Description

After years of development this is the final Varispeed tape machine based upon the Bush KCS 317 tape deck.

Designed for recording and playing with tape loops and featuring so many mods that make working with tape loops quicker, easier and more fun.

The mods adds speed, direction and erase controls to a simple mono tape cassette recorder plus some other features.

The speed knob has a wide range enabling better quality recording when at high speeds as well as the option to slow down your recordings to glacial spaced out ambient drones. The tape movement can even be brought to a full stop, something which other speed modded tape decks can’t.

The speed can also be controlled by CV from Eurorack modular gear over 0 – 5V. Although not 1V/OCT it is possible to scale CV using an attenuator or modular gear to achieve reasonable pitch tracking.

The direction switch, labelled FWD / RWD, make it possible to reverse the direction of the tape movement so you can scratch samples back and forth!

I’ve added an AC bias Erase circuit and replaced the standard tape head with a dual head. The dual head includes a proper Erase head which is a huge improvement on the standard permanent magnet found in most standard tape decks.

Erase is activated by a new momentary button next to the REC making it possible to easily erase sections of tape instantly at the point of playback.

The new real Erase head has been included by replacing the original playback head with a combined head.

As the heads are combined this means when listening to the tape manual erasing happens instantly when at full speed so you can actually punch in Silent gaps into a tape loop.

When the erase head is not activated the looper will become a SOS (Sound-on-sound) so you can keep recording and add layers to your tape loop.

Inputs

Aux – 3.5mm which works well with Eurorack level signals

Mic – Normalised to an internal MIC or can be used with the Lapel Mic included. The input is ideal for working with Stereo line level signals.

Outputs

Speaker – The on board speaker makes it easy to monitor the tape playback. When a jack is inserted into EAR the speaker will cut out.

EAR – Headphones output

FT / Thru – The Tape deck mic input has been routed to this output so you can monitor line level signal being recorded.

AUD output jack – Removes the DC offset of the output signal ready to be boosted to Eurorack level for processing in your system. The Beepboop Line-Euro X10 Amp module is designed for this task if you do want to integrate with you set up.

Peak monitor LED

The LED on the panel gives a great indication of signal levels when recording. Ideal signal levels will make the LED light up. For Overdriven sounds just increase the input signal to the point where the LED is always on.

The Power circuit has been modified for a 18V DC power supply instead of the 230V AC in on the original to be able to deliver the power needed to instantly reverse the tape direction.

Includes an expensive Meanwell power supply brick worth nearly £30 power!

Lapel mic is also included.

1 year warranty.