EHX 2880 tape loop simulation

I recently downloaded the software update for my Electro-Harmonix 2880. The new software provides MIDI CC+ implementation which allows you to control most of the 2880's parameters (along with several parameters that are not otherwise accessible using the 2880's actual physical interface).

One of the CC+ controls allows you to externally control the volume/feedback of each individual track, which, when controlled by an external sequencer, is particularly useful for creating gated synth tones and (when the loop is not synced to the sequencer) emulating tape degradation.

I'm using an Akai MPC1000 with JJ OS2XL to control the volume of track 1 (MIDI CC+ 21). I've recorded a short sequence that slightly drops the volume of track 1 intermittently. This causes the recorded information to lose a bit of signal every time, and when it is fed into itself, it begins to decay in a manner than resembles the decay of an old, worn-out tape delay.

I realize this may seem like a fairly roundabout way of doing this, but if you have a sequencer lying around that you use fairly often, this can actually be pretty useful for giving dirtying up your loops.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• tape
• delay
• degradation
• ehx
• electro
• harmonix
• 2880
• looper
• akai
• mpc1000
• MIDI
• continuous
• control
• CC
• CC+
• sequencer
• DAW
• Tim
• Hecker
• William
• Basinski

[qqqyyyqqq]

hey, first of all, great video & thoughtful explanation. thank you.

i just don't understand why you use midi. you could just reduce the feedback of the track using the slider on the 2880 itself. The manual says: "Move the TRACK 1 Fader to 100%. When in Overdub mode, the track's volume slider acts like a Feedback control on a delay pedal. For example, if the TRACK 1 slider is set to 50%, each time the loop cycles, the volume

of the previously recorded audio on TRACK1 will be halved."

[ShaneDignan]

@qqqyyyqqq The purpose of this demo is to demonstrate the ability of the 2880 to mimic a tape delay. Merely setting the feedback slider at 50% would produce a clean, digital delay sound. The sequencer is programmed to alter the feedback level intermittently (and at a loop length unrelated to the recorded loop), thus mimicking the sound of tape oxide disintegrating over time. It wouldn't be plausible to do this manually with any degree of precision, hence the MIDI implementation.

[qqqyyyqqq]

@ShaneDignan thanks for the reply. I didn't really understand that the feedback is modulated. makes sense now. good idea.

[ShaneDignan]

@lukelukas Absolutely. There are so many extra features (most of which I do use) that give the 1000 a level of functionality available rivaling the 5000, minus the extra hardware outputs.

[lukelukas]

@ShaneDignan Ah okay, I saw a place for the Program Change messages but haven't messed with it. So do you recommend the JJOS2XL?

[ShaneDignan]

@lukelukas The stock OS is alright, but JJOS2XL does a lot for me in the way of instrument programs, etc. Plus, it also allows you to send info for program changes, which you can't do with the standard Akai OS.

[lukelukas]

@ShaneDignan Wanted to let you know that I just got my MPC1000 and it has the ability to send CC+ messages straight outta the box. Not sure if you just need to update the OS or what, but man it works great and is super easy. I assume it's easier than JJOS but I could be wrong. Heads up holmes!

[ShaneDignan]

@muzboz I'm about 95% sure you are right about that, but I'm not positive.

[lukelukas]

@ShaneDignan Dude, I really appreciate the comment, and hell yeah I love the 2880. I am getting my MPC 1000 within the week and then I will start with the programming. Looking forward to it! And yes, please keep me posted and I will do the same.

[ShaneDignan]

@lukelukas Either way, I'll try to keep you posted on it. I'm glad to see there's at least one other 2880 mad scientist out there ;)