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Average Price: $1,710

High-end/Boutique

$100

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Step back in time with the Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo, a distinguished member of Roland's legendary RE series. Known for its tape delay technology, this effects processor brings warm, rich echoes to your studio or live setup. The RE-501 is celebrated for its ability to produce lush, ethereal soundscapes thanks to its combination of tape echo, chorus, and reverb. Musicians and producers alike revere its reliability and smooth, organic sound.

This unit features three independent effect sections: tape echo, reverb, and chorus, which can be used simultaneously or independently for versatile sound shaping. Its built-in compressor helps ensure consistent echo levels, making the RE-501 a reliable choice for professional audio production. With an easy-to-use interface, this effects processor is designed to facilitate creativity without the hassle of complex operation.

The BBD chorus circuit in the RE-501 is a standout feature, offering a lush, musical modulation that enhances your sound without overpowering it. This processor is perfect for those who crave the nostalgic warmth of analog effects, yet appreciate the modern conveniences of a stable and durable unit.

Key Features:

  • Tape echo with variable delay times
  • Built-in BBD chorus and spring reverb
  • Independent effect sections for flexible sound processing
  • Integrated compressor for consistent echo levels
  • Durable construction for long-term use
  • Easy-to-use interface for quick adjustments
  • Ideal for both studio and live environments

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model RE-501 Chorus Echo
Finish Black
Year 1980s
Made In Japan
Categories Delay Pedals

FAQs

What are the main features of the Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo?

The Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo offers a tape-based delay with chorus and reverb effects, known for its warm, rich sound. It includes a noise reduction system, four playback heads for varied tonal options, and a built-in analog chorus.

How does the Roland RE-501 differ from the RE-301?

The RE-501 includes an additional playback head for more tonal variety, features improved noise reduction, and offers a quieter operation compared to the RE-301.

Is the Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo suitable for studio use?

Yes, the Roland RE-501 is highly regarded for studio use due to its high-quality tape echo, chorus, and reverb effects, along with its noise reduction capabilities, making it ideal for professional recording environments.

Can the Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo be used for live performances?

While primarily designed for studio use, the Roland RE-501 can be used in live settings, offering reliable and rich echo effects. However, its vintage design may require careful handling and setup.

What type of maintenance does the Roland RE-501 require?

Regular maintenance for the Roland RE-501 includes cleaning and demagnetizing the tape heads, replacing the tape loop as needed, and ensuring the unit is kept in a stable environment to prevent wear.

Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

Roland RE-501 Tape Delay In Action

Video thumbnail for Roland RE-501 Tape Delay In Action by Doctor Mix

Roland RE-501 Tape Delay In Action

Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

Video thumbnail for Vintage 1980s Roland RE-501 Chorus Space Echo tape delay - quick demo by Pacafeliz

Vintage 1980s Roland RE-501 Chorus Space Echo tape delay - quick demo

Pacafeliz

Pacafeliz

Video thumbnail for Echofix EF-X2 vs Vintage Roland Tape Echo (Comparison) by Soundgas

Echofix EF-X2 vs Vintage Roland Tape Echo (Comparison)

Soundgas

Soundgas

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 Roland RE 501 Chorus Echo Guitar Demo by Soundgas

Roland RE 501 Chorus Echo Guitar Demo

Soundgas

Soundgas

Video thumbnail for ROLAND RE-501: Live Demo of The King 👑 of Vintage Tape Echoes by Vulture Culture

ROLAND RE-501: Live Demo of The King 👑 of Vintage Tape Echoes

Vulture Culture

Vulture Culture

Reviews

PROS

  • Classic tape echo sound unmatched by digital emulators

  • Balanced in-and-outputs ensure clean signal for studio use

  • Vintage gear with unique sound characteristics

CONS

  • Prone to technical issues, including sound drop and 'hitch' like break up

  • High asking price not justified for everyone

  • Can be considered more of a vanity piece than a necessity

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo.

Features and functionality

  • The RE-501 is noted for its hi-fi sound and lower noise floor compared to the RE-201, with a surprisingly good chorus effect and underwhelming reverb.

    Source
  • The chorus on the RE-501 in mono is described as pitchy and less effective than a CE2, with limited control over speed adjustments.

    Source
  • Owners report that the spring reverb on the RE-501 is just passable compared to a Fender amp but can be enhanced using its tone controls.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners find the RE-501 suitable for reamping vocals and drums, while the RE-201 is preferred for guitars due to its warm, lo-fi repeats.

    Source

User experience

  • An owner praised the RE-501 for its sound-on-sound capability, adding versatility to its use in various recording contexts.

    Source
  • It is noted that the RE-501 responds musically to input level, creating a warm pad with soft playing and more pronounced delay with harder playing.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The RE-501 and RE-201 are similar, but the RE-501 offers cleaner sound and additional features like chorus, making it distinct enough to justify owning both.

    Source
  • Users suggest that the Duncan Vaportrail pedal captures the RE-501's vibe, offering a warm sound with subtle modulation similar to BBD delays.

