The Echoes of Time: A Journey Through Tape Delay and Its Resonance in Reggae​

From Studio to Sound System – The Delay Machines That Made History

Tape delay, a pioneering audio effect, has profoundly influenced music production, notably in reggae and dub genres. This article explores its origins, key manufacturers, iconic machines, and its transformative role in reggae music.​

---

Origins of Tape Delay

• Early Innovations (1940s-1950s): The concept of tape delay emerged with the advent of magnetic tape recording. Engineers like Pierre Schaeffer and Sam Phillips experimented with tape loops to create echo effects. ​

• Time Lag Accumulator (1963): Composer Terry Riley developed the "Time Lag Accumulator," utilizing two reel-to-reel tape machines to produce extended delays, which influenced the development of ambient and experimental music.​

---

Major Manufacturers and Iconic Machines

1. Echoplex (1959)

• Manufacturer: Market Electronics (distributed by Maestro)

• Significance: Introduced adjustable delay times and feedback controls, becoming a staple for guitarists and studio engineers.​

2. Roland Space Echo RE-201 (1974)

• Manufacturer: Roland Corporation

• Significance: Combined tape delay with spring reverb, offering multiple playback heads for varied delay patterns. ​

3. Watkins Copicat (1958)

• Manufacturer: Watkins Electric Music

• Significance: One of the first portable tape echo units, widely used in live performances and studios.​

---

Tape Delay's Impact on Reggae and Dub

In reggae and dub, tape delay became more than an effect—it was an instrument. Pioneers like King Tubby and Lee "Scratch" Perry utilized tape delay to craft immersive soundscapes.​

• King Tubby: Known for transforming the mixing console into a performance tool, using tape delay to manipulate rhythm and space. ​

• Lee "Scratch" Perry: At his Black Ark Studio, Perry employed tape delay creatively, contributing to the distinctive dub sound. ​GQ

---

Notable Songs Showcasing Tape Delay in Reggae

1. "King Tubby Meets the Rockers Uptown" – Augustus Pablo

• Machine Used: Likely Roland Space Echo RE-201

• Highlight: Features dynamic delay effects that interact with the rhythm section.

2. "Disco Devil" – Lee "Scratch" Perry

• Machine Used: Echoplex

• Highlight: Showcases Perry's innovative use of delay to create psychedelic textures.

3. "Satta Dub" – The Abyssinians

• Machine Used: Watkins Copicat

• Highlight: Utilizes delay to enhance the spiritual ambiance of the track.
  (Note: it seems to be more apparent when it’s the vocal break mid-to-end of track)

---

My Personal Choices when recording. These are the three main ones I’ve been using over the past few years.

1. Benidub Digital Delay
   I picked up this piece of kit at least 6 or 7 years ago, and it’s on my desk for every live dub I create. You’ll see it everywhere now. The entire BenidDub collection is quality. Below is my typical starting point. I’ll use the Depth / Rate modulation for a nice warping effect.

   

2. Soundtoys Echoboy Jr Plugin

   I use this plugin on almost everything. My go-to setting is above. I love the ping-pong decay is provides. It allows for more space in the mix and a dubbier vibe.

   

3. Korg Kaos Pad 2
   Present #29 (Dub Echo) I used this on most of my early albums Atomic Subsonic, Renegade Rocker, System Shakedown & Rebel Massive. The ability to manually manipulate the modulation and speed makes it more spontaneous and unique. They sell for a couple hundred bucks now. Present #8, Phaser, is another good one. (Thanks to Nate W. for introducing this gem to me back in 2005)

   

   ---

Visual Gallery of Iconic Tape Delay Machines

Echoplex EP-3

Roland Space Echo RE-201

Watkins Copicat

---

Conclusion

Tape delay has left an indelible mark on music, particularly within reggae and dub. Its ability to transform soundscapes has inspired generations of musicians and producers. As technology advances, the legacy of tape delay continues to influence modern music production.​

---

---

Check out this video on the history of tape delay/echo

---

Tape Delay Setups in Reaper, Logic Pro X, and Ableton Live

1. Reaper – Classic Dub Delay Setup

Goal: Simulate a dub-style delay send with feedback control and saturation.

