Following is a description of the various cartridge/cassette formats commonly used in tape delays, as well as information on the Univox / Melos EM-200 magnetic discs. Absent from this page are the cartridges for the Echoplex machines, mainly because I don't own an Echoplex!
Note: 4-track cassette on upper-left is for size reference only
These peculiar circular cartridges were probably used mainly for answering machines, prerecorded message playback or similar purposes. I don't think Sony would have designed a tape cartridge exclusively for tape delays, especially since Sony never sold such devices... There are different lengths of tape available: the three models I know of are the Sony RE-4 (46 meters tape length), RE-5 and RE-6, but there could be others also. The cartridges are used on the early Roland Space Echo models (RE-100 and RE-200), the ancestors of the more common RE-101 and RE-201 (which instead use a free running tape transport). They are also necessary for the Pax Echo Dek (aka Hohner Echo Plus), plus the Elk Echo Machine & EM-4 units, and there are probably others I'm not aware of.
RE-5 cartridge fitted in the ELK Echo Machine transport
These cartridges are pretty hard to find. Your best bet is to make sure one of them (or better yet, more than one) comes with the delay you're purchasing. They do turn up on the usual auction sites every now and then, but I couldn't find any other source for them on the net. Sometimes I imagine stumbling on a huge box of NOS RE-4s somewhere in the back alleys of Tokyo...
At first I thought the "transport" system of the cartridge looked a bit unreliable, and I was afraid the tape would snap quickly (especially since the Pax Echo Dek I'd bought came with a broken tape), but after hours of spinning different cartridges on various machines, I still haven't had any broken or jammed tapes.
RE-4 original box
The biggest advantage of delays using the RE series is the length of the tape: compared to free running or tension loop transports, it can be more than 10 times as long, which means less wear and fidelity loss over time, because a section of tape doesn't travel as often across the heads. The biggest drawback, in the 21st century, is the rarity of the cartridges. There are probably other weaknesses (which might explain why Roland decided to drop the cartridges on their Space Echos), but they aren't obvious on the machines I use.
I don't think it would be too hard to change the tape inside a working cartridge, by cutting the existing tape, splicing the new one on the "going in" end, then just running the tape through the machine slowly until the whole tape has been replaced (and you have a mountain of old tape at your feet!). Due to the rarity of these cartridges, the most precious part is probably the plastic casing itself, which obviously can't be replaced as easily as the tape. If you locate a RE-4 or RE-5, don't worry too much if the tape's broken, you can probably splice it back together fairly easily.
When I moved to Japan, I was surprised at the number of tape delays I found that were using an 8-track tape. They seem to be very common and relatively cheap around here. They're low budget machines, with limited features and fidelity, but on the positive side, they're usually small and lightweight compared to other tape delays. And replacement tapes are very easy to find, which is a huge plus, since any 8-track tape will do, even that old "Supremes Greatest Hits" you have lying around in your basement...
All the 8-track delays I've seen so far have been Guyatone or Kastam units, and since both the Kastam SS-102 and Guyatone EM-808D are identical units (faceplate notwithstanding), implying that Kastam was bought by Guyatone sometime in the early eighties, one can safely assume that one engineering team is responsible for most 8-track delays around.
When I first bought an 8-track tape delay, it didn't come with a tape, so I had to buy some from the net and wait patiently until I could finally try it out. When the tapes finally arrived, I quickly took one and inserted it in the machine... only to realise that it didn't fit! Somehow, the heads were in the way, preventing the cassette from full insertion. After inspecting various tapes, I found out that they had slightly different designs, which would probably not make a difference on a standard 8-track player, but with the extra head on the tape delay (where the read and write heads are separated), it was a whole different story. So I took out pliers and a small file, and proceeded to remove excess plastic from the 8-track casing. After this operation, I popped it back in and it fit snugly in the machine.
Click on image to enlarge.
In the above image, the white cartridge fit into my tape delay from the start, but the red one below had to be modified to enlarge the far right side, which was extending much further towards the inside, blocking one of the heads. I also removed the center part to facilitate the replacement of the back padding. Over the years, the foam padding that pushes the tape against the heads had turned into a messy goo. so I used some foam insulator strips from the hardware store, which conveniently have a sticky side, to replace the old padding.
