DIY cassette tape delay / echo (stereo)

Here is my Time Machine.
An homemade stereo cassette tape echo
It took me 5 month to build. I had to start electronic from the very begining, and I think I've made every possible mistake before making this thing working.
EDIT :
Thanks everyone for your very encouraging comments, I really appreciate it !
A lot of you guys ask if I sell it or plan to build new machines. Answer is no, sorry.
Portable Marantz are getting rare and expansive, and often need to be serviced. And I’m not an expert for that. It would cost you a lot of money for an old machine that would fails who knows when.
Anyway, this guy here spacecasetapeecho.com seems to work very well and is selling cassette echoes.
For those asking for tutorial or schematics : I won’t make a step by step tutorial, but I can give you pointers.
I invented nothing, I just modified a very old diy project and tried to make it stick to my needs.
- This project is called Echo Matic. You’ll find everything you need on google.
- I use a 3-head stereo Marantz recorder (PMD430). Rather hard to find at a good price, put I was lucky and got one for 70 €. You’ll also need the service manual to understand how different circuits of the recorder works.
- I added an active EQ I found on a very good French site. Here it is :
sonelec-musique.com/images/electronique_correcteur_tonalite_003.gif
- Motor speed : I replaced the internal speed trim pot of the recorder with a 20k linear pot and wires.
- You have two Chinese VU meters I found on eBay. I just plugged them same as the old ones and I changed the settings with the internal trim pots of the recorder.
- Stereo ? I always have trouble to explain that part… The cassette deck itself is stereo. In the echomatic project you will find a description about how to wire your recorder inputs and outputs to use both tracks for doubling the delay time. This principle can be used to achieve a ping pong delay effect.
Signal goes like that : guitar - echomatic in - ecomatic send - recorder input 1 (left track of the tape) - output 1 (left track from the tape play back head = delayed signal)
At this point you have two options :
1) take output 1 and wire it to your echomatic return. You have a mono delay
2) Take output 1 and route it directly to input 2. Then take output 2 and wire it to the echomatic’s return.
It’s not stereo yet but your delay sound (the wet signal) is now recorded on 2 tape tracks. The echo is twice longer and it’s very useful to fix the fidelity lost related to low motor speed.
If you choose option 2, all you need to do now for stereo is to plug wires (along with the wiring I just describe) on your two recorder outputs and solder them on two nice RCA or jack outputs.
After that I used a 4DPD switch to select option 1 (mono, single delay) or option two (double delay time and stereo outputs).
- In my machine I put CV and gate inputs to control tape speed with an external device.
CV input is directly plugged in the motor speed pot. Gate is achieved with a MOSFET transistor.
Tutorial here • Transistor / MOSFET tu...
- I also built a pwm motor controller so I can choose with a switch between the Marantz motor speed circuit and the one I’ve made. I thought it would have made the motor more stable. Actually, the Marantz circuit is better, so I use the pwm when I want unstable wobbly sounds.
You have a lot of pwm circuit online, choose one with a cutting frequency above the earring frequencies (20 hz - 15 khz basically) Otherwise you’ll end with a very annoying buzz in your sound.
- Power supply : You have now at least 4 circuit to feed with electricity. Your recorder (4,5 V), the echo matic circuit (9V) and the EQ (15V). I bought a 16V wallwart power supply and voltage regulators, LM7805, LM7809 etc. along with radiators fixed on a metal plate to spread the heat of all this lost power.
Tutorial here • DIY | Simple Separated...
- The box where everything fits is an old Mexican wooden cigar box I found on « le bon coin » the French version of craigslist. The inside is shielded with aluminium tape and connected to ground. It’s very tight down there, and it’s actually a very big mess.
I’ve made a terrible mistake and chose to use stiff wire… Don’t do that. Please. Never. I spend my time re-soldering cables because they just break.
That’s it. If you have questions, like precise questions, just ask ;)

[@fernank017]

Just so everyone is aware, Matt (Mathieu Jouen) had passed away on August 20, 2018. Matt, Thank you for your contribution to journalism (and in my case), your contribution to music. While I didn't know you, you are missed. All the best to your family and loved ones!

[@jfmax2000]

Rest in Power Matt... You Were Obviously a Very Amazing Person Bruh 💖💖

[@jessieplaysmusic8530]

😭😭😭

[@justinj1359]

Rip brother... this machine is hear to tell the story of you.. super rad ✌️

[@jalilabdsukur6265]

Rest in peace, Matt. May you got guided by Allah the Lord of the worlds.

[@cacinmodansx]

Rest In Power.

[@Wintergatan]

wow that portamento with CV controlling tape speed was awesome, beautiful build!

