The T-Rex Replicator is a real-tape delay pedal from T-Rex, the Danish effects maker. Unlike a digital or analog bucket-brigade delay, it produces its repeats by running actual tape across playback heads, and T-Rex built it with a 100% analog signal path. It was released in late 2015, with stock expected to hit dealers in January1.
What it does to your sound
Because the repeats come off real tape, the Replicator is aimed at the character of vintage tape echo. Gearnews reported that players "will get some really authentic sounding old school delay sounds that modern equipment is always struggling to replicate"1. The unit is based on a traditional tape delay design, not unlike the WEM Delay units from the late '60s and early '70s1.
Heads, modes and expression control
The Replicator uses two playback heads, which give it three modes of operation1. In practice that means you can choose between different head combinations for different echo characters, in the way traditional multi-head tape machines did. An expression pedal input lets you control time and feedback with your foot1, which is unusual on a tape delay at this price.
The Replicator family
T-Rex has since expanded the line into a family of real-tape delays:
- Replicator: the original full-size tape echo, hand built in Denmark, with two playback heads, three modes of operation, true bypass and expression pedal control of time and feedback1
- Replicator Junior: a smaller tape echo announced in May 2017, described as "a super cute and really dinky 100% analogue real tape delay" that uses little tape spools, with the whole system 100% analog2
- Replicator D'Luxe: listed by GuitarPlayer as type Analog/Real Tape, with controls for delay time, feedback, delay level, saturation, kill dry, short, long, on/off and tap tempo3
| Version | What it is | Key details |
|---|---|---|
| Replicator | Full-size real-tape delay | Two playback heads, three modes, true bypass, expression control of time and feedback, hand built in Denmark1 |
| Replicator Junior | Mini tape echo | 100% analog, uses little tape spools, announced May 20172 |
| Replicator D'Luxe | Analog/Real Tape delay | Delay time, feedback, delay level, saturation, kill dry, short, long, on/off and tap tempo controls; $422.00 / £379.00 / 449.00€ in April 20234 |
GuitarPlayer's guide notes that because the D'Luxe is a genuine tape delay, "you do need to purchase the tape cartridges separately and will need to replace them" over time3.
As with any real-tape delay, the tape is a consumable: on the D'Luxe, tape cartridges are bought separately and replaced as they wear3.
T-Rex also makes other echo designs, including the digital Replica and the Binson Echorec magnetic disk delay, but the Replicator line is the company's real-tape family. For more on the effect type, see Delay Pedals.
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Questions
Is the T-Rex Replicator analog or digital?
It is analog. T-Rex describes the Replicator as having a 100% analog signal path, and it is a genuine tape delay: the echo is produced by tape running across heads, not by a digital chip. GuitarPlayer lists the related Replicator D'Luxe as type Analog/Real Tape.
Is the T-Rex Replicator true bypass?
Yes. The Replicator is true bypass, so when it is switched off your guitar signal passes through without the pedal's circuitry in the way.
Where is the T-Rex Replicator made?
The Replicator is hand built in Denmark, where T-Rex is based.
Can you use an expression pedal with the Replicator?
Yes. The Replicator offers expression pedal control of time and feedback, so you can sweep the delay time and the number of repeats with your foot while playing.
What tape delays is the Replicator similar to?
Gearnews describes it as based on a traditional tape delay unit, not unlike the WEM Delay units from the late '60s and early '70s.
How much does the T-Rex Replicator cost?
When it was announced in December 2015, gearnews reported the Replicator as an actual tape delay for under a grand, meaning under $1000. The later Replicator D'Luxe was listed at $422.00 in April 2023.
Sources (4)
- T Rex Replicator is finally released! Yes, an actual Tape Delay for under a grand., gearnews.com, 2015-12-17
- T-Rex Replicator Junior Tape Echo, gearnews.com, 2017-05-12
- Best delay pedals 2026: from slapback to space age, GuitarPlayer (www.guitarplayer.com), 2023-07-26
- T-Rex Binson Echorec Magnetic Disk Delay, gearnews.com, 2023-04-14
