Description

This limited edition version adds a host of improvements and new features over the original LOFI TAPE SAMPLER. 

It’s been over three years since the original tape sampler was released so to celebrate I have created a limited edition batch with hand painted and drawn panels inspired by the colourful houes across bristol.  There will only ever be 8 (two of each colour) like this and one of the 8 will have an extra surprise included….. a buddha chanting voice sample playback IC normalized to the audio input. 

The core of the module has been replaced with a new sampler IC which required a number of mods to the original main TAPE SAMPLER circuit board. Please see the photos.

So what’s new?

MIX

The module now includes an active mixer to combine the output of the sampler with the input audio making it possible to hear what you are sampling without the need for extra patching. 

The audio through can also be muted by selecting the lower position on the toggle switch.

 

Sample Length 

The sample length is over double the original allowing for 40 secs at 4KHz and 13 secs at 12KHz.

The increased sample length has the effect of increasing the range a sample can be played back at allowing for more extreme modulation possibilities.

Although recording stability is greatly improved it is a compromise between it and the max ranges of pitch.

Record stability

Although recording stability is greatly improved in this version when designing it was a compromise between stability and the max range of pitch. 

When recording the module is most stable when the Pitch and CV in controls are between the 9 o’clock to 3 o’clock posiitons.

 

REC, START / STOP and GATE

REC, START / STOP and GATE inputs are all designed for use with gate signals . 

Apply a gate signal (5V) to the REC input to record and the module will enter record mode. The main light will stay lit indectaing the module is now recording a sample. module will record for as long as the input is held high. You can also record by holding down the record button.

Try recording with the pitch knob in the centre position t begin with and then experiment recoing at lower and higher pitches. This has the effect of chaging the sample rate of the recording changing it tone and quality.

The MIXTAPE sampler has a START / STOP input syncable your sample with clocks rather than a trigger input to play the entire sample like the tape sampler module. The result is the a sample will play every play at half time to you gate or clock signal. 

Using the GATE input the sample can be played back for the length a gate is held until the sample finishes. This enables for varying playback lengths.

 

CV

Audio in is normalized to CV input to allow for FM when recording and playing back!.

Recording stable with internal CV when the main pitch knob is at center position. When the CV attenuverter is fully CW or CCW positions BIT sampling is possible for glitchy 1 bit clicks and pops. Push the pitch to max and set toggle switch to microloop to reach audio rates!

Tape saturation and clipping

Using standard modular audio signal levels of 10V P-P has the effect of soft clipping the recorded sample. Attenuating the audio input signal down will allow for cleaner more accurate sampling but there will be less tape saturation character.

Audio FT renamed MIX mute. Lower switch position mutes Mix. 

Summary

• Longer record time and wider range. 4kHz – 40s. 12K – 13s,

• Improved recording stability – Records over a wider range 

• Gate mode responds to as low as 20ms allowing for granular possibilities.

• Trig input reconfigured now for starts and stops with each gate.

• New Mixing system – 1:1 FT when switch is in top (microloop) and middle (normal) position. The Lower position of the switch kills the FT mix.

• Lower click noise – Recording at 9 o clock gave best results

• Micro looping – Now only loops first small section but this allows it be used as a low pitch Osc