Dawner Prince Boonar MKII

Boonar MKII

£299.00

Highlights

• Compact magnetic drum echo pedal recreating the classic Binson Echorec for guitar and bass rigs
• Clear, dimensional echoes with multi-head rhythms, warm modulation and reverb-like swells
• Highly responsive feel that follows picking dynamics and inspires expressive, musical playing
• Intuitive controls offer wide delay times, subtle EQ shaping and creative regeneration options
• Hybrid analogue signal path with high-voltage FETs and custom DSP virtual magnetic drum
• Hand built in Croatia with careful assembly and quality control throughout
• Robust all-metal enclosure designed for regular gigging and pedalboard use
• Black and gold graphics with clear labelling suit vintage aesthetics and modern pedalboards
• Green magic-eye LED displays signal level clearly under stage and studio lighting
• Switchable true bypass or trails mode preserves tone and natural echo decay
• Analogue dry path with DSP delay processing balances character, clarity and reliability
• Side-mounted input, output and power jacks simplify neat, space-efficient pedalboard layouts
• Backed by Dawner Prince manufacturer warranty for long-term reliability and confidence

Description

The Dawner Prince Boonar MKII is a magnetic drum echo pedal designed to recreate the sound, behaviour and feel of the classic Binson Echorec in a compact, pedalboard-friendly format, offering guitarists and bass players access to multi-tap echo textures that sit naturally in front of clean or driven amplifiers. It works equally well as a characterful slapback, a rhythmic delay, or a dense ambient effect, and suits players who favour vintage-inspired tones as well as those looking for expressive, textural echoes that respond closely to playing dynamics.

Sonically, the Dawner Prince Boonar MKII delivers clear yet organic repeats with a distinctive sense of depth that sets it apart from tape and digital delays. The echoes have a lively, three-dimensional quality, with a gentle compression and harmonic richness reminiscent of valve circuitry. Depending on settings, the sound can range from bright and articulate to darker and more worn, with repeats that melt into one another and create a subtle reverb-like decay. The interaction between the four virtual playback heads produces complex rhythmic patterns and evolving textures, while the regeneration behaviour allows everything from a single, defined repeat to swelling, near-self-oscillating soundscapes that remain musical rather than chaotic.

In use, the pedal feels intuitive and inviting, encouraging experimentation without becoming fiddly. Controls respond smoothly and predictably, making it easy to dial in useful sounds quickly, yet rewarding careful adjustment with a wide palette of tones. The Dawner Prince Boonar MKII reacts well to picking dynamics and volume changes, and it never feels as though it is fighting the player; instead, it follows phrasing naturally and can become an integral part of the instrument’s voice, whether used subtly or as a prominent effect.

The control layout provides comprehensive sound shaping while remaining straightforward. Output volume sets the level of the delayed signal in relation to the dry sound, while a combined bass and treble control subtly adjusts the tonal balance of the repeats, just as on the original Echorec, moving from darker to brighter without drastic EQ shifts. Swell governs the amount of regeneration, from a single slapback repeat to long, blooming echoes that can hover on the edge of self-oscillation. Drum speed controls delay time by adjusting the rotational speed of the virtual magnetic drum, covering a range from approximately 40 ms up to a full second, with the familiar Echorec timing sitting around the three o’clock position. A dedicated Drum Age control introduces the tonal and modulation characteristics of a worn magnetic drum, adding gentle wow at lower settings and a more pronounced, vibrato-like warble with reduced high end at higher settings, with the modulation rate naturally tracking the drum speed.

At the heart of the Dawner Prince Boonar MKII is a hybrid design that mirrors the signal path of the original unit while ensuring consistency and reliability. High-voltage FET stages emulate the behaviour of valves in the preamp, preserving the touch sensitivity and harmonic response associated with the Echorec, while a custom DSP replaces the mechanical drum with a carefully modelled virtual magnetic drum that captures the nuances of the original memory system. This approach allows the pedal to deliver authentic tone and modulation characteristics without the maintenance issues of vintage hardware.

The pedal is housed in a compact, all-metal enclosure that feels solid and well suited to regular gigging and touring use. Its size makes it easy to integrate into crowded pedalboards, and the robust construction inspires confidence for everyday use. The black and gold graphics echo the look of the original Echorec, with clear labelling that remains easy to read on dark stages, and an overall aesthetic that stands out without being distracting.