For this I had to open the 8-track, which is easier for some brands than others (some have screws, others have plastic pins you need to snap; this procedure is very well explained at 8-track heaven, an excellent web reference for everything 8-track), remove the goo and stick a bit of foam insulator where it used to be. In order to reduce friction, I stuck a strip of cello-tape on top of the foam, which makes a much smoother surface for the tape to glide upon. After that, the cartridge worked like a charm.
* * *
The biggest limitation of the 8-track delay system is the very short distance between the read and write heads, which means that only short delays can be produced. At the longest delay setting, the tape runs very slow, resulting in a very noticeable drop in sound fidelity. Of course, if fidelity isn't what you need, and you're instead looking for new and surprising ways to morph sounds into something organic and unpredictable, this lo-fi transformation might be just what you need. For example, ESTECHO's music often uses lo-fi delay signals as a sound texture and/or special effect, which can be heard on many tracks.
On the other hand, running the tape at full speed with the output 100% wet (ie. delay signal only) and zero feedback means that you can play "through" the tape almost in realtime, which makes for very interesting effects, provided you can adjust for the few milliseconds delay between your fingers and the sound. What you get is a carbon copy of your signal, only it went through the machine's preamp and tape before being heard.
A big plus with 8-track delays is the very limited wow and flutter, because the tape speed is very steady. The most common reliability issues come from a bad contact between the tape and the heads due to a misaligned cassette or worn out padding (next in line is a worn out drive belt). On some units, or with certain tape, you may find yourself having to wiggle the tape every now and then to restart a vanishing delay signal... And once you find a good machine/tape combination, stick to it!
The Univox EC-80A & EC-100 units are very common tape delays in North America, they show up on Ebay all the time, and I can't imagine how many people have cursed over these machines over the years! I own two EC-80A's, and they are by far the most unreliable tape delays I own. Over the years I've amassed about six or seven tapes, and some of them work better than others, some work fine on one machine but have to be shimmed with cardboard on the other, etc... The 8-track units I own are far more reliable, their tapes are much easier to find, and they sound just like the Univox.
The two models I know of: Apollon and Dictaphone
This is a very uncommon cassette format. The Dictaphone company sold some, which probably means they were used for answering machines, and maybe also jingles/commercials for radio. Many EC-80A's sold on Ebay come with an Apollon tape, an obscure Japanese company that seemed to be the "official" tape supplier for Univox. I think the cassettes might actually be a slightly modified version of a vintage, pre-8-track format called "Playtape". You can find this kind of tape easily on Ebay, but I've never tried using one for the Univox/Melos. I you have any experience trying, please let me know... (We now have confirmation that the PlayTapes work; see update below)
I think the main reliability problem with these cassette is worn out padding behind the tape. If your cassette doesn't seem to do anything when you stick it in the machine, it probably doesn't have a strong enough contact with the tape heads.
There is also an issue with the Dictaphone tapes, whose casing isn't exactly the same as the Apollon. The front part extends a little bit more forward, although the tape and pinch roller are in the same relative position in both cassettes (see picture below).
The two cassettes are slightly different at the tip, as can be seen here. Click to enlarge.
What needs to be done in order to ensure that the Dictaphone cassette fits snugly in your delay is to file or break off a small part of its casing. Although most of the front end of the Dictaphone extends further than the Apollo, not all of it needs to be filed off, just one area. The picture below shows a modified Dictaphone cassette, a regular Dictaphone, plus an Apollo cassette for reference.
Left to right: modified Dictaphone, regular Dictaphone, Apollon. The critical area is at the bottom of the image. Click to enlarge.
>> Important Update (August 2010)
The search is over!
