The Elysium Ambient Delay is a reimagining of the Ibanez EM5 Echo Machine, which was part of the Soundtank “5 Series” produced between 1996 and 2000.
Crafted to replicate the tape delay units of the 1970s, the EM5 utilizes a digital delay IC paired with an analog interface, akin to the PT2399. However, the delay signal undergoes extensive filtering, including a diode-clipping overdrive stage reminiscent of the Tube Screamer, resulting in a warm, ambient, and distinctly analog tone that enhances depth and richness without muddling the overall sound, making it versatile for any musical genre.
The Elysium is a faithful reproduction of the EM5, with the key difference being its conversion to true bypass JFET switching. The original EM5 was known for its unreliable switching, making this modification a notable enhancement over the Soundtank version while preserving the same signal path.
