Strymon El Capistan Mini EC‑1 Single Head dTape Echo Pedal
Portable tape‑echo stompbox powered by advanced dTape DSP, with selectable tube‑modeled preamps, saturation control, MIDI/USB connectivity, true/ buffered bypass, and stereo I/O—all in a compact metal chassis
Strymon El Capistan Mini EC‑1 Tape Echo
The Strymon EC‑1 packs the iconic tape echo textures of the original El Capistan into a compact pedalboard-friendly format. Powered by Strymon’s advanced dTape DSP, it delivers richly detailed single-head tape echo with three selectable tube preamp voicings, onboard saturation, and hands-on controls for delay time, tape age, repeats, and mechanics.
Modern connectivity options include full MIDI over TRS and USB‑C, stereo I/O, and expression input, while features like an onboard favorite preset, adjustable LED brightness, and a hidden SOS-style looping mode add extra flexibility for stage and studio.
Specifications
- dTape DSP Engine: Single-head tape echo modeling with full tonal nuance
- Tube Preamp Voices: ORIGINAL TUBE and MODDED TUBE options with max +6 dB boost
- Record Level Control: Low / Medium (+6 dB) / High (+12 dB) for clean to saturated echoes
- Controls: Time (50 ms–1000 ms); Mix; Tape Age; Repeats; Mechanics (Wow & Flutter)
- Tap Tempo: Single-switch tap; includes Triplet, Eighth, Dotted Eighth, Quarter divisions
- Routing: TRS In/Out, Mono/Stereo switch, Expression/MIDI input, USB‑C for MIDI & updates
- Audio Path: JFET front end; 24‑bit/96 kHz A/D–D/A; analog dry path for zero‑latency dry signal
- Bypass Modes: True Bypass (relay) or Buffered Bypass with selectable Trails
- Chassis: Durable anodized aluminum, pedalboard-friendly small form factor
- Power: 9 V DC center‑negative, ≥ 250 mA
- MIDI Control: Full MIDI implementation over TRS and USB‑C for tempo, parameter control, and preset changes
- Preset Support: Up to 300 MIDI-accessible presets and one on-board Favorite preset
- SOS Looper Emulation (via secondary function): Hold the tap footswitch and tweak a knob to engage expressive tape-style looping reminiscent of vintage machines.
- LED Brightness Control: Adjust display visibility for any lighting condition—great for dim stage environments or bright studios.
Why Choose the EC‑1?
The EC‑1 delivers tape-like echo character in a mini format—bringing warmth, character, and expressive nuance in a pedal you can easily slot anywhere on your pedalboard. Musicians get vintage charm, modern control, and tonal depth in a rugged and compact package.
