Description

LOFI uTape Scrubber is a S.O.S (sound on sound) Microtape cassette looper with a CV controlled Bipolar motor!

Based around a modified Dictaphone mechanism but with all the electronics replaced with Beepboop designed motor and tape replay/record circuits similar to those used in my 1U taperack prototype system.

The machine is designed for working with Micro cassette tape loops but can also be used for whole tapes.

The original dictaphone motor circuit has been replaced with a CV Bi-directonal one making it possible to use it like a play melodies like a Mellotron with CV sequencers or even scrub a small section back and forth with a Bipolar LFO.

The Dictaphone mechanism has a single tape head used for both recording and playback. A switch on the panel is used to swap between the modes. Unlike conventional tape machine you can swap from playback to recording and visa versa while the tape is still moving!

Also unlike other tape machines the audio input is mixed with the tape replay. The mixing section is designed for approximately 1:1 record input to playout output level.

The module is quick and intuitive to use. Throw some audio fodder into the input jack. Flick into record to grab some samples. Flick the switch back to play to hear what you’ve recorded.

Where it gets interesting is that new recording will be recorded directly over old recordings as the loop is replayed. Depending upon the input signal level the new recordings can either overwrite, mix with or sit under the original recording.

You can manually erase sections by using the red button on the tape mechanism. This engages the magnet erase head…. the mechanism has been modified so that it is momentary.

Punch gaps into the tape loop using by pressing the erase head into place erase sections to

This Final version of the uTape scrubber which is the result of over 3 year of research and development.

IMPROVEMENTS

• Improved recording quality – The final version uses a real high voltage / high freq bias signal inspired by the record circuits of high end Reel to Reel tape machines.
• Improved switching noise – Clicks and pops created when swapping between record and playback have been almost completely thanks to all new muting circuits
• Expander headers – Expander headers have been added for future possibilities. AC bias level, Record level, AGC, Audio through muting, Playback gain and Mode gate output expanders will be available in the future!
• RED/GREEN Mode led

CONTROLS

Pitch knob – control the speed of the tape.

Direction / Range knob – choose the direction of the tapes movement and the range of the overall pitch.

Pitch CV knob – attenuverter for the CV input.

REC/PLAY Switch – Choose to record or playback

INPUT/OUTPUTS

An audio signal patched to the input jack will be recorded is routed to the output when in REC mode and mixed with the tape playback when switched back to PLAYBACK Mode. Adding an overdrive module to boost the input signal when recording gets results in more tape saturation in the recordings.

The CV input responds to -5V to +5V signals. Modulate down to 100ms to add vibrato to recordings depending on the depth of modulation, pitch and range position.

The audio output jack on the bottom right is a mix of the audio input and the tape replay output.

OPERATION

To load a tape ensure the module is in REC mode and that the motor is not moving by returning the direction/range knob to the center.

Press the grey button on the left nearest the motor to make sure the mechanism is ready to be loaded with a tape.

Line up the tape with the guide and place it in the mechanism.

Press the middle grey button to engage the tape head and Capstan pressure roller and the tape loop will begin to move.

Regular micro tape cassettes can also be used. Be aware that micro tape play from right to left! So after loading ensure the direction/range know is only turned left.

MICROCASSETTE TAPE LOOPS

Microtape loops are just as easy to make as normal tape cassettes once you get used to it so just one cassette is included with 3 loops. More loops and upgraded Microtape cassettes are available from my website.

INCLUDES POWER CABLE, SCREWS, TAPE LOOP AND REPLACEMENT KIT

If you would like to know anything else please let me know via email to beepboopbristol@gmail.com