The Cassette thread

acidk · 2025-05-29T11:43:56.559Z

Approached a new discovering new music:

Go to Bandcamp, select genre (deep techno, idm …), filter medium → cassette,
restrict location to EU

IMG_3251.HEIC3024×4032 2.46 MB

IMG_3250.HEIC1512×2016 1.27 MB

Discovered NOORDEN, a cologne based label:

Noorden

NOORDEN is a Cologne/Germany based label for electronic(a) music. We’re a collective of musicians, artists and designers releasing electronic music with an experimental DIY-flavor while pursuing our passion for carefully crafted artworks and special...

KA-BOOOM

Wolf-Rami · 2025-05-29T11:51:32.737Z

I own a second hand bookshop here in Finland that also stocks vinyl, cd, dvd, comics, video games and music gear so the Tascam will probably end up for sale in my shop. I have a tendency to look for very cheap things that I could fix and clean up and then put them in my shop for a small profit. I’ve bought a bunch of synths, guitar pedals and other gear for that purpose.

I have a Tascam 234 in my home studio rack for all my cassette 4-track needs so there’s no point for me to hoard any additional pieces with the same functionality.

acidk · 2025-05-29T11:52:53.839Z

Wolf-Rami:

I have a Tascam 234 in my home studio rack for all my cassette 4-track needs so there’s no point for me to hoard any additional pieces with the same functionality.

Do you use it productively?

Wolf-Rami · 2025-05-29T11:59:42.982Z

As an entrepreneur I barely have any time to spend in my studio. All my time is taken up by running my business. Would need to do a refurb on the 234 too at some point when I have a free day.

Usually I wait for a free day from work thinking that I’ll do some music but almost every time I end up reading a book or watching a movie instead. It’s not easy but I also don’t really take any pressure of achieving anything anymore. I’m 50, I’ve put out a couple of albums with my band and I’m pretty sure I’ll never put out another one.

JohntheSavage · 2025-05-29T20:55:52.671Z

Wolf-Rami:

… the Tascam will probably end up for sale in my shop.

Could have charged extra for the “road worn” finish.

Cheers!

BlankFlag · 2025-06-29T21:18:34.417Z

TechEBlog – 29 Jun 25

Maxell MXCP-P100 Puts a Modern Twist on the Portable Cassette Player by...

Cassette tapes, those chunky ‘80s and ‘90s throwbacks, are sneaking back into the spotlight. Riding the wave of vinyl’s comeback and the allure of tangible media, Maxell’s MXCP-P100 portable cassette player is an interesting blend of old-school...

Zac · 2025-06-30T10:23:14.760Z

Shame it’ll only be released in Japan.

BlankFlag · 2025-06-30T12:11:54.632Z

True. I am glad that someone has at least made an attempt to make the mechanism a bit better. Seems like a step in the right direction.

mishpult · 2025-08-16T20:25:37.159Z

I got a sudden urge to buy a 3 head deck again, to use it as a colour box. I had one denon a while ago but sold it as it was cumbersome to record. You know I really like how I can record my digis directly on my phone with usb.

Does something smart exist out there that can repurpose a cassette deck to output usb audio? Or some kind of smart cable? Or a modern deck?

shigginpit · 2025-08-16T20:28:53.153Z

That Maxell MXCP P100 can now be purchased via scalpers on ebay for something like $125 USD for anyone that was still interested.

shigginpit · 2025-08-16T20:30:37.970Z

The ion (?) cassette deck has a built-in audio interface and can go tape to PC. I’ll look for a link.

It’s probably discontinued but you can still buy them, I see them from time-to-time in new old stock condition.

Cannot speak to the quality of the audio.

Yeah, I confirmed, it was called the Ion “tape2pc”, you can find it under that name.

image800×589 58.3 KB

salami.wav · 2025-08-16T23:31:08.247Z

Yes it’s something called USB audio interface I guess!

dragonaut · 2025-08-17T00:37:58.429Z

I haven’t read the whole thread but noticed some type 1 and chrome talk above and just wanted to point out that type 1 is arguably better if you’re using tapes for a lo-fi effect. Chrome can take a hotter signal and is lower noise but if you hit it too hard it distorts in an ugly way. Type 1 actually distorts in a nice sounding way so it can sound good if pushed hard, and the extra noise isn’t really a big deal these days if you’re just doing one pass and converting to digital. The big issue with noise back in the day was when you recorded to 4 track, then mixed down to your master 2 track, then you made copies from that so you’re already 3 generations down or more if you did any bouncing.

rg01a · 2025-08-17T01:10:32.100Z

Anything that does this is going to have part of the signal chain be crappy. Get an old 3-head deck that has been serviced and a focusrite (or similar) usb interface that can input and output 2x unbalanced 1/4” and use RCA cables with 1/4” TS adapters.

mishpult · 2025-08-17T06:24:34.275Z

Thanks, will keep an eye for that on the local ads!

mishpult · 2025-08-17T06:26:51.953Z

Yes I guess that would be it, and suddenly my itch is going away:))

rg01a · 2025-08-17T07:52:51.370Z

You should definitely get yourself a tape deck and scratch that itch… but get two good things instead of one not so good thing

spktkpkt · 2025-08-17T09:23:25.626Z

A bit steep on price but if you want a new one:

salami.wav · 2025-08-17T10:47:09.958Z

I’d say if you can stretch it go with a vintage and serviced 3 head deck (Teac, Aiwa, Yamaha whatever).

Or you can find very good deals if you are willing to replace belts and idler tyres yourself, 9 times out of 10 the only issue you’ll find with units from the late 80s, early 90s, is just belts, idler tyres and lubrication.

The heads (unless it has been abused) should be fine for years to come.

salami.wav · 2025-08-17T10:52:10.213Z

I agree, but only if your deck has adjustable bias.

Type 1 tapes are very inconsistent, adjustable bias is a must when using those.