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Average Price: $372
High-end/Boutique
$100
$251+
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Price History
Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Strymon El Capistan dTape Echo Pedal V2". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Strymon El Capistan dTape Echo Pedal V2 is a marvel of engineering for the discerning musician. This pedal is a tour-de-force, offering a broad sonic range that emulates three different types of vintage tape echo machines, each with three unique modes. Experience the crisp clarity of a brand-new tape echo machine, or the gritty charm of a well-used and beloved tour companion.
The El Capistan V2 doesn't just stop at providing a plethora of echo possibilities. It boasts an impressive premium JFET analog front end and a new 520MHz ARM Superscalar processor. These features ensure an unparalleled response to your playing dynamics and provide the raw processing power needed for the pedal's advanced functionality.
With full MIDI implementation, you can control almost every parameter, allowing you to save and recall over 300 presets at will. This pedal offers detailed tone shaping options, letting you dial in the precise amount of tape age, repeats, and mix for the perfect echo effect.
Key Features:
- Detailed replica of three types of real tape echo: Fixed, multi, single
- Three different operation modes: A, B, C
- Full MIDI integration via TRS-MIDI or USB-C MIDI
- Ability to store up to 300 presets via MIDI
- Premium JFET analog front end for superb responsiveness
- New 520MHz ARM Superscalar processor
- Quality 24-bit 96kHz A/D D/A converter
- Controls for time, wow & flutter, tape age, repeats, mix, and spring
- Tape head, mode, mono/stereo switches
- True bypass
- 6.3 mm TRS jack input, 6.3 mm jack output L/R, 6.3mm TRS jack for EXP/MIDI, USB-C connector
- Powered by a 9 V DC mains adapter (included)
- Made in USA
Product specs
| Pedal Type | Tape Echo |
| Analog/Digital | Digital |
| Effects | Fixed Head, Multi Head, Single Head, Spring Reverb |
| Max Delay Time | 1500ms |
| Looping Time | 20 seconds |
| Tap Tempo | Yes |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" (mono/stereo) |
| Outputs | 2 x 1/4" |
| MIDI I/O | In/USB |
| Other I/O | 1 x 1/4" TRS (expression/MIDI) |
| USB | 1 x USB-C |
| True Bypass | Yes, switchable to Buffered |
| Power Source | 9V DC 300mA power supply (included) |
| Height | 1.75" |
| Width | 4" |
| Depth | 4.5" |
FAQs
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What types of tape echo modes does the Strymon El Capistan dTape Echo Pedal V2 offer?
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The Strymon El Capistan V2 provides three tape machine types: Fixed Head, Multi Head, and Single Head. Each type offers unique modes and extensive control over tape quality, machine health, and tone shaping.
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Can the Strymon El Capistan V2 be used with an expression pedal?
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Yes, the El Capistan V2 supports expression pedals. You can assign various parameters to the expression pedal, allowing for real-time control over aspects like delay time and repeats.
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How does the Strymon El Capistan V2 handle stereo output?
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The El Capistan V2 features two 1/4" outputs, allowing for stereo operation. This setup is ideal for creating spacious, immersive echo effects in a stereo rig.
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Is the Strymon El Capistan V2 suitable for use with synths and keyboards?
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Yes, the El Capistan V2 is versatile and can be used with electric and acoustic guitars, synths, keyboards, and even vocals, providing rich tape echo effects across different instruments.
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Does the Strymon El Capistan V2 have MIDI capabilities?
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The El Capistan V2 includes MIDI input via a 1/4" TRS connection and USB-C, allowing for integration with MIDI controllers and software for expanded control and functionality.
Equipboard's Expert Review
Equipboard tested this
Echo Perfection on a Board
Known for its reliability and stellar reputation among tape delay pedals, the El Capistan V2 had a lot to live up to.
The build quality of the El Capistan V2 is impressive. Lightweight yet sturdy, it feels right at home on a touring board. The design is sleek and intuitive, making it easy to navigate through its myriad features. The addition of a dedicated spring reverb knob and MIDI capabilities are standout features that elevate this pedal into a league of its own.
In our tests, we found the secondary controls and live editing mode to be exceptionally user-friendly. This level of configurability means you can save settings as presets, a boon for live performances. The variety of sounds and flavors this pedal offers is astonishing, from vintage tape warmth to lush, rich delays that add a 3-dimensional depth to your sound. The tweaks in the V2 version have indeed given it a touch more fidelity, making the already excellent sound even better.
So, who is this pedal for? If you are a musician looking for rich, authentic tape delay tones with modern flexibility, the El Capistan V2 is worth every penny. However, if you're on a tight budget, the initial price might make you hesitate. For those willing to make the investment, it’s a tool that will undoubtedly elevate your sound palette.
The Strymon El Capistan V2 is a reliable, versatile, and sonically brilliant pedal that stands out in the crowded world of delay pedals.
Videos
strymon
New El Capistan Audio Examples | Strymon
New El Capistan Audio Examples | Strymon
strymon
Strymon El Capistan dTape V2 vs V1 vs Roland RE-201 & Fender Space Delay
That Pedal Show
Strymon El Capistan V.2 – dTape Echo – Intro
strymon
Strymon El Capistan V2
Mike Hermans
El Capistan V2: New user setup and walkthrough
Richard DeHove
Reviews
PROS
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Silent operation, even with traditionally noisy setups
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Versatile, covering a wide range of genres
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Rich, lush tape delay with highly configurable settings
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Easy to dial-in sweet sounds quickly
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MIDI capabilities for expanded control options
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Natural, warm delay tones superior to competitors
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Lightweight and tour-friendly design
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Spring reverb feature adds extra dimension
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Encourages extended play with engaging effects
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Improved fidelity with premium analog circuitry
CONS
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High price point can be a barrier
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Learning curve due to complex secondary functions
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Previous version users may need time to adjust to new features
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Strymon El Capistan dTape Echo Pedal V2.
