Using Tape

[Just Float]

Can anyone explain the basics of using tape recorders or tape decks or any kind of tape technology in making music. I don't just mean recording to them and playing it, that's simple enough. I've read little about it but it seems like they can be used to do other things (delays or something?). I want to use them also for the distortion and grainy quality they have, as computers can hardly achieve such an organic sound. Are there specific kinds of tapes to use? Are there any tricks or modifications you can make to get any weird effects? Any links to information would be helpful. I recently came across a playskool voice changer (weird tape deck thing that was in toy story) and although it can already make some weird ass noises, I'd like to see how far I can take it.

[realmarco]

the way a true analog tape delay works is that the rec head of the tape recorder records...then the recorded audio(on tape) runs along its path and then reaches the playback head where it is played back mixed with the live signal so its just a delayed riff mixed in with whats playing at the input. of course you cannot alter the time between the rec and play heads so its a fixed time on a normal recorder. On dedicated devices for tape echo they permitted to extend the physical distance between the 2 heads(rec&play).

thats the basic way tape delay/echo works

here are some really in depth articles on tape in general, its a good read


http://www.tvhandbook.com/History/History_recording.htm

http://history.acusd.edu/gen/recording/notes.html


this one is cool
http://www.geofex.com/Article_Folders/o ... delays.htm