The Anasounds Utopia Tape Echo Delay is a delay pedal from the French maker Anasounds, described by Pedal of the Day as "a sweet, short-style delay/echo with some modulation for added depth"1. Delicious Audio calls it "a vintage tape-style echo"2. It is aimed at players after the character of old tape echo units in a pedalboard-friendly format, and it takes its place among other delay pedals.
What it does
The Utopia is primarily designed to be used as a slap-back delay, calibrated for echoes from 0 to 400 ms. An internal control called More switches the maximum delay time between 400 ms and 600 ms, and Pedal of the Day's reviewer found that with the slightly longer delay maximum it "can be used for excellent lead tones and solos as well"1.
The signal path runs the echo section followed by the modulation, with variable speed and depth1. A lone toggle switch on the top panel turns the Modulation mode on and off, which the reviewer called great for getting those vintage analog echo tones1.
Controls
| Control | Location | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Delay | Top panel | Sets the delay time1 |
| Modulation toggle | Top panel | Turns the Modulation mode on and off1 |
| Tone | Internal | Brightens or darkens the repeats1 |
| Rate | Internal | Sets the speed of the modulation1 |
| Depth | Internal | Sets how present the modulation is on the delayed signal1 |
| More | Internal | Switches between 400 ms and 600 ms maximum delay times1 |
The Tone, Rate, Depth and More controls are internal, so opening the pedal is part of getting the most from it. Pedal of the Day noted that "the Utopia offers a few surprises under the hood as well, for more in-depth control of the overall sound it produces"1.
Sound and comparisons
Pedal of the Day's review describes the Utopia as producing sounds like the Echoplex, the Binson Echorec and the Skreddy Echo1. Delicious Audio's demo post frames it in the same territory as a vintage tape-style echo2.
Design and maker
Anasounds builds its pedals in France, and Pedal of the Day describes the brand's look as instantly recognizable, with unique wooden tops and intriguing control layouts1. In 2017, Delicious Audio called the Utopia Tape Echo with Modulation the maker's latest effect2.
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Questions
What is the maximum delay time of the Anasounds Utopia Tape Echo Delay?
The circuit offers up to 600 ms of delay time. An internal control called More switches the maximum between 400 ms and 600 ms. The pedal is primarily designed as a slap-back delay, calibrated for echoes from 0 to 400 ms, and Pedal of the Day's reviewer noted that the slightly longer maximum can also be used for lead tones and solos.
Does the Utopia have a modulation switch?
Yes. A single toggle switch on the pedal turns the Modulation mode on and off, which Pedal of the Day described as great for getting those vintage analog echo tones. The modulation sits after the echo section, with variable speed and depth set by internal controls.
Which tape echoes is the Utopia compared to?
Pedal of the Day's review says the Utopia produces sounds like the Echoplex, the Binson Echorec and the Skreddy Echo. Delicious Audio likewise describes it as a vintage tape-style echo with modulation.
Where are the Tone and Rate controls on the Utopia?
Tone and Rate are internal controls, inside the pedal rather than on the top panel. Tone brightens or darkens the repeats, and Rate sets the speed of the modulation. A third internal control, Depth, sets how present the modulation is on the delayed signal.
Sources (2)
- Anasounds Utopia Tape Echo Delay, Pedal of the Day, 2016-03-13
- French Manufacturer On The Rise: Anasounds, Delicious Audio, 2017-05-04