User experience
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Some users find the El Capistan V2's mix knob slope problematic for synth use, as it favors guitar applications and limits versatility across instruments.
Source -
Some owners report a learning curve with hidden alt settings, but find the effort rewarding for achieving diverse delay effects.
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The pedal is reported to become muddy and undefined when using darker delay settings, especially when the tape age is set past noon, affecting tonal clarity.
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Owners with experience in other tape echo pedals, like the Universal Audio Starlight, find the El Capistan's EP-3 mode irreplaceable for its unique vibe.
Source
Value and pricing
Use cases and applications
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Users highlight its ability to create lush, showgaze soundscapes and old-school rockabilly tones, making it versatile for different musical genres.
Source -
The El Capistan V2 is particularly suited for "washy" musical contexts, where its darker, ambient repeats can thrive at the end of a signal chain.
Source
Features and functionality
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The pedal supports tap tempo, stereo in/out, and expression pedal control, offering versatility for various soundscapes.
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The V2 includes a dedicated knob for Spring Reverb, MIDI functionality, and USB-C for firmware updates, enhancing its versatility compared to the V1.
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It's been noted that the El Capistan V2 requires opening the pedal to switch between stereo and mono modes, a design choice some users find inconvenient.
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The El Capistan V2's secondary function labeling has been criticized for being non-intuitive, prompting some users to create custom labels for better usability.
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The pedal offers control over tape age, wow, flutter, and crinkle, allowing users to simulate mechanical tape wear for authentic tape echo imperfections.
Source
Comparisons
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The El Capistan V2 is noted for its clean sound compared to the gritty, lo-fi quality some users prefer, such as in the Demedash T120 VHS Tape Delay.
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Compared to the Boss RE-202, the El Capistan lacks dedicated EQ controls, which some users find crucial for shaping delay tones effectively.
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Users find the El Capistan’s Echoplex mode more lush and organic compared to other EP-3 based pedals like the Catalinbread Belle Epoch Deluxe and TC Alter Ego X4.
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The El Capistan's Space Echo mode is noted for its ambient quality, with similarities to the Roland Space Echo RE-201, adding depth to atmospheric tracks like Radiohead’s “OK Computer”.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 3 Ratings
294
Big update. Now with MIDI
Previously I had version 1, I sold that pedal just to buy version 2 which has MIDI control. If I loved this pedal before, now even more, the MIDI control, with MIDI clock function, is much better for me. The sound seems a bit better to me as well than the previous version, plus it now has a dedicated knob for spring reverb. One of my best pedals, without a doubt.
Artist usage
Add artist
In the Premier Guitar "MIRADOR Rig Rundown with Jake Kiszka & Chris Turpin," at timestamp 30:49, the Strymon El Capistan dTape Echo Pedal V2 is clearly visible on Jake Kiszka’s pedalboard.
Joe Reinhart is confirmed to use the Strymon El Capistan dTape Echo Pedal V2, as evidenced during the "Live at WXPN Studios" performance recorded on September 13, 2025. The full pedal board, including the El Capistan, is visible at the 11:27 timestamp in the video.
William Tyler uses the Strymon El Capistan dTape Echo Pedal V2, as evidenced by his 2024 pedalboard.
On September 18, 2023, Dana Schechter posted a photograph on Instagram showcasing her live setup with the Swans. Her pedalboard is visible in the image, where a Strymon El Capistan dTape Echo Pedal V2 can be clearly seen on the right.
Michael Gurley, the guitarist known for his work across rock and production music, utilizes the Strymon El Capistan dTape Echo Pedal V2. This is evidenced by a photograph of Gurley's pedalboard taken at the Coach House show in February 2024, with photo credit attributed to Justin Silvera.
In the "Zach Person Rig Rundown" by Chris Kies for Premier Guitar, it is confirmed that Zach Person's pedalboard includes the Strymon El Capistan dTape Echo Pedal V2.
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In a photograph from Chinese American Bear's KEXP session, Bryce Barsten is clearly using the Strymon El Capistan dTape Echo Pedal V2, as evidenced by the image available on Equipboard.
At 15:40 in the MusicRadar Tech video titled "Fraser T Smith studio tour: the gear behind Adele, Kano, Kae Tempest, Dave, Snow Patrol and more," Fraser T. Smith is seen using a Strymon El Capistan dTape Echo Pedal V2 as part of his guitar pedal setup.
In an interview with "Guitar Hakase," a photo of Yoshimasa Terui's pedal board is shown and labelled, featuring the Strymon El Capistan dTape Echo Pedal V2.
Fleming Valenzuela uses the Strymon El Capistan dTape Echo Pedal V2, as evidenced in a photo credited to reddit user u/vPacificx.
In the video titled "Suspended 4th 鷲山のペダルボードを紹介・説明する動画," Kazuki Washiyama demonstrates his pedalboard and explicitly features the Strymon El Capistan dTape Echo Pedal V2, thereby confirming its use in his setup. This video was published by Kazuki Washiyama on YouTube.
Album Usage
The Strymon El Capistan dTape Echo Pedal V2 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 Strymon El Capistan dTape Echo Pedal V2, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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