Catalinbread Belle Epoch +

From the Echoplex EP-3 to Today's Pedalboards

A direct heir to the Echoplex culture, the Belle Epoch + draws inspiration from the spirit of the legendary EP-3: a musical, lively tape echo with that extra character that transforms a simple phrase into a memorable line. This "+" version takes the original idea further with a revisited preamp (wider dynamic range, more "hi-fi" feel), smoother bypass management, and features designed for modern demands: foot-operated tempo, tape "aging" variations, and better consistency in a contemporary effects chain.

An Expressive Tape Delay for Stage, Studio, and Demanding Pedalboards

The Belle Epoch + is aimed at guitarists who want the depth and organic feel of a tape echo type delay without the maintenance or unpredictability of vintage gear. It fits perfectly in rock, indie, surf, blues, psychedelic, and ambient styles: tight slapback, singing echoes for solos, rhythmic textures in clean tones, or wide stereo illusion washes (even in mono, the depth is very present). Thanks to its attack response, it highlights both pick playing and finger nuances, and remains very comfortable from club to studio, in rhythm or lead.

Foot Controls, "Tape Age" and Bypass: A True "+" Version

Everything is designed to be fast and musical. The Tap Tempo is controlled via a soft-touch footswitch: holding it instantly enters Tap mode, and another hold returns the pedal to normal operation-convenient for locking in a tempo on stage without interrupting the playing flow. The 3 "Tape Age" programs vary the tape feel: the older the setting, the more texture and character the repeats gain, as if the echo naturally ages over time.

The redesigned mix helps the delay blend naturally with the dry signal without masking the attack. Finally, work on the buffer, impedances, and bypass options allows adapting the pedal to your setup: placement at the start/end of the chain, cable lengths, dense pedalboards, etc. You maintain better definition and a more stable feel, even in complex rigs.

Sound

The Belle Epoch + delivers three-dimensional, slightly compressed repeats with the subtle harmonic saturation typical of the EP-3 character. Attacks remain clear while delay tails stack in a very musical way. There is also a discreet wow & flutter style modulation, ideal for achieving that organic movement that makes the sound "breathe."

In practice, it naturally shifts from tight, percussive slapback to longer, singing echoes while maintaining excellent articulation. This is the kind of delay that doesn't just repeat: it dresses the sound, enriches the mids, and adds immediate depth, especially flattering on an already expressive amp.

Technical specifications

Effects	Delay	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	Black
Type	sector

3 "Tape Age" programs (tape wear

new, moderate, vintage)

Consumption

approximately 60 mA