Echorec by Pulsar Audio delay plugin interface

Echorec: Magnetic Disk Delay Plugin by Pulsar Audio Free Download

Rated 4.8/5 on Plugin Boutique (875 ratings)

Echorec is a software delay plugin from Pulsar Audio that emulates the Binson Echorec, a 1960s magnetic disk echo unit. It adds saturated, self-oscillating analog-style echo to a mix.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit
AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique
Free trial available from the developer
01Overview

Echorec models the echo unit that shaped much of the 1970s rock sound. Pulsar Audio's emulation covers the all-tube input section, the magnetic saturation and hysteresis of the disk, and three modeled units in different conditions, from clean magnetic delay to grittier tones. Beyond the original hardware, it adds real-time motor speed changes, tempo sync, and tap tempo. It is built for producers who want analog warmth in a delay that digital plugins often lack.

Best for

  • Vintage rock echo
  • Dub-style delays
  • Vocal slapback
  • Adding analog warmth
  • Creative pitch modulation
  • Wide stereo echo
Developer
Pulsar Audio
Category
Delays
Store
Plugin Boutique
02Key features

What you get

  • Emulates the Binson Echorec magnetic disk delay
  • All-tube input section modeled with pre-emphasis filters
  • Magnetic saturation and hysteresis of the disk modeled
  • Stereo Drift detunes left and right channels
  • Real-time motor speed changes delay time
  • Tempo sync, including tapped tempo
  • Finger-slow disk for pitch modulation and wow and flutter
  • Three modeled units in different conditions, plus Off mode
03In depth

Sound Character and Magnetic Modeling

The Binson Echorec differs from the tape delays of its era. Pulsar Audio models its pre-emphasis filters and all-tube input stage, along with the magnetic saturation and hysteresis of the disk. Together these shape the repeats, which can range from clean to gritty.

The developer also reproduces the self-oscillation and saturation associated with the original unit. Stereo Drift adds a slight detune between the left and right channels, producing a wide stereo echo with precisely placed repetitions.

An Off mode keeps the colour and grit of the unit without any delay, so the coloration can be used on its own.

Workflow Controls and Creative Modulation

Echorec adds features the original hardware did not have. The motor speed, which sets the delay time, can be changed in real time. The delay can also sync to any tempo, including a tapped tempo.

Slowing the virtual disk with a finger creates pitch modulation or wow and flutter on the delayed signal. This makes it useful for creative effects beyond standard echo.

Three units with different wear conditions can be selected, giving a choice of tonal character within the plugin.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

DeveloperPulsar Audio
TypePlugin
CategoryDelay
FormatsVST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systemsWindows, macOS
Architecture64-bit
Free trialYes
05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does Echorec support?

Echorec is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats. The Mac version is 64-bit only and will not run on 32-bit systems.

Which operating systems can run Echorec?

Echorec runs on Windows 7 with SP1, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 in 64-bit, and on macOS 10.9 and higher, including Apple Silicon (M1).

Do I need an account to use Echorec?

Yes. You need an account at ilok.com to use Pulsar software, including Echorec.

Is there a trial version?

Yes, Echorec offers a trial.

07Developer

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