Universal Audio UAFX Orion Tape Echo

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Guitar Effect Pedal

With three vintage tape delay emulations
Emulated analogue preamp circuit and wow/flutter
Selectable Mint, Worn and Old tape machines
Wonk control for modulated repeats and vibrating tape splice sounds
Mono operation
True / Trails Bypass
Preamp Off / On
Analog Dry Through
Input: 6.3 mm jack
Output: 6.3 mm jack
USB Type-C connection for updates via computer
Power supply via 9 V DC power supply unit with negative pole inside and min. 250 mA (not included in the scope of delivery, suitable power supply unit available under Art.543322)
Dimensions (W x H x D): 6.55 x 5.81 x 12.07 cm
Weight: 0.299 kg

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3-Year Thomann Warranty

Available since August 2023
Item number 573270
Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
Analogico No
tap feature No
Battery Operation No
PSU included No

488 AED 113,45 €

The price in AED is a guideline price only

Since we ship from Germany, additional costs through taxes and customs may be incurred

Sales Rank

in Delay/Echo Pedals

Pedal-sized tape echo

Tape echo introduced the possibility of creating controlled echoes in the recording studio, capturing the natural effect by recording the signal in a continuous loop and retrieving it with a timed delay through dedicated tape heads. Musical placement of these heads and variations in tape speed enabled flexible delay times and repeating echoes, all while preserving the distinctive tonal character imparted by magnetic tape, forming the basis of classic delay effects. Universal Audio has thoroughly modelled this sound in the UAFX Orion Tape Echo, achieving an authentic digital representation and presenting it in a compact pedal designed for both guitarists and bassists.

Universal Audio UAFX Orion Tape Echo controls

Distinctive sound

This monophonic pedal is crafted with guitarists and bassists in mind, while still accommodating line-level signals, offering a flexible platform for shaping richly textured delay effects. Its controls allow detailed adjustments: The effect level determines how prominently the delay sits in the mix, the virtual recording level introduces a natural saturation, the delay time spans from 80 to 700ms, and the feedback intensity defines how the echoes build and recede. A further parameter simulates subtle drive irregularities and interacts with a three-way switch for band quality, influencing the frequency response and clarity of the virtual tape path, which adds an appealing sense of movement to the repeats. In addition, a switch enables the modelled preamp to colour the dry signal if desired, and offers a choice between true bypass and a buffered mode that preserves the fading echoes even after the pedal is switched off, ensuring a smooth and seamless decay.

Straightforward and performance-ready

The Universal Audio UAFX Orion Tape Echo offers a clear and uncomplicated way to achieve delay effects with a powerful character, placing its emphasis firmly on an authentic sound quality that captures the distinctive charm of analogue tape echo. This classic sonic signature can be brought to the stage in a practical, completely maintenance-free form, with fluid and immediate access to the controls for real-time shaping of the effect. Its unmistakable tone makes it an excellent partner for neutral, modern delay units, enriching them with retro-styled echoes that carry warmth, saturation and a touch of grit, adding depth and individuality to the overall sound.

Universal Audio UAFX Orion Tape Echo footswitch

About Universal Audio

Few manufacturers can draw upon a wealth of audio engineering experience comparable to that of Universal Audio. The company's founding father Bill Putnam, along with his friend Les Paul, have an admirable reputation as trend-setting music producers and developers of legendary analogue studio technology. Putnam recorded Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, and Sarah Vaughan, and was Duke Ellington's favourite sound engineer. He developed the famous 1176 Peak Limiter and distributed the Teletronix LA-2A level amplifier. This earned him a posthumous "Technical Grammy Award" in 2000. In 1999, Putnam's sons, Bill Putnam Jr. and James Putnam, re-founded Universal Audio, transferring their father's analogue vision and craftsmanship to the digital music world. Their product range includes audio interfaces, dedicated DSP farms, and a variety of plug-ins, as well as analogue hardware devices.

From Rockabilly to Dub

The creative use of tape recordings has a long history - tape loops were already being used in avant-garde music as early as 1948. Delay effects themselves have long been an integral part of music production. The tape echo plays a special role due to its specific sound characteristics, which result from continuous superimposition in the feedback path with degradation in the frequency response, revitalising impurities caused by tape material and drive, and a distinctive preamplifier. The Dub genre would be almost inconceivable without the appropriate equipment, and this also applies in full to the pedal emulation in the form of the Orion Tape Echo – from slapbacks and rhythmic enrichments of the player's own licks to striking feedback effects. Finally, the virtual preamp also delivers a good dose of character that can be used even without the delay effect.

In the spotlight

Modelling – made by Universal Audio

Universal Audio stands at the forefront of modelling studio technology, effects devices, and tube amplifiers, meticulously capturing the essence of even the rarest originals. Every component of the original circuits is measured precisely, including specific values and characteristic curves, ensuring an accurate digital representation. This detailed approach creates a virtual model that faithfully reproduces the sound of the original, including the subtle variations introduced by its controls and switches. Depending on the device being modelled, additional defining elements and accessories are also incorporated, preserving the full character and functionality of the original equipment.

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36 Customer ratings

5 31 Customers 4 4 Customers 3 0 Customers 2 0 Customers 1 1 Customer

4.8 / 5

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24 Reviews

Echoplex alternative

BlueLi7ard 29.08.2024

I love the Dunlop Echoplex delay but, for half the price, this UA Orion has become the pick for my "other" pedalboard. Excellent feature set, best of which is the ability to have the Echoplex preamp flavour on both the dry signal and repeats. Plenty of range in the ability to dirty-up and mangle the tone of the delay repeats. Only thing really missing is a tap-tempo option, but I tend to keep it pretty static anyway. Top jacks is good, particularly when putting two or more UA pedals together but the tight spacing of the power input can be a bit of a tricky fit with angled connectors. Overall, excellent features and tone.

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Great for what it is.

Savvathan 20.09.2024

This is a one trick pony pedal, but a great trick pony.

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Fantastic tape delay for the price

wilfwilfson 13.05.2025

I got this on offer so it really was a great deal. Sounds gorgeous with the 3 very distinct tape “age” options which also give lots of chance to tweak feedback and mix. The preamp emulation adds a warm touch of saturation. Tap tempo would have been nice but who had this on the original beasties anyway. Really happy with this pedal and recommend it to anyone who doesn’t need bells and whistles.

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Orion

docteurfunk 12.11.2023

Si vous êtes à la recherche d’un delay reproduisant le son des vieux échos à bande Echoplex, vous êtes au bon endroit, le (gros) plus est qu’il reste transparent et fidèle à votre son, seul les répétions simule le son du preampli de l’echoplex, bien sûr Uafx a pensé à tout et a intégré un Switch à l’arrière pour activer la simulation du premp. Une excellente pedale.

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Universal Audio UAFX Orion Tape Echo

Guitar Effect Pedal