to one repeat. Made it very hard to control. Fortunately, this is on my guitar pedalboard and I really only gig out with guitar once every six months or so since I mostly play bass.
Switch issues aside, the casing is extremely thick and heavy duty. You'd have to drop a boulder on it to hurt it. The jacks are a little cheap, but this is mounted to my pedal board, no one is going to step on the cables and break them. Not a big deal.
Customer Support
:
10
Like others have said, there was no manual, no contact info included with the pedal, so I didn't know what to do. I bought it in november 2005 from Make'n Music in Chicago, and was in the store just over a year later. I mentioned to them that I was having a problem with the pedal so they gave me S.I.B.'s contact info.
I called and spoke with Rick. We've spoken a couple of different times and ended up having a rather lengthy conversation. Aparently the company is still around, but he just bought the company back from his two other business partners and now he's the sole owner. He acknowledged that there was a problem with a batch of switches that went into the Mr. Echos and has been replacing them as they come in. He said some broke immediately, others didn't go bad until about 2 years down the road. He was extremely understanding and helpful, and offered to send me the replacement switches. I would have accepted, but I can't solder for shit, so he offered to fix it for me. I mailed it out to him priority mail, he replaced both switches (even though only one was broken) and also installed a more heavy duty AC jack ON THE SAME DAY HE GOT THE PEDAL AND HAD IT BACK TO ME WITHIN A WEEK. Now that, in my opinion, is damn good customer service.
Overall Rating
:
9
I play everything from shoegaze to experimental noise to stoner metal, and this pedal works for all of the above, and would be great for just about any style of music where delay or echo is needed, from alt-rock to rockabilly or surf, this gives the warm, vintage tone that pedal buffs want, and it does it without taking up half your pedal board, and you'll still have money for groceries next week.
I was impressed when I got the pedal for it's overall build quality and sound, which IMO is rare at this price point, and though I had a negative experience with the slam switch, my customer service experience with Rick was so overwhelmingly positive that I won't hesitate to buy their other products.
In fact, I came home with a S.I.B. Mr. Fazeadelic yesterday to replace my MXR Phase 90.
The only reasons this product doesn't get a 10 for overall rating are the less than heavy duty jacks and the switch issue.
Product: SIB Mr Echo
Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted 10/25/2006
at 05:12am
by kev77
Ease of Use
:
10
see final comment
Sound Quality
:
10
see final comment
Reliability
:
10
see final comment
Customer Support
:
10
The guy sent me spare parts and ven ones I didnt need just in case, all for free.,.,legendary service
Overall Rating
:
10
I have sold all my other delay gadgets,., and have now four of these babies and counting, it does the sound I've wanted and never been able to afford.,., people down these pedals, but all it'll take is someone famous to use one and al the bitching will stop,.,
these are like DM2'a but with way more soul and they just sound soooooo cool when the battery is running out, like sound F**ked up dodgy ol tape.,.,you couldnt program that in,
If you dont like yours send it to me, I'll have em all
Product: SIB Mr Echo
Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted 08/11/2006
at 09:40am
by your mother
Ease of Use
:
9
easy to get cool lo-fi tape like sound.
Sound Quality
:
10
brilliant!!!
some people had reliability issues and left multiple reviews marking it a 1 for sound quality because they are mad about it breaking on them. I say bullocks to that. Put your ratings for relibilty and sound seperately, and only leave on review. Something can be a 10 for sound and 1 for reliabilty.
SIB should have been more precise in thier hype about what this unit sounds like since most store didn't have them and most people probably bought it without hearing it. This is not a one size fits all unit. It does one sound and it does that sound very well. It is a tape delay simulation along the lines of an echoplex.
The repeats distort ON PURPOSE. It is very fluidy and organic sounding. It does not sound like an analog delay and it IS NOT an analog delay. I have had it apart and it uses an NEC chip (the computer company). I hope that settle the debate. However it is the most organic digital delay I have heard and I have heard and owned most of them.
As far as i can tell the "slam" feature does not turn up the repeats as many reviews here say. If it does it is slight. It works by changing the delay time instantly to it's shortest setting. The feedback swell occurs because the runaway effect occurs sooner at shorter delay times. This would be like turning the delay time knob all the way counter clockwise. Therefore the effect is most dramatic when using longer delays with lots of repeats. If the delay is on it's shortest setting the slam doesn't seem to do anything because it has nowhere to travel.
This is a great delay for people into texured drug inspired echo sounds. If you don't dig stuff like mogwai, sigur ros, brian eno etc... You probably won't dig this pedal.
Reliability
:
7
I think it is a solid pedal with one exeption being that when the slam switch gets dusty the repeats get a mind of there own. If you use he slam a lot it won't happen. If it does happen give the slam switch a good 20 quick stomps and it will go away (for awhile). I got mine used and i took it apart looking for the repeat trim pot. It doesn't have one. Don't bother taking these apart to look for trim pots. They are a pain to get apart and there is nothing adjustable inside. Later i found out about the thing with the slam switch.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
To my knowledge this company is no longer in business.
Overall Rating
:
9
Great for kraut, space, psyche, drone, ambient...........I have been playing for 15 years. I own all the gear ever made!! I would buy another one. Love the cool lo-fi tone. Wish it had a control for the amount of distortion.
Product: SIB Mr Echo
Price Paid: US $160
Submitted 12/19/2005
at 07:18pm
by robin
Ease of Use
:
5
Inconsistent in the control ranges, especially boost.
The SLAM feature is just a marketing idea - nothing musical about it at all, just another button to help sell it.
Sound Quality
:
8
Sounds very nice when it decides to work. Delay range is quite short. Some people have said it's digital, but at these short delay ranges, it's likely to be bucket brigade analog. It's very smooth sounding.
Reliability
:
2
Sucks. And not just me but a STAGGERING 40% of users it seems have the switch problem (sound cuts out half the time it's engaged).
Customer Support
:
1
?
Overall Rating
:
4
Reliability is so bad it can only get a 4, despite its decent sound.
Learn to solder.
Product: SIB Mr Echo
Price Paid: US $119.0
Submitted 12/18/2005
at 02:04pm
by kev77
Ease of Use
:
10
dials and all labeled, no brainer really
Sound Quality
:
9
I love delay pedals, I have sold other pedals to buy multiple versions of this, I coverted a TREX replica for ever and then heard these,., I now own four mr echo's, I sold my old boss analouge delays, sold ibanez old school delays for these.This is really nice unit for a quarter of the TREX price.
I run this through a tele custom and vox ac30, super chimey Edge U2 crisp delays, for me its that sound, yum.
Reliability
:
8
Like I said, I now have four - all good. the first one went slightly weird, see customer support.
Customer Support
:
10
I emailed the guy as soon as I thought something may be up, he sent me replacment parts no charge, cant do better than that.
Overall Rating
:
No Opinion
I have sold gear to get this, I have run, I have crawled, I have scaled these city walls only to be with mr echo.,., sad I know
Product: SIB Mr Echo
Price Paid: US $66 on ebay used
Submitted 11/15/2005
at 02:27am
by William
Email: billlliam at hotmail<dot>com
Ease of Use
:
10
Totally easy for one who is schooled in the use of delay/echo.
Sound Quality
:
9
Compliments have i recieved on such a pedal as this... Truly, people notice the analog nature of this pedal. Out of all the DOD/Boss/Dano delays I've had, this tops them with room. True bypass switching and a momentary switch for crazy people like myself... What more could I ask for besides a smooth widely adjustable delay? This has it.
Reliability
:
8
Switch got funky on me. After a fix it was good as new and flawless. Read customer support for why this still gets an 8.
Customer Support
:
10
My switch was getting weird so I got in contact with the maker of SIB pedals. I explained my problem and he quickly offered to send me not one, but two switches.. For free. That's how you earn a 10 in customer service.
