The UAFX Orion, probably the most interesting among the four pedals released by Universal Audio in the launch of their Compacts line, encapsulates the Echoplex-inspired EP-III algorithm taken from the UAFX Starlight, with expanded voicing thanks to a three-way toggle and a more affordable price tag.
The three modes simulate the sound of Mint, Worn, or Old tape repeats, conferring the tone a more or less lo-fi effect.
Besides the expected Delay, Mix and Feedback knobs, it offers a Rec Level knob for adding saturation, and a Wonk one for the beloved wow and flutter effect, a subtle random modulation created by the slight irregularities produced by tape rolling through magnetic heads.
Two switches on the back of the case allow to turn on or off the echo’s trails and the preamp section, also based on the solid-state unit found in the vintage Echoplex and valued for its pleasing color.
We added the UAFX Orion to our comprehensive article about the best tape echo pedals.
UAFX Orion Tape Echo, Builder’s Notes
Emerging from our flagship Starlight Echo Station, Orion Tape Echo gives you the magical hazy delay effects of vintage ’70s Maestro Echoplex EP-III tape delays, in a classy, compact package.*
- Create with a stunning emulation of the iconic vintage tape echo hardware
- Fatten your tone with a perfectly captured EP-III analog preamp
- Craft eccentric effects with authentic wow, flutter, and tape types
- Rely on timeless UA craftsmanship, built for decades of rock-solid performance
Add Authentic Tape Delay to your Pedalboard
Thanks to the same award-winning algorithms from our Starlight Echo Station, Orion gives you the rich, three-dimensional effects of a thoroughly emulated vintage tape echo — for tones that best all other compact tape delay pedals.Enjoy Fat Vintage Preamp Tones
Perfect for boosting your echoes and adding punch to your entire sound, Orion’s faithful emulation of the EP-III’s legendary solid-state preamp gives you all the grit and attitude of the vintage effects unit, with one simple control.Experience Analog Bliss with Tape Type, Wow, and Flutter
Choose from three sonically distinct versions of the EP-III with Mint, Worn, and Old machine types for color and vibe, and tweak the Wonk control for subtle-to-eccentric modulated repeats and funky tape splice textures.Hit the Stage with a Rugged, Compact Stompbox
Built for decades of dependable performance, Orion Tape Delay gives you switchable true/trails bypass and Preamp off/on for a trusted companion on your interstellar journey.
Features
- Authentic emulation of a vintage Maestro Echoplex EP-III tape echo in a compact stompbox*
- Perfectly captured analog preamp for fat, boosted tones and effects
- Selectable Mint, Worn, and Old tape types for added color and texture
- Wonk control for modulated repeats and vibey tape splice sounds
- True/buffered bypass and Preamp off/on
- Timeless UA design and craftsmanship, built for decades of dependable performance
