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How I use VCRs and tape decks to degrade audio samples into dusty & aged perfection
I am sure a lot of people on the forum own or have an old VCR laying around...
Before the days of digital recording, tape was the big medium.
It has a warm lofi sound that is beautiful and unique.
I have done many experiments with tape as the medium and have some interesting tips I’d like to present.
Try hooking your iPhone up to your VCR’s input with an 1/8” to rca cable and have a recordable blank cassette loaded and ready.
Hit record on the VCR and record yourself.
Now switch the 1/8” to rca cable to the output of your VCR. Play back what you just recorded into your iPhone and record the incoming signal into your daw.
Notice how the audio is completely different.
Doing this multiple times will yield incrementally interesting results each time.
This technique is a great way to achieve an older and dustier, warm and unique version of the source material.
To FURTHER degrade the audio...
Pull the tape out of the VCR and scrunch up the actual tape (gently). You only need a tiny kink or stretch for a noticeable result. Anything too severe and the sound disappears almost completely
magnets being manipulated near the playback head does interesting things to affect the sound as well
Try gently pinching the tape with something as it’s playing to give it a winding down sound
Experiment with fine grain sand paper on the tape
Get an old VCR too from the thrift shop, one with dirty recording heads.
Use unshielded, untwisted wire -- think lamp cord -- in place of proper patch cables
Take apart a VCR and look for things you can degrade.
For example, if there are belts, maybe try getting some replacement belts that are a little too big, so that they slip every now and then.
Or perhaps coat them in baby powder so they have less friction.
Maybe there are some pinch rollers you can sand down to have a smaller diameter, so that they don't quite hold tension.
Try to introduce non-uniformity into the capstans: bend them so they're not true, or file/grind them so they're not round. Any kind of mechanical tensioner/guide should be fair game
And don't forget the old classic: using your hand to mess with the tape while it's recording. Push it in and out of alignment, slow it down, give it bits of slack, etc. Or lay your finger slightly on the rotating head to make it drag a bit and slow down.
This is a weird one... try microwaving the cassette for a few seconds
/// on a completely different note... those old tape adapters like these:
Can be used for a magnetic effect
Run your iPhone through the tape adapter than into the tape deck, than the tape deck into the VCR.
It makes for a unique distortion type effect. (I originally thought it was a tape saturation)
/// sampling off of vinyl is obviously great for getting that vintage vibe, try it using VCR tapes
The weird 80s exercise tapes, b-rated horror flicks, and old classics are all awesome to sample
... you will get weird looks at the counter purchasing the excercise videos with the girls in spandex onesies (just a heads up)
These tips will give your productions an edge if you are influenced by Boards of Canada, Tom Cruise or the likes.
Hope you all have a fantastic day! I hope this post motivates you to make music in new and creative ways. God Bless
Comments
Good stuff.
I have an old walkman that has does very nice distortions when you half-press the contol buttons, as well as an old VHS. I keep it around for the occasional rare movie you can't find on DVD, but I should put it to work, too (sans destruction). Especially useful for some video fodder with my home movies (slaps forehead).
Coincidentally, Klevgrand just released a web-based toy for adding tape-based distortion, if you just want to dip your toe in:
https://webcassette.klysmafax.se/
Not sure if it will work on mobile (try Chrome).
Would be sooo perfect as an AUv3
Great post ... Some inspiring ideas here for sure
We need an app that mimics Strymons El Capistan
I’ve tested it out at my local music shop and it is on my gear I want but can’t justify buying list.
Thanks for the ideas. Coincidentally I've been watching all of this guy's videos lately:
You could also try using the Master Record app
I just got a response from Klevgrand on Twitter that an iOS AUv3 of this is planned! (no idea about timeframe though)
I saw an ad locally for theses 4 reel to reel players sold untested as a bundle. I am going to meet up and investigate this in the next few days. I have never owned a reel to reel and would be appreciative of any advice.
AKAI X-100D
EACH TEAC 5500
EACH AIWA TP-1006
EACH TEAC A-6010
Those look pretty bad ...or is bad what you are going for? @stuck80s
I doubt if they even work but you could try testing.
If they’re cheap I say it’s a good risk to take!
Reel to reels, the older the better the saturation, if you get something too modern the effect will be subtle at best.
Also take note that the rubber they used for the belts/clutches in these old recorders was made of a failed rubber design, it is one of the worst materials you will ever come across when trying to clean it out, it doesn't stretch, it turns in to black goo that will stay on any surface it touches, it will destroy carpets clothes etc.
I have renovated these regularly (Currently doing an old Phillips)
You will have to do this to all four of those i suspect, if it hasnt been done they wont work (Dont fall for "Its just the belts need replacing" belts and clutches with modern rubber will work even if they have wobbly pitch, not working = goo)
Also your statement above is a little wrong "These tape adaptors can be used for tape saturation"
This isn't strictly true, those adaptors can be used for "Magnetic effect" an old trick we used to use in studios years ago was to put the play head and record head together of two similar devices, then move them apart to get heavier "Magnetic effect"
Tape has to be involved for tape saturation
...So it’s more of a magnetic effect that I am actually hearing?
I had a hunch it was a stretch calling it “tape saturation” but i wasn’t sure what to call what my ears were hearing.
I revised that section of my article and renamed the effect I was referring to as “magnetic effect”
Hopefully this is a more accurate description.
Thanks for the inspiration and reminders...had thought about this a while back and forgot. Visiting my mom this week. I’m sure she has a few bad machines
My library has a whole room of VCRs and audio cassette machines that the librarians use to digitalize old stuff. This post got me thinking.
And then I discovered WebCassette, and wondering why I need to mess with hardware at all....
In the mean time, there is the Lo-Fly Dirt app, which does a pretty decent job.
I had two of the A-6010s as a teenager. Loved them.
Keeerist, that was a long time ago!
Lo-Fly Dirt by MSXII Sound Design is in my arsenal 😎
It is a great app for making sounds feel dated
Yeah it is basically a record head against a play head, if you break it apart, you might be able to get heavier effects by moving the head away a little in the adaptor.