I have now received confirmation from an ESTECHO.com reader that, as I suspected, the mysterious Apollon/Dictaphone cassette is almost THE SAME as the old PlayTape format. The Playtapes do need a little modification, trimming some plastic like the Dictaphones, but THEY WORK. In my mind, this puts an ends to the frenzied search for Apollon or Dictaphone cassettes, as the PlayTapes are much easier to find, for example on auction sites such as Ebay, and although they're not exactly cheap (some of the titles are collectible), they'll certainly be cheaper than an original Apollon...
You can learn more about the PlayTape format on 8-Track Heaven.
The original magnetic discs for the Univox / Melos EM-200 are very hard to come by these days. I've seen them pop up on Ebay a couple of times, sometimes in batches, but you have to be on the lookout and the prices can be high.
The real thing... Notice the metal rim and the absence of a hole in the center.
You'll find a few people selling "replacement" discs on the web. The truth is, what they're selling are old 5 1/4 floppies with holes punched through them. It's obvious when you take a close look at the original discs (see pic). I've been told that floppies do work, being very similar in design, but I can anticipate some potential problems, such as a different frequency response (which could be a good thing, you never know) and premature disc wear leading to residue on the heads and all sorts of problems... One thing's for sure, though: you wouldn't want to pay some guy 20$ to buy a 25 cent floppy from the net and punch a few holes through it, better do it yourself!
I've never had to replace the disc in my EM-200, but it doesn't seem too difficult. Here's a copy of the original disc replacement instructions (click to enlarge):
8 track heaven - great reference for everything 8 track, including repair procedures
oldradio.com - an interesting article about old style cartridge formats for radio broadcast
More about tapeloops (also reconditioning cartridges for Melos/Univox) on www.tapeloops.nl
Laurie Sat, 23 Apr 2011 19:40:29 -0700
yo anyone know where I can get an endless tape cartridge for a RE200
Lisa Thu, 28 Jul 2011 17:06:31 -0700
Hello & help
I am looking for a Sony RE4 or RE5 for my Simms Watts Echo deck. It is fitted with the original tape on the Sony plastic reel. I have been looking for them recently and am finding it very difficult. I am recording soon and I want to use my echo deck with it's brilliant sounds! . I appreciate what you said about using another compatible tape and feeding it in. If I understand correctly... I would attach the new tape to the old and feed it through until I get to the other end. Then I would splice it together and have a new tape the same size as the old. Question: Would I use a brand new cassette tape? What size tapes have you found to be compatible?
I found this website that said the Roland Re200 would work on my Sony reel. Have you heard of this? I see Laurie is asking the same question.... I would be happy to make my own .... So any more tips regarding tape variations would be greatly appreciated. I need this sound for my performance & video! Cheers! Lisa
Dario Tue, 02 Aug 2011 04:55:45 -0700
Hi!! & help
My machine is so rare... SEMPRINI STEREOFON ECO 707/6S
It's an italian machine, check out
http://www.daisybelle.nl/semprini_707.jpg
The tape cartridge:
http://www.daisybelle.nl/cassette.jpg
If anyone knows anything....
Victor. Sat, 20 Aug 2011 01:04:38 -0700
@Lisa. Hi Lisa, I have a SIMMS-WATTS ECHO DEK for sale at the moment and it comes with a SONY RE-5 Endless Tape Cartridge. Also do you have any resources for spare parts etc?
Thanks.
Victor.
Jim Sun, 09 Oct 2011 14:42:20 -0700
You can find tutorials on" How to 'Make Your Own Tape Loops' and also ' Rewinding Cartridges" at:
www.More-Analog.com
fred Sun, 01 Apr 2012 07:08:33 -0700
i have a HOHNER INTERNATIONAL ECHOPLUS.i ned soney ENDLESS.RE6 CAN YOU HELP ME.
Sam Tue, 06 Mar 2012 02:25:45 -0800
A question for Victor, do you still have that Simms-Watts echo deck with the Sony RE-5 Endless Tape Cartridge?
I am planning to make copies of the Sony RE-4 and RE-5 bacause so many users of Roland RE-100 and RE-200, also the Hohner echo's are looking for such a cartridge. I do have successfull made several copies of the original Apollon HD-5000 carts, reply here if you are interested to know the story behind it.
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