Empress Effects Echosystem Dual Delay Effects Pedal

This thing is ridiculously sick. The dual engine feature is awesome for creating textures behind your playing and the expression pedal control is amazingly powerful and versatile. This is THE delay.

The Empress Echosystem is really interesting. I'm still finding my sounds but I'm quite happy. Pros: - The delays modes have character and quality; - It's reasonably easy to find your sound (unless you use dual mode); - Their box is a little bit tall but it's really compact (smaller than a Strymon); - Firmware is being constantly updated (Empress keeps its customer forum really active); - Looper (you need to update original firmware). Cons: - The default price is a little too much, I think (I took advantage of Black Friday and I got it at a very good price); - Programming dual mode delays and some hidden functions can be tricky (it would be nice to have a PC/mobile editor); - Mix knob doesn't work subtle at some delay modes. Firmware version 2.04 (beta) has some improvements, but (for instance) if you want a very subtle slab back on the digital delay only to create some ambience, you can't get that. Sounds like the minimum mix you can get on that sound is something around 10%. If you go to the tape echo, you can get something better (minimum around 5%). Without that update, I would have returned my EchoSystem. - Looper isn't so simple to engage and requires an SD card. In the end, I should say Echosystem is a good pedal since you update the firmware (pedal comes with 1.07 firmware version). Before this one, I had a DL4 for 10 years (and I still like that pedal) and a TC Flashback (that I loved the editor, but didn't like the sounds so much), but I feel the Echosystem was a real improvement to my pedalboard.

Quality construction, great sounds, simple to learn/use, and it looks beautiful. This will do any delay you could want and many that you didn't think you'd need. It allows a wonderful level of expression that will inspire you. I have a TC Electronic Flashback 1, which is a great pedal for the cost, but it does leave your ears wanting if you're a tone junkie like myself. The Echosystem lets you tune each delay setting to exactly what you're listening for in your playing. If you play regularly and aren't in an AC/DC cover band, do yourself a favor and at least try this one out for a bit.

Stellar purchase. No, it's not inexpensive and I had a hard time with that. After performing with it all weekend, it was worth it. People will rightfully compare it to the Timeline. This is smaller and infinitely simpler to use. If you discard the Echosystem because it "doesn't have an LED screen", you'll miss out.

This is the absolute unrivaled delay pedal on the market right now. No other delay can match the power and selection of delays that come out of this little box. The routing options available are an awesome tool to have, and the ability to run any of the delays in series or parallel is also unmatched. Some of the delays can even have you tap in not just a tempo, but an actual rhythm. I don't have enough good things to say about this pedal, this is an incredible piece of gear that opens up so many creative possibilities.

Words really can't describe how great this pedal sounds. Watch the video demos, work the extra overtime and GET THIS PEDAL!! Its worth the $$$.