Boonar shares the same analog signal path as original Echorec but uses high voltage driven FETs as tube emulators & replaces the magnetic memory drum with a DSP unit. A special DSP code accurately produces all the characteristics of the Binson memory system that we named a virtual magnetic drum.
FEATURES:
Volume echo/repeat/swell
Controls the output volume of the delayed signal coming from the playback heads
Bass/Treble
Adjusts the EQ of the delay signal. Just like in original Echorec machine, this effect is subtle
Swell (Length of swell)
Sets the amount of regeneration/number of repeats from single repeat (slap back delay-Echo mode) of each playback head to infinite. On the edge of self - oscillation Boonar will start to produce those specific luscious swells that bubble, creating a complex wall of sound
Drum speed
Sets the rotational speed of the virtual magnetic drum which is directly proportional to the delay time of the machine. Unlike Binson Echorec with fixed drum speed and delay time of 300ms max on the 4th playback head, Boonar provides delay times from ~40 ms on the 1st playback head up to a full second (1000 ms) on the 4th playback head! Fully clockwise setting corresponds to the fastest drum speed hence shortest delay times. Binson Echorec delay time setting is at 3 o'clock.
Drum age
This control adds all those sweet aging characteristics specific to Binson Echorec. When new Echorec repeats are bright, metallic sounding and repeat pretty accurately. But with aging there is a slight loss in volume & high frequencies due to a wear/poor playback heads alignment & a unique modulation is introduced in the delay signal. T
With Drum Age control set to zero (fully clockwise), there is a minimum aging effects present in the delay signal. Increasing it to 12 o'clock will add a subtle amount of modulation producing a pleasant wow effect, while on maximum will introduce a nice warble with noticeable loss in high frequency and volume on the playback heads.
Input control
Controls the level of the input signal to the delay path. This control enables Boonar to accept all kinds of instruments with various signal levels. Cranking the Input Control all the way up will produce those beautiful overdrive effects on the delay, specific to the Binson Echorec.
Playback heads
Binson Echorec had a 12-position rotational switch that was used to select different playback heads and combinations for single and multi-tap delay. We added a separate playback heads switches for a maximum of 16 possible head combinations. All four playback heads outputs are true analog.
Level Indicator
The Level Indicator called a "magic-eye" displays the level of input signal and repeats.
Swell/Repeats
Switches between standard Repeats mode - a multiple repetitions depending on the Swell control potentiometer and a Swell mode which puts a portion of signal from all four playback heads into the output mixer to produce those reverb - like, "cathedral tone" effects.
Trails/True bypass
Boonar utilizes both True bypass and Trails mode simply interchangeable by setting internal DIP switches according to the provided scheme. Trails mode keeps Boonar's preamp and output buffer engaged keeping that juicy Binson Echorec tube tone always on, and when bypassed echoes keep repeating until they naturally decay. Trails mode is factory preset.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
- MkII model
- Power Input Voltage: 9V DC
- Power input connector: 5.5mm / 2.1mm barrel connector (Center Negative)
- Power Consumption: ~ 180mA
- Size: 4.4” x 2.3”
