Thyme Plus Sequenceable Robot Operated Digital Tape Machine
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Product Specifications:
- Product Name: THYME+
- Type: Audio Effects Processor
- Power: 9V DC
- Input: Audio Input, CV In, Clock In, Mono In Right, Stereo In
Left - Output: Mono Out Right, Stereo Out Left, Audio Output,
Headphones, Speakers
Product Usage Instructions:
Signal Flow and Controls:
The THYME+ features various controls including Input Gain, Tape
Speed, Mix Volume, Feedback, Filter, Levels, and more. Make sure to
adjust these settings according to your preferences before
processing audio.
Freeze Mode:
The Freeze mode allows you to sample short loops with different
delay times. Use the Coarse & Fine knobs to adjust the length
of the frozen loop and control the intensity with Feedback.
Experiment with creating drones, lagging sounds, feedback pitches,
or glitch effects using this mode.
Robot Waveshapes:
The THYME+ includes friendly Robots that can modify parameters
in three directions: subtract from the knob value, modulate around
it, or add its output to the knob value. Explore the different
waveshapes and their effects on your audio processing.
Robot Phases and Stereo:
Each Robot can be set to modify a parameter in different phases
and stereo settings. Adjust these settings to create unique audio
effects and patterns.
Utilize button combinations to access additional features such
as Tape Machine settings, Freeze effects, Delay Sync options, and
Robot modulation controls. Experiment with these combos to enhance
your audio processing capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: How do I adjust the tape speed on the THYME+?
A: You can adjust the tape speed by using the Tape Speed control
knob. Set it to your desired speed for different audio effects.
Q: What is the Freeze mode used for?
A: The Freeze mode samples short loops based on the delay time,
allowing you to create drones, feedback pitches, and glitch effects
by manipulating the frozen loop length and intensity.
Q: How can I utilize the Robot waveshapes?
A: The Robot waveshapes can be used to modify parameters by
subtracting from the knob value, modulating around it, or adding
its output. Experiment with different waveshapes for unique audio
processing results.
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SEQUENCEABLE ROBOT-OPERATED DIGITAL TAPE MACHINE
Bastl’s THYME+ optimizes your And finally, the built-in
sound and liberates you from the sequencer enables you to
confines of routine work. With compose these effects into
numerous parameters at hand, vibrant, dynamic patterns!
you can delve deep into time-
based effects and explore their Automate and synergize your jam
wildest combinations.
with THYME+, a one-of-a-kind
audio effects processor run by
You have the freedom to
friendly Robots ready to handle
experiment with delay, phaser, your audio processing workload.
reverb, chorus, pitch shifter,
multi-tap delay, tape delay,
This quickstart guide provides
tremolo, vibrato, and much
essential information to get you
more all in stereo!
started right away.
audio input
INPUT GAIN
TAPE SPEED
Signal-flow and controls
MIX VOLUME audio output
FEEDBACK
FILTER
LEVELS
For full manual and documentation, scan the QR code.
There’s a lot THYME+ can do and we will slowly dive into it. Follow these easy steps to comprehend it all, bit by bit…
In this quickstart guide, we will look into:
· Tape delay · Sequencer (remember to save your
· Memory
progress as you go, it will be essential)
· Freeze mode
For the best results, turn the page and follow each step the way it’s written.
MONO OUT RIGHT
STEREO OUT LEFT
POWER
9V
MIDI IN
write head
main read head
extra read heads
COARSE
FINE
tape direction
tape
SPACING
FOOT
CV IN
CLOCK IN
MONO IN RIGHT
STEREO IN LEFT
speakers
headphones
DC power supply
ROBOT WAVESHAPES
+
midi type A
footswitch
control voltage 0-5V
FREEZE MODE
The FREEZE mode samples a short loop, with the length defined by the delay time.
FREEZE allows you to create drones with longer time frames, “lag” the sound with shorter ones, create feedback pitches with the shortest delay times, or glitch the sound with gradual movements.
trigger only once when you select a PRESET
doesn’t react to the SHAPE knob
Change the length of the frozen loop using the COARSE & FINE knobs.
Control the intensity of the loop with FEEDBACK (when fully to the right, the loop will stay indefinitely).
external control voltage (sent to CV IN)
Mix in the extra read heads to the output with LEVELS. In the second half of the knob, the signal from extra read heads gets written into the frozen loop. Have fun!
