MF-104M into an Echoplex

facon · February 11, 2014, 9:13pm

I wanted to share my experience with the Moogerfooger Delay paired with an Echoplex preamp. The MF-104M is a beast and doesn’t necessarily needing any type of eq’ing. However, I noticed a while back how amazing the delay sounds when it was in front of my old Echoplex. For guitar, I feel that they are both a couple of the greatest delays ever made. But neither of them individually compared to the sound of my MF-104M going into the Echoplex.

I sold my Echoplex EP-3 because I didn’t want to deal with the maintenance anymore. So I built an EP3 preamp clone and put it behind the delay. I haven’t tried it in the loop yet, but it’s doesn’t sound as good in front of the MF-104M. I think it must have to do with the preamp filtering out some of the lows. It does make it sound more pristine and alive. If you prefer only a dark organic delay, it may not be a good combo for you.

If you happen to get a chance to try an MF-104 into an Echoplex or an EP-3 preamp, please try it. IMO, it’s a delay combination on guitar that just can’t be touched. And yes, I still love the MF-104M on its own. Just a slightly different flavor.

_DemonDan · February 19, 2014, 8:02pm

It will soon be a lot easier to try this yourself as Dunlop is recreating
the EP-3 preamp in a conveniently small foot pedal:

http://www.jimdunlop.com/product/ep101-echoplex-pre

EMwhite · February 20, 2014, 5:02am

I believe the Belle Epoch will do both (emulate the pre and echo). I have their EchoRec pedal, it’s very well done.

Check out the demos at ProGuitarshop.com and download the ToneReports if you have an iPad. Aside from the link below, the latest tone report discusses tape emulations. Also PGS has coupons every few weeks for 15% off or more. AND they carry Moog MiniFoogers now; why shop anywhere else if you are stateside.

http://www.tonereport.com/issue6/html5/index.html?page=1
http://proguitarshop.com/catalinbread-belle-epoch.html

So Boo Yeah!!!

EricK · February 21, 2014, 9:07pm

facon:

I wanted to share my experience with the Moogerfooger Delay paired with an Echoplex preamp. The MF-104M is a beast and doesn’t necessarily needing any type of eq’ing. However, I noticed a while back how amazing the delay sounds when it was in front of my old Echoplex. For guitar, I feel that they are both a couple of the greatest delays ever made. But neither of them individually compared to the sound of my MF-104M going into the Echoplex.

I sold my Echoplex EP-3 because I didn’t want to deal with the maintenance anymore. So I built an EP3 preamp clone and put it behind the delay. I haven’t tried it in the loop yet, but it’s doesn’t sound as good in front of the MF-104M. I think it must have to do with the preamp filtering out some of the lows. It does make it sound more pristine and alive. If you prefer only a dark organic delay, it may not be a good combo for you.

If you happen to get a chance to try an MF-104 into an Echoplex or an EP-3 preamp, please try it. IMO, it’s a delay combination on guitar that just can’t be touched. And yes, I still love the MF-104M on its own. Just a slightly different flavor.

Thanks for this tip! I understand that the RE-201 has a very interesting sounding preamp circuit also. I now wonder what the differences are between the Tube echoplexes and the solid state as far as preamp coloration goes. Interesting!

facon · February 22, 2014, 12:34am

From my experiences, they’re almost the opposite from eachother. I don’t know how much is the preamp vs the rest of the circuit. Most popular are the EP-3 (solid state) and EP-2 (tube). EP-3s roll off some low end as well as a subtle eq change to the upper midrange. They tend to make it sound a little brighter and tighter. The EP-2 is almost the opposite. Some high end roll off. A little warmer. I can’t imagine the MF-104 needing to sound any warmer.