Introduction of the Belle Epoch +
Catalinbread Effects has officially introduced the Belle Epoch +, a new compact delay pedal that features a tap tempo function for the first time in its product line. This launch enhances the capabilities of the brand’s traditional tape echo simulator, which has undergone a circuit redesign, headroom adjustments, and a reassessment of its operational parameters.
Simplified Operation
The pedal employs a simplified activation system: holding down the footswitch engages the tap tempo mode; pressing it again returns the device to bypass mode. In addition to this new feature, the Belle Epoch + has received an increase in headroom, a redesign of the Mix control, a revised buffer bypass, the discrete application of a noise gate, and standardized impedance for more predictable integration with various guitar setups.
Recalibrated Pre-Amplifier
The pre-amplifier, a central element of the design, has been recalibrated to deliver a broader dynamic range while preserving the response and performance characteristics of the original Echoplex, a historical reference for tape delays. According to the manufacturer, the goal was to maintain the crystalline character of the classic circuit but with improved stability and high fidelity performance.
Operational Modes
The pedal also debuts three operational modes that simulate different levels of wear on the virtual tape, ranging from a “factory fresh” response to the sound of a unit that has aged after decades of use and storage. With these revisions, the Belle Epoch + positions itself as a technical evolution of the series, incorporating contemporary features while maintaining the sonic aesthetics that consolidated the previous model’s popularity among studio and stage guitarists.
Availability
The Belle Epoch + is now available on the Catalinbread Effects website at a promotional price of $203.99, excluding taxes and fees. To see the pedal in action, view the following review:
