The Ibanez EM5 Echo Machine was one of the first to use digital technology with a distortion circuit to emulate analog delay. When Guitar Player magazine originally reviewed this pedal, they referred to it as an analog pedal. They were corrected by Ibanez when they explained it was actually a digital pedal. This pedal pioneered what has become commonplace with digital delay pedals emulating analog, and although one of the first, considered by many to be the best.”
“Amazing Echoplex emulation in a compact form. Unit has three internal trim pots, which can be tweaked and adjusted to further enhance sonic and tonal possibilities. Pedal will self-oscillate and will do all sci-fi and spaceship sounds."
“These are no longer in production and were made from 1997-1999. They are now sought after for their superb tube tape echo sound, a nice, warm, Echoplex type tone. It’s great for slapback/rockabilly stuff and also wonderful at background atmospheric stuff. Many agree that it excels at somehow never getting in the way, it just sits perfectly beneath the original signal.