The Pigtronix Echolution 3 is a stereo multi-tap delay pedal from Pigtronix, announced in September 2021 as the third pedal in the Echolution line123. Where a standard delay repeats the whole signal at one interval, a multi-tap delay splits the repeats into several taps, each with its own timing, and the Echolution 3 can pan those taps across a stereo field so they switch sides on each repeat3.
Pigtronix positioned it as a streamlined follow up to the Echolution 2, with what the launch announcement called "a streamlined user interface, remarkably hi-fidelity audio, and more selective sound design options than ever before"4. It launched at $299 USD1.
What it does to your sound
The core of the pedal is its multi-tap structure: several delay taps that can be spaced at different intervals rather than a single repeating echo. The stereo ping pong effect makes those taps switch sides on each repeat, so with two amps or a stereo rig the repeats bounce between the left and right channels3.
Two modes push it beyond a conventional delay. Jump mode, which Pigtronix describes as unique to the Echolution 3, makes the delay lines jump up one octave on each repeat, so successive repeats climb in pitch7. Reverse mode makes the delay line run backwards2.
"Echolution 3's unique Jump mode allows your delay lines to jump up one octave on each repeat."
The controls: Time, Tap Tempo and the subdivisions
Delay times from 100ms to 5 seconds are set either with the Time knob or with tap tempo on the left footswitch2. The pedal uses a double footswitch layout, which Pigtronix says lets you control and layer effects, including reverse swells, from the front of the unit rather than reaching for knobs mid-phrase8.
The subdivisions menu offers three options2:
| Subdivision | What it does |
|---|---|
| Full note | Repeats at the tapped interval |
| 3/4 | Creates a dotted eighth note delay4 |
| Golden Ratio | Uses 0.382 as the multiplier for the second tap2 |
The Golden Ratio setting is the unusual one. Instead of placing the second tap on a musical subdivision, it multiplies the tapped time by 0.382, an irrational number, so the taps never line up with a simple rhythmic grid. Premier Guitar's announcement described it as using "the sacred geometry of the Golden Ratio (.382) as the multiplier for the second tap"4. The idea is not new to the line: the Echolution 2 Deluxe already offered the golden ratio PHI among its tap subdivisions, alongside 1, 3/4, 2/3 and 1/29.
The Mod knob selects and sets modulation Speed, Depth and Tone, and holding its push button syncs the modulation Speed to the tap tempo, so the warble tracks whatever tempo you have tapped2.
Presets, MIDI and expansion
The Echolution 3 stores up to 4 presets2. The Preset Select push button toggles through them; press and hold to select, and after making changes, press and hold again to save2.
For players running larger boards, the pedal has comprehensive MIDI control3 and a MIDI sync input on the rear panel6. It can also be expanded with the Pigtronix Universal Remote footswitch, which connects to its own input and, according to Delicious Audio, unlocks hidden features12.
Echolution, Echolution 2 and the third version
The Echolution line is one of Pigtronix's longest running families. Delicious Audio noted that no other Pigtronix pedal "has gone through as many variations and evolutions as the appropriately named Echolution"2. The family includes the first Echolution analog delay, the Echolution 2 and Echolution 2 Deluxe, and the Echolution 2 Filter Pro10.
The Echolution 2 generation, launched in 2013 as a fully programmable series, was described by Guitar World as "a massively flexible multi-tap stereo modulation delay" with customizable filter, LFO and pitch shifting options, expression pedal and envelope control of every knob, and complete MIDI control of every function11. The Echolution 3 trims that feature set down: MusicRadar described it as following the Echolution and Echolution 2, and Delicious Audio called the third version a more focused pedal with a much smaller case than the previous version12.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day reviewed the Echolution and called it "an all-encompassing echo unit that sure to dazzle and inspire"10.
"the latest Echolution 3 Stereo Multi-Tap Delay, an all-encompassing echo unit that sure to dazzle and inspire"
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Questions
Is the Pigtronix Echolution 3 true bypass?
No. Guitar World reported that the Echolution 3 uses buffered bypass rather than true bypass. A buffered bypass keeps a buffer in the signal path when the pedal is off, which some players prefer on long cable runs and others avoid because it colors the bypassed tone slightly.
What is the longest delay time on the Echolution 3?
The delay time ranges from 100ms to 5 seconds. That top end is long enough for ambient repeats and slow, evolving soundscapes, and the whole range can be set either with the Time knob or with tap tempo on the left footswitch.
How many presets does the Echolution 3 hold?
It stores up to 4 presets. The Preset Select push button toggles through them, and pressing and holding it selects or saves: after making changes, you press and hold to save the current settings into a preset slot.
Does the Echolution 3 have MIDI?
Yes. MusicPlayers.com described it as having comprehensive MIDI control, and the pedal carries a MIDI sync input among its connections. MIDI lets you sync delay times and switch sounds from an external controller rather than bending down at the pedal.
What does the Golden Ratio setting do on the Echolution 3?
It sets the spacing of the multi-taps using the Golden Ratio, 0.382, as the multiplier for the second tap. Instead of repeats landing on even musical subdivisions, they fall at an irrational interval, which produces a less predictable, more textured echo pattern.
Sources (11)
- It looks like third time's the charm for the Pigtronix Echolution 3 multi-tap stereo modulation delay pedal, MusicRadar, 2021-09-29
- Pigtronix Echolution 3 Multi-Tap Stereo Delay, Delicious Audio, 2023-06-19
- Introducing Echolution 3, MusicPlayers.com, 2021-10-06
- Pigtronix Releases the Echolution 3, Premier Guitar, 2021-09-28
- Pigtronix takes its delay game to the next level with slimmed-down, powerful Echolution 3 pedal, Guitar World, 2021-09-28
- Pigtronix introduces new revamped Echolution 3 Stereo Multi-Tap Delay, gearnews.com, 2021-09-29
- Pedals - Pigtronix, Pigtronix, 2021-01-18
- Artists - Pigtronix, Pigtronix, 2023-10-12
- Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe Delay, Pedal of the Day, 2016-09-01
- Pigtronix Echolution 3 Stereo Multi-Tap Delay, Pedal of the Day, 2023-02-10
- Pigtronix Ships New Echolution 2 Pedals, Launches Website, Offers Free Upgrade to All E2 Users, Guitar World, 2015-10-19
