Experiments in Audio - Part 2: Nanoloop, Korg X911 and Danelectro Reel Echo

Random Gear Shot

So tonight I decided to create a track using just three pieces of gear: Nanoloop with a Gameboy Pocket, Korg X911 Guitar Synth and my newly purchased Danelectro Reel Echo.


Gameboy Pocket with Nanoloop, Korg X911 Guitar Synth, Danelectro Reel Echo, Boss BR8 Digital Recorder

Five individual tracks were created, all about 5 minutes in length. The original waveforms were created on the Nanoloop, which is a synth cartridge for the Gameboy which allows you to tap directly into the sound chip parameters, utilising a 16-step sequencer. The Nanoloop site has a pretty comprehensive description of how it works. The signals from the Nanoloop were sent into the Korg X911 (see my previous post for more details on this unit). Three of the sequences were sent through the pitch to cv convertor to drive the X911's oscillators and two of the sequences were sent directly through the filter. The oscillators and filter were tweaked throughout. Each track was also run through the Danelectro Reel Echo pedal, with some tweaking throughout.

Here is the sound file that resulted.

I find that since I purchased the Reel Echo pedal, I have been using it quite frequently. It has several features that I find useful. It has a lo-fi dial that allows you to roll off a little high-end from each successive echo, which allows for some great, deep tones. There is also a "tape warble" feature which is sort of like a chorus effect, but sounds great when you run a messy tone through it.

The Nanoloop is endless fun. There are tons of sound files on the forum at nanoloop.com.