Overall Rating
:
9
Awesome pedal for straight up echo/delay. Nothing special, only something weird. I love it. I've used this for all kinds of stuff from regular delay uses, feedback looping fun, outboard effects off of mixers and even just a noise maker. Until I find the money for a roland space echo, this will be the main machine. Thanks SIB.
Product: SIB Mr Echo
Price Paid: US $109..00
Submitted 11/08/2005
at 04:12pm
by memory man
Ease of Use
:
10
this is a doddle to use, esp if your into fx twiddlin and delays, if this is hard to use, you mus'nt have dressed yourself this morning.
Sound Quality
:
9
I own about 20 echo/delay pedals, I care about delay/echo - its a sad addictaion, I know. I plugged this pedal in a shops amp, and in less than twenty seconds said "sold!!", you want a tasty, and I mean tasty echo pedal with cool slam function - without paying mega for a dm3 or a space echo, then this is your pedal. its the one you enjoy and the original is the one you treasure but dont really use etc.
Im buying another couple -nuff said.
I havnt put pristine 10/10 -because I really dont think its an appropriate label, this pedal is musical and totally useable, thats the real vaule
Reliability
:
7
i had a little trouble, see my customer support - but Ill be buying two more, so theres the faith I have.
Customer Support
:
10
emailed the guy with concerns, Im in europe so its a long way for him, hes posting me parts,a dn extras incase of any future problems, what more can you ask for really, - no charge for postage, super quick replys, no interagation, all good
Overall Rating
:
10
I wish I had more, I wish it came with stereo outs, but I strongly recomend this pedal - In fact this is God's truth Im selling my DM3 on ebay this weekend to buy more of these.
There you go.
Im looking forward to a deluxe model, maybe stereo outs, a programable slam setting, maybe a tap tempo.,., maybe a U2 " edge" special edition with a free beanie and goatee.,. who knows
Product: SIB Mr Echo
Price Paid: US $109
Submitted 10/19/2005
at 11:13pm
by jon.b.
Ease of Use
:
9
Sound Quality
:
10
Reliability
:
No Opinion
Customer Support
:
10
i just wanted to give an update to my earlier post. i took my mr echo back to where i bought it they sent it back to sib and 2 weeks later i got it back good as new.they seem to have had a run on bad switches and even after 5 months fixed for free.it seems the only way to get ahold of them is by the store you bought it at.
sib is a small operation im told.but they do stand behind their stuff.to me this pedal is worth it.the new 2.0 versions are more expensive
Overall Rating
:
10
Product: SIB Mr Echo
Price Paid: US $110
Submitted 10/15/2005
at 04:38pm
by Anonymous
Ease of Use
:
6
The four knobs on Mr. Echo are fairly straight forward: Delay, Repeat, Mix, and Volume. Nevertheless, it takes some time with this pedal before you can really dial into a sound that you like. Unfortunately, there really is only one good sound you can get out of it, demonstrating Mr. Echo's lack of versatility.
No manual came with it either.
Sound Quality
:
7
I play a Gibson ES-335 through a Fender Twin. My pedal board consists of a Jim Dunlop Crybaby Wah pedal, an Ibanez TS-808, and an MXR Phase 90. In an ideal world, I would put the delay at the end of the chain, but Mr. Echo can be really noisy when I put him after ANY other pedal. As a result, I've had to put him at the beginning of the chain.
Another thing, do not let ANYONE tell you this is an analog delay. It is digital, despite the fact that a lot of dealers are convinced otherwise.
Reliability
:
1
This is where the real problems begin. I never know what I'm going to get when I stomp on Mr. Echo's bypass switch. The switch itself is a piece of junk and oftentimes you'll hit it and it will cut out the entire signal! As a result, I only use the pedal when the entire song requires delay so I can get the thing to engage properly before the band starts. Never will I take a chance and try and turn it on mid-song because there is too great of a chance that the guitar will cut out entirely and I'll stand there like and idiot stomping on the bypass switch until it finally obeys. That's too great of a distraction for the band AND the audience.
Customer Support
:
1
No way to get in touch with the manufacturer. Not even an email or a phone number where you can find these guys.
Overall Rating
:
1
Of all the gear I own, Mr. Echo is the only purchase I regret. As soon as I get my hands on enough cash, I look forward to buying myself a delay pedal that actually works.
Product: SIB Mr Echo
Price Paid: US $60
Submitted 10/15/2005
at 02:05pm
by Will
Email: Billlliam<at>hotmail dot com
Ease of Use
:
No Opinion
Way easy to use if you know how delay/echo work.
Sound Quality
:
9
Truebypass switching.. Totally analog sound.. Love it.. Get compliments from guitar players on the lush repeats. Only thing better would be a roland space echo.. But why spend that much when I have this?
Reliability
:
8
Switch went out.. They've been prone to doing this.. I got ahold of the guy who makes the pedals through old town music in portland... He told me to send him an e-mail and he would send me TWO new switches for FREE. That is customer service man. No other issues besides that.
Customer Support
:
10
See Reliability section.
Overall Rating
:
9
A steal on ebay... This is an awesome pedal for echo/delay... Truly deep lush sounds and TRUE BYPASS SWITCHING... Best one I've owned and I've had a few big names... Let me just say it beats the pants off my old DD-5 in every area except pointless features and tap tempo. Get one and enjoy the sounds.
Product: SIB Mr Echo
Price Paid: US $109 new
Submitted 09/24/2005
at 11:23pm
by j.b.
Ease of Use
:
7
not as easy as it might seem. this pedal has balls and is sensitive to the touch and thats a good thing in my book. 4 buttons and a slam switch which gives runaway echos in a flash
Sound Quality
:
10
a bright clear powerful sound easy to get runaway echos .very musical i believe that it also has true bypass.the slam switch is cool but it you have to set the pedal for some feed back for it to sound right.i use it mainly between songs to get everybodys attention!!
Reliability
:
1
this is where i part ways with it.i read the reviews here before i bought it and thought it wouldnt happen to me!.... but........ the on off switch broke after 4 months of use. im not hard on my equiptment either.the switch cuts in and out i took it apart and think that it is a design flaw in how it fits in the case because its fairly large in size and raised up on the circut board
Customer Support
:
1
Customer Support?????? there is none. just a dead end web page.i cant believe that sib would sell something with this kind of flaw....oh the screws are hard to turn to change batteries so a power supply is manditory.
Overall Rating
:
9
this pedal works perfectly with my style of realtime feedback/delay time control for that early pink floyd sound.ive owned 2 boss dd3's (one of which i just wrote a scathing review on),ibanez,maxons,and even a 70's rackmount electra analog delay which was the coolest.the mr echo is my favorite.i've found a guy that mods pedals and this is gonna cost $50 to upgrade which is worth it to me
Product: SIB Mr Echo
Price Paid: US $115
Submitted 09/23/2005
at 10:11pm
by Christopher Farrell
Email: farrellchristoph at yahoo<dot>com
Ease of Use
:
7
This pedal is not difficult to get the hang of. The only thing that might be a bit challenging is the "Slam" function. Don't even try and figure it out; it creates such a non-musical sound, I find no need for it in my playing.
Sound Quality
:
5
My rig consists of a Vox Wah, Ibanez TS-9, a custom Volume/ fat boost pedal, and a Pigtronix EP-1. Usually, I prefer to keep my delay at the end of the chain, but when I do so with Mr. Echo, he becomes really noisy. When I put him at the beginning of the chain, this is not the case.
Reliability
:
2
This really is a hunk of garbage if you ask me. It dies out on my on a regular basis. I even spent $25 to get it fixed, but it started acting up on me again within weeks.
Not surprisingly enough, several other people on this list report the same problem, so it is not just particular to the pedal I have.
Customer Support
:
1
SIB has customer support?
Overall Rating
:
1
It is better to spend some extra cash on a pedal that you know will engage properly when you stomp on it. Mr. Echo works about 50% of the time. 'Nuff said.