A green, pulsating “magic-eye” LED level indicator displays input and repeat levels in real time, making it simple to see how hard the preamp is being driven and to avoid unwanted clipping. This visual feedback is particularly useful when adjusting input level for different instruments or when pushing the pedal into gentle overdrive for characterful repeats.

The bypass system can be configured internally for true bypass or trails operation. In trails mode, which is factory set, the preamp and buffer remain active so echoes continue to decay naturally after the effect is switched off, preserving the tonal character and feel of the circuit. True bypass is also available for those who prefer a completely hard-wired signal path when the pedal is disengaged.

Input and output jacks, along with the 9V DC power input using a standard centre-negative connector, are positioned to make pedalboard wiring straightforward and tidy. Power consumption is approximately 180 mA, and internal protection circuitry safeguards the pedal against incorrect power connections.

The Boonar MkII is backed by Dawner Prince’s manufacturer warranty, offering reassurance in long-term reliability and support from a company known for careful design and build standards.

In summary, the Dawner Prince Boonar MKII stands out by capturing the distinctive sound and feel of a revered magnetic drum echo in a practical stompbox, combining expressive multi-head delay patterns, musical modulation and a responsive analogue-style signal path. For players drawn to the echoes heard on recordings by artists such as David Gilmour and John Mayer, or for anyone seeking a delay that enhances rather than dominates their playing, it offers a compelling and genuinely characterful addition to a modern rig.

Controls

• RIGHT FOOTSWITCH: Engages or bypasses the effect with confident, silent switching during performance
• LEFT FOOTSWITCH: Toggles repeats or swell modes for instant rhythmic echoes or reverb-like washes
• VOLUME: Sets delayed signal level, balancing echoes naturally against the dry sound
• BASS/TREBLE: Subtle EQ shapes repeats from warm and dark to clear and bright
• SWELL: Controls regeneration from single slapback to rich, musical self-oscillation
• DRUM SPEED: Adjusts delay time via virtual drum rotation, from short echoes to long repeats
• DRUM AGE: Adds authentic wear, introducing organic warble, tonal softening and vintage character
• INPUT CONTROL: Matches input levels for guitars or basses, adding gentle drive when pushed
• PLAYBACK HEADS: Selects up to sixteen head combinations for complex, musical multi-tap rhythms
• LEVEL INDICATOR: Magic-eye LED shows input and repeat levels for clear visual feedback
• LEVEL DRY: Internal trim sets dry signal balance, maintaining consistent tone across rigs
• ORIGINAL/MODERN: Switches input impedance for vintage warmth or brighter, more dynamic response

Components and Technical Specifications

• Hybrid analogue signal path with high-voltage FET stages for authentic Echorec-style response
• Custom DSP virtual magnetic drum recreates multi-head delay behaviour with low noise
• All four playback head outputs remain analogue for clarity and natural dynamics
• Selectable true bypass or trails mode via internal DIP switches
• Trails mode keeps preamp and buffer active for natural echo decay
• Input impedance switching offers 47 kOhm vintage or 1 MOhm modern operation
• High headroom design converts 9V input to higher internal operating voltage
• Low output impedance ensures reliable signal drive to subsequent pedals or amplifiers
• Precision pots, switches and LEDs provide consistent control feel and long-term reliability
• Powered by standard 9V centre negative supply (not included)
• Battery operation not supported
• Current draw measured with Truetone 1Spot mA Meter:
• Bypass: Approximately 145 mA
• Engaged (maximum): Approximately 163 mA

Current draw may vary slightly depending on control settings, circuit behaviour, and active features such as gain stages, modulation, filtering, or reverb tails. For best performance, use a high quality isolated power supply that matches the pedal’s current requirements. Always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations, as incorrect powering may cause damage.

Enclosure Dimensions

• Depth: 62 mm / 2.4 in
• Width: 114 mm / 4.4 in
• Height: 35 mm / 1.3 in

Enclosure Weight

• 312 g
• 0.69 lbs

Official UK Dealers

FX Pedal Planet Limited and FX Pedal Planet Online Store proudly serve as UK dealers for Dawner Prince effects pedals. If we do not have the specific Dawner Prince pedal you are looking for, please reach out to us via the contacts page, and will order it on our next stock order for you at the best price and customer service.

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UK Deliveries

For our UK customers, we provide FREE 24 hour DHL tracked and signed delivery, ensuring your order arrives swiftly and securely.

International Deliveries

International deliveries are dispatched with DHL, ensuring fast shipping and efficient processing through customs.

For more information on deliveries and charges, please refer to our Deliveries and Charges.

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