The Mr. Black Tapex 2 is a delay pedal inspired by the old tape-echo devices of decades past, built into a compact pedalboard-friendly box. Where most modern delays are fully digital, Mr. Black builds the Tapex 2 around pure analog pre-amps and output drivers, which the maker says gives it a vintage character, and Pedal of the Day found it "easily harkens back to decades past"12. It covers 43mS to 808mS of delay time, from tight slapback to long ambient repeats1.
A tape-echo inspired delay with analog pre-amps
The Tapex 2 takes its cue from the tape-echo machines that guitarists used before digital delay existed: units where the signal ran through a loop of tape and the repeats carried the wobble, wear and saturation of the medium. Mr. Black describes the pedal as inspired by "the old tape-echo devices of a time not forgotten," and says it "sounds like heaven too"1. The repeats are voiced by the pedal's two tape modes, covered below.
The analog side matters to how the pedal sits in a rig. The pre-amps and output drivers that frame the delay are pure analog circuits, so your dry signal and the delayed signal pass through analog stages rather than a full digital conversion chain12.
Pedal of the Day reviewed the Tapex 2 and summed up its appeal:
"Using pure analog pre-amps and output drivers, the Tapex 2 easily harkens back to decades past"
The controls, modes and presets
The Tapex 2 keeps its control set simple. The Level knob sets the echo level, and the delay time range runs from 43ms to 808ms, which Pedal of the Day found left "enough here for everyone to enjoy"2.
| Control or feature | What it does |
|---|---|
| Level | Sets the echo level2 |
| Time | Sets delay time, 43mS to 808mS1 |
| Choice and Damaged I tape modes | Two tape-echo voicings selectable on the pedal1 |
| Recall footswitch | Brings up a preset you create, switching between it and your current settings2 |
| Preset Save/Recall | Simple save and recall of your settings1 |
The two tape modes, Choice and Damaged I, are the heart of the pedal's vintage character: Mr. Black presents them as the choice of tape condition, from a healthy tape to a worn one1. The Recall footswitch lets you store a preset and move between it and your live knob settings without bending down2.
Inputs, outputs and expression control
The Tapex 2 is a true-stereo pedal, but its two inputs do different jobs, which is worth understanding before you patch it up1:
- Left Input: delay input with dry pass-through1
- Right Input: dry pass-through only1
- Left and Right Outputs: the delay output appears on both1
For expression and tempo control, the pedal has an optional expression control input, assignable on the fly to any control, and an optional tap-tempo input1. Pedal of the Day found the Expression jack can also serve as an external tap tempo switch, and the reviewer plugged in an external expression pedal to control the Time knob, calling it "a great hands-free way" to work the delay hands-free2.
Power and bypass
The Tapex 2 runs on industry standard 9VDC, described by Mr. Black as pedalboard and daisy chain friendly, with a current draw of less than 70mA1. Pedal of the Day noted you can also power it with up to 18VDC "for more punch and headroom, and more vintage tonality"2. When you bypass the pedal, the repeats trail off naturally rather than cutting dead, thanks to trailing repeats on bypass1.
Mr. Black also sells B-stock Tapex 2 units at $239.95 USD. All B-stock sales are final, with no returns, exchanges or refunds, though the units carry the standard 1-year Mr. Black warranty3.
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Questions
What is the delay time range of the Mr. Black Tapex 2?
The Tapex 2 covers 43mS to 808mS of delay time, per Mr. Black's product page. That range spans tight slapback echoes through to long, spaced-out repeats, and Pedal of the Day noted there is enough there for everyone to enjoy.
Does the Tapex 2 have trailing repeats?
Yes. Mr. Black lists trailing repeats on bypass as a feature, so your echoes continue to decay naturally after you switch the pedal off instead of cutting dead.
Can the Tapex 2 be used in stereo?
Yes. It has complementary true-stereo inputs and outputs, with the delay output appearing on both the Left and Right outputs. The Right Input passes dry signal only, while the Left Input feeds the delay with dry pass-through.
How much current does the Tapex 2 draw?
Mr. Black specifies a draw of less than 70mA. It runs on industry standard 9VDC pedalboard and daisy chain friendly power, and Pedal of the Day noted you can power it with up to 18VDC for more punch and headroom.
Does the Tapex 2 have tap tempo?
Yes, as an optional tap-tempo input. The Expression jack can also be used for an external tap tempo switch if you want one, per Pedal of the Day's review.
Can I connect an expression pedal to the Tapex 2?
Yes. It has an optional expression control input, assignable on the fly to any control. Pedal of the Day plugged in an external expression pedal to control the Time knob, calling it a great hands-free way to work the delay.
Sources (3)
- Tapex 2 - Mr. Black, Mr. Black
- Mr. Black Pedals Tapex 2 Stereophonic Tape Echo, Pedal of the Day, 2018-03-28
- Tapex 2 B-stock, Mr. Black
