The Roland RE-201 isn`t a synth, it isn`t even a standard FX unit, its a tape echo based on those grotty copycat things but without all the noise but WITH flexability and sound quality. the 201 has a built in spring reverb which is a little on the small side for even half realistic reverb sounds but does add character to the echoes, basically you have 12 settings of repeats / reverb etc plus level, speed and intensity controls... Ever wondered how Sigue-sigue sputnik did those vocal effects using an RE201 and turning the repeat rate after speaking (speeds up the speech as it dies away), this unit has graced albums by Vangelis, Jarre and Tomita also and I thought it deserved a mention. its incredibly quiet both mechanically and electronically also..

One thing worth mentioning is that the RE-201 is an effects generator in itself.. by over setting the intensity and repeat rates on different mode settings (with no input at all) very noticable 50/60`s SCI FI effects can be created with ease, just twiddle away and Quatermass, War of the worlds sound tracks start to appear.