Is Empress's Echosystem pedal “the ultimate delay-crafting tool”?

We hailed it as one of the best new effects pedals of NAMM 2017, and now Empress has announced the final details for its all-conquering monster, the Echosystem delay pedal.

Packing 12 algorithm types, each with multiple variations, the Echosystem can boast over 36 sounds, from tape, digital and analogue to stutter, lo-fi and, yes, Whisky.

Thanks to the company's dual delay engines, two delays can be used at once and routed in serial, parallel or left/right, while sounds can be saved in 35 preset slots and updated via an SD card slot.

Other features include a cabinet simulator, analogue dry path, Universal Control Port (which handles expression pedal, tap switch, external audio input and MIDI), plus a choice of true or buffered bypass.

Empress reckon it “could be the ultimate delay-crafting tool”, and based on this evidence, it will be hard to argue. We're sure it will rank highly in our line-up of the best delay pedals in the world today.

The Echosystem is available from Empress Effects from 4 May for $449.

Michael Astley-Brown

Mike is Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com, in addition to being an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict. He has a master's degree in journalism, and has spent the past decade writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as a decade-and-a-half performing in bands of variable genre (and quality). In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock under the nom de plume Maebe.

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