Should I buy... (Page 69 of 87)

My RE-201 does not, in fact it has too short of a delay time for me. I got it in pretty bad shape, my tech fixed it but still no self oscillation, with the 'Intensity' knob turned fully to the right, I get about 3 to 4 sec of delay time max. The tape it has is pretty old but not used too much, maybe I could change it so that it could bounce back more, I really don't know.

I just adjusted my RE-101, from a state similar to yours to working 100% and sounding great.

It's likely that your tape doesn't have enough pressure applied to it.  The little blade with a foam that pushes the tape before the heads might need to be adjusted.

I changed my tape at the same time and it was worth it.  The sound was distorted and a previous tape jam made little kinks in the tape and you could hear it bounce when these hi the heads.

I don't know if the manual explains that specifically.  Basically the little arm/blade has to apply sufficient pressure on the tape to keep a certain tension on the tape heads.

I make my own tape out of Fuji FM consumer tape.  I use a cheapo plastic tape splicer I bought at an old radio store.

Most consumer tapes are ok, just make sure not to use mastering/studio tape as they are not lubricated and will wear down tape heads.

The best stuff apparently is the Dynamax tapes, used on radio commercial tape cartridges.

http://www.cartguys.com/ctr_prices.htm#anchor973579

Should I trade my Microkorg for a Mandala 2.0 pad with all software and accesories? Anybody here ever used one? I love me a drum synth.  I don't like that it is tied to the computer all the time but like that it has MIDI at least as opposed to the Wavedrum.

I just like my Microkorg too much methinks. I just wish I had the 280 he was asking for the Mandala.

Sorry I re-read your initial post just to make sure, does your tape echo not self-oscillate when the intensity knob is at 100%?

If it's only for a few seconds and it's not pressure, it could be that the heads are worn, need demagnetizing or that the tape is too old.

I'd b very surprised if it was the heads, I haven't demag'ed mine and I doubt I'm missing much, I might do it at some point.

good luck!

mytapeecho.com seems to have a sale on right now as well.  I just ordered a 4-pack of loops yesterday for my 201 and it came to about $30 CAD, including shipping.

I typically used the 501 inline with whatever, and that's probably how I'll end up using the 201.  If I do want it on a DAW or mixer send I imagine I'll use the "From PA" input.

And I actually fixed the instrument input!  The tip of the echo/normal toggle switch that the instrument input uses is broken off, but it turns out that the switch was just stuck in between so no signal was going through.  I used a little mini screwdriver to push the nub of the switch over to "echo", and now the input is fine.  This was the main reason it was so cheap, so I'm happy it was an easy fix. 

Badly needs new tape, but yeah everything seems fine.  I'll be cleaning the heads once my loops arrive, but I don't think I'll demag either.

That's great news!

Thanks for the info, I think mine is not that far from the procedure.

I would...

that's not too bad of a price considering the way people jack up the price for any roland synth that comes with its programmer, but as far as replacing your 106 I just have to say that when I am cremated I would just wish to have my ashes melted into a new set of plastic end caps for my 106