[@sciencepetr5179]

Such a great build! Good to see you floating around in the comment section dude - big fan

[@javiceres]

Genius

[@javiceres]

I couldn’t agree more

[@wilfamis]

please please please please please make this an open source thing

[@warningchimes24]

I'm waiting for the tutorial man, this delay sounds pretty nice

[@yes9086]

I would PAY for a step by step tutorial on how the fuck you put this together.

[@opuslove5202]

Very impressive. I think you're sitting on a goldmine here if you can sell these on the boutique market.

[@olivergarciaalcantar3369]

YES.

[@mvsr990]

Onde Magnetique do runs of something similar using a Marantz tape deck and there's the Space Case TE-1 out there as well for a bit more.

[@julianhyde1645]

You should reconsider building these. This is incredible.

[@KyleKalevra]

The tones and control are unbelievably good. I’ve seen other peoples tape delays, but this one outdoes them all. Brilliant work

[@davidrussell8918]

You should put this into production. This thing does things my echo plex roland 201 and morley drum echo couldnt, if you added A couple of analog circuits to to to do multi head echos , I think this could be the best echo unit on the market, trust me I did my first gig for money in 1967 . Ive heard and owned most every echo unit out there. This is special!

[@GerSHAK]

Word.

[@Kloppsserialbottlers]

What a beautiful device. This is what KZbin is for; this device is too good not to be shared with the world.

[@matsound3195]

Thanks everyone for your comments ;) For those who ask the question : Am I planning to build and sell new machines ? The answer is no, sorry guys. Several reasons : 1) Lack of time. I have a lot of work coming with my job and I’m also working on other projects now. Like enjoying summertime outside with a beer in one hand ! 2) Finding cheap Marantz recorders is quite difficult, especially stereo ones. Add the cost of electronic parts and the hours of work spent for the building. At this price you could almost buy an Echoplex. For people asking for step by step tutorial or documentation : I just can’t, my building process was a big mess and all I have is a note book with unreadable stuff. BUT I give links and information in the comments and description, and I think there is everything to put you on the right track. Anyway I will be happy to help or answer questions if I can.

[@kidcremezoo]

what's the point of posting this if you can't share the project. You should title the video Do it myself tape delay..

[@horndogtwo]

You're nuts if you don't sell this. I research new pedals nearly constantly. This is one of the most profound builds I've seen in a tape echo unit. Total awesome! People really wanting unique, boutique quality tape echo would snag these in record time. I own a T rex replicator. And even as nice and well designed as it is, this blows that away by a wide margin. Next to the Gamechanger stuff, this may be the most innovative thing I've seen in a long time.

[@conanseibel4464]

You could sell the hell out of those, that’s an impressive piece of work.👏🏼

[@dantheman9270]

Amazing! Would loooove a tutorial on how to make this!!!

[@64north20west]

You need an angel investor to get a run of these in production and market it. This is serious, dude! Saludos!

[@paulj0557tonehead]

The fact that you ALSO took the time to share with us how you made it, and thoroughly I might add, you deserve an award! GREAT JOB, SOUNDS EXCELLENT, VERY DIY INSPIRING. DIY'ers might use his tips as inspiration in building a delay using reel to reel. I had great success using two identical higher consumer quality DIRECT DRIVE AKAI REEL-to-REEL TAPE DECKS [DECK A&B positioned standing up, and beside one another...run all INPUTS/OUTPUTS TO AT LEAST A 4 CHANNEL STEREO MIXER] AND FEEDING THE LEFT REEL OF DECK-A ACROSS IT'S HEADS AND PINCH ROLLER, BUT INSTEAD OF GOING TO TAKE-UP REEL, I SENT TAPE TO DECK-B ACROSS IT'S HEADS AND PINCH ROLLER, AND THEN FINALLY TO DECK-B's TAKE-UP REEL. AMAZING MULTIPLE SECOND ON-THE-FLY UNLIMITED OVERDUBS. OLDER DUBS FADE OUT OVER TIME. PLAYING HARDER MAKES THE DUB LAST LONGER. You can actually move decks farther apart initially, to make the 'open loop dub' longer in time. or switch from 7ips to 3/12ips (tape speed in inches per second). THIS IS A ROBERT FRIPP '2 TAPE DECK SET-UP' if you want to research it.

[@MrPaulomat]

Shut up and take my money! This is just awesome. Can you make a tutorial on how to build this thing?

[@DavidRoyal1000]

YES PLEAAAASE DO!!

[@sunnystrathern8396]

This is the first time I've seen dealy with bass, mid and treble settings, so cool

[@christopherecatalano]

That is just the end of all delay FX. The modulations are so vivid and musical...perfect playing to go with the echo. The Mellotron like section is absolutely incredible... and now I wanna throw 5 delay boxes into the Pacific Ocean 🤣

[@Wolf_K]

The fact that you built this without any prior electronics knowledge just goes to show what the human will can achieve when desire is strong enough. Great job, man! ;)

[@hollandcookson7718]

this is literally inspiring me to try it myself having no prior knowledge

[@Wolf_K]

Holland Cookson Do it! There’s online DIY electronics communities that have all info required for beginners. You need not understand electronics to build a perfectly functional device. generalguitargadgets.com DIYstompboxes.com Freestompboxes.org Are a good start.