Product: SIB Mr Echo
Price Paid: US $100 with tax
Submitted 07/31/2005
at 03:03pm
by Joseph Conroy
Email: janalon at gmail<dot>com
Ease of Use
:
7
The unit has four buttons- volume, mix, repeat, and delay. This is one of the few stompboxes where the effect sounds good with all the dials turned to 12:00. There is no instruction manuel for this unit, so let me explain some of the features.
Delay time ranges from slapback echo to 450 ms, which makes Mr. Echo a good choice for shorter delay times. In my own personal experience, delay times above a half-second are only manageable with tap tempo, not found in Mr. Echo.
Repeat set to the lowest gets one repeat. Above 12:00 the repeats become unstable, and runaway around 2:00. Musical use of this pedal ranges from 7:00 through 12:00, the rest is unusable unless you are trying to oscilate.
The repeat dial directly controls the slam button. I've found the slam button to give off this weird noise despite what note you are playing. A previous reviewer suggested that slam is only useful when the dial above 9:00. Slam is best described as a low-tech sounding of Boss's twist feature on the DD-20 Giga Delay. (Check out http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/fg=142/g=guitar/search/detail/base_pid/151305/ for an example.) This effect is only useful from the 9:00 to 10:00 position. Afterwards, it makes a farty sound.
The mix switch gradients the dry guitar to wet echo. When the dial is set to 12:00, you get about a 50/50 split. At one other extreme, you get no echo (I guess this unit could be used as a volume booster this way). At the other extreme, you only get the wet signal. I've used this setting to get neat echoed volume swells playing arpeggio lines with complete wet mix, shorter delay times, and longer repeats. This approach replicates the Line 6 analog volume swell (check out http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/fg=142/g=guitar/search/detail/base_pid/150388/ for a sample).
The volume button is the most egnimatic dial on this unit. It seems every pedal now has a volume booster option (from overdrives to wah's), so why a delay? Even more odd is that the 12:00 position is a 0db increase; left moves toward no volume, and right toward a signifiant boost. I've found that a complete wet mix to have some volume drop, so boosting the volume makes up for this drop. Also I found volume down useful in dealing with farty slams and run away echoes. Oddly enough, the volume dial makes sense on this stompbox.
There is no dry / wet output as in some of the more recent analog pedals such as the ones made by Ibanez, Maxon, and Electro-Harmonix. No loss there, as I don't run two amps or want either the dry / wet output independantly modified.
Like some other botique pedals, Mr. Echo has its share of quirks. I'd say this unit would get a 10 for simple, short delays. Considering all of the other quirky uses previously mentioned, combined with lack of user manual, Mr. Echo only ends up with a 7.
Sound Quality
:
8
Don't be fooled, Mr. Echo is a digital delay that approximates the sound of analog delays. Each repeat is degraded in tone (trebble and volume), like a true echo. It may APPEAR that the unit cuts out trebble frequencies altogether, this may be especially true if you ear is attuned to the sound quality of digital delays. There is no tone loss on the dry signal, only on the wet (as a true analog should sound). You can always down the wet mix to gain back the trebble, or just purchase a digital delay if you don't like the echo sound.
Since Mr. Echo is true-bypass, there is no loss of tone quality when the effect is bypassed. Additionally, the dry signal sounds just as good when effect is engaged. This was the deciding factor in purchasing this unit. In being a tone hound, I am now only buying true-bypass or having my older pedals modded. I am much happier with the tone I get out of Mr. Echo than the old Boss Digital Delay / Sampler pedal previously used in my rig.
My complaint is that the echoes have some static with each repeat. This can only be detected slightly when on 100% wet mix, volume boosted, and straining the ear. I don't expect this to be a problem playing at a live gig. This may be an issue for the ultra picky listener when deciding to purchase this pedal.
I enjoy using Mr. Echo with an Ibanez Stereo Chorus CS9 right after it, as the Ibanez is a slight volume and trebble booster for the right mix. Chorus pedals BEFORE the echo/delay unit will give more of a EH Deluxe Memory Man sound, as the chorus sweep will sound pitch shifty on each repeat, sometimes clashing with one another dependig on the sweep. This doesn't sound bad, just not to my liking.
I am still testing positions with my Analogman TS9/808 silver mod. Traditionally I've run digital delays AFTER overdrive pedals, but I've found that echo pedal BEFORE overdrive gives a more natural tone. The difference is slight, but noticeable in the end mix. With overdrive > echo, the overdrive colors the echo and its repeats: both wet and dry come in with the same level of distortion. With echo > overdrive, the dry signal is louder and gets more overdrive; with the wet signal being softer (especially on successive repeats), there isn't as much distortion on the repeats. Considering the natural tone degradation in echo repeats, this sounded more natural to my ears.
Having made those points, you may understand my effects chain. I play an Artcore AS73 > Crybaby 535Q Wah > SIB Mr. Echo > Analogman Silver Mod Tubescreamer > Ibanez Stereo Chorus CS-9 > Voodoo Lab Tremolo > Peavey Classic 30 watt. I'd also like to point out that I queried the SIB Mr. Echo under gear, and learned that Dean Wareham of the band Luna also plays with similar equiptment, only his effects chain appears nearly opposite of mine. Check out http://guitargeek.com/rigview/636/ to see his set-up. Sometimes pedals are made or broken depending on where they are placed in the chain. You now have two seperate perspectives where to place Mr. Echo.
In the end, I'm afraid that the delay repeat may be too digital for analog buffs, and too analog for the digital crowd. The delays don't have the metallic sound analog users complain about digital delays. At the same time, the repeats don't seem as warm or round as the best analog units (such as Maxon). However, considering the price of approx $90 - $100, you get more than what you pay for: a decently built, USA botique, true-bypass, analog-sounding, digital delay. It is WELL worth the price (see my OVERALL RATING for further discussion on this topic).
Reliability
:
No Opinion
So far, so good. The unit seems to be housed in a sturdy metal casing. The buttons and dials don't appear flimsy. My first impression is that Mr. Echo is a sturdy stompbox.
I've read about previous problems with Mr. Echo. From what I've heard at my local botique guitar store, the SMF web page, and Harmony central, the problems appears to be fixxed. None-the-less, the salesman suggested to take the batteries out if you are using AC power source. Having the battery in while using AC power may cause problems. I'm not willing to test this issue.
Based on my own personal experiences (good), and previous history (bad), I'll leave the rating at "no opinion." I'll let future reviewers and your own personal experience determine Mr. Echo's reliability.
Customer Support
:
1
There is no contact information on the SMF web page. No email address, no snail mail address, no telephone number, nothing short of a mailto link toward webmaster's email. This would be frustrating if I needed to contact the manufacturers if necessary. I wonder if they are listed in an online phone book.
Fortunately, the botique guitar store where I purchased the pedal could (and has) make contact with SMF if necessary. Again, I purchased the pedal knowing the previous difficulty with the Mr. Echo pedal and SMF customer support. Therefore I rated this category with a 1; I would be willing to at least give a 5 if SMF had listed any contact information.
Overall Rating
:
8
I am an analog tone hound (on a limited budget- go figure). Herein lays the problem: analog delays are extremely expensive, limited in delay time, and sometimes require more than 9v. My need was to find an analog delay of about 400-600ms, that could work in a 9v daisey chain, and was relatively affordable. After spending the greater part of three months researching and player testing analog pedals, I came home with Mr. Echo- this was the only pedal that met all of my stated needs.
Lets start with the Ibanez & Maxon AD-9. As you may be able to tell, I love Ibanez (and Maxon) pedals. At the time I made previous purchases, I could only afford to buy used Ibanez, but now I have the $$$ to consider making a Maxon purchase. The Ibanez pedal is not true bypass, although is mostly affordable at approx $150. A vintage / botique discussion board tipped me off that the Maxon AD-9 sounds worlds better due to its selection of chips and being true-bypass. Major drawback was the $300 pricetag. Both units were only 300ms long- too short for my needs.
