This reduces tape wear, noise, and wow and flutter, and made the units more reliable and easy to transport.

Space Echo units have been used in genres such as reggae, dub, trip hop, post-punk and experimental rock.

In 2007, the Roland subsidiary Boss began producing Space Echo pedals that recreate the sounds of the original units.

[2] In 2007, the Roland subsidiary Boss released the RE-20 pedal, with digital modelling of the original Space Echo sound.

[3] It includes a "twist" feature that increases the feedback and speed of the delay, creating a "swirling cacophony" effect.

[1] The first units were more reliable and sturdy than previous tape echo devices, making them easy to travel and perform with.

[4] The English alternative rock bands Radiohead and Portishead used the Space Echo's tape speed controls to create pitch-shifting effects.