ROBOT POLARITY
+
FREEZE There are three different settings negative
LINK bipolar
SYNC positive
Each Robot can modify a parameter in three directions:
knob value
modulation
It can subtract from the knob value, it can modulate around it, or it can add its output to the knob value.
ROBOT PHASES
+=
ROBOT STEREO
+=
PATTERN
SYNC
0°
default LEFT
OFF
90°
RIGHT
180° 270°
LEFT ON
RIGHT
SHIFT
analog sync instrument (mono) signal is split to both channels
FX pedal (stereo)
line (stereo)
BUTTON COMBOS
Tape machine
+
FREEZE
DELAY SYNC
TAPE SPEED FEEDBACK wiggle SPACING wiggle
set tape speed to half set tape speed to double lo-fi/analog tape negative/positive feedback synced/unsynced read heads
Robots
+
any KNOB wiggle any KNOB movement robot SYNC PRESET 18 RATE A/B/C/D PATTERN FREEZE/LINK/SYNC BYPASS
select for modulation set modulation amount stereo robot mode select waveform of LFO modulate waveform shape select phase of LFO select robot polarity erase selected robot
Sequencer and clock
WRITE + PRESET 18 record preset (live mode)
SELECT + PRESET 18 select preset (write mode)
hold PRESET 18
select substeps (write m.)
SHIFT + TAP
select clock source
SHIFT + A/B/C/D
select tempo divider
SHIFT +
Memory
PRESET
select bank
SELECT
save bank
WRITE
copy preset
PLAY
paste preset
BYPASS + SHIFT + PRESET
erase bank
BYPASS + PRESET
erase preset
BYPASS + A/B/C/D
erase pattern
PRESET 8 + PLAY
format memory (test mode)
+ SHIFT
+
Randomize
FREEZE LINK SYNC
all robots parameters tape machine parameters tape and robots parameters
Midi, hardware test
Hold buttons during power up:
WRITE PRESET 18 SHIFT + PRESET 18 A+B+C+D TAP
start/stop message midi channel 18 midi channel 916 hardware test mode bootloader mode
Let’s get you STARTED with the BASICS
1. START HERE
Plug in your power supply, input signal, and output signal.
2
delay section
extra read
heads
volume control
5
9. EVEN MORE ROBOTS
In this next example, we will build a simple tremolo effect:
For starters, to learn the instrument and best hear the processes, it’s best to use a simple
3
continuous rhythm signal instead of drones or
an instrument you would have to play actively.
· Select an empty BANK with empty PRESETS (SHIFT + PRESET)
+
PRESET
HOLD PRESET
· Select an empty PRESET
7-10
robots
1 4 6 11
sequencer and memory
2. LET THERE BE SOUND
4. COPY & PASTE PRESETS
8. MORE ROBOTS
· Adjust INPUT GAIN to a desired level. A GREEN light indicates an incoming signal, while a RED light indicates clipping (the signal is too loud)
· Adjust VOLUME. Now you can hear your signal!
· Quickly turn MIX to unfreeze the knob* · Adjust between DRY (original)
and WET (processed) signal
*Knob freezing is a function keeping the knob values set. It applies to all the knobs except INPUT GAIN and VOLUME.
· Select a PRESET (or just stay in the current one)
· Press SHIFT + WRITE to COPY the current PRESET settings
· Select another PRESET · Press SHIFT + PLAY to PASTE
5. ADDING DENSITY
You can add three more extra read heads to the tape. They will be added after the main read head.
· Unfreeze and adjust LEVELS. This knob controls the volume level of all three read heads
· Play around with SPACING. This knob controls the distance between the three extra read heads
Using Robots, you can create interesting modulations, such as the following one, resulting in a flanger-like effect:
· Select a new PRESET
· Adjust FEEDBACK
· Turn the FINE knob, and listen to
the flanger effect
· Hold
and wiggle FINE
to automate FINE with a Robot
· Release
and play with
AMOUNT, RATE, and FINE
You can change the waveform shape from triangle to sine wave:
· Hold
and turn RATE fully to the
right. It now functions as
INPUT GAIN
MIX
VOLUME
These heads also react to FEEDBACK and TAPE SPEED. Let’s try it out!
Choose a different waveform shape for the Robot modulating the FINE knob:
3. SIMPLE DELAY
Delay is the core of this instrument. It functions as an analog tape machine. There is a virtual digital “tape” as well as write and read heads interacting with it.
6. ERASING A PRESET
If you happen to get lost because things grow a bit too chaotic … don’t panic!