This is where the Maxon AD-900 and AD-999 comes in. Hell, if I was willing to pay $300 for 300ms of analog time, why not pay another $60 for double or three times the delay time. AD-900 is rated as the best sounding analog delay and had about 600ms of delay time; main problem is that it is no longer in production because supply of a particular Panasonic chip ran out. I could only buy used on ebay for about $350 PLUS it required an 18v adapter. For about that price, I could just purchase the Maxon AD-999 and get 900ms of time. Although the AD-999 uses 9v, the website warned "Maxon AC210N adaptor (we strongly urge the use the Maxon AC210N only. Other adaptors may trip the internal fuse, requiring professional service of the unit and voiding the warranty)". For $360, I'm not taking that risk.
The Electro-Harmonix Stereo Memory Man and Deluxe Memory Man weren't my cup of tea. The Stereo MM only has 300ms delay time, and was therefore instantly ruled out. I'm sure that someone will invent a mod to increase delay time in the future, but for now, there is no interest in waiting. I didn't care for the effect modulation on the Deluxe MM. The Deluxe needs a 24v adapter, and therefore wouldn't work in my daisy chain. Also, the Deluxe isn't true-bypass, but it is worth mentioning that there are mods to achieve this. In the end, the Electro-Harmonix units came up short for my needs, even though they are the most popular analog delay units around.
I even considered the analog modeled sounds on Boss' DD-20 Giga Delay and Line 6 DL-4, both worthwhile delay units in their own right, but not quite analog. Both units in the $250 price range, and offered more options than I really needed. Hell, for another $100 I'd rather purchase the Maxon AD-999 unit and get the real deal.
It was in quandry when I made this final consideration- am I going to get every $$$'s worth out of an analog delay stompbox considering what I am willing to pay for it. In all honesty- the answer was no. Even though I play some Radiohead and Pink Floyd, my delay needs were very limited when playing original songs. I considered getting the best VALUE for my buck.
SIB Mr. Echo was the only choice left, taking my needs- 9v compatable, 400-600ms delay time, analog sound, true-bypass, and affordable price- into consideraton. Hell, my wife bought me Mr. Echo as a surprise present, and she was rather happy doing so (considering all the $$$ I could have spent if I had settled on something else). Mr. Echo is the perfect unit if you have similar needs, otherwise settle for a digital delay or more expensive analog delay.
In the end, this stompbox deserves a well-earned rating of 8. I reserve higher marks for the more versatile (Dl-4 and DD-20) and more elite (AD-999) units.
Product: SIB Mr Echo
Price Paid: US $110.00
Submitted 07/14/2005
at 11:01pm
by graerocks.com
Ease of Use
:
7
It was very easy to use before the reliability problems. Now if frustrated and wondering what will happen the next time I turn on the pedal
Sound Quality
:
9
It is the most noisy pedal currently on my board. My others include MXR Phase 90, TS-9, and a Boss CE-2. This is my first Delay pedal, so I don't have another one for which to compare it.
I really like the analog tonal quality of this digital delay. That was what sold me on this pedal.
Reliability
:
2
This is why I'm sending it back. I turn it on, and sometimes it cuts my volume to a faint and barely audible level. I never know when I turn it on, whether it is going to function properly. Maybe jsut I got a lemon. I'm going to try the EH Deluxe Memory Man. The Mr. Echo for $110 seemed like the best deal going, but if I can't count on it, I'll pay a little more for a reliable pedal.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Never dealt with SIB. I contacted the dealer and they're going to swap it out for another pedal.
Overall Rating
:
1
Overall, I really like the sound of this pedal when I works. The construction is rugged looking, for what little that is worth. The bottom line is that it stopped functioning properly after a limited amount of use. This is a deal killer for me. Back to SIB and on to the next delay pedal
Product: SIB Mr Echo
Price Paid: US too much
Submitted 06/11/2005
at 01:19pm
by Carolina Slim
Ease of Use
:
1
Well...it's not easy to use at all. Not that it's complicated...it's just worthless. Two switches..on and off and an aberation called SLAM. When I step on the on/off there is a good chance nothing is going to happen. I have to step on it three of four times to get it to work....and when I finally do get it to work...don't think about turning it off unless you want to be assaulted by a super loud piercing squeal.
On to the SLAM. Step on this an the thing goes crazy. Supposely this is a switch that only works as long as you have it depressed.....WRONG!! Step on this and it's over...be prepared to disengage this pedal to stop the carnage.
Sound Quality
:
1
Sound quality would be decent if not for the aforementioned problems. It is a little hollow sounding and a hi-cut would have been useful. However due to the other problems...I'm scared to hook it up.
Reliability
:
1
I'm using it for a doorstop now.....guess I could give it a 10 for that, but I bought it for a guitar pedal and for that it gets the big fat 1.
Customer Support
:
1
No way to contact them on their website. If this is representative of their products.....I don't blame them.....I wouldn't want to be contacted either.
Overall Rating
:
1
I've been playing guitar for 40 years. I mainly play blues. I own a ton of gear...it's my only hobby...the kids are grown and I can afford what I want. I bought this pedal just for a little low delay slapback to use with my Matchless amp which does not have reverb. It was a mistake. I have had many guitars, amps and effects pedals over my 40 year musical journey. Some that just wore out, some that I tired of, some that I traded to upgrade, and some I just plain didn't like. But this is the first pedal in all those 40 years that I wouldn't get rid of because someone else does not deserve this curse of a delay.
Product: SIB Mr Echo
Price Paid: US $90 used
Submitted 05/07/2005
at 10:35am
by Gary G
Email: garygtrkarendrum at aol<dot>com
Ease of Use
:
9
Certainly a no-brainer to get a good sound, has the standard delay time, repeats and mix controls as well as an overall volume control with some boost on tap if you want it. The "slammer" effect is a cool little feature, gives you self oscillation without having to bend over and twiddle the knobs...The mix control is very effective, setting it at around 9 o'clock gives you a good echo/dry mix, and you can set it for total wet (repeat only) as well.
Sound Quality
:
10
Allright, if you've read the reviews on this board and elsewhere you know that the early history of this pedal was not good, apparently there were some noise and reliability problems. Mine is definitely a newer, improved model-not noisy at all, the repeats soud great, very organic and natural sounding. It's a digital unit with not very much delay time (about 450 ms), but it sounds very analog, doesn't have a tone control for the repeats like a lot of digital units that are attempting to sound analog, doesn't need one IMO...the repeats sound not too muddy, not too clear-no digital metallic "ching" at all, just right-very, very nice. The delay range is limited, but enough for my needs, don't miss tap tempo as I use delay mostly for ambience and not for synchronized parts. The volume knob is a nice feature, gives you the option of a boost when engaged. I have not had any problems with the "slammer" feature remaining engaged after letting up on the switch, but you do need to have the repeats at around 10 o clock or more for this feature to work. Very easy to get runaway repeats even without the slammer switch, have to be careful as anything past 2 oclock wants to go into runaway mode. I think this is a great sounding unit, the price is great, just make sure you get a newer model.
Reliability
:
No Opinion
No problems yet, I have an old DOD FX90 on my board for shorter delays, could use as a backup if needed.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Bought used, no experience with them.
Overall Rating
:
10
This pedal has some great features, seems well built, and sounds great. I have been playing for almost 30 years and have owned lots of delays: tape, analog, and digital...this pedal is reasonably priced, is versatile , and sounds great. The delay range might not be enough for you, but for what I do (roots/alt country/ambient pop) it is perfect. Again, be wary if buying used, there were some problems with the earlier models, not sure of the "safe point" when you can be assured that the model is newer, but even new these are very reasonable.
