Microcassette Piano by Decent Samples [Decent Sampler]

Description

My microcassette obsession continues. After exploring vocal samples with these tiny tape recorders, I wanted to see what would happen when I put piano through them.

I was at a local rec center to record piano when I decided to bring along my collection of newly-repaired microcassette recorders. Once I was set up, I made my way through the entire keyboard, sampling every six notes on four different recorders (plus my iPhone).

Watch the full story here:

Back home, I created four different versions of the same library – one from each recorder. When I played the same chord through each of them, I was struck by how wildly different they sounded: each recorder has its own personality.

What I discovered is that microcassette recorders transform the piano in fascinating ways. The limited frequency response creates an intimate, distant quality – like hearing a piano through a wall or from another room. The mechanical flutter of the tape adds subtle movement to sustained notes. And of course, there’s that unmistakable tape hiss…

This library captures all the charming imperfections and unique character of these obsolete devices – technology from 1989 repurposed for music-making today.

Works with the free Decent Sampler plugin (VST, VST3, Audio Unit, AAX, and Standalone) which is available herefor Windows, Mac, Linux, and iOS.

– Dave

The sample library works with the free Decent Sampler player plugin. Download it here.