· Hold
and press a corresponding
PRESET button to select the desired
waveshape. Let’s try the random shape
for a Sample & Hold-like effect.
Now, you can smooth out the edges with
the
knob
· Hold
and automate VOLUME
· Set RATE, AMOUNT
and VOLUME
Robots can be synced (quantized) to the clock in rhythmical intervals:
· Press the SYNC button next to the
button
· Hold
and press SYNC again.
This turns the modulation into
.
Really cool!
Try to automate more parameters using Robots in the same way!
There is even more to Robots on the other page.
10. TOO MANY ROBOTS
Hold
to see which knobs are
automated. Those with an active Robot will
flash briefly. Afterwards, the one knob with a lit
light is the currently selected Robot.
To deactivate a Robot, select it with a wiggle of
the knob and press
+ BYPASS.
11. SAVE & ERASE
· Press SHIFT + SELECT to SAVE your whole BANK
This will save all the current settings. All will stay saved even after restarting the device.
Save your presets, so that you can build a sequence with them.
· Press SHIFT + PRESET to select a BANK (18)
· Press PRESET to select a PRESET (18) from the active BANK
· Unlock and adjust the COARSE knob. It controls the main delay time
· Use FINE to make precise delay time adjustments
· Adjust FEEDBACK to control the amount of the signal fed back to the write head
· Press BYPASS + PRESET to erase the corresponding preset
Since you still have the first preset in your device’s memory, you can always PASTE it again (SHIFT + PLAY).
Every waveshape reacts differently.
If you’re curious, check the table on the other page for all the possible waveshaping variants.
THYME+ is, by default, shipped with all
the BANKS and PRESETS empty. However,
if you need to clear a BANK, press BYPASS + SHIFT + PRESET.
TAPE SPEED changes how fast the
7. ROBOTS
tape moves, so it affects the overall duration of
the loop and, therefore, the audio sample rate. Now’s the time to learn how to automate
The slower the tape (turning the knob to the parameters using Robots.
left), the more digital sound artifacts appear.
Let’s try it on the FILTER parameter:
Now that you have a few presets prepared & saved, let’s learn how to turn them into sequences…
· Select an empty PRESET.
PASTE your copied preset again
FEEDBACK COARSE
TAPE
SPEED
· Play around with the FILTER knob.
On the left, it acts as a lowpass (LP), and on the right, as a highpass (HP)
· Hold the
button and then wiggle
You can press LINK to compensate for the
the FILTER knob
change in delay time caused by adjusting
· While still holding
, the light over
TAPE SPEED.
the FILTER knob should light up green with
full brightness. It indicates you’ve selected this
· Press TAP multiple times to set the tempo parameter to be modulated by a Robot
of the main clock. The tempo is indicated by
the blinking green light above*
· Press the COARSE SYNC button to sync the delay time to the main clock
· Play around with all these parameters
+
HOLD
FILTER
*If there’s no light indication, check the clock source (SHIFT + TAP) and select the TAP
option. The setting is indicated by one of the
three lights:
· While still holding the
button, select
one of the Robot waveshapes
· Release the
button
· Adjust the RATE and AMOUNT knobs
to set the modulation. The R light indicates the
modulation progress of the selected Robot
FREEZE LINK SYNC
+
TAP TAP/CLK/MIDI
RATE
AMOUNT FILTER
HOLD
Adjust FILTER. The Robot still reacts to the
knob’s position. Its value is a refference point the
Robot modulates around. Try it.
It’s THYME to COMPOSE
Press PLAY, this will start the sequencer, and the WRITE light will start blinking.*
Since there are no presets recorded into the sequence yet, all the steps are set to BYPASS by default.
To temporarily listen To record presets
to different presets, into the sequence,
hold the corresponding hold WRITE +
PRESET.**
PRESET.
HOLD
WRITE
PRESS PLAY
BYPASS
PRESET
HOLD
+
WRITE PRESET
*if not working, make sure your clock source is set to TAP **if not working, stop the sequencer and make sure that the WRITE light is off.
The sequence is stored in the active PATTERN. There are four PATTERNS.
Change the tempo of the sequencer by tapping the TAP button.
PRESS
TAP TAP
When switching the sequencer off by pressing PLAY, you stay on the preset that played last in the sequence. WRITE light stops blinking.
PRESS
WRITE PLAY
Now you understand how the sequencer works in the LIVE MODE.
There’s also a WRITE MODE which is the more detailed mode and allows for much more precise editing. Learn how the WRITE MODE works in the full THYME+ manual.
Documents / Resources
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