Product: SIB Mr Echo
Price Paid: US $109.00
Submitted 02/10/2005
at 09:55am
by eric
Email: eric at bigeric<dot>com
Ease of Use
:
9
Easy peasy plug in and play. I had a great sound in minutes. It is very fat once your ear gets used to it you cant play without it.
no manual but its a no brainer. I dont know what revision or if its an upgraded unit. howevr my switches are layed out in reverese of the advertised units
Sound Quality
:
9
I am using a schecter strat and a heritage archtop L5 and es 175 style guitar with a matchless or marshall amplifier. its fairly quiet with the humbuckers. the single coil strat pickups are a bit unruly. i attribute that to the stage lighting in the theatre we play in. Thers probably 70 lights overhead.
I try to get a sound similar to JohnNy A. It makes me happy.
Reliability
:
9
so far so good 7 nights a week for the last 4 months. no backup.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
not yet.
Overall Rating
:
10
Currently working a show in vegas. Classic american music. It works great for me.
I have been playing professionally since 1974.
I own a lot of other gear. Really who cares.
I would certainly replace it.
I did not really compare it to anything else. I plugged this in and it sounded great so I bought it.It seems to meet my needs for a delay pedal. the sound is so fat. It helps my playing by making me get a better sound and inspiring me to want to play better. I get bored playing the same shit night after night. I look forward to using the pedal every night.
Product: SIB Mr Echo
Price Paid: US $119 used
Submitted 01/03/2005
at 01:20pm
by Anonymous
Ease of Use
:
10
If you need a manual to work this pedal you're a moron.
Sound Quality
:
8
Can't beat the sound for the price.
Reliability
:
No Opinion
Only had it a month. No problems so far. Play an hour+ every day,
and 2 nights every weekend.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Overall Rating
:
10
I've had the Bosses, a Flip tube echo, the big blue Visual thing,
Reel tape, an Ibanez and an MXR. Mr. Echo is on my pedal board.
It can get a good reverb sound, A good slap-back rockabilly sound,
and the longest delay setting is just long enough to get Page-type
echoplex sounds like on Zep 1. Great for blues and blues-based
rock. Not for high gain madness. The volume control is like the
vol. control on the old Fender reverb units. It will add break-up
to your sound when cranked. For the money, it can't be beat.
Product: SIB Mr Echo
Price Paid: US $109
Submitted 11/09/2004
at 08:42am
by T.L.D.
Ease of Use
:
5
Well, this is the "new" Mr Echo that is supposed to have the noise problems fixed. It runs quiet and the true-bypass works well and has no pop.
However, don't expect to get exactly what you want out of it. I tried getting just 2 repeats out of it, but it wont do that. I could get 2 1/2 repeats or 2 repeats and one quiet repeat, but not just 2 repeats.
Also, the "slam" effect sounds cool, but only works clearly if the repeat knob is up past 9 or 10 o clock.
Sound Quality
:
7
Sounds pretty good, but...
The slam effect is a "momentary" switch, supposed to cause runaway echos while pressed down--that works fine. However, after letting up on the slam switch, it doesn't stop, but results in runaway echos after you let up on it, even when you have it set to only a short echo. Also, it seemed the unit would occasionally start to run away on itself at random moments.
Also, don't expect to adjust your delay length while playing. Adjusting the delay length results in a farty, pitch-bending sound, so you'll have to turn the unit off or stop playing completely, then adjust the delay knob.
Also, no biggie, but the Delay knob on it's lowest setting sounds electronic and unmelodic.
Other than that, the unit sounds good for an echo type effect, the slam effect is an interesting dive-bomb effect, and the unit runs quietly. But don't expect the unit to be precise or give you exactly what you want!! It seems that it's kind of unpredictable. I felt like I didn't have absolute control over what it was doing.
Reliability
:
2
HERE'S WHERE YOU MIGHT WANT TO READ:
The unit worked for about 10 minutes, then all sound ceased. I changed the battery, but that didn't help. It seems the unit stopped accepting batteries. When it was switched on, all power and sound would just cease.
Still worked with the 9v adaptor, but wouldn't take batteries any more. That's a real pain--now if the power cord comes out during playing, I wont be able to use the battery as backup power. ---> I think a review below also mentions having this same problem.
Customer Support
:
5
Can't deal with the company because they don't have info on their website. Also, the pedal doesn't come with a users manual, and their website doesn't give details, so it apparently doesn't have a warranty either.
It really seems that the company has gone out of their way to be hard to reach and distance themselves from the customer. Probably because of these common reliability issues.
Luckily, the dealer I got the pedal is taking care of it.
Overall Rating
:
3
I think my comments above explain all my thoughts and issues with the pedal. I really wanted to like this pedal. If it would have kept working, it still just wasn't that impressive or controlable anyway.
I'd heard other comments about Mr. Echos being unreliable, but I assumed that since this was supposed to be the "new improved" Mr Echo, it wouldn't be so unreliable and unprecise.
Anyway, sorry for another negative review of this pedal, but I really felt I should warn others about this pedal.
Product: SIB Mr Echo
Price Paid: US $125
Submitted 09/17/2004
at 10:46pm
by Wit
Ease of Use
:
10
Simple.
Sound Quality
:
9
Well, this unit has been getting slammed, and I think it's rediculous. I've had a Boss DD-2, DD-3, DD-5 & DD-6 as well as the Digitech X-Series Delay. This unit sounds much better than all of them, much less sterile. The repeats sound like an analog delay; not in a bad way. The slam feature is great, you can get very cool pitch shifting effects, it reminds me of "In The Light" by Zepplin. All in all, a much more usable unit than the comparably-priced units. I can't afford an Echodrive, and this is the next best thing.
Reliability
:
9
Excellent construction, no problems in a year.
Customer Support
:
7
I spoke with Rick who is a great guy, but they do have to put contact info on their website.
Overall Rating
:
10
Definitely the best unit for the money. I can't stand having Boss or Digitech pedals screw with my tone in bypass. This is the cheapest true-bypass unit on the market. This unit does not like to be pushed with a super-hot input signal, but I use it for leads with a Fulltone Distortion Pro or a NVN Dino Fuzz in front of it and it sounds great. If you're into EMG, or other super-hot pickups, this may not be the unit for you; better yet, get those terrible sounding EMG's out of your guitar, and get some real pickups! Ha!
Product: SIB Mr Echo
Price Paid: $320 (Australian)
Submitted 08/24/2004
at 05:21am
by Anonymous
Email: rock_pimp at hotmail<dot>com
Ease of Use
:
9
the Slam took sumtime to find out wat to do, but was great!!! easy as. The guy at the showed me a unique feature, were u plug the output of ur amp into the input of the mr. echo, and u can get sum whack efffects out of it
Sound Quality
:
9
very good. i thougt it was analogue, but was told differently. no tone loss. the volume control allows u to control the volume. one thing i find with other delays is that u lose volume with it in use.
Reliability
:
9
seemed great. tough. i dont use batteries. power input socket was easy to use..............:~
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
dunno
Overall Rating
:
9
i play rockabilly/punkabilly/rock and other related types of music. I play in a three piece, and sing at the same time. This is great for adding depth to riffs and solos, or even chords for that matter. i have an epi les paul - crybaby - route 66 overdrive - mr.echo - marshall mg100dfx, but am buying a Fender amp soon. that is wat i used at the shop and use at our rehearsal studio. i highly recommend this over other digital units.
Product: SIB Mr Echo
Price Paid: US $204
Submitted 07/01/2004
at 10:47pm
by Mr Irritable
Ease of Use
:
8
It's a really simple unit to use soundwise, it's an analogue delay, you know what it will do when you play with the Delay and Repeat knobs. The Mix and Volume take only a couple of seconds to figure out. Volume controls the overall output of the unit and Mix controls how much of the wet signal is blended with the dry signal... you can even drop out the dry signal completely so that all you have is slapback and no attack. The base is a pain to get open at times to change the battery and the absence of a manual makes any troubleshooting you may have to do much more of a stab in the dark than it otherwise needs to be.
