tc electronic Gauss Tape Echo

I love the tone of this pedal! To my ear, it really sounds like vintage, analog tape. It even reproduces those random shifts in recording speed one can hear on audio or video cassettes. The mix control makes it very versatile. An application that I enjoy is to set the mix (improperly named "Sustain") to maximum and the delay time and repeats to minimum. This simply makes the guitar sound like it was recorded on tape.

Pros: great tone. Delay time greater than 1.2s, which is a must for a digital effect, in my opinion.

Cons: slight drop in volume and pops when engaged. Slightly noisy. I could do without that plastic switch which does basically nothing but make a hole in the box. TC could have made it a tone switch, instead, to cancel the warmth, if needed.

The effect itself sounds nice, and not digital/processed, as is often the case with cheaper digital pedals.
The 3 knobs are also useful to the degree one would expect from a delay pedal.
It is built like a tank and the top mounted jacks is a very nice feature which can save space on a pedal-board.

But the pedal suffers from some major design flaws.

General for all the TC pedals in this line is the foot-switch. It is a chassis mounted switch which activates an electronic switch on the board itself. And the pedal turns on and off on switch release, which is weird.

The Mod switch does next to nothing... which is a shame.

The worst issue of them all is the volume drop. When the pedal is turned on, the entire signal drops significantly (6db-9db probably). Which unfortunately makes the pedal next to useless unless you combine it with a dedicated boost pedal, or run it before enough gain, that it won't be noticeable.

This is a shame since the effect itself sounds really nice.

The TC Electronic Gauss Tape Echo is a versatile and powerful pedal that faithfully recreates the warm, saturated sounds of vintage tape echo units. As an avid guitarist and effects enthusiast, I was eager to try out the Gauss, and it certainly didn't disappoint.

First and foremost, the Gauss Tape Echo captures the essence of classic tape echo units, delivering rich, organic repeats with the warmth and character that tape echoes are known for. The tape saturation effect adds depth and dimension to your sound, creating a lush, immersive atmosphere that's perfect for everything from ambient textures to classic rock solos.

One of the standout features of the Gauss is its intuitive interface. With simple controls for delay time, feedback, and mix, dialing in the perfect echo sound is quick and easy. The addition of a tap tempo function further enhances its usability, allowing for precise synchronization with your playing.

Another highlight of the Gauss is its versatility. In addition to standard tape echo effects, it also offers a range of modulation options, including chorus and vibrato, adding even more depth and dimension to your sound. The built-in expression pedal input allows for real-time control over parameters like delay time and modulation depth, further expanding its creative potential.

The Gauss Tape Echo also includes stereo inputs and outputs, making it ideal for use in stereo setups or for adding spatial effects to your sound. The robust construction and compact design make it perfect for both studio use and live performance, while the true bypass switching ensures that your dry signal remains pristine when the pedal is bypassed.

Overall, the TC Electronic Gauss Tape Echo is a fantastic pedal that delivers authentic tape echo sounds in a compact and user-friendly package. Whether you're looking to add vintage warmth to your tone or explore new sonic territory, the Gauss has got you covered. And sooooo Portable!

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