Catalinbread has officially elevated its iconic tape echo emulation with the Belle Epoch+, a feature-packed compact delay that finally integrates full tap tempo. This isn’t just a minor update; it’s a comprehensive refinement designed to be the most versatile and user-friendly version of their flagship circuit.
Musicians can easily sync delays to a song’s beat by holding the footswitch to enter tap mode. Beyond this crucial addition, the Belle Epoch+ is packed with under-the-hood improvements. It offers increased headroom, a redesigned Mix control, better impedance specs, and a touch of noise gating for a cleaner signal path.
The legendary Echoplex-style preamp has been meticulously tweaked for a higher dynamic range, delivering a more “hi-fi” and sparkling tone while retaining its classic feel. Furthermore, Catalinbread has introduced a brilliant three-mode tape wear selector, allowing players to choose between a pristine, “fresh-off-the-line” echo or the dusty, degraded character of a vintage unit found in an attic.
With controls for Sustain (feedback), Tape FX (modulation), Rec Level (preamp drive and saturation), and Echo Delay (time), the Belle Epoch+ provides deep, authentic tape echo manipulation in a stage-ready compact box. It represents the definitive evolution of a modern classic.