Sound Quality
:
8
It sounds cool. A very watery effect. Sometimes it almost sounds like a dolphin's sonar or like whale songs underwater. It's neat. The slam function is pretty fun if you know how to use it. If you hold it down for a while you can get these screaming oscillations that increase in volume and throb out of your amp... depending on the note you play you can control what frequencies the pedal will oscillate at.
I normally play through a JCM900 half stack for rehearsals and gigs, with my effects in the loop (the 900 has a pretty good effects loop). At the moment I've only tried it in the loop of my shitty 100w Valvestate (I hate Valvestates).
I'm running - Crybaby> NYC Big Muff> Crowther Audio Prunes&Custard(fuzz/ringmod)> Sovtek Smallstone (phase)> ProCo TurboRAT> Boss PH-2 SuperPhaser> Mr Echo> Danelectro FrenchToast octave fuzz> Sovtek Big Muff> Boss BE-5 multieffect (it has a cool '80s digital delay on it with a good balance between sound fidelity and warm break-up at higher repeat settings)> Boss DD-5 Digital Delay
With fuzz and whatever else before the Mr Echo you can get some pretty spacious and ginormous etherial effects. Having modulation before the echo gives even more dimension and frequency sweep to the already wet sounding delay. Fuzz after the Mr Echo can give a really snarling kind of squelchy slapback. Cranking the Repeat controls and then fucking with the Delay knob can take you way off into la-la-land. Once again, adding fuzz at the end will give you some UFOscillations that would make Timothy Leary's head spin... more.
Playing with the Mix knob hard right and then tapping the Slam button will cause the delay time to drop and then rise dramatically, having the Mix all the way up means that you have no dry signal to give away the pure tone of what you're doing all you get is a clitchy Atari/Commodore64, wet, echoey sounding blend of notes and frequency washes. It's pretty cool.
Reliability
:
5
The one I got when plugged into a DC-9 Powerbank hummed like a humming thing. I wasn't even playing a strat. It was very odd. It worked find on battery power though, noise free. The pedal has no information on it regarding ampage (i.e. 9 voltDC, 260ma) all it says is 9VDC at the top... very illuminating. So I had to experiment with all my gear just to diagnose the problem. At one stage I plugged it back into the DC-9 to try various configurations but it was still a hummer. When I unplugged it from the DC-9 it would not switch back on. I thought, "Oh, the battery must be dead. It was starting to run pretty low anyway." So I change the battery, I put a brand spanking new high grade alkaline battery into the bitch and it won't turn on. Great.
It works with the Powerbank still, but it's prone to hum occassionally. So far it hasn't hummed when I've disconnected the DD-5 from the powerbank, so maybe the DD-5 was sucking a lot of the milliamps out of the powerbank and the Mr Echo was running under the required current level, which might have caused it to hum. Who knows.
If I'm willing to sacrifice my DD-5 from the chain I can still run the Mr Echo and get decent sounds out of it. But now I can't run it with batteries regardless of what I do. Short of repairing or replacing my Mr Echo.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
I don't know. If you've tried to find any contact details on their website you'll know what I mean. My best bet is to try and call the dealer I bought it from (the only SIB dealer in Australia) the only problem is that they're an 8 hour drive away and spending 50 bones on a plane ticket one way just to replace it and then spend another 40 or 50 just to get it back home only to find it might have more of the same problems is a bit of a non-issue at the moment. It looks like I'll have to bide my time over thise one... or at the very least track down the contact details of the guy that makes these pedals so I can say to him; "What the fuck?!"
Overall Rating
:
7
If mine wasn't an irritating little bastard I'd give it a higher rating. Mr Echo is like 500,000,000x better than a Boss DD-3. So if you have enough money to buy a Boss DD-3 get a Mr Echo instead because with a DD-3... even if it works, it's still junk.
Product: SIB Mr Echo
Price Paid: US $125
Submitted 06/16/2004
at 03:12pm
by Anonymous
Ease of Use
:
8
Simple to use. The 4 knobs are clearly labeled. LED shows you when it's engaged. The only issue I had with using it is getting the back cover off and on. It uses four screws that are not well tapped. They should have added a battery latch.
Sound Quality
:
10
Whatever the problem was before, they have fixed it because it sounds great! Not noisy ugly or even sterile. Sounds musical and organic. Playing with the knobs is intuitive and fun. It's a modern digital delay that actually allows you to do what you want, ie feedback, regeneration tones, etc, imagine that! It is a little tricky to get the "slam" feature to be useable, but once you find the sweet spot for that, it can be an interesting option.
Reliability
:
9
The fact that it is built in a thick metal box inspires confidence. So far not a problem.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Overall Rating
:
9
I bought this because my UD Stomp would not let me play the knobs to get out of control feedback like my previous analog pedals did (AD-9 and DOD AD-80). The only thing I wish this had is a bit longer delay time (at least 1000 ms). Good price for a great sounding and fun pedal.
Product: SIB Mr Echo
Price Paid: US $100
Submitted 06/08/2004
at 07:13am
by Bill
Email: billirvine1 at cs<dot>com
Ease of Use
:
8
Very easy to use. Set the length of the delay (easy to change with your toe while in use), number of repeats, mix and volume. I like to be able to fine tune the delay speed while playing. I'm sure that's why the knobs are configured the way they are. Try that with most other delays! I hate to have to bend over while playing and do that, it's embarrassing. I really don't know why the volume is there, unity would have been fine with me. I didn't get a manual. I don't think there is one. I wanted to take out the battery and the screws seemed to be stuck to the paint but I did get it open.
Sound Quality
:
9
I've used this with a Randall modular RM 50 and an Evans JE 150. Sounds great to me. I don't care for crisp, hi-fi repeats. I tuned my ear years ago with an Echoplex and came to like a wash of repeats without the pick attack being too pronounced. I don't hear the distorted repeats the other guys talk about. It sounds like I expect a good analog delay to sound, even if it is digital. I also like that the delay can run away into feedback just like an Echoplex. The slam feature is not useful to me but it is fun, which is why I think it's there.
Reliability
:
10
No problems so far.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
I've met the owner/designer of this pedal several times at different Texas vintage guitar shows. We always have a good conversation and i really like the Sonic machine amps that he helped design also. When I bought the Mr. Echo at the Dallas show in April he gave me an SMF t-shirt. Nice guy. I've read below that followup not his forte'. I have no experience with trying to contact him so I can't say.
Overall Rating
:
9
I like this peday a lot. Useful for normal blues, rock a billy and jazz applications. I wouldn't hesitate to get another one if the need arose. One thing missing from all delay pedals is the possibility to use a remote switch. I'd like it on top of my amp and be able to switch it on and off with my foot. Another feature that the Echoplex has that I've grown accustomed to. I've used other delay pedals over the years; Dan-echo was good but hard to adjust with the little bitty knobs so I sold it, I have a new Digitech that is nice that I'll keep. It also has little knobs that make it hard to tweak on the fly. I also have a hard time getting the tap tempo function to work for me. I haven't worked with it enough. I'll keep the Mr. Echo on my board.
Product: SIB Mr Echo
Price Paid: US $100
Submitted 04/04/2004
at 11:54pm
by Dave A
Email: darnold<at>AAP dot co dot uk
Ease of Use
:
8
Four controls, two footswitches. Easy and basic delay pedal with up to 800ms of dealy. No manual so marked down for this.
Sound Quality
:
6
Played with a PRS Santana III into a Univalve the unit has an annoying distorted sound; not overdriven more like a harsh hi-fi distortion. Slam feature is fun, although not sure how practical in use, especially as you need the mix high up for it to be effective.
Reliability
:
No Opinion
Solid build but only owned it for a little will so no real comment.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Not contacted them.
Overall Rating
:
7
This is a digital delay, not as Calle said an analogue one. Also it has 800ms of delay time. Hey Calle, maybe you bought a different unit which would also explain why you thought it sounded good as this unit sounds like poo. Or maybe you are just a silly sausage.
