Keeley Magnetic Echo

A Tape Echo Inspired by Vintage Machines, in the Keeley Spirit

Tape delay is one of the most musical effects in guitar history: slightly filtered repeats, natural compression, and especially those micro speed variations that make the sound "breathe." The Keeley Magnetic Echo follows this tradition by offering a compact and reliable approach, designed for modern pedalboards while preserving the essential "tape" character: a softer echo than a very clean digital delay, with a texture that immediately fits into a mix.

Its circuit based on a PT-2399 embraces a more organic and slightly lo-fi aesthetic, ideal for recapturing the sensation of an echo that colors just enough. The result: a vintage-inspired delay, but quickly adjustable and reproducible on stage or in the studio.

Who Is the Magnetic Echo Made For and Which Styles?

The Magnetic Echo is aimed both at beginner guitarists seeking a simple and musical delay and at experienced musicians looking for a "tape"-style echo without menus or unnecessary functions. Its delay range from 40 ms to 600 ms covers most essential uses: snappy slap-back, rhythmic repeats, wider pads, and ambient textures.

It excels in styles where delay should add depth without stealing the spotlight: blues, rock, country, indie, surf, and also in ambient contexts when modulation and repeats are pushed. Live, it helps the guitar take space without increasing volume. In the studio, it adds natural depth and an immediately "record-ready" color.

Controls, Modulation, and Behavior: An Expressive Pedal

The Keeley Magnetic Echo combines an analog/lo-fi delay footprint with a filtered echo : repeats blend more easily behind the playing, avoiding the overly bright or intrusive effect of some modern delays. This filtering contributes to the "tape" illusion and leaves room for attacks, especially with crunch or overdrive tones.

The pedal's greatest strength is its SeaFoam Chorus-style modulation, applied only to the repeats: a slight pitch shift simulating the speed variations of a mechanical system. The Depth and Speed controls allow precise adjustment of the flutter: subtle to thicken a lead, or more pronounced to achieve very inspiring "wavy" repeats in arpeggios.

With a range from 40 ms to 600 ms, the Magnetic Echo goes from tight slap-back to longer delays. And if you like effects that interact with your playing, it can reach self-oscillation : perfect for phrase endings, transitions, or experimental textures, all while remaining in a simple-to-master pedal format.

Sound Signature

The Magnetic Echo offers a warm and slightly textured sonic signature, with repeats that naturally round out. The lo-fi aspect remains musical: it adds character, gives a more "analog" feel, and avoids the coldness of a too-clinical delay. Attacks stay clear, while the echo sits behind the note, like an extension rather than a duplicate.

The modulation brings a very expressive dimension: at low depth, it provides a discreet movement that makes chords wider and solos more singing. Increasing Depth and Speed yields a true "worn tape" behavior, with more pronounced flutter, ideal for vintage atmospheres, dreamy intros, or almost chorused repeats. The pedal responds well to dynamics: pick attack, guitar volume, and playing dynamics influence the perception of repeats, making it particularly enjoyable on a feeling-oriented pedalboard.

Technical specifications

Effects	Delay	Type	sector
Technology	Digital	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	Green

Delay range	40 ms to 600 ms	Weight	277 g
Modulation settings	Depth (pitch depth) and Speed (modulation speed)	Required voltage	9V DC (center negative)
Polarity	center negative	Consumption	45 mA
Dimensions	112 x 68 x 51 mm