I recently downloaded the firmware upgrade for my 2880, and realized that using the internal MIDI CC parameters that it’s possible to create gated arpeggio effects and tape delay effects.  It’s my first post here, so I’m not entirely sure if it’s possible to embed YouTube video, but here’s a link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJmRZ-XDV_A

You could potentially use either a sequencer or DAW to control this and get some Tim Hecker-esque effects.

I’m still trying to figure out if there’s a MIDI CC to control loop start position, which would be useful for creating granular synthesis effects, but I’ve had no luck so far.

Really cool effect and nice vid…. unfortunately, as thorough as you explained I got lost about mid way through.  Doesn’t help that I’m completely MIDI ignorant. I think I need to start experimenting with the midi functions too, seriously.  That was really cool though.  How was it changing speeds… changing tempo via midi or just happened naturally as you strummed at awkward times?

freshchops - 25 April 2010 03:53 AM

Really cool effect and nice vid…. unfortunately, as thorough as you explained I got lost about mid way through.  Doesn’t help that I’m completely MIDI ignorant. I think I need to start experimenting with the midi functions too, seriously.  That was really cool though.  How was it changing speeds… changing tempo via midi or just happened naturally as you strummed at awkward times?

I didn’t implement the tempo change in that particular video—only the track one fader.  So, all you are actually hearing in the video is bits and pieces of the audio on that track being destroyed (though I could see how that would impart apparent pitch modulation). 

You can change tempo via MIDI, but with the 2880’s tempo shifting in normal recording modes, you are limited to half step increments, which sounds kind of awkward (although you can use it for gated arpeggio effects and the like).  I sort of wish the tempo slider would always behave like it does in the constant tempo mixdown mode, because I could then successfully create some Boards of Canada-esque sounds.

Also, the tape decay you hear in the video is pretty subtle compared to what is possible.  I may create another video with more examples.