Bastl Instruments THYME+

Tape delay effect from Bastl Instruments

With THYME+ Bastl Instruments presents the second Generation of this extremely versatile, sequencable tape delay effect. Although THYME+ is a purely digital effect, it makes use of the special characteristics of an analog tape echo in addition to adjustable tape speed and positions of the read heads. Thanks to several read heads (multi-tap), the density and complexity of the effect is increased, while the coloration of the echo tails is determined using Feedback and filters.
There is a separate robot for each sound-relevant parameter. A robot is a modulation source that can be an LFO with different waveforms, a randomizer, an envelope follower or an externally supplied control voltage. With the Shape parameter, the modulation sources can be changed extensively; with CV as the source, the controller becomes a slew limiter.

To ensure that the extensive modulation assignments are not a one-off, there are 64 memory locations (8 banks x 8 presets) and the combinations can be used again and again. But that's not all: the presets can be played like an instrument! The internal step sequencer stores four patterns, each of which can be up to 32 steps long. Instead of notes and note lengths, the sequencer stores which Preset including bypass was "played" on which steps. In addition, you can set separately for the delay time, the robots and the sequencer whether the function is synchronized to the internal or external clock.

The Plus version has a sleeker metal housing and offers larger controls. Under the hood, the firmware and audio codec have been significantly improved. The rear connectors finally give you the choice of working with mono or stereo signals on the input or output side. MIDI is designed as a TRS socket; an adapter is included.

As a pure tape delay, Thyme+ already has a lot to offer and sounds extremely good. Considering what the robots can do - especially in combination with the sequencer - even an octopus wouldn't have enough hands to make all the settings and modulations at the same time. Anyone who likes experimental effects with extensive modulation options should take a closer look at Thyme+.