All About The Cassettone Two: A Tape-Looping Instrument by Rich Bernett

The Cassettone Two is a passion project of mine that is slowly but surely coming to fruition through many iterations and months of problem-solving. Soon, this Mellotron-inspired synth will be available to purchase both as a DIY kit, and as a fully built unit. 

For a bit more context about the project, I've compiled a few common questions and my answers below. Thanks for popping by!

What inspired you to create the original Cassettone?

I’ve been a recording musician hobbyist for many years, and I really enjoy combining my interests in building things and creating unique sounds in my music. 

It was a mix of my love for circuit bending, building hand-made instruments, and recording cool sounds that ultimately led me down the path of making the first Cassettone. That was almost seven years ago!

You can watch the tutorial for the original Cassettone here.

Can you describe the unique features of the Cassettone Two that set it apart from other synthesizers on the market?

Like the first Cassettone, the Cassettone Two isn’t a traditional synthesizer by definition. It uses cassette tapes as its sound source and works similarly to a Mellotron.

The pre-recorded audio on the tapes provides its sounds that the player then pitch shifts with the control knobs. This approach makes it a tactile, analog instrument that’s hands-on and customizable. 

It includes features like two looping cassette tapes, independent pitch controls for each key, a mix knob to blend signals, a drone function, and three discrete outputs.

How do you envision musicians and sound artists using the Cassettone Two in their projects?

I see the Cassettone Two being used across genres, but I think it may be especially fitting for shoegaze, dance music, experimental music, and other electronic genres of the sort. 

It provides unique audio textures and background sounds that no one has ever heard before.

What is the most challenging part of developing the Cassettone Two, and how are you overcoming it?

The hardest part is designing the electronics from scratch.

Unlike the first Cassettone, which used an existing Walkman, the Cassettone Two starts with just a motor and a playhead. This requires a custom circuit to control speed and amplify the audio.

I’ve been collaborating with talented electronic engineers from a local makerspace in Richmond to address these challenges.

Above: Becky is an electrical engineer helping to build the circuit boards for The Cassettone Two. She's wearing sunglasses inside because she's cool.

 

How do you plan to share updates on the development and engage with your community?

Mostly, I’m using Instagram and a free Patreon to share updates. Instagram is great for quick, short content, while Patreon allows for more in-depth project details. I have quite a few videos up there already and growing base of followers which is awesome to see.

How will you support musicians and makers in making the most out of the Cassettone Two?

So the Cassettone Two will be available both as a fully built instrument and as a DIY kit. 

For building the kit, there is an awesome active community on The Sound of Machines Discord that will continue to grow with the release of this model. Beyond the instructional materials I produce for assembling the instrument, this community will be a great support group.

There will also be a channel where users can connect with other musicians and makers to share their insights and sounds and ask questions about sourcing new tape loops.

Explain the role that tape loops play in the operation of The Cassettone. 

Tape loops are the heart of the instrument.

While many musicians may already be familiar with making their own from scratch, there will also be a marketplace right here on TheSoundofMachines.com where you can purchase pre-made loops made from various sources like synthesizers, circuit-bent electronics, metal scrap, old pianos, and more.

By blending two loops, the player can dial in some otherworldly, warm, noisy, and haunting sounds. It all depends on the original source that's been recorded to tape, and the settings in which the player mixes them together.

In addition, I’ll be producing tutorials on how to make your own loops at home, and continuing to grow the Discord community.

What kind of sound processing is possible with the Cassettone Two?

The Cassettone Two allows for the same sound processing that any other instrument with an "instrument out" can use.

Since there are three outputs (Tape A, Tape B, and a mixed signal) each can be run through their own effects pedals, recorded into software, or modified in countless ways to create unique textures.

 

Above: The current prototype from Jan 3, 2025. Changes have already been made since then!

What’s next for the Cassettone Two and future iterations?

For now, I’m focusing on getting this model ready for market. While I’m not yet considering additional features, I’m excited about the potential developments as this project evolves!

To keep up to date with the development of the Cassettone Two, join The Sound of Machines Patreon for free.