Binson Echorec P.E. 603

The Binson Echorec P.E. 603 is a vintage delay unit made by Binson, an Italian maker of echo machines. Unlike a tape echo, it records onto a rotating magnetic drum, and its long, swirling repeats became a defining sound of early 1970s rock. Guitar World describes it as "the vintage Binson Echorec P.E. 603 delay used by the likes of Pink Floyd"¹.

What it does

The P.E. 603 produces echo by recording the signal onto a spinning magnetic drum at several playback heads, producing multiple repeats with the character players associate with the wider Binson Echorec family of machines. It sits in the delay family, but its magnetic drum design sets it apart from tape-based and digital delays¹.

One feature of the original unit has become especially sought after: its motor could be modified to change speed, lengthening the time between the recording and playback heads. This modification is known as the "varispeed" mod, and it let players stretch the 603's echo time beyond its stock range².

Who used it

The original Binson Echorec P.E. 603 was used by many artists from the early 70's onward, including Led Zeppelin, The Shadows and Pink Floyd². Pink Floyd's use is well documented: the band used the 603 on stage during the Dark Side tour and also on Live at Pompeii². That stage and film history is one reason the unit remains a reference point for players chasing classic, wide, multi-head echo sounds.

Modern recreations

The 603's reputation has kept it alive through recreations. Guitar World has covered the Cicognani Engineering Pompeii PE603, a valve-based echo unit built in the 603's image, aimed at players chasing the sound of the vintage Binson Echorec P.E. 603 delay used by the likes of Pink Floyd¹. The original 603's standing with players runs deep: Pink Floyd used it on stage during the Dark Side tour and on Live at Pompeii, and it was also used by Led Zeppelin and The Shadows from the early 70's onward².

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