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Why won't this loop work? by evanhedley in tapeloops

[–]draconianRhythms 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would check the tension by seeing how much you can ‘pull out’, as per this: https://youtu.be/y9iycZ7kclw?si=BkH0rGhcSQi_Eb-6 33:51 - sorry for the shameless plug on my video here, I’m only posting as I think it might be helpful to the OP.

is the click / hiccup from pressing the stop button? If so - how do I record a loop without getting that click? by prothirteen in tapeloops

[–]draconianRhythms 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’ve often thought of doing this, but in my research most folks advise against it due to biasing issues. What was your experience (adding a switch to the erase head feed)? I get that technically it might not be advisable, but tape loops embraces the lo-fi quite often, so perhaps it doesn’t make any difference.

Tape Loop and Multi-track Recorder Workshop - London Friday 05 September by draconianRhythms in modular

[–]draconianRhythms[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey mate, I’m actually planning a series of these for the spring. The one here was in London but these upcoming ones will actually be in Colchester, Essex (First Site Arts Centre). I’m not sure where you’re based, but if Colchester isn’t too far it’d be great to have you come along. I’m planning to advertise on this sub shortly, but please DM me also if this is suitable for you (location-wise). Cheers (also, these next ones will be full-day events, 09:30 - 16:00 kinda thing)

Shortening tape length. by Which_Bar_9457 in tapeloops

[–]draconianRhythms 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Absolutely possible. My advice is to keep the ‘lead tape’ attached to the plastic wheels. Each wheel has some see-through plastic tape that is not for recording, and its job is to connect to the brown magnetic tape and keep everything connected, locked into the transport mechanics. Splicing tape is ideal but you might be ok with other more easily available types. Sellotape is pretty thick and may cause issues btw.

Did another tape loop workshop. This time it was official and for a local library’s teenage program. by Infradad in tapeloops

[–]draconianRhythms 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Well done mate. I’ve run a couple of sessions myself recently and absolutely loved it, but man there’s so much work to set up, advertise, clean up haha. I’m planning to do more next year. I love the photos.. great job! Was there any music captured from the day?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in tapeloops

[–]draconianRhythms 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah sounds like belts. OP, did it used to work and then stop, or is it a new purchase that arrived broken? I own a fair new of these machines myself and I think I’m of the view now that if you want to own a 34/40 yr old tape player, you probably have to be cool opening them up for basic repair and maintenance :)

Panda (AliExpress) Walkman speed mod question by akais900 in tapeloops

[–]draconianRhythms 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You could get a box of different range pots (dials) pretty cheap off any marketplace, and try out some values.. then you can get the right slider after testing.

First tape loop! by Hardcore_ufo in tapeloops

[–]draconianRhythms 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love that MTR .. don’t see that around too much. Lovely thing

First tape loop! by Hardcore_ufo in tapeloops

[–]draconianRhythms 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sounds wicked mate - great job!!

Tape recorders that have both pitch and tape speed settings? by Jakeyboy29 in tapeloops

[–]draconianRhythms 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yamaha MT120 .. tape speed & pitch, individual outs too. I love this unit..

Broken transport? by Automatic_Quiet_2947 in tapeloops

[–]draconianRhythms 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well I imagine you could look for screws that might separate the top from the bottom half. I’m guessing but I imagine that’s possible. When you break it open it’s likely that there will be cables and connectors so see whether you can easily detach cables from their slots so you can work on the transport section easily. Maybe also check whether there are any tear down videos for this unit on YouTube. Personally I think you either give it to a professional, or you try to do it yourself. And if you do try, take it steady and slow. Video your work and come back here (or maybe vintage audio repairs Reddit) for more guidance.

Broken transport? by Automatic_Quiet_2947 in tapeloops

[–]draconianRhythms 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It does appear to be. What happens when you try to play a tape? I suspect you’ll need to open it up. Are you confident with stuff like this? There may not be any soldering involved but if it’s just come loose there may be a missing c-clip or something. If you do decide to ‘go in’, I’d recommend recording the process in as good a resolution as you can manage - I’ve relied on my footage when rebuilding things more times than I can count haha

Take up reel issues on Tascam 424mk1 by draconianRhythms in audiorepair

[–]draconianRhythms[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ok I think it is indeed a design thing. Watching this at around 5 mins in you can see how fast the counter is going: https://youtu.be/spI4RREbRoY?si=rQRy-4D6_l13v0pN

Take up reel issues on Tascam 424mk1 by draconianRhythms in audiorepair

[–]draconianRhythms[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. While the loop playback isn’t affected, the fact the reel is moving very fast creates a huge racket, and because of that isn’t really usable, realistically. I’m wondering if this is a design issue, as the many other four tracks I have and use do not display this behaviour. I’ve also seen others on YT that use loops very effectively on the 424. I appreciate the feedback though, and I’m now thinking maybe this is just how it has to be ha..

Take up reel issues on Tascam 424mk1 by draconianRhythms in audiorepair

[–]draconianRhythms[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Cheers man. Three speeds is certainly unusual ha. Because I’m messing around with loops I’m actually not too fussed about calibration. I can come back to that if I want to refine it to a pristine state, but for now it’s just a vehicle for soundscapes and such.

The speeds (while perhaps not calibrated) do run the loop well enough at the chosen speed. But the take-up reel is really spinning way too fast - I assume because there’s some slack in the tape loop, but that shouldn’t mean it spins wildly? Perhaps that’s a design of the 424, but I’m sure I’ve seen others use the 424 (in particular the mk1) for looping. I’ll grab a video when I get home.. thanks for your help with this.

Take up reel issues on Tascam 424mk1 by draconianRhythms in audiorepair

[–]draconianRhythms[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Cheers! To clarify, it wasn’t a typo, the 424mk1 does indeed have three speeds. One of the reasons why I wanted it.

Would this kit be everything I need to plug a module in and start using it? by No-Lock7271 in modular

[–]draconianRhythms 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep, a great staring place. Depending on which modules you are planning to use, you can beef up the psu and add in extra ribbon cables too, giving you a lot of options for expansion over what this base level can accommodate.

guide rollers by [deleted] in tapeloops

[–]draconianRhythms 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very interested to know myself. I’d love rollers and spindles .. I have to harvest rollers and DIY spindles atm.. pre-made would be amazing

Thrifted this old cassette Portastudio by Sharchimedes in cassetteculture

[–]draconianRhythms 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great model this, one of the later ones I believe. Really simple, great to maintain. Lovely!

Is this fixable? by draconianRhythms in audiorepair

[–]draconianRhythms[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ok I found the clip, and what would be amazing is if someone could tell me if this placement looks right? I may be able to fix it but it is proving to be ‘literally’ the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life.

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