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Average Price: $1,600

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$100

$501+

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Description

Unleash the power of sound with the Roland Chorus Echo SRE-555, a top-notch rack mount version of the renowned Space Echo unit from the vibrant '70s. This vintage piece of gear is a testament to Roland's commitment to quality, delivering unparalleled sound effects that have stood the test of time. Its unique sound shaping capabilities make it a beloved staple in many recording studios worldwide.

Key Features: - Top-of-the-line rack mount version of Roland's Space Echo unit - Produced from 1974 to 1980 - Delivers unique sound effects that have stood the test of time - Beloved staple in recording studios worldwide - Testament to Roland's commitment to quality

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model SRE-555 Chorus Echo
Finish Black
Year 1970s
Made In Japan
Categories Chorus and Vibrato, Delay Pedals

FAQs

What are the standout features of the Roland Chorus Echo SRE-555?

The Roland Chorus Echo SRE-555 combines tape echo with a lush chorus effect, offering a unique sound character. It features adjustable delay times and modulation controls, making it versatile for studio and live settings.

How does the tape echo in the Roland SRE-555 compare to digital delays?

The tape echo in the SRE-555 provides a warm, organic sound with natural decay, often described as more musical compared to the precise, clean repeats of digital delays.

Is the Roland SRE-555 suitable for both guitar and synthesizer use?

Yes, the Roland SRE-555 is versatile and can enhance the sound of both guitars and synthesizers, adding depth and texture with its chorus and echo effects.

What maintenance does the Roland Chorus Echo SRE-555 require?

Regular maintenance for the SRE-555 includes cleaning the tape heads and replacing the tape loop as needed to ensure optimal performance and sound quality.

Can the Roland SRE-555 be used in a modern studio setup?

Absolutely, the SRE-555's unique analog sound can add character to modern recordings, and it integrates well with other studio gear despite its vintage origins.

zibbybone

zibbybone

Roland SRE-555 Pro Audio Chorus Echo Demonstration

Video thumbnail for Roland SRE-555 Pro Audio Chorus Echo Demonstration by zibbybone

Roland SRE-555 Pro Audio Chorus Echo Demonstration

zibbybone

zibbybone

Video thumbnail for Unboxing My Roland Tape Echo SRE-555 by Doctor Mix

Unboxing My Roland Tape Echo SRE-555

Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

Video thumbnail for Vintage Roland Tape Delay the Chorus Echo: Is It Worth It? | Roland RE-501 and SRE-555 by Alamo Music Sound Lab

Vintage Roland Tape Delay the Chorus Echo: Is It Worth It? | Roland RE-501 and SRE-555

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Video thumbnail for How to use a Roland SRE 555 / RE 501 Chorus Echo Complete Tutorial by TONELAB

How to use a Roland SRE 555 / RE 501 Chorus Echo Complete Tutorial

TONELAB

TONELAB

Video thumbnail for Roland Chorus Echo  SRE- 555 by Kuznecov Victor

Roland Chorus Echo SRE- 555

Kuznecov Victor

Kuznecov Victor

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland Chorus Echo SRE-555.

Setup and maintenance

  • Users recommend replacing the tape with the proper type to resolve volume issues with repeats.

    Source
  • Owners stress the importance of regular maintenance, with some opting for Echofix kits for better performance and longevity.

    Source

User experience

  • Some have encountered persistent volume and motor issues, even after attempted refurbishments.

    Source
  • Owners find the SRE-555 to be reliable over time, with one noting it as the best effect unit they've used after EchoFix modifications.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Rare finds like the SRE-555 can be bought at significantly lower prices in regions like Mexico.

    Source

Build quality

  • The SRE-555 is praised for its durability and stability once fitted with EchoFix parts, enhancing its dependability compared to RE-201 units.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The SRE-555 is favored for its unique soundscape capabilities, especially when used with synths and mixing applications.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The SRE-555 is considered superior to digital emulations in creating unpredictable, organic tape echo effects that digital pedals struggle to replicate.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
christopherwiseman

