Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $145
Standard/Professional
$100
$251+
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Description
Immerse yourself in the alluring soundscapes created by the Empress Tape Delay. This compact pedal, a marvel in the realm of delay effects, offers an uncanny simulation of authentic tape reel delay. Engage in a journey of tonal exploration with its various modes and experience the magic of the 'blips' on demand feature, replicating the characteristic warble of real tape. The tap tempo with ratios ensures you're always in sync with your tracks. The Empress Tape Delay is your ticket to creating dynamic, expressive sounds with a vintage touch.
Key Features:
- Incredible levels of shaping ability
- Several different modes for varied sound textures
- Tap tempo with ratios for precise timing control
- 'Blips' on demand feature for simulating real, warbled tape reel
- Compact and robust design for durability and portability
Product specs
| Brand | Empress |
| Model | Tape Delay |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2010s |
| Made In | Canada |
| Categories | Delay Pedals |
FAQs
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What power requirements does the Empress Tape Delay have?
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The Empress Tape Delay requires a standard 9V negative tip DC power supply, but it can safely accept up to 18V. It draws approximately 280mA of current.
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Is the Empress Tape Delay suitable for both live and studio use?
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Yes, the Empress Tape Delay is designed for versatility, offering features like an all-analog dry path and customizable settings, making it suitable for both live performances and studio recording.
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Does the Empress Tape Delay have true bypass?
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Yes, the Empress Tape Delay includes a true bypass feature, ensuring that your signal remains unaffected when the pedal is not engaged.
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Can the Empress Tape Delay be used with other instruments besides guitar?
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While primarily designed for guitar, the Empress Tape Delay can be used with other instruments that accept 1/4" connections, such as synthesizers and keyboards, to create unique tape delay effects.
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How does the Empress Tape Delay simulate vintage tape echo?
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The Empress Tape Delay simulates vintage tape echo by offering tape modes that replicate the sound characteristics of classic tape machines, including features like highpass and lowpass filters in the feedback loop for authentic echo effects.
Videos
Empress Effects
Empress Effects Tape Delay
Empress Effects Tape Delay
Empress Effects
Empress Tape Delay, demo by Pete Thorn
Pete Thorn
Empress Tape Delay vs El Capistan
Curtis Kent
Empress Effects Tape Delay
Prymaxe
Empress Tape Delay
ProGuitarShopDemos
Empress Tape Delay Pedal | CME Gear Demo | Joel Bauman
Chicago Music Exchange
Empress Effects Tape Delay | Reverb Demo Video
Reverb
Empress Effects Tape Delay - Advanced Configuration
Empress Effects
Empress Effects TAPE DELAY - Demo by Alberto Barrero
Alberto Barrero
Geartorial S3:E32 Empress Tape Delay
MOBontv
Reviews
PROS
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Compact with the ability to store 3 presets or use tap tempo
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Emulates tape echo closely, providing nearly analog sound quality
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Transparent, clean headroom without the digital aftertaste
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Outperforms competitors including Strymons and Boss in tape emulation
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Simple and straightforward setup, with customization options available pre-shipping
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Provides 2 or 3 quick-access sounds for live performance versatility
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Beautiful modulation effects and a tape age switch for varied sounds
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Every setting position delivers great sound quality
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Aesthetically pleasing design with satisfying footknob clicks
CONS
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Initial use can be challenging; learning curve required
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Switches may not be as responsive as desired
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Empress Tape Delay.
Features and functionality
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The Empress Tape Delay's three-position switches provide distinct tonal options with clear differentiation, enhancing live performance adjustments.
Source -
The Empress Tape Delay requires a 280mA power supply, which owners sometimes overlook, mistakenly thinking it uses less power.
Source -
The mod toggle and high pass/low pass toggles are highlighted for expanding tonal options significantly.
Source
Comparisons
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The Empress Tape Delay offers a clearer high end and more convincing tape delay than the El Cap, while being easier to dial in live.
Source -
Unlike the Belle Epoch Deluxe, which adds significant coloration, the Empress Tape Delay provides a cleaner, more transparent tape delay effect.
Source -
The Empress Tape Delay is noted for having a more affordable price point than the El Capistan, often available for $150-$160 used.
Source -
Users transitioning from a Boss DD-20 find the Empress more flexible and sonically superior.
Source
Use cases and applications
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The pedal's ease of use during gigs was a key factor for users preferring it over more feature-rich options like the El Cap.
Source
User experience
Value and pricing
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One owner highlights the Empress Tape Delay as a cost-effective alternative to the El Capistan, especially when found under $200.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 19 Ratings
140
Best simple delay pedal on the market currently
Sounds great and really easy to use. Tape delay is one of my favorite effects and this does a lot more than a normal tape delay. Modulation is just beautiful, and the tape age switch allows to produce from simple digital delay to more dark and reverbish echo. Just perfect. Of course, you cannot use it the same way as multi-functional delays, such as Boss DD-500 or Strymon Timeline etc, but if you're looking for simple and beautiful delay, get one!!!
358
Fantastic !
It truely is a wonderful pedal. It's really easy to handle, and it just sounds right you know what I mean ? Every single position you'll try will sound great. I love how it looks as well, and how the footknobs click. Top class gear.
Artist usage
Add artist
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Chris Buck includes the Empress Tape Delay on his pedalboard, as shown in his Instagram post.
Efrim Menuck uses the Empress Tape Delay, identifiable by its black casing and four knobs, as shown in the Imgur source.
In this Instagram photo shared on Ekstrom's account, the Empress Tape Delay can be seen.
At around 9.20 in this video you can see Carl talk about the Empress Tape Delay he uses in his touring rig. The amp is mentioned in 2021 Premier Guitar interview.
In this photo of Mike Hranica's pedalboard, from his Premier Guitar rig rundown, an Empress Tape Delay can be seen.
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From Indian Lakes is shown using the Empress Tape Delay in a 2015 Instagram post from Sacramento, CA, shared by their official account.
Gear Masters (revisited) episode 38, at 4:40, Matt says he's "a huge fan of Empress brand [pedals]" and points to a compressor, tremolo, and tape delay pedal.
You can see this pedal on minute 1:35 in "Julian Saldarriaga (Love of lesbian) presents the Smart Track Pedalboard I Aclam Products"
Can be just made out to the left of Mr. Mumford's hand at 1:17 (thanks to Narcist for the help on this one)
According to Royal Thunder's interview with Guitar World, Josh uses an Empress Tape Delay.
Luke Weiler of Positive Mental Trip has used the Empress Tape Delay on electric guitar.
Album Usage
The Empress Tape Delay has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Empress Tape Delay, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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