[@hollandcookson7718]

@@Wolf_K I've tried finding this one in particular, most of them are the echomatic delay pedal from that stompbox book, but this guy and that one other guy figured out how to put them actually INSIDE the marrantz or whatever this one is in particular. I guess the hunt continues for that!

[@Wolf_K]

Holland Cookson Yes, it is the echo matic. This project is actually fairly easy for the average DIY stomp box builder. Finding a three head tape deck is the hardest part.

[@hollandcookson7718]

@@Wolf_K I'll have to start looking! some marrantz pmd 221 and 222 are on ebay for a decent deal

[@eliasggr]

It's amazing how good this sounds. Don't ever sell it. Keep it forever.

[@pacquettelauss980]

This is fucking amazing man. Not only does the effect rival top shelf pedals, but the aesthetic and versatility is beautiful.

[@Poopdudeification]

You, sir, have created something incredible. Please do us all a favor and create a kit for us to buy from you. We really, really need this!

[@justinnewman3185]

Can you do a tutorial on how to make this?

[@Mrav79]

It doesn't just work, it works beautifully and has a lot of cool features, sure can compete with some coveted tape delays IMO (e.g. Roland RE-201). Nice of you to share the process of building it.

[@NotAuxell]

You should produce these in mass..

[@enestascoglu8688]

Man the clean tone you directly get without using a valve amp from this... just amazing.

[@matsound3195]

This tone is called Fender Jazzmaster ! Best sounding guitar ever, in my opinion :)

[@brunoromiti7708]

a tutorial or even schematics on how to build one of these would be the best thing right now..... 💗💗💗

[@MilianMalivukMusic]

That's probably the most impressive and best sounding DIY gear I've seen and heard. Kudos to you my friend. 4:48 hardbass kicks in

[@mikaellanden7218]

This is by far the coolest tape echo I've seen.

[@musicalmotors]

This makes me not want any other delay than this one. Absolute perfection.

[@zakguitar2359]

I'm out of words, and the varispeed mellotron thing in the end blew my mind

[@zakguitar2359]

I didn't realize he passed away, you rest in peace this is an awesome piece of gear

[@AnonymousBosch3158]

This sounds really amazing... manufacture it for selling... I would buy it

[@alexxchavezee]

i could listen to this all day.

[@user-bo8eq7ki5w]

Yes, something like that did Blackmore (Ritchie) in the 70's. Old but great technology. The second step after the spring reverb. Thanks for the reminder !

[@beaufighter245]

Excellent echo unit. Puts me in mind of the "copycat" unit used during 70s and 80s. Good guitar playing too!

[@marcosrobertsonofficial]

I think we need a complete tutorial of how to build this machine

[@yvesjouen8427]

Merci à tous pour vos commentaires et vos encouragements. Malheureusement, Mathieu ne pourra plus les apprécier ni vous répondre. Mathieu est décédé accidentellement le 20 aout 2018, il avait 32ans. Journalise Reporter d'Image de profession, avec l'image, la photo, sa passion c'était la musique, la guitare, la création. Merci encore à tous. Son Papa

[@Emmanuel_DH]

Paix à son âme

[@jfmax2000]

I Am So Sorry for Your Immense Loss Mr Jouen 💖💖 Your Son was Obviously a Truly Awesome Soul.. Rest in Power Matt My Most Awesome Brotha 💖💖

[@samwisegrangee]

That oscillation sounds right out of Stranger Things. Also this is one of the most gorgeous delays I've ever found. I'll buy one.

[@devtank]

That sound.... oh god I could listen all day. Well done.

[@medbe4580]

Sounds phenomenal man! When there is a will, there is a way. You proved it!

[@TotallyGoodatGames]

The CV stuff was incredible! That's some brilliant stuff!!

[@caspermaster-com]

Wow!!!! The delay was awesome, but then you topped it of with something hybrid of a sampler/synth/ portamento cool!!

[@RoboGeek123]

This is incredible! Fantastic build. Well done!

[@wezzlyn]

This is awesome! Nice work. I'm extremely jealous. Stereo sounds especially amazing

[@OskarCzechowicz-OmniMusician]

Dude, it sounds magical! On my own I would only add a pedal to control mid/bass amounts (maybe I'm wrong) to be able to create that floating space effect while soloing.

[@PhilHeesen]

Wow, the stereo examples are wonderful!

[@bigbang747]

Awesome job dude! The cassette is such an unique way to create an echo/delay from, and I absolutely love it!

[@TalesofStories]

This is the best echo effects pedal I've heard. Nice work!