Steps:

• Create a send track named "Delay FX Bus."

• Add:

  • ReaDelay (stock plugin)

    • Set delay to 1/4 or dotted 1/8

    • Enable multiple taps if desired

  • JS Saturation or FerricTDS (for analog warmth)

  • ReaEQ to roll off low end (~150Hz) and tame highs (~8-10kHz)

• Use automation or MIDI controller to adjust the send level like a dub mixer.

• Optional: Add ReaComp to tighten echoes or duck them against the original.

Bonus Tip: Map a MIDI fader to the delay bus volume for live dub effects.

---

2. Logic Pro X – Space Echo Style FX Chain

Goal: Emulate a Roland Space Echo (RE-201) sound.

Steps:

• Create an Aux Bus for the delay return.

• Add:

  1. Tape Delay plugin (built-in)

     • Set to 1/8 or 1/4 note delay

     • Feedback: 40–60%

     • Tape saturation: 50–75%

     • High Cut: 5kHz

  2. Distortion > Overdrive – subtle (adds analog grit)

  3. SilverVerb or Space Designer with spring reverb IR

     • Mix level ~10–20%

• Automate the send level from vocals, keys, or skanks.

Bonus Tip: Use Logic’s Step FX for rhythmic modulations on your delay tail.

---

3. Ableton Live – Dub Delay Rack (Custom FX Chain)

Goal: Build a flexible dub delay rack with control macros.

Steps:

• Insert an Audio Effect Rack.

• Create one chain:

  • Echo plugin

    • Delay: 1/4 or sync to host tempo

    • Feedback: 40–70%

    • Drive: up to 30%

    • Filter: Highpass at 200Hz, Lowpass at 6–8kHz

  • Saturator – set to “Soft Sine” or “Analog Clip”

  • Reverb (plate or spring style)

    • Size: Medium

    • Mix: 20–30%

• Assign macros to:

  • Feedback

  • Delay Time

  • Filter Cutoff

  • Reverb Mix

Bonus Tip: Set up a dummy clip to automate send bursts for dub stabs.

---

---

Top 4 Paid Delay Plugins for Reggae & Dub

1. AudioThing – Outer Space

A stellar emulation of the Roland RE-201 Space Echo with tape wear, spring reverb, and three playback heads.

• Great for dub effects and real-time feedback play.
  🔗 https://www.audiothing.net/effects/outer-space/

---

2. Valhalla Delay

A versatile delay plugin offering tape, BBD, digital, and ghost delay modes with modulation and saturation.

• Perfect for psychedelic dub echoes and spacey tails.
  🔗 https://valhalladsp.com/shop/delay/valhalla-delay/

---

3. Softube – Tape Echoes

Authentic-sounding retro echo unit with subtle tape degradation, spring reverb, and classic controls.

• Combines vintage tone with modern workflow.
  🔗 https://www.softube.com/products/tape-echoes

4. Soundtoys - Echoboy Jr.

Analog Echo Modeler Seven iconic analog echo emulations in one easy-to-use plug-in.

• Combines vintage tone with modern workflow.
  🔗 https://www.soundtoys.com/product/echoboy-jr/

---

Free Delay Plugins for Tape & Dub-Style FX

1. Valhalla Supermassive

Though not strictly a tape delay, it produces stunning ambient delays and feedback-laden dub swirls.

• Can create evolving, lush textures.
  🔗 https://valhalladsp.com/shop/delay/valhalla-supermassive/

---

2. Tal Dub

TAL-Dub is a vintage style delay effect. It can be used for a wide range of delay effects from clean to extreme distorted, resonating never ending delay
🔗 https://tal-software.com/products/tal-dub

---

If you’ve got a favourite plugin or piece of gear - please share it in the comments section below.

---