El Capistan（Gen1）

Name: strymon El Capistan（Gen1）
Brand: strymon

The original El Capistan, recreating tape echo. It models the behaviors unique to magnetic tape, including tape saturation, wow-and-flutter movement, and echo-sound changes from manipulating the Bias range.

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The original El Capistan that gave birth to dTape

The first-generation dTape machine, developed through exhaustive analysis of outstanding vintage tape echoes made in the UK, US, and Japan. It reproduces tape's characteristic saturation, wow-and-flutter movement, and even the tonal changes from Bias.

Three tape head modes

fixed keeps the head position fixed and adjusts the tape speed, multi selects two of three heads in a multi-head arrangement, and single fixes the tape speed and sets the time by head distance in a sliding style. Together they cover the essence of both fixed-head and fixed-speed machines.

Sound on sound

single mode's C setting repeats recordings like a moving-head machine, working as a tape-style looper with a settable tape splice and one-shot erase. Recording time is 20 seconds at low speed and 10 seconds at high speed.

Secondary functions

Each knob's secondary function allows Tape Bias adjustment, recreation of tape friction and crinkle, and emulation of tape echoes with built-in reverb, bringing it close to the many tape echoes of history. The input is never AD-converted, staying in an analog mix, with +4dB line-level input also supported.

Three tape head modes: fixed, multi, and single
Sound on sound with a settable tape splice
Secondary functions adjusting Tape Bias and tape wear
Analog mix circuit that bypasses AD conversion
Effect level adjustment of plus or minus 3dB
FAVORITE preset via an optional footswitch

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Specifications

Manufacturer	strymonOpens in a new tab
Product	El Capistan（Gen1）Opens in a new tab
Type	Compact pedal
Functions	Delay
Release year	2010
Power	9VDC, center negative
Current draw	250mA
Dimensions	W102 × H67 × D117 mm
Bypass	Switchable
Status	Discontinued