[@craigsurette3438]

This sounds SO FRIGGING GOOD! Excellent work !

[@elijahbanaspati7375]

That was a very sick tape delay man! Hands down.

[@pcuser80]

What a beautiful guitar sound, makes me happy. Such a great device you have created.

[@thetremoloco4801]

thats the nicest delay/modulation i have heard so lush :)

[@BernieBriocon]

Organic and alluring! Awesome!

[@craigshaw141]

Very creative idea. And it actually sounded awesome on all sections of the demo. Thumbs up!

[@RobFlaxMusic]

Absolutely stunning. Please make more of these and sell them!

[@Davepotnoodle]

This is awesome. You should kickstarter it.

[@RiotBike]

Best thing I’ve seen on KZbin in a very long time!

[@weakbrainthrombosis]

All I can say is, RIGHT ON MAN! That thing sounds really good.

[@davemacleod]

Magnificent. I am genuinely awestruck. Superb work.

[@williamwise9871]

Please post the build! This is so sick

[@jfmax2000]

That is an Amazing Unit... Truly Inspiring... I Hope You Can See This From The Great Beyond Bruh.. Rest in Power Matt 💖💖

[@GxBxN]

Incredible! I love the way this sounds. Wow.

[@ScottTheNews]

I love it! Sounds natural and the way we want it to sound

[@oOConcertmateOo]

This is one of the best videos on youtube.

[@wreckoningday]

This is my favorite echo machine. You really did a bang up job on this and I'm gonna give one a go. I may be posting some questions as I'm sure I'll run into some. Thanks for posting and being willing to help!

[@CarpeDiem23]

Amazing, better than any other echo device..congrats

[@anders671]

Marvelous job, my friend. One of the coolest unit I've ever seen. Congrats

[@chuckthebull]

I have been doing electronics for years and this is a real nice job..cheers

[@codforlife]

Actually sounds amazing!! Better than a Strymon Volante?! Quite possibly!

[@chocobloc7765]

Such a sweet delay. Awesome job!

[@Sk3ngh4]

That's brilliant ! I what wonderful piece of gear. And that CV trick at the end! Wow! Congratulations for your work.

[@giuliocarmassi]

We all want at least one! haha! Find an investor! There's a line! :)

[@MaxMustermann-cj1wk]

I just got into effects building. It will be a long way I think, but my dream ist to build a cassette Tape Delay myself. I think it is far beyond cool. I don't know what it is. But when I finished my first delay (from a kit, so no genius right there) and it worked, it was just MAGIC! I hope your machine brings you a very big lot of fun. I think you earned it! Greetings from germany! :)

[@Marcos_O]

As an electronic engineer and a lover of DIY projects, I respect you mate! Very good project. One of the best quality projects I've seen here.

[@RAFAELLO077]

i envy the ability to build stuff so neatly! amazing work.

[@BritoWorx]

This is a beautiful piece.

[@philippgrunert8776]

Actually a really nice sounding unit! 😉

[@beaumanedwards7551]

yo that synth at the end is a wild device, awesome!

[@RoosterStone]

Real Tape Delay? Wow. This is awesome, man!

[@diyrecordingstudio]

Damn this is such a nice sounding effect. I need to make one!

[@Josie_Meeker]

This is incredibly good

[@bentbilliard]

That's incredible. And it's pretty too! Great job!

[@philphillips1517]

One of the best DIY cassette Delay machine ever ! Great Job !

[@Na5tyify]

Superb bit of kit and sounds fantastic you should sell these on eBay.

[@ctrlaltdelete1159]

Best ever DIY beating many pro units.

[@michaelinglis8516]

This is certainly going on my build list! Love it!

[@thepedalzone]

Sounds unbelievably good! WOW!

[@SoundBoxStudio89]

this is insanly good!

[@DjPhaseFour]

This sounds so nice...

[@christopherecatalano]

This is a fantastic sounding delay, especially when it gets to the stereo with mod added.

[@cabaretbaretta7805]

This is the coolest delay I have ever seen !

[@LeeRedfieldmusic]

This is amazing! good for you!

[@jo_ey]

So cool!!!! Truly YOUR sound:)

[@RyanYoungMusic]

This is the coolest thing I have ever seen. I am not even kidding. I knew from the thumbnail this was going to be a special video. Amazing work.

[@totaltwit]

Brilliant! It sound great, I especially like the CV/Gate trick too, I've not seen that before.

[@JamesPearson]

Well that was amazing!!

[@civiliansol2824]

You should put the schematics online for people to buy to make their own. id 100% buy that. totally understand that you dont wanna build to sell, so why not let us build them off of your plans....?

[@That70sGuitarist]

Damn, but that's a clever little machine you've created! Keep up the great work!

[@SoMyungJung]

One of the best delay's I've ever heard. Congratulations \m/