The Strymon Volante Magnetic Echo Machine is a delay pedal that aims at vintage magnetic echo sounds. It drew a strong reception on release: pre-orders sold out in seconds, and reviews praised its ease of use and musicality.12
Three echo engines
The Volante's three modes each model a different kind of magnetic echo machine31:
| Engine | What it models |
|---|---|
| Drum Echo | Old magnetic drum echo effects1 |
| Tape Echo | Traditional tape-based echoes1 |
| Studio Delay | Old reel-to-reel machines, giving cleaner delays with less degradation1 |
Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio described the pedal as "a delay/looper that aims at giving the modern guitarist three of the most sought-after vintage delay sounds: tape echo, drum, and reel-to-reel."3
Controls and connectivity
The front panel goes beyond a simple echo circuit. The Mechanics knob controls the amount of mechanical speed fluctuations and irregularities, so you can set how much of the wobble of a real magnetic machine comes through.1 More broadly, Delicious Audio notes that the "controls allow you to fine-tune the character, fidelity, brightness and age of the delay, for more or less vintage-sounding results."3
For players who run their boards hands-free, the Volante carries both MIDI control and an input for an external footswitch.1 Alongside the echo engines, Hold and Sound On Sound looper options are available.1
Reception
The pedal drew attention from the start: pre-orders sold out in seconds, and reviews praised its ease of use and musicality, with one review calling it "definitely one to check out if you're looking for a premium delay pedal."4
It sits in Strymon's delay line alongside the El Capistan dTape Echo, the Timeline and the DIG, and belongs to the broader family of delay pedals4.
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Rhett Shull
Andertons Music Co
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Questions
Does the Strymon Volante have MIDI?
Yes. The Volante has MIDI control, reported by gearnews.com when the pedal was announced at NAMM 2019. It can also take an external footswitch, giving players hands-free control over the echo and looper functions alongside the onboard knobs and switches.
What are the three echo modes on the Volante?
The Volante offers three engines based on vintage magnetic echo machines: Drum Echo, which mimics old magnetic drum echo effects; Tape Echo, for traditional tape-based echoes; and Studio Delay, a second tape emulation modeled on old reel-to-reel machines that gives cleaner delays with less degradation.
Does the Volante have a looper?
Yes. Delicious Audio describes the Volante as a delay/looper, and gearnews.com notes Hold and Sound On Sound options are available, so you can record loops or freeze repeats alongside the three echo engines.
What does the Mechanics knob do?
The Mechanics knob controls the amount of mechanical speed fluctuations and irregularities in the echo, letting you dial in how much of the wobble and wear of a real magnetic echo machine comes through, from steady and clean to noticeably vintage.
What was the Volante's pre-order price?
The pre-order RRP in the United States was USD 399, as reported by gearnews.com at the pedal's January 2019 announcement. By July 2023, Guitar World listed the Volante Magnetic Tape Delay at $429.
Can I add an external footswitch to the Volante?
Yes. gearnews.com's NAMM 2019 report states you can attach an external footswitch to the Volante, which extends its control options beyond the front panel for live use.
Sources (4)
- NAMM 2019: Strymon Volante Magnetic Echo Machine hones in on vintage delay effects, gearnews.com, 2019-01-10
- Strymon's push towards compact pedals continues with its most affordable delay unit yet, Guitar World, 2023-07-19
- Best Guitar Pedals Of 2019, Delicious Audio, 2020-02-07
- Best guitar effect pedals 2019: Our Top 6 by Strymon, ThorpyFX, EHX, Boss, Origin, Wampler, gearnews.com, 2019-12-27
