Line 6 Echo Farm TDM Plug-in

by J. Arif Verner

lineFor those who don't know, Line 6 specialises in digital modelling of classic gear, and has been turning out clever equipment for the guitarist market for some time, including
the famed POD processors. It's first foray into TDM plug-ins was with Amp Farm, an extremely popular recreation of various classic guitar amps and speakers. Fans of Amp Farm will definitely want to check out Echo Farm, the company's newest offering.

Using the same patented modelling technology, Line 6 serves up a healthy dose of old-school echo and delay effects. Based primarily on the analogue stomp boxes and tape echo units of yesteryear, Line 6 nails the classic effects without all the temperamental noises and buzzes often found in these old effects boxes.

So what is included in this plug-in package? Going back in a time capsule, there are models of the Maestro EP-1 tube and EP-3 solidstate Echoplex, Roland RE-101 Space Echo, Boss DM-2 Analog Delay, Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man and Dynamic Delay (à la TC Electronics 2290). Other effects include a Lo Res Delay (variable from 6 to 24 bits), Sweep Echo (filter-sweep delay), and Digital Delay with Modulation, Ping Pong, Reverse and Auto-Volume Echo. Also cool, the plug-in has a retro 3-D look with pop-up windows describing each vintage effects box.

Echo Farm's parameters include control of tape wow and flutter, filter-swept modulation, bit-resolution, swell, ducking, and more. Tempos may be entered numerically or tapped in with the mouse, and a Time Ramp control provides an analogue tape 'pitch-smearing' effect. Of course, parameters may be automated, including the plug-in's tempo settings (using the breakpoint interface and BPM entry - it does not automatically follow a Pro Tools file tempo map).

This program really ups the ante in the fun-factor category. I like to start by turning different controls to maximum settings. This provides a good indication of how well the sound holds together when stretched to the limit. Echo Farm is capable of some whacked-out sounds in addition to very subtle effects. While the original stomp boxes were designed for guitarists, Echo Farm sounds great on everything. Try it on vocals, drums, synths, or for special effects. Another idea is to insert it in front of Amp Farm. This should provide a classic guitar sound if there ever was one. Needless to say, this plug-in is awesome!

If you get nostalgic and teary-eyed at the thought of vintage tape delays, classic echo effects and modulated filter sweeps, then Line 6's Echo Farm is up your alley. Don't have a Pro Tools Mix system? Check out Line 6's DL4 Delay Modeler pedal and new rackmount Echo Pro. These products are based on the same modelling technology. Exclusive distribution of the Echo Farm plug-in is through Digidesign. J. Arif Verner.

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