I’m mostly in the box now, selling my hardware piece by piece. Haven’t even considered selling the TP-7, though. It’s way too useful in too many contexts still.
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So out of curiosity, do you think/know if this chart is correct?
yeah that pitch ratio chart looks correct!
That site shows:
This was calculated using the following information. Since an octave doubles (or halves) the frequency and there are 12 equal steps (semitones), we can find that the frequency is multiplied (or divided) by a certain factor:
mfact = 12th root of 2 = 2^(1/12) = 1.0594631
which is the same algorithm I wrote here:
A quick check of a few values confirms that it all looks right 
EDIT: So I recently got a TX-6 and am loving it. I get now why I’d want the TP-7, and am looking at it pretty strongly. But I don’t know if I can justify the price right now, however much I love the form factor and design and the rest.
If I was just going to get a used iPhone SE and load up GarageBand or AUM or whatever, and install no apps or other distracting things on it… what would you fine folks say is the main thing I’d be missing from the TP-7?
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MWAU
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I’m looking at a TP7 and TX6 combo to keep distractions to minimum and have a nice little setup for capturing my hardware and Kyma together.
I’d likely use the TX6 in 12Out mode sending each channel to the TP7 to record each separately. I understand this wouldn’t record FX1 on the TX6, and only FX2 that are set as channel insert not master insert effects (as the TP7 records each channel post fader, and not the master).
On the TP7 I’d have headphones and my speakers plugged in via mainout and one of the three stereo line outs.
On the TX6 I’d use the cue and aux out as sends to the ins of my Op1 field and Kyma.
Questions please;
is my logic / routing do-able?
On the Tp7, I can monitor through it and hit record/capture. If I want to play back and jam over the top can I do this or do I have to be in Edit mode? The manual seems to suggest in playback inputs are disabled. In edit mode can you play back at different speeds?
Thanks
You can’t listen to what’s coming into the TP-7 through the outputs on the back. You can only hear what’s been recorded onto the TP-7’s tape. If you had your headphones plugged into the headphone out and your monitors plugged into the TP-7’s rear outputs, you would hear the incoming audio from the TX-6 only through the headphone out until that audio has been committed to tape.
Oh, also, the outputs on the rear only play one track at a time. So like if recorded 6 mono inputs from the TX-6 to 6 channels on the TP-7, you would only be able to hear what’s on Track 1-3 through their respective outputs.
I had the same questions before buying and couldn’t find any information on it and took the plunge anyway.
You can overdub, but you have to be in edit mode. You can’t change tape speed while in edit mode, it just says “recording” on the screen when you hit the mode button.
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MWAU
220
Thanks, I had also picked up a TP7 and TX6 combo anyway to try out. I’m a week in and loving it, despite some limitations with the way it works.
I’ve settled on having my TX6 in 2 channel USB mode connected to my TP7. This is because 99% of the time I want to capture things live, including the effects and I’m happy with a stereo recording without need to add more. If I want 6 stereo I can always switch modes. The effects in the TX6 are proving more useful than I thought.
By having my TP7 in/outs as headset mode I can have my speakers plugged in to monitor what’s playing (when record armed) and also what’s recorded (this removes the ‘out’ constraint you mention above, where only recorded material gets played). Having a cable plugged in to headset mode on TP7 and using the TX6 in 2 out mode is quite useful too in that by default it also adds/records a track of silence (given nothing is actually coming from headset) each time. So if I do decide I do want another track to record something on after all the TP7 has created one for me. Hopefully TE will add the ability to more freely add tracks further down the line.
My headphones are actually plugged in via my TX6 now, the audio from the TP7 is routed back there also….so i could just as easily have my speakers connected to the TP7 main/headphone out also.
I just need to make sure I’m on record arm mode to hear unrecorded audio from TX6 through speakers. This isn’t a problem - in fact, the gentle pulsing record arm light encourages me to record more.
Overall, the TP7 and TX6 combo has resonated with me and done what I wanted - I’ve recorded multiple little bits of sound that would 100% have been lost in my old ways of working. Those little bits become something else when thrown into Kyma.
My units seem to function just fine, which is a relief. I do find that playback on the TP7 can introduce some slight warbles/wow/flutter every now and again. Oddly these are seemingly not in the recorded audio, just when motor is used during playback (so I can remove the effect if I so wish). It doesn’t bother me, it’s very minor and I quite like it.
The build quality is lovely as is the aesthetic. They are definitely smaller than I thought, even though I was prepared!