    Source
  • The preamp stage in old Roland effects significantly colors the signal, a feature often missing in modern digital emulations, affecting their authenticity.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The RE-501 is described as quiet and clean, contrary to emulations that attempt to replicate the warble and glitches of poorly serviced units.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo review on doctormix.com

doctormix.com

The Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo stands out as a vintage marvel with its lush soundscapes, thanks to its onboard chorus, spring reverb, and noise reduction. The unique free-moving tape tank design minimizes wear and delivers echoes with remarkable clarity and length. While its analog charm and rich effects make it a coveted piece for echo enthusiasts, its vintage nature may require maintenance and understanding of older technology. Overall, the RE-501 remains a cherished tool for those seeking authentic tape delay warmth in their sound palette.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 17 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
marcusloeberloeber

One of the best echoes , echoes , echoes ...

Vintage gear at its best. Love the sound and pushing the box ;)

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Gareth Jones (producer) uses Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo

Gareth Jones (producer)

Music Producer

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via Garethjones

Gareth Jones' hardware: "Akai S3200; Novation SuperNova, BassStation and DrumStation, Nord Micro Modular; Doepfer MAQ 16/3, Regelwerk, MS404 and Pocket Control; Apogee 500e A/D; Focusrite ISA115HD and ISA 131; TC Finalizer; B&K 4006 mics; Schoeps Collete series mics; Genelec 1029A monitors; Sherman Filterbank; Line6 POD; Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo; Waldorf 4-Pole filter; Apple G3 PowerBook; Digigram VX pocket; E-Magic Unitor II; and the wonderful MT4. My Soundcraft Spirit Folio Notepad is in daily use. Palm Pilot is also a major part of my life, and my Creative Nomad MP3 player and Sony CD Walkman are great tools."

See how John Foxx uses Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo

John Foxx

Singer, Keyboardist

Ultravox

...
Verified via Muzines

"I still use tape echoes now; I've got a Roland Chorus Echo (RE501) in The Garden studio which I wouldn't part with for anything because there's always a place for it on a track."

See how Charlie Burchill uses Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo

Charlie Burchill

Guitarist

Simple Minds

...
Verified via MusicPlayers.com

"Because Burchill is known for his atmospheric tones, it is no surprise that he has experimented with and used several different gear setups throughout his career. The early ‘80s sound came through a Roland 501 Echo unit into a Roland JC120 amp. During the second half of the ‘80s, Burchill switched to Marshall JCM 900 amps, and used a variety of effects including and Eventide Harmonizer, TC Electronic 2290 delay, Roland GP-8, Yamaha Rev 7, and a Kurzweil 250 rack-mount sound module. Burchill used a ‘62 Gretsch White Falcon and a Fender Strat in the studio, and a custom thin-line Telecaster (notably on “Don’t You, Forget About Me”)."

See how Marty Willson-Piper uses Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo

Marty Willson-Piper

Guitarist

The Church

...
Verified via Marty Willson-Piper
See how Nu:Tone uses Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo

Nu:Tone

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

nu:tone says : New toy!!!!!

See how George Kooymans uses Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo

George Kooymans

Singer, Guitarist

Golden Earring

...
Verified via Photo

In this pic you can spot the tape echo in his rig

See how Masonna uses Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo

Masonna

Composer, Music Producer

Acid Eater

...
Verified via Photo

The Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo is listed on the Space Machine album Cosmos From Diode Ladder Filter and can be seen in a studio photo posted to the Masonna website

See how Leon Vynehall uses Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo

Leon Vynehall

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via The Vinyl Factory

Visible in his studio during 2018 the Vinyl Factory interview

See how Michael MacNeil uses Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo

Michael MacNeil

Keyboardist, Composer

Simple Minds

...
Verified via Muzines

He used a Roland RE-501, according to this article.

See how Derek Wells uses Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo

Derek Wells

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

At 49:10 in the video titled "Derek Wells Studio Rig Rundown Guitar Gear Tour" by Premier Guitar on YouTube, a Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo is visibly part of Derek Wells' music gear setup.

See how Skudge uses Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo

Skudge

...
Verified via Instagram

"@skudge_elias_landbergWorking on something new #inthestudio #working #somethingnew #rolandre501 #rolandtr909 #rolandtr606 #prophet5 #autumn #2015"

See how Kurt Uenala uses Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo

Kurt Uenala

Bassist, Keyboardist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Kurt Uenala uses the Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo, showcasing his manipulation of the effects processor.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
tastatore

tastatore

Gear IQ 544

mokkamonkey

mokkamonkey

Gear IQ 270

mokkamonkey

mokkamonkey

Gear IQ 270

robert_pierson

robert_pierson

Gear IQ 435

mokkamonkey

mokkamonkey

Gear IQ 270

hxs28

hxs28

Gear IQ 359

2 alternative and related items for Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo, curated by the Equipboard community.

Roland Chorus Echo SRE-555

$1,976.32

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound

According to Roland: "The RE-501/SRE-555 were essentially the exact same machine, but built into two different form factors; the RE-501 keeping the classic tolex-covered wooden box of the Space Echo machines before it, whilst the SRE-555 took the form of a large 19” rackmountable chassis."

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