BINSON ECHOREC BABY

We’ve tested this against our benchmark Baby (a pristine machine restored by Eric at ESE Music/Binson UK) and it performs superbly.

Everything works as it should and this unit sounds very good indeed – not to be confused with the tired and poorly-maintained machines that periodically show up on Ebay. The first four presets are simple single head delays, followed by another eight combination settings which create the unmistakable Binson halo-style reverb sound: think Hank Marvin. There’s just the right amount of modulation to create those wonderfully rich and warm timbres that are so evocative.

The motor starts well and the disc spins smoothly and quietly (Binsons can be slow to get started if they’ve not been used for a while). It will go into self-oscillation if required (this can be adjusted via the internal trimpot) and is capable of all sorts of cosmic noises – Binsons do tend to encourage experimental noise-mongering. The repeats are not hifi – this is after all 50 year-old technology – if you want perfect repeats, buy a digital delay.

Binson Echorecs are amazingly designed and engineered: where a tape echo’s (ie Copicat) input sound is recorded to tape, on a Binson it is recorded onto a circular spinning disc which has replay heads poisitioned around it. It is possible to select single and repeating echoes or reverb-like swells – these units have a sound all of their own. The green Magic Eye valve glows with the level of signal and looks fantastic at night (or on a darkened stage).

Authentic fifties slapback echo, Hank Marvin, psychedelic Syd Barrett, Pink Floyd, Jimmy Page/Led Zeppelin: all these sounds and more can be had from this little baby.

Now fitted with an IEC socket for safety, the fuse holder incorporates a voltage selector so it can be used worldwide without an additional transformer. This unit has a German faceplate.

There is some residue from very old gaffa tape on the bottom of the case, though this should come off with careful cleaning.

It sounds fantastic and inspires creativity when you play through it – whoever buys this will be getting a great machine in excellent operational condition which should give many years good service. Being a good quality valve unit, it also sounds wonderful as a pre-amp.

The photos clearly show the excellent cosmetic condition this is in.

There are currently no operational issues with this unit at all, but please be aware that these units require looking after and that regular maintenance is the key to keeping this in good working order.

For optimal performance, the jockey-wheel, motor pin and flywheel should be kept clean; the magnetic band should be regularly cleaned and oiled; the heads should be regularly cleaned.