Tape Loops

[Sean Costello]

Grant Muller wrote:
> 
>     I know this is not really synthesizer related, but I'd like to get into
> to tape loops, or atleast know how all of it works. I know virtually nothing
> on the topic, so please start simple.

Basically, a tape loop is just a loop of recording tape, that plays over
and over again on a reel-to-reel tape machine. If you want to experiment
with this, just go to some garage sales, and look for some reel-to-reel
recording equipment. Record some short snippets on reel-to-reel tape,
cut it up with a razor blade, and splice the ends of the snippets
together to form some loops.  Loops can be really small, or can stretch
around the room (use mike stands or the like to maintain tension for
large loops).  Any book on electronic music from the 1970's should have
information on this topic.

Another form of tape loop music would be echo-based music, that uses a
tape loop that is recorded on by one tape head, and has a playback head
further down the loop. The wider the distance between the tape heads
(and the slower the tape speed), the longer the echo. This is something
I'd like to experiment with, from a DIY standpoint. One of these days I
will hit the garage sales again and look for broken reel-to-reel
equipment to experiment with.

Of course, all of this stuff can be done far more easily with computers
and samplers nowadays. Still, working in the physical realm with tape
and razor blades and such is a very satisfying process. I probably don't
need to argue the merits of the physical realm in music making to people
on these lists. :)  The types of experimentation that can be done with
the tape itself seem interesting, if you don't mind destroying some
tapes in the process. The cheaper your gear is, the more likely you will
feel comfortable doing some radical explorations with it, that could
yield cool results (tapes left out in the rain, messing with magnetism,
who knows what).

Sean Costello