Boss RE-2 The Authentic Space Echo Experience in a Compact Effect Pedal

Introduced in 1974 and produced for over 14 years, the Roland RE-201 Space Echo stands among the most legendary and sought-after effect units in music history. Known for its distinctive rhythmic echo sounds, warm character, and highly playable sonic quirks, this tape-based classic continues to inspire musicians, producers, and audio mixers over four decades on.

With the RE-2, the authentic sound and behavior of the Space Echo is now available in the famous BOSS compact series for the first time. Backed by intensive R&D and our latest innovations, the RE-2 delivers the coveted magic of the RE-201 in a pedalboard-friendly footprint—realized in flawless detail by the company that designed the original.

Features

Authentic sound and behavior of the legendary Roland RE-201 Space Echo in a BOSS compact pedal
Classic multi-head tape echo sound with expanded delay time
Original three-head configuration and 11 different sound combinations
Vintage RE-201 spring reverb sound with modern stereo operation
Wow & Flutter control for introducing varying levels of natural tape modulation
Twist effect with footswitch control
Select between the unprocessed analog dry signal or the modeled sound of the original Space Echo preamp
Tap tempo and carryover functions
True stereo input and output
Expandable control via external footswitches or an expression pedal
BOSS five-year warranty

RE-2 Space Echo

RE-201 Space Echo: Simply Legendary

When tape-based echoes were standard in the music world, the RE-201 was a leader in its class. Equipped with three evenly spaced tape heads and a spring reverb tank, it could produce everything from clean, single delays to dense, rhythmic echoes and ambient washes. The RE-201’s appealing sound was influenced by many factors, from the warm compression of magnetic tape saturation to the evolving modulation produced by motor speed fluctuations, friction, and other elements. Last but not least, analog preamp circuitry was a key ingredient in the Space Echo’s rich sonic recipe.

A Masterpiece Reborn

In developing the RE-2 and its big brother, the RE-202, BOSS engineers have fully reproduced all the complex, non-linear behaviors that contribute to the RE-201’s immortal character. We carefully analyzed several vintage RE-201s, including a pristine original unit from the BOSS and Roland factory archive. Everything that influences the sound has been recreated with all-new algorithms, including the tape path, record/playback mechanism, motor variations, preamp coloration, spring reverb character, and more.

Journey to Deep Space

The RE-2 squeezes the complete sonic character of the RE-201 into the classic BOSS compact pedal format. The 11-position mode selector lets you dial in different virtual tape heads with or without spring reverb, and you can balance the echo/reverb blend with independent level knobs. Every behavior is accurately replicated, such as the gradual pitch change that occurs with Repeat Rate tweaks and the runaway feedback that happens when maxing the Intensity knob. And with the expressive Wow & Flutter control, you can conjure all the natural modulation characteristics that are essential to the Space Echo sound.

Built for Modern Players

The RE-2 takes the Space Echo experience further with versatile features for today’s music. Delay time has been doubled and tap tempo control is supported, and there’s a cool Twist function for creating evocative special effects as you perform. For the dry sound, you can choose between the warm and fat RE-201 preamp tone or a clean signal with zero processing. Full stereo I/O is available, and it’s possible to mute the dry signal for parallel effect setups and studio use. The RE-2 also supports expanded control via external footswitches or an expression pedal, including continuous pedal control of multiple panel functions at once.

SPECIFICATIONS

Modes: 11 modes

Nominal Input Level: INPUT A(MONO), INPUT B: -20 dBu Maximum Input LevelINPUT A(MONO), INPUT B: +7 dBu

Input Impedance: INPUT A(MONO), INPUT B: 1 M ohm

Nominal Output Level: OUTPUT A(MONO), OUTPUT B: -20 dBu

Maximum Output Level: OUTPUT A(MONO), OUTPUT B: +7 dBu Output ImpedanceOUTPUT A(MONO), OUTPUT B: 1 k ohm

Recommended Load Impedance: OUTPUT A(MONO), OUTPUT B: 10 k ohms or greater Bypass

Buffered bypass Controls: MODE knob, REPEAT RATE knob, WOW & FLUTTER knob, INTENSITY knob, TONE knob, ECHO knob, REVERB knob, CARRYOVER switch

Pedal switch Indicator : CHECK indicator (Used for indication of check battery) ConnectorsINPUT A(MONO) jack, INTPUT B jack, OUTPUT A(MONO) jack, OUTPUT B jack: 1/4-inch phone type

CTL/EXP jack: 1/4-inch TRS , phone type

DC IN jack Power Supply: Alkaline battery (9 V, 6LR61)

AC adaptor (PSA series: sold separately) Current Draw75 mA Expected battery life under continuous useAlkaline: Approx. 4.5 hours

*These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use. AccessoriesLeaflet ("USING THE UNIT SAFELY," "IMPORTANT NOTES," and "Information")

Dry battery (9 V, 6LR61)

Options (sold separately) : AC adaptor: PSA series

Footswitch: FS-5U

Dual footswitch: FS-6, FS-7

Expression pedal: FV-500H, FV-500L, EV-30, Roland EV-5

SIZE AND WEIGHT

Width: 73 mm 2-7/8 inches

Depth: 129 mm 5-1/8 inches

Height: 59 mm 2-3/8 inches

Weight: (including battery)450 g 1 lb

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