Product: SIB Mr Echo
Price Paid: US $109
Submitted 03/30/2004
at 04:18am
by Al
Email: alan<dot>d'alvarez at services<dot>fujitsu<dot>com
Ease of Use
:
8
Easy to use the basic functions. No instruction manual so it took a bit of time to get used to the slam facility. Notwithstanding this, a little bit of fiddling with the controls and all becomes apparent.
Sound Quality
:
8
I used this pedal in a Tele - Keeley Compressor - BJF Baby Blue - Mr Echo - Fulltonbe Fatboost and out into a Matchless Lightning 212 combo. I have previously submitted a review which really marked down the sound of the unit but this never got published, so I'm trying again with spoof scores to see whether this review gets in. Basically the unit sucks. The wet signal distorts horribly and I cannot use the wretched thing. If you are looking for an Echo, look elsewhere.
Reliability
:
No Opinion
Can't really say regarding reliability as I don't use the unti that often.
Customer Support
:
8
Tried to get hold of SIB but to no avail. Not good. They have not answered their phone and there are no e-mail details. Still, I have put this experience down to poor product, poor company, never buy any product produced by them again.
Overall Rating
:
9
Overall, if you want a delay unit with an unpleasant digital harsh distortion on the wet signal, this is it. You can do no better for such a poor sound. Built to last, and as most people will not use the thing it should last a very long time indeed.
Product: SIB Mr Echo
Price Paid: US $120
Submitted 03/27/2004
at 12:43am
by calle de oeste
Ease of Use
:
10
Easy. Four knobs.
Sound Quality
:
9
Excellent analog delay, not a simulation like someone said here. Can be noisy if the MIX knob is set too high. Once you get a nice level it sounds wonderful. True echo and not a delay. The maximum delay time is about 400-450 milliseconds. This pedal was designed for being used live and when your playing that loud, no one notices a tiny bit of noise on your echo
Reliability
:
10
Built very well.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Overall Rating
:
10
I was looking for a nice shorter echo and wanted a different sound other than the standard digitech or boss. This certainly fufills that need.
I wouldn't recommend this for recording either. A live pedal only. Great price and the botique snob factor of owning this is nice.
Product: SIB Mr Echo
Price Paid: US $109
Submitted 02/19/2004
at 03:17pm
by Keith
Email: keith<at>remedylost dot com
Ease of Use
:
8
The Mr. Echo is a relatively simple delay pedal. DELAY controls the amount of delay time, RATE controls the repeats, MIX controls how much of the signal is affected, and LEVEL controls the output volume, there is a SLAM momentary footswitch (which does a pretty cool thing), and a BYPASS switch (ON/OFF). The pedal is true bypass...
I bought MR. Echo to back up my Ibanez AD9 (really sweet, and worthy of the hype, BTW). In order for it to be a suitable back up though, I needed to make sure I could coax the exact same (2) delay sounds. Lining them up side by side it took me about 15/20 minutes to get what I needed/wanted - the hardest/most difficult thing for me was setting the VOLUME and MIX to exactly where I wanted. It wasn't that hard, and I was going for a very specific sound - the AD9, which I was able attain.
Sound Quality
:
9
My gear...
Guitars: (2) Epiphone Les Paul LE's w/ Seymour Duncan JB's
Amp: 1978 Marshall 50w JMP w/Red Bear 4 x 12
Effects: Boss TU2>Ibanez FL9>Fulltone FDII>Teese Wizard Wah>Ibanez AD9/SIB Mr.Echo>Boss/Tone-Jam modified GE7
As stated in the "Ease Of Use", it took me a little time to find the exact sounds I wanted, but I found them. Then I was able to really compare the tones.
Take in mind that the Mr. Echo is digital...Compared to the AD9 set to similiar settings, the Mr. Echo gets a 9 out of 10. The Mr. Echo's delayed signal is not quite as warm and fat as that of the AD9, but the high end roll off gives a really good approximation of an analog delay crcuit. The delay is very warm and lush, without a hint of "ping" or digtal coldness. Very, very nice sounds. Great sounding delay.
The SLAM feature is pretty trippy. I like it...kind of like pitch shifter, but...maybe that isn't the best way to describe what it does...it kind of makes the signal modulate...its spacey...like a rushing "WOOOSH" or "WARBLE" that climbs up, then falls. I like it !!! Very cool.
I am really pleased with the tones of Mr. Echo - especially for the price !!! It is allowing me to keep my AD9 safe for recording only purposes, but still retain a great delay tone when practicing and playing live.
Reliability
:
9
There have been some units going around with some faulty resistors that were causing bad tones - mine was not one of those.
Its built by hand, and after opening it up (c'mon, you have to open up a hand made pedal !) the soldering looks very neat and clean (very Fulltone/Teese-like).
The pedal itself feels very sturdy...very heavy. I was thinking immediately of Fulltone in regards to the case/build.
The only issue I had was with the pedal was with the SLAM momentary switch. I set the pedal to repeat the delayed signal 4 times (about 9 o'clock), and the pedal works as it should...but if I either stepped on & let go of the SLAM button, or even turned the pedal "off" then turned it back "on", the REPEAT parameters were "magically" changed to pretty much endless repeats - and the REPEAT knob had not been moved...not good. I worked with the pedal for about 2 hours, using both the battery and a power supply (DC Brick - 9v) - same issue with both power sources. I spoke with Rick at SIB the next morning (see cusomer service rating) and was told that its probably a dirty momentary switch - cleaning it by either pressing/depressing the SLAM button multiple times or by spraying a plastic safe electrical contact cleaner/lubricant would resolve. Problem solved.
I don't think I will have any more issues with the Mr. Echo. I am confident it will perform flawlessly...I will still be bringing out my AD9 just in case, but I also bring an extra FL9, TS9 and Arion Tuner pedal, too - you never know what can happen out there....
Customer Support
:
10
You cannot rate customer support with having to contact them for something.
I got to deal with Rick first hand due to the SLAM button issue I had. I got his number from Musictoyz.com (friendly people via e-mail, not so nice via phone) and called him at 8am PST on the dot.
Rick answered after the first ring, as was very attentive. I explained that I was very fond of the pedal, but there was a problem. After detailing the issue he immediately told me that the SLAM switch was probably dirty. He gave me advice for the remedy (plastic safe electrical contact cleaner/lubricant) and off I went. He was very polite, and sounded very sincere/concerned with my happiness with his product. He said that if the pedal was still acting up that he would do what was necessary to get me a 100% functioning Mr. Echo
He was right about the switch - a lttle spray of cleaner/lube follwed by some drepressing of the switch, and BOOM, fixed.
Overall Rating
:
9
I play hard rock/metal (think STP/TOOL). This pedal works just fine for me, and what I do.
I can honestly say that Mr. Echo is allowing me to put my AD9 in reserve/a safe place so that I can use it when it matters most - recording !!!
The construction is very sturdy, and the customer support great.
The delays themselves are very warm and analog like - much better than the DD3 I had previously to the AD9. I am very pleased with Mr. Echo - absolutely. If the pedal was only a standard "delay", without the SLAM function, it'd be very cool...but that function is darn cool, and I will be using it for plenty of stuff, for sure.
I have to keep going back to the fact that I had it side by side with my AD9, and Mr. Echo blew me away with its sound quality. I did not expect it to be as good as it is.
I would be pretty upset if my MR. Echo were lost or stolen...and I would buy another immediately if that were to happen.
I am definately recommending this pedal. Great tone, great functionability, true bypass, great price...c'mon !!!
Product: SIB Mr Echo
Price Paid: US $109.00
Submitted 02/14/2004
at 02:12pm
by jj
Ease of Use
:
9
Very easy to use, 4-knob delay unit. Delay time, repeat time, wet/dry mix, output volume. One of the simplest delays around but also very flexible given the relatively short (max 1/2 second) delay. No manual, but who needs one? The "slam" button is a bit of a gimmick but can be fun.
