Open Reel Tape Delay
TAPE DELAY
// You can use any tape deck with separate record and play heads as some kind of a delay. The delay comes from the space between the record head and the play head. We can adjust this time with the speed of the tape, and/or the distance between the heads.
In fig.1 (the instagram embed) I am demonstrating a basic method with a few tricks.
First: don’t be confused by the loop I’m recording onto. That’s not important, and doesn’t affect the delay.
Second: I have the B77 varispeed remote for my ReVox PR99 mkI. Some decks have adjustable speed built in, some do not.
• The record input of the tape deck comes from the AUX send of my mixer.
• The tape deck outputs are returned to a stereo channel on the mixer.
• Adding a little aux send to the returning output of the tape deck cycles its recording back into the tape machine and this creates feedback. Pleasing repeated, and easily monstrous noise, so be delicate and go slowly.
Fig.2 is a diagram of this technique.
Fig.3 is just an idea. I wondered if I could use the @wd41__ tape idler to interrupt the space between the play head and the record head and manually set up delay time this way. Since I don’t have a mic stand with the mini mounting needed for the tape idler, I wasn’t able to test this, but it seems like it may work (however tenaciously).
Fig.4 is pretty much the ultimate situation. It’s the Fripp/Eno dual tape deck idea used on Eno’s ‘Discrete Music’ and their collaboration ‘No Pussyfooting’ where the record heads of one deck are used with the play head of a second deck and this allows for distance to extrapolate and create much longer delay times.
I’d love a second PR99 and to show you this. But for the moment that’s not in the cards for me ($$$) and I’ve loaned out my two other open reel machines to help inspire people I love. But there are wonderful documents of these talented people demonstrating the idea using two decks.
Again, why would I do this instead of just using a delay pedal or a computer? And again, there is magic in these techniques. Accidents which surprise and inspire us. There’s nothing else quite like it.
4 Comments
Very cool!
Sheesh, those are some real reels… please do keep up with the work.
That more tape between the two heads trick for increased delay time is genius! You’ve got the cogs turning now, Sunshine!
@WD41 – I went out today hoping to score an adapter so I can mount your device to my mic stands. They didn’t have the larger to smaller fitting. Only the other way around here it seems.
But I’ll get it.
I may have to resort to books to raise up my little vice, the PR99 can allow for the tape between, but the cover has to come off, and sadly it must be raised a bit to avoid the lip of the panel.
I’m game to try, but something more elaborate and designed for the task would definitely be better.