“It sounds amazing and is a joy to ‘play’”: Knobula Echo Cinematic review

Knobula Echo Cinematic: What is it?

Over the last few years Knobula has produced some of the best new modules out there, with things like Poly Cinematic becoming a much loved, instant classic. Its fifth module, Echo Cinematic, aims at bringing the same level of unique fun and quality to multi effects.

Echo Cinematic is more than just a delay. This 12hp module packs a lot into its size, from delay to reverb, and three filter types, alongside some novel features like knob recording and the easiest implementation of assigning CVs. It’s skiff friendly too at 35mm deep.

The front panel, adorned in familiar Knobular pastel pinks and blue greys is well laid out, with clear sections for the different tools on offer. Our only gripe is that, as it fits so much into a small package, it relies on some very small switches that are hard to navigate at first. That soon passes though and after a couple of hours it’s second nature.

Knobula Echo Cinematic: Performance and verdict

Let’s talk delay first. There are two seconds of delay on offer, clockable by CV or tap tempo using the big central button, with the top left knob controlling the wet/dry mix. The delay is simple but very effective. You can set the number of repeats or freeze the delay with a twist of the feedback knob, or switch between straight or ping pong with a switch.

The onboard reverb is similarly simple, with an amount control this time in addition to a size control, but it’s the same gorgeous stereo reverb used in other Knobula modules.

The EQ section is rammed full of options. You have a DJ-style low-pass/high-pass filter, bandpass/notch filter, or a comb filter, easily switchable and sitting close to the controls for gain, cutoff and resonance. There’s something there for most use cases.

This would make a solid module already but there’s more. Using controls to the top right you can record knob movements for up to 30 seconds the either play or loop them, making this a really organic self modulation source, that sits nicely aside the two onboard LFOs.

When you look at the panel you’d be forgiven for wondering about the lack of CV ports on offer. There is a clock CV and one for play/reset, then two others, named CV A and CV B. These are assignable to any control on the module and setting them up couldn’t be easier. Just plug a patch cable in then, within two seconds, move the control you want assigned and that’s it. Simplicity itself and it makes for a much smaller footprint, typical of the workflow for Echo Cinematic.

With its roots in ’80s dub techniques, you’d be forgiven for thinking Echo Cinematic is firmly stuck in that territory. On the contrary, it is suitable for all genres from techno to ambient and does it all very well indeed. Another triumph for Knobula.

MusicRadar verdict: Well worth a look. It does everything slightly differently, in a very good way. It sounds amazing and is a joy to ‘play’.

Knobula Echo Cinematic: Hands-on demos

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Echo Cinematic - YouTube

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Knobula Echo Cinematic - Gearspace @ Superbooth24 - YouTube

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Knobula Echo Cinematic: Specifications

• KEY FEATURES: Stereo in and out, Various filtering and EQ options, Built in LFO, Assignable CVs, Stereo reverb.
• CONTACT: Knobula