Frederic Yves Michel Noel review of BS-301 Mystery Brain by Nocturne Brain

The BS-301 Mystery Brain by Nocturne Brain is a boutique tape-echo-inspired preamp and delay pedal, heavily influenced by the vintage Roland RE-301 Space Echo but reimagined for modern guitarists—especially rockabilly, surf, and roots players. it is one of the favorite tape echo replica of Frederic Yves Michel NOEL

Here’s a full breakdown of what makes it special:

Overview

Type: Preamp + Delay Pedal (inspired by RE-301)
Controls: Preamp Gain, Delay Time, Delay Repeat, Delay Mix, Wow & Flutter
Footswitches: Preamp on/off, Echo on/off
Power: Standard 9V power supply
Build Quality: Rugged, boutique-level construction

Sound & Features

Preamp Section (El Capitan)

Modeled after the Roland RE-301 preamp, which has a different sonic character than the RE-201.
Adds warmth, compression, and subtle harmonic richness.
Can be used as an always-on boost to shape tone.

Echo Section

Tape-Style Delay: Analog-voiced digital delay with a warm, slightly degraded tape sound.
Wow & Flutter: Adds modulation for a more authentic tape feel.
Longer Delay Times: Unlike the RE-301, this pedal allows for longer delay times, making it more versatile.
Cleaner Operation: No real tape, so no need for maintenance like in a real Space Echo.

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

Nails the vintage Space Echo preamp sound
Tape-style delay without the hassle of real tape
Great for rockabilly, country, and retro tones
Boutique build quality and unique design

❌ Cons:

No actual tape, so hardcore purists might prefer real tape echoes
Limited to a vintage delay vibe—no ultra-modern delay features
Pricey for a pedal (but much cheaper than an actual RE-301)

Who Should Buy It?

Rockabilly, surf, blues, and country guitarists looking for the classic Brian Setzer-style echo.
Players who love preamp coloration—even without the delay, the preamp alone is a fantastic tone enhancer.
Anyone who wants a Space Echo flavor without the size, cost, and maintenance of a vintage unit.

If you’re after a Brian Setzer-style tone or want a Space Echo preamp+delay in a pedal, the BS-301 Mystery Brain is one of the best options available.