The peak of Roland's Tape Echo designs

The last tape echo system developed by Roland, the SRE-555 is a rack mounted version of the 501. With beautiful analogue delay (echo) from 3 playback heads plus the original signal, the variety of options and settings allow you endless choice to create the right effects for your sound. The spring tank reverb is stunning, and with a volume control it allows you to dial in the right amount. Basic EQ (treble and bass) are enough to shape the sound, and the chorus can go from simple thickening to wildly warbling - very subtle to crazy! Balanced and unbalanced inputs and outputs also give you the option to take separate sends of the effects for studio sessions, i.e. split reverb from the echo. Full foot switch controls for each effect. This thing is built like a tank, and sounds divine.

jimmarchi1

I had one of these almost permanently on loan for years.... god I am so sad that I ahd to give it back... the routing and switching options were a dream although mine was insanely unreliable

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Deadmau5 uses Roland Chorus Echo SRE-555

Deadmau5

Music Producer

BSOD

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "EXPOSING DEADMAU5's STUDIO" by Linus Tech Tips, at the 1:40 mark, Deadmau5's studio setup is shown to include a Roland Chorus Echo SRE-555.

See how Mark Knopfler uses Roland Chorus Echo SRE-555

Mark Knopfler

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Mk-guitar

According to this website, Mark Knopfler used a Roland SRE55 Chorus/Echo effect unit whilst touring with Dire Straits in 1985/86.

See how Sting uses Roland Chorus Echo SRE-555

Sting

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

In this article from International Musician magazine (reproduced on Sting's official website), long-serving tech Danny Quatrochi explains that Sting has used an SRE-555 as part of his live rig.

See how Richie Hawtin uses Roland Chorus Echo SRE-555

Richie Hawtin

Music Producer

Sven Väth & Richie Hawtin

...
Verified via YouTube

Can be seen on the left hand side in the background.

See how Andy Summers uses Roland Chorus Echo SRE-555

Andy Summers

Guitarist

The Police

...
Verified via Photo

This undated advertisement show's Andy's rig with an SRE-555 visible in the tall rack directly behind him. It's the fourth unit down from the top.

See how Jay Watson uses Roland Chorus Echo SRE-555

Jay Watson

Guitarist, Drummer

Tame Impala

...
Verified via reddit

In his 2020 Reddit AMA, Jay stated that his 5 favorite pieces of equipment he uses are “SRE555 Chorus Echo Behringer Pro One Pearl Phaser PH44 Electrix Filter Factory Pair of old 60's Zildjian super thin Hi Hats”

See how Mick Jones uses Roland Chorus Echo SRE-555

Mick Jones

Singer, Guitarist

Gorillaz

...
Verified via Geocities

The linked article, along with youremyguitarhero's thorough detective work on Mick's live rig confirm that he used the Chorus Echo extensively during Sandinista (1980).

See how Sam Halliday uses Roland Chorus Echo SRE-555

Sam Halliday

Guitarist

Two Door Cinema Club

...
Verified via Twitter

Sam tweets - "I'm all about chorus this week." - with a picture of the Chorus Echo.

See how Olafur Arnalds uses Roland Chorus Echo SRE-555

Olafur Arnalds

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

Ólafur Arnalds uses the Chorus Echoes a lot on his synthesizers to add saturation and delay, which can be seen at [28:07] of the YouTube video linked.

See how Tim Gane uses Roland Chorus Echo SRE-555

Tim Gane

Guitarist, Bassist

Stereolab

...
Verified via Koly

In the "UHF | Stereolab Unofficial Historical File" on Koly, Tim Gane is listed as using the Roland Chorus Echo SRE-555 among Stereolab's live and studio equipment around 2004.

See how Vini Reilly uses Roland Chorus Echo SRE-555

Vini Reilly

Guitarist

The Durutti Column

...
Verified via YouTube

At around 20:10 in this performance, Vini changes settings on something which looks to be a Roland Chorus Echo SRE-555.

See how Thomas Dolby uses Roland Chorus Echo SRE-555

Thomas Dolby

Singer, Keyboardist

Bruce Woolley & The Camera Club

...
Verified via Tmdrfan

"Elsewhere, my favorite sequencer is the Fairlight Page R, and my favorite echo machines are the Roland 555 Chorus Echo and the Yamaha REV-1."

Album Usage

The Roland Chorus Echo SRE-555 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 Roland Chorus Echo SRE-555, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
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1
Gibson ES-295
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1

Community setups

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jimmarchi1

jimmarchi1

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