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Average Price: $1,976

High-end/Boutique

$100

$501+

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High-end

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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 Tim Bernardes uses Roland Chorus Echo SRE-555

Tim Bernardes

Singer, Guitarist

O Terno

...
Verified via Photo

Utilizado no estúdio do Gui Jesus Toledo, ou seja foi utilizado no Mil Coisas Invisíveis e no Recomeçar. Foto postada nos stories do Tim

See how Paul Reynolds uses Roland Chorus Echo SRE-555

Paul Reynolds

Guitarist, Composer

A Flock of Seagulls

...
Verified via Photo

Paul Reynolds uses the Roland Chorus Echo SRE-555, as shown in the image sourced from Google. The site incorrectly lists this gear as the Roland RE-501.

See how Chris Carter uses Roland Chorus Echo SRE-555

Chris Carter

Keyboardist

Throbbing Gristle

...
Verified via Boing Boing

The gear is... (Left side - top down): Boss PH-1 phaser pedal, Simmons ClapTrap, Roland SRE-555 Chorus Echo, Roland SH-7 Synth, Boss DR-55 Dr.Rhythm, Roland CSQ 100 sequencer, Roland CR-78 CompuRhythm.

See how Michael Guy Chislett uses Roland Chorus Echo SRE-555

Michael Guy Chislett

Guitarist

Hillsong United

...
Verified via Photo

In this studio Instagram photo posted by Chislett on his official Instagram profile, the Roland Chorus Echo can be seen.

See how Jacco Gardner uses Roland Chorus Echo SRE-555

Jacco Gardner

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Facebook

Jacco's photo on facebook captioned: "Some new colours to mix with!"

See how Route 94 uses Roland Chorus Echo SRE-555

Route 94

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Facebook

A Roland Chorus Echo SRE-555 can be seen on the bottom of the rack on this facebook photo.

See how Ian Hultquist uses Roland Chorus Echo SRE-555

Ian Hultquist

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Passion Pit

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, which shows Hultquist at his studio, the Roland SRE-555 Chorus Echo is visible.

See how Tayte Nickols uses Roland Chorus Echo SRE-555

Tayte Nickols

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Do You Really Need A Big Studio To Make Great Records? Studio Tour with Tayte Nickols" on the Produce Like A Pro YouTube channel, music producer Tayte Nickols can be observed at the 22:46 mark showcasing a Roland Chorus Echo SRE-555 within his recording room.

See how Eddie Lundon uses Roland Chorus Echo SRE-555

Eddie Lundon

Composer

China Crisis

...
Verified via Muzines

"Unlike a lot of guitarists I don't feel the need to have lots of different guitars for different sorts of songs. I've just got the SG2000 which I'm basically very happy with. I've also got a Roland guitar synth which I used on the first album and the last tour, but I don't use it much now. The sound is just a bit too thin: it doesn't make the guitar stand out enough amongst all the synths. To vary the sounds a bit I use a Roland 555 Chorus Echo and an SDE-2000."

N

Neal Whitmore

Guitarist

Sigue Sigue Sputnik

...
Verified via Muzines

Neal X, recruited primarily for his barnet, has now learned to play a Gibson 295 semi-acoustic with some competence — he still doesn't use his little finger like the grown-ups do, but give it time, Neal. His guitar goes through a Roland SRE-555 Chorus Echo and a pair of Fender Twin Reverbs, one with Gauss speakers and one with JBL speakers which are miked-up with a single ElectroVoice RE20.

C

Colin Thurston

Music Producer, Audio Engineer

Bewlay Bros.

...
Verified via Muzines

Colin Thurston's Home Studio Equipment List SOUNDCRAFT Series 1600 console. FOSTEX B16 with built-in noise reduction. ROLAND MSQ700 sequencer. YAMAHA R1000 digital reverbs (two). DBX160X limiter. LEXICON PCM41 digital processor. ROLAND 555 tape chorus/echo. ACCESSIT noise gates. REVOX A77 stereo reel-to-reel. YAMAHA NS10M speakers. SONY PCM F1 digital recorder for mixdown. SONY cassette machines. SONY compact disc player. SIMMONS electronic drum kit. LINN DRUM. E-MU Drumulator. ROLAND Juno 106 polysynth. ROLAND Jupiter 6 polysynth. SIMMONS Clap Trap. ELECTRO-HARMONIX Instant Replay ...plus upright piano and numerous guitars.

See how James McCalister uses Roland Chorus Echo SRE-555

James McCalister

Drummer, Keyboardist

Aqueduct

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:10 and through the video you can see him use the Chorus echo

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.

Roland Juno-106
Roland Juno-106 Synthesizers
2
Boss BF-2 Flanger
Boss BF-2 Flanger Flanger Effects Pedals
2
Boss CE-2 Chorus
Boss CE-2 Chorus Chorus Effects Pedals
2
Roland Jupiter-6
Roland Jupiter-6 Synthesizers
1
Gibson ES-295
Gibson ES-295 Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
1
Electro-Voice RE20
Electro-Voice RE20 Dynamic Microphones
1

Community setups

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jimmarchi1

jimmarchi1

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