Description
The Fish Circuits Echo Limiteur is a hybrid analog/digital delay with up to 1150ms of delay time and an onboard limiter circuit that can dynamically control the feedback. It's built around the MN3005 analog delay chip, pushed to the edge of its stable range, which means longer delay times produce the kind of lo-fi, degraded repeats you'd expect from a tape echo or a worn-out analog unit. A PT2399 digital chip extends the range when cleaner, longer repeats are needed.
The limiter is the most distinctive feature here. It dynamically reduces the feedback level of the delay and can be triggered by the dry signal, the wet signal, or both — giving you infinite repeats that self-regulate, repeats that reset with each picked note, or simply two distinct feedback volume levels depending on which Swell setting is active. It's a flexible tool that rewards experimentation.
Controls
Swell A / Swell B are two independently set feedback controls, switchable via the left footswitch. Both range from a single repeat to infinite, distorted feedback. Only Swell B is affected by the limiter. When the limiter is triggered, the Swell B indicator shifts from red to a red-green hue — a useful visual reference for dialing in the Limit, Trig, and Rel controls.
Limit sets both the sensitivity of the limiter trigger and the aggressiveness of the limiting itself. Lower settings are less sensitive and more subtle; higher settings trigger more easily and reduce feedback more dramatically.
Trig selects what triggers the limiter: the wet signal, the dry signal, or both (center position). This is the best starting point when exploring the limiter behavior.
Rel (Release) controls how quickly the limiter stops limiting. Slow release extends the effect; fast release shortens it. If the limiter doesn't seem to be doing much despite the indicator lighting up, try a slower release. If it's limiting too aggressively or for too long, try a faster setting.
Echo sets the delay time, from short to long. Lo-fi character begins to appear in the last quarter of the pot's range regardless of the Rng toggle position.
Rng switches between two delay ranges. In the Lo position, the range runs from very short up to approximately 650ms — useful for tighter control over short delay times or for reaching lo-fi territory sooner. In the Hi position, the range extends to approximately 1150ms, allowing for cleaner repeats across a wider span before the lo-fi character kicks in at the far end.
Blend controls the wet/dry mix. At zero, no repeats come through. At maximum, the repeats exceed the dry signal level. When using Swell B with the limiter active, the effective output level of the repeats will vary depending on how the limiter is set.
Specs
Dimensions: 6" x 5.25" x 2.5"
Weight: 2.3 lbs
Power: 9V DC, negative tip, 2.1mm barrel
Current Draw: 60mA
Made in Canada.
