Finding a Tape Deck

For the AI016 Tape Interface to produce a tape echo, you’ll need a three-head tape deck. The tape deck MUST have three heads (erase, record, and play). The recorder will also need to have a switch to allow the output to monitor the Record head. This is very common, as three head record units were often used by interviewers who would monitor the Record head while interviewing to ensure the interview was being recorded properly.

The most popular (and expensive) models are the Marantz PMD series. That said, Tascam, Sony, Super Scope, and many, many, many other brands have made three-head tape decks. Here in Portland, we have great Thrift Stores and it is not uncommon to find one for quite cheap inside them. On eBay or craigslist, searching “three head” or “3 head” cassette/tape player will bring up many options. Tape decks are neat in that their features are usually printed on the body of the tape deck, so you can usually verify the feature just by looking at the unit, either in person or from pictures. Please note that I do not support the finding or verifying of tape decks – I just provide the best information I can to help you in your journey.

The AI016 provides Input, Output, Mix, and Repeat controls, but it does not have a Time control. The Time control depends on the speed of the tape traveling between the Record and Play heads. Some tape decks allow the pitch to be changed (either by switch or knob or both) while monitoring the Record head, and some do not.

Modding the Tape Deck

DISCLAIMER: You attempt modifications at your own risk – I cannot be held liable for any damage to your body or your property.

Some (all I would assume) can be modded to allow for the speed to change while monitoring the Record head, but while I am willing to share the information as to how to mod such devices, I do not support (via email or any other means) the modding of the tape decks. You attempt modifications at your own risk.

I have modded two tape decks to allow for speed control and was (foolishly) shocked at the number and variety of parts. Because tape decks are electro-mechanical instruments, a misplaced nut, washer, or screw can ruin the functionality of the tape deck. Coming from synth repair, it is not uncommon to only have a few types of screws, and it is (relatively) easy to take them apart and put them back together, with just a few tins for holding screws. This is NOTalways  the case with tape decks. When dismantling the tape deck for modding, do not do so without a service manual for your tape deck, or the ability to store and organize the parts as you remove them.

Documenting Modifications

I will not be able to support tape machine modifications via email – but I am willing to post documentation of modifications, and will link to them here. In order to document your modification, please take lots of pictures and notes (see the below), and contact me. If you host your modification details elsewhere, that is fine too!