One of the smallest “free running tape” units around. It has a great selection of inputs and outputs, and the motor speed is variable (although the adjustment knob is located under the plexiglass, not on the front panel). The write head is a “sliding” type, which is probably why the motor speed knob is not on the front: you can adjust delay time by sliding the head.
Unfortunately, the pinch roller can’t be disengaged without actually removing its tension spring, which always makes me a bit nervous: I have to rotate the pinch roller every now and then to ensure that no “notch” will form on the pinch roller… Not the best for long term storage.
Another model was released at the same time, the EE-6, with less features than the ES-5 but a similar look and layout. Here they are on the cover of an old Evans catalog (sorry, it’s the only image I have):
Technical Info / Service Notes
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Evans Corporation (Tokyo, Japan) |
| Date | Probably 70s |
| List price | |
| Transport type | Free running tape |
| Motor speed | Variable (Control knob under cover) |
| Playback heads | |
| Head selection | Three switches: "swell", "repeat" and "echo" |
| Delay time | |
| Inputs | 5 (2 x mic input with volume pot, -20 dBV, -26dBV, from PA -10dBV) |
| Outputs | 3 |
| Wet output only | Yes, PA out is wet only |
| Pinch roller | No disengage mechanism from capstan |
| Tone control | Tone balance knob for delayed signal |
| Remote Control | Echo on/off jack |
| Operating Voltage | |
| Related models | Other Evans "Super Echo" models, especially the ES-1, but also the VE-80, Nova 400, EE-3, SE-780 |
Gallery
Hi
I was wondering if you had access to the service manual of the Evans Super Echo ES-5.
Many thanks
Neil