OM-1 Cassette Synthesizer - RETIRED
OM-1 Cassette Synthesizer - RETIRED
RETIRED
The OM-1 design has been updated, go HERE for the new model (2023)
About the OM-1:
The OM-1 Cassette Synthesizer is an analog musical instrument built around the concept that when a continuous tone/note is recorded to tape, its pitch will change as the tape's playback speed is increased or decreased. Individual notes are playable via the 8 buttons (keys), each with a tuning knob directly above it. The volume of the notes can be articulated by using the pressure sensitive volume control - the harder its pressed, the louder the note. A pot controls attack/release response of the audio output. CV/Gate inputs allow control over the cassette's pitch and volume from a linear (non-quantized) voltage sequencer.
While loosely inspired by instruments like the Mellotron® and Ondes Martenot, the OM-1 has a sound all its own. Because it uses a standard cassette tape as its audio source, the sound creation possibilities are endless. The OM-1 is engineered for experimentation.
Includes:
• OM-1 Cassette Synthesizer
• Modified Portable Cassette Player/Recorder
• Two 3.5mm cables
• Sound Tape 01 - Flute / Male Vox (additional sound tapes available in the Shop)
• 3V Power Supply
• Optional Pitch Ribbon with 3.5mm TRS cable
*Two AA batteries for powering the cassette player not included.
*Cassette Player may be a different model from what is pictured.
Each unit is built to order by hand. Please allow 8-12 weeks for delivery (possibly longer if unforeseen delays occur) .
1. TUNING KNOBS: Each knob tunes the button/key directly below it. Pitch range is a little over 2.5 octaves.
2. PERFORMANCE BUTTONS/KEYS: Use these to change the pitch of the sound recorded to tape, the same way you would play keys on a keyboard. Tuned with the knob directly above it.
3. FORCE SENSITIVE VOLUME CONTROL: The harder this is pressed, the louder the audio gets. Controls whatever is plugged into the “IN” jack.
4. ATTACK / RELEASE: Increases the attack and release response of theForce Sensitive Volume Control as the knob is turned clockwise.
5. POWER LED
6. AUDIO INPUT: 3.5mm jack - Connect this to the cassette player’s Headphone output using a mono (TS) 3.5mm cable. You can also plug in any external audio source and control its volume with the Force Sensitive Volume Control or Gate Input.
7. TAPE SPEED OUTPUT: 3.5mm jack - Connect this to the cassette player’s Tape Speed input (silver jack) using a mono (TS) 3.5mm cable.
8. CV INPUT: 3.5mm jack - Control the pitch of the tape’s sound from a linear (non-quantized) CV sequencer, such as the Korg SQ-1 (5V Max).
9. GATE INPUT: 3.5mm jack - Plug in the Gate Output from a CV sequencer to gate the audio being fed into the “IN” jack.
10. POWER SUPPLY INPUT: Use only the 3V center positive wall adapter supplied with the unit in order to avoid any damage to circuitry.
11. AUDIO OUTPUT: 1/4" jack - Plug this into an amplifier, external effects, etc.
12. PITCH RIBBON INPUT: 3.5mm jack - (see DIY instructions below)
OM-1 CASSETTE PLAYER / RECORDER
• When recording onto a cassette, plug a line level signal into the Mic jack and set REC TIME to “normal”
• Set the input level from your source, as the cassette recorder has no record level control
• When playing the OM-1, set REC TIME to “double”
• Runs on 2 AA batteries (not included)