In this video, synthesist Federico Chiesa (OoraMusic) shares his approach to using a Tascam Portastudio 414 for looping and musique concrète effects.
“Here is a breakdown of the process I use to create compositions with my Tascam Portastudio,” notes Chiesa. “I will show you how to record loops on prepared cassettes using OP1 as a sound source. I usually like to add an effect box on the master channel, in this case the Death By Audio Rooms.”
Topics covered:
00:00 Introduction
01:44 Cassette loops
04:30 Composition breakdown
09:12 Another cassette loop
11:30 How to record your loops, step by step
22:00 Conclusions
If you’re using cassette audio tapes, share what you’re doing in the comments!
In 1984 this is how I got started. A Mattel drum machine, an CS01, a Radioshack bucket brigade delay and a Fostex 4 track with tape splicing and looping setup. I’d be the hippest kid on the block with that rig now!
I too began with the 4 track. Bouncing tracks so you could get what? 6 track? 8? Then I started recording my DOS tracker sequences onto tape. I’d love to try one of the new hardware trackers but I’ll pass on tape lol.