Recording - June 2017 - 38

REVISITED

Line 6

Echo Farm 3.0
Modeled delays galore, now running
natively in Pro Tools
By Alex Hawley

Line 6 Echo Farm features 12 different delay types, which include
a combination of classic delay units plus Line 6 originals. It's widely
known for its ability to add mojo and depth while sitting very musically
in the mix. The long-awaited Version 3.0 updates the plug-in to AAX
Native, allowing compatibility on Pro Tools 11 and up. It also supports
sample rates up to 192 kHz, and mono or stereo channel formats.
One of Line 6's main priorities with version 3.0 was to ensure
backward compatibility with the previous TDM-only version. Echo
Farm found its way onto many hit recordings upon its initial debut,
and complete recallability was vital. Rest assured, if you are looking to upgrade an old TDM license to the 3.0 AAX format, your old
mixes will translate exactly as intended. For now, the plug-in is only
compatible with macOS, but Windows support is forthcoming.
Echo Farm is easy to navigate; with each individual delay type
having its own unique parameters, ranging from wow and flutter
to bit resolution and more. Delay time can be set in milliseconds,
or via tempo sync with adjustable BPM, various subdivisions,
and tap tempo. The Time Ramp setting allows Echo Farm to act
much like an actual tape or analog delay unit; the change in
delay time will result in audible pitch bending up or down. When
Time Ramp is turned off, the delay speed will immediately jump
to the new time or tempo without any audible pitch change.

The models

Echo Farm's six analog emulations include the Echoplex EP-1, Echoplex EP-3, Roland RE-101 Space Echo,
Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man, Boss DM-2, and
TC Electronic 2290. Anything from gritty tube-driven slap
echo to ping pong and modulated delays can be dialed in.
By default, Echo Farm opens up with a tube echo setting
called Maestro EP-1. This model is based on the Echoplex
EP-1 tube-driven tape echo, originally released in 1963 with a
delay time that ranged from 60 to 600 milliseconds. Adapted
for the digital domain, the delay time can be pushed up to 2.5
seconds (which is the maximum delay time across all models).
This emulation captures vibey rock guitar tones, as the delay
has a bit of grit and character to it. Cranking the Wow &
Flutter produces an unmistakable vintage guitar sound, and I
must say, Echo Farm nails it with this one.
38

RECORDING June 2017

While the Echoplex EP-1
(and EP-2) were driven by tubes,
in the EP-3 the tubes
were replaced with
transistors, resulting in
a less distorted tone
and a cleaner character than the EP-1.
The EP-3 was a huge
component in many
legendary recordings,
being used by guitarists such as Eddie Van Halen and Jimmy
Page. For guitar tones, this has been
one of my favorite all-around delays. I
love tone shaping with EQ controls, and I identify with the character
of the emulation after hearing it on so many classic rock albums.
The Roland RE-101 is an emulation of the iconic RE-101 Space
Echo. On the original Space Echo unit, the delay time would be
changed by switching between one of its three playback heads,
and then further adjusted by tuning the motor speed. The Space
Echo could also create multitap delays by playing back on multiple
heads at once. The original unit had six settings-one for each of
the three playback heads, plus three combinations of heads that
were labeled Swell. Adapted for the digital world and free from
physical limitations, the emulation has one fixed-playhead setting
and the three original Swell settings. Line 6 has added seven of its
own combinations, which are labeled Super Swell.
I've always been a fan of how the Space Echo sounds, especially
on guitar. When using an original unit, I usually dial in one of the
Swell settings and lay it back into the mix. The emulation sounds
great, and the added Super Swell settings are a fun addition for
more textural options. The graphics for choosing the playhead
setting are tiny, and it's tricky to tell exactly which combination you
are on at a glance, let alone change it on the fly. Considering how
distinct each setting sounds, I would have liked an easier visual
interface to toggle between them.
The Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man analog delay is
sought after by musicians and collectors alike. It's known for its
warm and organic tone, with waves of lush echoes. Based on a
"bucket brigade" design, this unit also has a chorus circuit. The
chorus is applied to the repeats only, and the direct signal remains
unaffected. This is one of the most popular and recognizable guitar
pedals of all time, which makes it a very welcome addition to the
Echo Farm palette. Modulating the delayed signal works really
well to add thickness or character to a part. I love adding it in with
a simple rhythm guitar track and letting the wash of modulated
echoes fill out the mix. It also sounds right at home with leads.
The two other emulations include the Boss DM-2, which is an
analog bucket-brigade design with a gritty character, and the
'Dynamic Delay', which is based on a TC Electronic 2290. The
TC Electronic 2290 is a digital delay with a smart volume control
that interacts with the dynamics of your playing. For example, the
echoes won't create any extra mud if you are playing a busy part
with a lot of notes, but when your dynamics fall below a certain
threshold, the echoes start to sing. Pretty awesome concept! This
setting sounds great with vocals, too; it very naturally fills in the

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recording - June 2017