Crumar Varispeed Tape Delay Pedal is a digital recreation of a 1970s magnetic tape echo modelled on Copicat units and handbuilt in Italy. Unlike a normal digital delay, where repeats are exact copies of the input, Varispeed also reproduces the flaws of the original, because those flaws are what gave those machines their sound.
Tape behaviour that no filter can fake
Tape speed in a real machine is never stable, and micro-variations in it change the delay time, which in turn shifts the pitch of the repeats. That is wow and flutter, and it is precisely what makes these effects feel alive. Varispeed reproduces it along with the consequences of changing speed: faster transport gives shorter delays, clearer repeats and more audible hiss, slower transport gives longer echoes, a darker tone and less definition. Controls for tape and machine age let you dial in how worn the path should be, instead of choosing between a sterile echo and a random malfunction.
Three heads and an untouched dry signal
The pedal offers three independent playback heads, which builds rhythmic repeat patterns rather than a single echo, plus a tone control for the repeats. The dry signal runs through a fully analogue path with no conversion, so the instrument's sound is unchanged with the effect engaged. Separate echo-only and dry/wet outputs allow parallel routing or sending repeats to their own console channel. The effect drops into self-oscillation readily and can distort in a transistor-like way, while the capstan footswitch starts and stops the tape transport.
KEY FEATURES
- Emulates classic Copicat-style tape echo units
- Three independent playback heads
- Detailed control over tape and machine age
- Motor speed control for authentic tape-transport character
- Tone control for brighter or darker repeats
- Fully analogue dry path
- Independent echo-only and dry/wet outputs
- Capstan on/off footswitch
- Connects via Crumar One-Cord or a standard 1/4 inch input
- Designed and handcrafted in Italy
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: tape echo emulation
- Playback heads: 3, independent
- Dry path: analogue, no digital conversion
- Outputs: echo-only and dry/wet, separate
- Dimensions: 114.3 x 33.8 x 94 mm
- Power: 9 V DC centre negative, 300 mA, PSU included
- Manufacturer: Crumar, Italy
