Ibanez EM-5 Echo Machine

[Shask]

Dang, all this time, I thought I hadn’t had a tube screamer on my board in a while haha.

I looked at a schematic, but it’s above my pay grade, I’m not even rudimentary level with electronics.

How similar is that part of the circuit to like a TS 808? Is it simplified some, or is it pretty much as TS circuit?

It is basically just the clipping section and the high cut. Its not a full TS 808, but it does have the clipping distortion and the hi/low cuts of a typical Tubescreamer on the repeats.

 

[GuitarVacation]

It is basically just the clipping section and the high cut. Its not a full TS 808, but it does have the clipping distortion and the hi/low cuts of a typical Tubescreamer on the repeats.

Man that's cool info for me, and obvious fan of the EM5. May even help me emulate the sound, if there is ever a need.

I reckon I could use a delay that gets in the ballpark of how the delay chip in the EM5 sounds (I think it's on the lo-fi end of the spectrum, but if you have any takes on the sound of the chip, love to hear them).

I don't think the chip itself is anything special, if memory is correct was frequently used in karaoke machines etc.

But a delay in that ballpark run into a TS used with appropriate subtlety seems like it could capture the same vibe eh?

 

[LPMojoGL]

I built a clone of one of these and I really like it. It is brighter than something like my DM-2 clone, but not as bright as a digital. It seems to not be as flat sounding as a PT2399 based delay. It seems to have just enough high cut to sit well. I think it is just a good sounding basic delay.

All this. Sits really well in the mix, like a good DD2/3/SDE. Not a fan of the PT2399 delays.

 

[LPMojoGL]

I have an original Echo Machine. And before you ask, no I didn't pay $300 for it. I got one back when they were still cheap.

Side bar I have the entire potato bug series. A Powerlead was my first pedal. I got nostalgic a while back and collected the whole set. At the time they were all still dirt cheap. I got most for $10-$20. I think the most I paid for one was $40. Seeing some like the black noise, slam punk, or modern fusion being listed for hundreds of dollars makes my head spin.

Back to the main subject... The echo Machine is a really nice echo pedal, probably the best delay/echo Ibanez ever made. I think it got it's reputation because it's more natural sounding than other delay pedals. I'm not a big FX person so I don't use mine much. That plus the plastic shell and not true bypass. If I had a sturdier, true bypass version of it I'd probably keep it in arms reach.

I think it would be worthwhile to make a clone of the Echo Machine.

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Powerlead was my first dirt pedal. Not bad, back then, for getting Pantera like tones out of a pedal a clean Fender amp.
Knowing what I know now, could've totally utilized it in so many different ways.
The TS5 was my first tube screamer, and after some choice mods, one of the best I ever had.
Alas, both gone. Shitty switch cap whatever made em a pita.

 

[griff10672]

All this. Sits really well in the mix, like a good DD2/3/SDE. Not a fan of the PT2399 delays.

I'd have to agree with you there .... not a huge fan of the PT2399 chip ... the chip in the echo machine is a bit different ... so it seems anyway ... I haven't A B ed them ...

I might sack this idea ... not sure yet ... I call it Griffin Analog for a reason .... for me to start implementing digital components into my mix of things to do ... might cause me more work / trouble than what it's worth ...

If I'm going to start doing anything digital ... I have to learn how to control analog devices digitally .... like Tap Tempo .... that might be worth my while to learn to do .. then I could start doing BBD delays with Tap Tempo ... adding it to other things like a Vibe ... Chorus etc