Sound Quality
:
5
Firstly, it's a lo-fi echo so don't expect studio quality! But also my (brand new) model has the early production fault where it's easy to overload and get a harsh distortion just by playing hard (i.e. just the output level from your guitar's pickups will cause this distortion). Apparently later models have a different resistor value somewhere which cures this. But from my point of view, this makes an already lo-fi unit sound absolute rubbish unless I remember to wind back the volume on the guitar a bit. It's not a problem with more compressed sounds such as through an overdrive unit, but with a guitar straight into the pedal it's very easy to get this unpleasant breakup.
Reliability
:
No Opinion
No idea what SIB products are like generally, but the on/off footswitch in this feels weedy compared with my Fulltone and Barber pedals. If anything goes it'll be the footswitch I reckon.
Customer Support
:
1
Awful. Have emailed SIB and SMF amps asking for a fix for this faulty unit, and have got no reply. Forget any support from these guys because they're just not interested. Anyone know a phone number for SIB? They certainly don't stick it on the website. The original supplier (MusicToyz) offered to swap the unit but unfortunately I'm in the UK and bought mail order from the US so shipping and a 2nd round of import duty would be prohibitive.
Overall Rating
:
5
I've been playing over 3 decades and have loads of other gear from cheap-and-cheerful right up to boutique. I gig all the time and put equipment through its paces onstage, not sitting in some office. The Mr Echo would probably be an excellent lo-fi stomp echo box if only I hadn't got a dud, I far prefer it to equivalent Boss units for example except you know Boss kit will work straight out of the box. I'd really like guys like SIB to compete with the giant corporations but unless they change their approach they'll just be a flash in the pan.
Product: SIB Mr Echo
Price Paid: US $110.00
Submitted 02/12/2004
at 07:43pm
by Les
Ease of Use
:
10
I purchased this pedal about six weeks ago and have played through it quite a bit. I found the pedal easy to get a good sound. A very sweet sounding delay and I have used them all just about. I got it after having the Echodrive. I liked it but it wasn't very pedalboard friendly given its size & the AC cord, however the Mr. Echo is a great size for a pedalboard and will take an adapter.
Sound Quality
:
9
This is really a sweet sounding delay. I'm pretty sure it is digital, but its EQ'ed to roll off the high end. There is some hiss with this pedal, but its hardly noticeable. The repeats fade nicely and they get a bit fuzzier with the decay. There also seems to be a slight hint of detuning after about the 3rd to 4th repeat. The rig I use is an 86 PRS Standard, Boss TU-2 Tuner, SD Pick-up Booster, Fulltone SupaTrem, SIB Mr. Echo into a 50 watt Marshall 2204S head and into an older Marshall 1936 2x12 cabinet with Greenbacks. I'll give it a 9 because of the slight hiss and I don't care for the "slam" feature.
Reliability
:
10
It seems to be built like a tank; like most high quality boutique pedals. I would gig without a back-up.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
I haven't had to contact them. I hope the horror stories in the previous reviews will have been resolved.
Overall Rating
:
9
I am giving the Mr. Echo a 9 overall because I wish it had about 100 more millisecinds and some way to adjust detuning the repeats like the EH Memory Man, however that pedal is nearly useless because of the overloading problem (especially with a booster pedal.) I play blues/rock and country/rock/americana and I've been playing for about 23 years. If it were stolen or lost I would get another one because at this point I haven't found anything better for my needs. Like I said before I've used every kind of delay pedal and I prefer the Mr. Echo. I've used the EH Memory Man, Line 6 DL4, Akia Headrush, Carl Martin Delayla, and SIB Echodrive. The simplicity of this pedal and its warm tone help me make music and get the tone I like..
Product: SIB Mr Echo
Price Paid: US $99
Submitted 02/09/2004
at 01:30pm
by Anonymous
Ease of Use
:
10
very easy to use. knobs are laid out and labeled so that even a 3rd grader could figure it out. slam switch is something you need to try to fully understand. cool feature.
Sound Quality
:
10
the delay sounds warm and smooth. very fat.. unlike digital delays where the delayed note can sound thin, almost artificial, the Mr. Echo delays are much warmer and organic. very good sounds out of this delay pedal. the slam effect is pretty cool too and like i explained above, needs to be tried to fully see the potential of this feature. pretty cool when releasing the switch to get that modulation. i also like the fact that with the volume knob, i can get signal boost.
Reliability
:
10
built solid. dont think i'll ever have a problem with it.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
i have no idea about customer support. never tried contacting them
Overall Rating
:
10
this is a great pedal and a great price. i dont know what the other two reviewers are talking about. maybe they had a bad batch. i checked musictoyz.com and the website mentioned that a problem was fixed in this pedal. so maybe there was a bad batch. maybe i got one of the good ones, i dunno. ... all i know is this pedal is on my board now. with pedals that are worth 2-3 times more. great delay for anyone who's tired of typical digital delays.
Product: SIB Mr Echo
Price Paid: US $109
Submitted 01/30/2004
at 10:55am
by Anonymous
Ease of Use
:
10
Extremely easy to use but... boy is this a bad product!!!???
Sound Quality
:
1
I use a stratocaster feeding a Vox wah into a fulldrive2 into a fender-type amp (a 65 twin reverb clone). I have owned and played a few SIB products in the past and they were really good (varidrive, buttface, etc). This Mr Echo though sounds so horrible that I find it hard to believe that SIB put it out. Aparently they tried to make it sound like a tube/tape echo unit by adding some distortion a some filtering to the delayed signal. The result was a disaster. If you use many repeats the thing will start to make all sort of crackling sounds. The delayed signal is very distorted after 2 or 3 repeats. The slam switch is another desapointment. I thought it would give me great endless echoes for a spacey ending for guitar solos... and nope. It can sound a little interesting if you keep the repeat knob very high. But at normal settings (2 or 3 repetitions before fading), the slam did nothing but make me laugh. It' s so ridiculous...
Reliability
:
1
As far as I am concerned, this pedal is a defective project. It need not to break to be useless... A stillborn.
Customer Support
:
1
Nonexisting. Try contacting them at www.smfamps.com and you'll see what I mean.
Overall Rating
:
1
I play rock, blues, and a bit of fusion (jazz-rock). I was looking (still am) for a good nonexpensive short-time delay pedal that was true bypass. Mr Echo sounded promissing but... I am probably paying a bit more and getting a Line 6 DL4 or a Guyatone Tube Echo.
Product: SIB Mr Echo
Price Paid: US $110
Submitted 01/28/2004
at 03:43pm
by Anonymous
Email: gobbi at ufpr<dot>br
Ease of Use
:
2
Impossible to get any good sound. No manual.
Sound Quality
:
1
I use a Don Grosh strat, a Dr Z MAZ 38 amp + 2x12 cab, Clyde wah, Voodoo lab microvibe, SIB nick nitro, MI audio tube zone, Direct Drive SS, Line 6 modulation modeler, roger mayer voodoo 1. Mr Echo is useless. It is noisy, it crackles all the time, its delay degrade faster than a broken tape answering machine, it distorts your signal, etc. The slam switch is useless (it makes your guitar fart!!!! I'm not kidding!!!!). This is the worst pedal I have ever had.
Reliability
:
3
I will never use this pedal. I played with it for 5 minutes just to realize the piece of crap it is.
Customer Support
:
1
There is no costumer support at all. The web page has no contact info, no email. There is no manual or contact info in the pedal box.
Overall Rating
:
1
This pedal is a waste of money. I am not kidding: this thing is totally useless. I am selling it. I just got a cheap used ($25) danelectro delay pedal and it sounds better than this Mr Echo thing for which I paid US$110 plus $60 import tax to Brazil plus $20 shipping. Hey SIB how about sending my money back??
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