How to use the TC Electronic DITTO X4 as a granular looper

This is a video about a real time random sampling with the TC Electronic DITTO X4 and the Elektron Digitakt. The random reverse and pitch effects are triggered via midi by the Digitakt. Everything has been recorded via the Electron Digitakt into Ableton Live.

gear: Fender Telecaster, TC Electronic DITTO X4, Elektron Digitakt, Ableton Live

I did not know that I can use the TC Electronic DITTO X4 as a ….

This is a video about how to use the TC Electronic DITTO X4 as a delay effect by connecting it to the Elektron Digitakt. Check out how to create different delay times like quarters, eighths and half notes. I also present a tape reverse as well as a tape stop effect. If you are interested in a step-by-step instruction, please let me know.

0:10 normal speed = quarter notes Continue reading “I did not know that I can use the TC Electronic DITTO X4 as a ….”

Sound like: Balthazar

Sound likeTo me, Balthazar have been one of the major discoveries for the past years. First, I joined one of their concerts as a supporting- act of the Editors and I must confess: I was totally amazed.
The sound as well as the style of this band is unique and hard to describe – therefore, just click here and listen.
In this article, I would like to present the bands’ equipment which is so decisive for their sound. Continue reading “Sound like: Balthazar”

Ibanez ADmini

Stomptrap4Yes, the Ibanez ADmini IS a pedalboard-friendly analog delay. Regarding the size of the enclose, which comes around in an Ibanez-typical coloring, this 9V midget keeps the promise. Continue reading “Ibanez ADmini”

Drums without a drummer

Tips & tricksEspecially if you are playing your guitar mostly at home, sooner or later you will reach the point where you start thinking about some kind of rhythmical companionship. And fortunately, there are numerous options for a tactful backing that work without a flesh-and-blood drummer. Continue reading “Drums without a drummer”

Fulltone Solid State Echo

fulltone-ssteThe Fulltone Solid State Echo is a transistor tape machine.
For its slightly more compact construction, it is at least a little bit pedalboard-friendlier than the Fulltone Tube Tape Echo.
In contrast to its predecessor, the Solid State Echo is based on the Echoplex Ep-3. Continue reading “Fulltone Solid State Echo”

Ibanez AD9 double feature

This is a comparison of two identical Ibanez AD9 delays.
Find out the differences between these two legends (if there are any?).
Maybe you will find sonic differences between both.
Furthermore, the fans of oscillation will find their very special comparison at the end of this video.

0:11 maxed delay time Continue reading “Ibanez AD9 double feature”

The impedance of headphones

Tips & tricksIf you are looking for the perfect headphones on the internet, you will frequently find recommendations like: more is always better. But this does definitively not work for every kind of use. Continue reading “The impedance of headphones”

My recommendation: free plug-ins for virtual studio technology -part II

Tips & tricksSooner or later, every guitarist will start to record his/her own songs. By now, there are numerous nice programs that are able to transform your computer at home into a small record studio.
Furthermore, there is an almost endless assortment of effect plug-ins which allow to modify your sound additionally.

In the second part of this article, I would like to present numerous plug-ins to create more crazy and bizarre sounds. Continue reading “My recommendation: free plug-ins for virtual studio technology -part II”

My favorite budget delays

Because of the numerous requests regarding my favorite bugdet delays, I tried to figure out my top delays within the categories tape emulation, digital delay and analog delay.
The order of the delays within the respective group or video is not a ranking, for I am unable to tell which of them I like best.

0:04 NUX Tape Core Deluxe Continue reading “My favorite budget delays”

Strymon Volante vs. Catalinbread Echorec

This is a comparison of the Strymon Volante with the Catalinbread Echorec.
Both delay pedals emulate the sound of the legendary Binson Echorec- a magnetic drum delay. Concerning the categorization of delay pedals, guitarists mostly refer to analog delays, tape delays and digital delay pedals. But this true classic is often overlooked because it is pretty rare and only available in used condition.

0:52 darker setting Continue reading “Strymon Volante vs. Catalinbread Echorec”

My recommendation: free plug-ins for virtual studio technology – part I

Tips & tricksSooner or later, every guitarist will start to record his/her own songs. By now, there are numerous nice programs that are able to transform your computer at home into a small record studio.
Furthermore, there is an almost endless assortment of effect plug-ins which allow to modify your sound additionally.

In the first part of this two-part article, I would like to present several free plug-ins which are especially suitable for lofi- and ambient sounds. Continue reading “My recommendation: free plug-ins for virtual studio technology – part I”

Yamaha NS-10 Studio Monitor

Tips & tricksThe Yamaha NS-10 Studio Monitor is still the most famous speaker in record studios all over the world. Although many, while using the NS-10 for the first time, are pretty disappointed. It does not provide the perfect sound that makes every mix sound brilliant. Quite the contrary: the first hearing impression mostly reveals a thin sound with less bass and too many mids. But it also offers some advantages. Continue reading “Yamaha NS-10 Studio Monitor”