BINSON ECHOREC B 2 (Baby 2)

Youtube demos below: the first is with a simple waveform from a Pearl Syncussion to clearly show the machine’s strengths and weaknesses; the second is a Telecaster; the third a Funkbox 808 pattern. In all three demos, there is no further processing: the Binson is plugged directly into the desk and sound is via the studio monitors.

B2 serial number 1501.

It has just had a thorough overhaul and calibration to ensure the best possible operation. There is however some wear to the disc/heads and it’s not a pristine/perfect example. All Binsons display a level of hiss and some distortion on the repeats; I’ve tested this one against our two benchmark machines (a Baby that was totally rebuilt by Eric Snowball at ESE Music and an exceptional early Echorec 2) and it performs well, but does display higher levels of hiss/distortion than these two machines. It can be heard most clearly in the first YouTube demo above. As can be heard in the second two demos, in practice the hiss isn’t a major hindrance (unless you’re after modern clean sound in which case a 50 year old Binson isn’t the right choice) and the level of distortion on the repeats can be very pleasing. This is a great creative machine – but not for you if you want perfect clean echoes.

Many Binsons sold on Ebay as working well (even ones that have been serviced and rewired) are not always up to scratch and this one betters many we’ve seen.

The repeats are thick and creamy and inspire creativity – the preamp is great. There’s a little motor noise evident at high levels when listening through studio monitors – these machines were designed to be used with guitar amps, but we also test via full range monitors.

The motor can take a little time to get up to speed if it’s not been used for some time, but the disc spins smoothly (machines can even require a nudge to get started if they’ve not been used for many months – this one doesn’t). It will effortlessly spin into self-oscillation if required (this can be adjusted via the internal trimpot for more subtle or extreme effects) 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.

These machines need regular use and maintenance to remain in good working order.

They are very delicate: minute adjustments are made to the heads’ positions for optimum performance, so it is possible that this machine may need to be calibrated again after shipping (most withstand shipping with careful packing, but the buyer should be prepared to have this done if required).

(Please note: it is always possible with vintage equipment that some crackly pots/sliders may develop over time when equipment has not been used – even during shipping – this can usually be easily rectified either by use or judicious application of suitable switch-cleaning spray).

It has a voltage selector so can be used anywhere in the world without modification.