This is certainly the case with [Dima]’s tape loop echo which is actually made with a physical tape loop. The process of building the tape loop hardware is surprisingly non-technical.

Strymon has continued its assault on the compact stompbox market with the EC-1 – a tape echo delay pedal that takes ...

you probably looped the tape around to create an echo, or a delay in the audio. It was a desirable effect to have, but not a practical one for a guitar pedal or similar portable accessory.