Half Speed Tape Technique for Ambient Drone music

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Discover a great approach to transforming static drone sounds into captivating soundscapes. In this video, I share my process of using a simple tape manipulation technique that takes advantage of the two recording speed of a vintage dictaphone. See how I use half-speed to add depth, texture, and organic character to my Roland Aira S-1 drones and learn how to breathe new life into your synths electronic music with this powerful technique that many great artists use.
Get some inspiration to experiment and create stunning ambient drone soundscapes and don't forget to let me know your thoughts in the comments!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Allow me to introduce myself – I'm Electro / Magnetic, the mind behind the ethereal realms of Ambient and Drone Music.
What awaits you on this channel:
- Master the magic of synths: Learn sound design techniques, explore ambient textures, and unlock the potential of your gear – all with clear explanations and actionable tips.
- Unlock the secrets of evolving drones: Craft atmospheric soundscapes that take your listeners on a voyage.
- Jam alongside: Witness the creation process firsthand and glean valuable insights from intimate synth jams with detailed breakdowns.
- Curated sounds for every mood: Discover a collection of ambient compositions ideal for relaxation, focus, or even setting the perfect scene for your adventures.

Whether you're a seasoned ambient producer or just starting your sonic voyage, Electro / Magnetic is your guide to crafting immersive and evocative music.

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[johngalvin]

This is great, love that sound, thank you for sharing.

[stormloopkev]

Hi, And greetings from 'stormloop' even tho i have many synths samplers and sequencers i couldn't resist buying a Roland S-1 ..after seeing your great video's on it! well.. now you've just got me to buy a second had sony dictaphone from ebay! i used to have one in the 90's but sold it for next to nothing and im sure i have at least 3 micro cassettes from wayyy back so will be great to hear whats on them :P after 30+ years, the speed up slow down technique is a great little feature on these mini casstte recorders, and i used that idea on many of my old tracks using the DAW Reason, ..so many thanks again for this great idea! im sure some tracks will be made this way and appear on my next album..all the best from kev aka 'stormloop'..

[rodrigogallego]

Could you let me know the model of the tape recorder please :) love your channel!

[rodrigogallego]

Hey! Quick question: how did you record the drone to the cassette, directly from the mic of the dictaphone? Thank you, love your channel!

[anreoil]

Aiwa? That's a company that ceased to exist before many of your viewers were born. Good exterior design and crappy quality inside, compared to Sony and even Panasonic. Technique is all but new (e.g. William Basinski's "Disintegration Loops"), but I wouldn't use a crappy recorder with Type I tape, even less the microcassette, which limits the fidelity and dynamic range of your audio to its worst. If you want a tape effect, use the digital filter for it; your listener won't know the difference. Nor care.

The microcassette has a very limited frequency range; I think it's about 200Hz to 5kHz, meaning you can replace your recorder with a noise generator. And that's another tip: instead of a cassette recorder, use your computer or the phone / tablet. And play something on the loop, through filters, if needed. Or even generate it. Be creative.