Precise stereo echo with extensive hands-on control, Erica’s latest effect unit offers the best of both worlds. Greg Scarth puts it to the test.
The best echo effects tend to fall into two main categories: pristine, accurate delay or vibes, hands-on dub echo packed full of character. The new Erica Synths Echolocator is that rarest of beasts: a unit which combines the two approaches, a true unicorn of the effects world. A full stereo unit with MIDI control as well as extensive hands-on performance options. Coming from two stalwarts of the hardware and software worlds, can the Echolocator live up to the high standards of previous Erica/122dB offerings?
Erica are best known for Eurorack synth modules, but the Latvian brand are happy to dabble in different areas from time to time. In fact, the Echolocator is just the latest in a series of stereo echo effects, following on from the Nightverb and Zen Audio units. If the Nightverb was Erica’s take on pristine ambience and 2033’s Ninja Tune Records collab Zen Delay was the brand’s loose, vibey take on dub-inspired echo, then the Echolocator falls somewhere in between: it’s a more precise, controlled affair than the Zen Delay, but retains the hands-on performance feel while leaning further into the accuracy and clarity of digital delay.
Even though the approach is different, the physical format takes on the same solid, well-built desktop design used in previous offerings. It’s a beautifully made piece of kit, with smooth, well crafted metal case and a precise, solid feel to all the controls. Around the back, setting up the Echolocator is a simple process of connecting either mono or stereo input and output, and hooking up the external DC power supply.
The Echolocator is a collab with 112dB, a Dutch software brand who previously worked with Erica on the Nightverb and the Steampipe physical modelling synth among other releases. It’s a good combination of skills, pairing 112’s software prowess with Erica’s hardware expertise. The most important aspect of the whole partnership is, of course, the sound, and the Echolocator is defined by a well structured and ultra-high-quality digital architecture with analogue CVAs to control the wet/dry balance.
The digital delay engine is broadly based on a tape delay concept, although it can also be switched to BBD (bucket brigade device) mode for a different analogue-inspired sound. The sonic options here are extensive, with carefully considered features and controls designed to inspire creative approaches to echo effects. The central time control is the main visual focus, but as you experiment with the building blocks of the effect setup around it you’ll discover the versatile combination of filtering, modulation, reverb, pitch shifting, feedback, stereo ping-pong and shimmer which add up to a cohesive whole. In fact, the straightforward and logical layout here arguably makes the Echolocator easier to get to grips with than similar software options.
In terms of control, there are MIDI in and out over DIN, USB for preset upload, plus a foot switch input for bypass/freeze/preset switching if you choose to use them, but you can get plenty out of hands-on control without resorting to any of these more advanced control options. The Echolocator’s front panel provides extensive knob-per-function controls for every aspect of the sound engine, meaning that there’s very little menu diving required to control the sound in real time (preset and some configuration functions are accessed via the OLED screen and data rotary encoder, but you won’t typically need to be distracted by this while performing with the unit).
Creatively, the Echolocator is extremely versatile. The flexible architecture means it can be used for everything from simple delays through to pitch-shifting effects, creative self-oscillating synthy sounds and much more. For immediate, slightly looser delay effects, the Zen Delay still retains a lot of appeal, but the Echolocator offers a new flavour of delay for those who want a nice balance between sound quality and hands-on control. Another winner from Erica.
Greg Scarth
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