Magnatron Tape Echo: Electromagnetic Noise Machine

The Magnatron Tape Echo by FOLKTEK appears to be a pair of gutted floppy discs that are played using a tape head based stylus. The retro noise it produces is tempered by an internal set of effects. From FOLKTEK:

The provided stylus is rubbed across the tape field to create a sound similar to that of scratching records but with it’s own unique character. The tape head here runs through a very nice delay with three time settings and huge feedback control. The result is something that allows the player to create bits of sound with great subtlety (very movie soundtrack) or textures with mad DJ Krush style delay scratching.

The attention paid to the enclosure and overall aesthetic make the visual style of this piece perfectly married to the media being used. CassettePunk, anyone?

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In addition to being an online editor for MAKE Magazine, Michael Colombo works in fabrication, electronics, sound design, music production and performance (Yes. All that.) In the past he has also been a childrens' educator and entertainer, and holds a Masters degree from NYU's Interactive Telecommunications Program.

View more articles by Michael Colombo

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