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8/23/2018

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Introductory Fun with Microcassette Loops

8/8/2018

12 Comments

 
Over the last few years I’ve been tinkering on and off with tape loops, more recently in the microcassette format. Standard compact cassette loops are definitely in vogue at the moment, with many great artists fabricating their own unique loops (Amulets always springs to mind). Making a workable microcassette loop is somewhat trickier to fashion but rewarding when a playable loop is made! Once the shell is (very) carefully prised open a myriad of challenges await, the most obvious being the tiny size you have to work within. The lighter and thinner magnetic tape is very fiddly and easy to damage. Installing the loop correctly inside the shell is a matter of patience, and a great deal of trial and error.
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Two microcassette loops were fabricated which I’ve discovered to be a very accessible way to experiment with recorded sound. The hyper compressed sound quality of the format is one I’ve always enjoyed working with, switching between either 2.4 cm/s or 1.2 cm/s playing speeds on both units produces very satisfying results. My initial experiments eventually resulted in a brief demo video, the sound source being a simple metal singing bowl. A basic delay pedal is also included which goes great with this simple set-up. Do let me know your thoughts! ​
12 Comments
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    Michael Ridge

    As an artist I create works in various formats, but most often it involves sound and found objects.

    Some things I like to explore (in no particular order):
    self-referential, functionality,
    self-destruction, deterioration, unwanted, time, play, unplayable, infinity, materiality, nonsense, anti, nothing, everything, dada, rules, contrasting, ephemerality, dirt, obsolete, loop, history, collage, hidden, nostalgia, Lo-fi, DIY, analogue and collaboration.

    Since 2006 I’ve recorded and very occasionally performed Experimental Noise and other sonic adventures under the name Zebra Mu.
    Norfolk Trotter is my current HNW side-project (I also recorded under Acerbitas from 2010 – 2014).

    Quagga Curious Sounds
    is my ultra-DIY Noise/Experimental/Weird/Art music label which I’ve ran since 2008.
    I’m also one half of the Multimedia Drawing, Sonic Art and Zine collaboration Ridge & Scrase.

    ​Michael Ridge at WordPress

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    Michael Ridge at Soundcloud

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    Zebra Mu at Soundcloud

    Michael Ridge YouTube Channel

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    Norfolk, UK

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Electronic Cottage is a webzine covering independently-produced Experimental & Electronic Music, Space Rock, Audio Art, Video Art, Mail Art and more.