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I got my TP-7 in this week too and I have experienced “some slight warbles/wow/flutter every now and again” as well. Does your wheel have slight physical stutters/catches when circling round? Like, not a 100% smooth cycle - particularly when focusing on the text or lines on the wheel. I have noticed too that it doesn’t affect the recording side, fortunately - but it is affecting playback sound occasionally (I feel like it is doing it less so the more I have used it).
I’m curious as to if the micro-stutters on the wheel is the norm for the TP-7, or if my particular unit wasn’t greased/lubricated properly.
mine is smooth the whole way around. if it’s bad enough to mess with the functionality of the device, i would suggest reaching out for repair or replacement.
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Thanks for the reply confirming it should actually be smooth. I actually did reach out to TE on Friday about a replacement since it just seemed so off to not be that actual designed quality of spin smoothness. I enjoy the TP-7 and would rather get a replacement from TE than return it to the vendor for a refund within the 30 day window.
Within the first hour of figuring out the TP-7 is when it was already showing weird wobbly-ness from the wheel that was affecting playback. Was hoping this latest TP-7 batch fixed most issues, but it looks like this un-smooth wheel stutter passed QA or was affected by shipping. Hoping the former, as a device of this quality should be able to handle standard transportation/movement.
mine has no problems so far. the wheel moves 1000% smoothly. i’m assuming that’s how the product was intended to function…
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MWAU
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Just to add, my wheel visibly rotates very smoothly and no audible noise, or grating. Recorded sounds via onboard microphone are clean and are not picking up mechanical sounds from the wheel (like some I have read suffer). This all said, in playback mode and playing back clean tones (say a simple sine wave) I occasionally get tiny fluctuations in pitch - these aren’t my wheel hitting a glitch each rotation, just occasional little warbles. I think if I was playing back music it would probably be imperceptible.
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Chiming in here, my wheel does make a clicking / ticking noise as the wheel spins. I do hear a faint grinding noise in addition to the clicking sound when I record with the internal mic. Disabling the wheel while recording avoids that issue, but where’s the fun in that?
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MWAU
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Ok - I should follow up as I did some more detailed listening/observing in a quieter environment.
My wheel does not make a clicking/ticking noise. There is some motor noise whilst turning though - in other words, it is not totally silent. If you put your ear close the unit I can hear it. The microphone captures this noise but it’s quiet and I would say it’s perfectly within the realms of what I’d expect. Other sounds captured by the microphone (speaking, finger rubbing etc.) easily drown it out.
When I record a pure sine wave (motor on) and play it back (motor on) I get a very slight warble/hiccup - this does actually appear to be relatively consistent and aligned with a particular spot on the rotation of the wheel - so I guess my wheel rotation is not perfectly smooth. If I turn motor off for playback I do not hear it (so it’s not impacting recording it seems). Likewise, if I play anything other than very pure tones I don’t perceive it (e.g. music).
Hope the above helps in determine what’s normal. Of course mine might not be normal!
EDIT:
I decided to send back my TP7 for another as the warble, no matter how slight, I think was going to end up annoying me on an expensive unit designed to do one thing well - I’m glad to say the new one appears to function perfectly.
Shout out to Signal Sounds in UK for being really helpful and testing a new one before the swap.
I must say, I’ve really been enjoying the TP7 (and TX6). I’ve recorded so much more than I would have via any other means and there is something lovely about a glowing red light, a spinning disk and the tape deck style buttons and rocker. Bravo TE.
I’m really hoping the extend functionality further - lots more they could do. Sounds like @circuitghost suggests more is coming based on his chats with TE - though I’m sure he can’t reveal…!
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Yeah I got a clicky wheel (no rumble, just an audible click every 360°) and am exchanging mine for a new one 
That said, I disabled the motor in the meantime and have been enjoying it way more than I expected. I got a good deal on it, so figured I’d try it out, expecting to end up just returning it. But even with the disappointment of the clicky wheel I’ve been using it a ton!
For recording, I’ve really enjoyed the feeling of tracking without a screen, using it and the tx-6. I’m not at all a “dawless” type, and fully intend to import to a daw to finish the tracks off, but I definitely admit there’s a real vibe to it
I’ve been traveling around Taiwan as well visiting family and using it as a field recorder is super fun. Easy to throw in a pocket, and whip out at a moments notice to capture a cool sound
And finally, using it as a note-taking device is also nice. I’ve been (bullet-)journaling a lot more this last year, including weekly reflections, and being able to just turn it on and ramble, then transcribe it, and summarize it into my journal has been a rewarding process. Gets the juices flowing in a different way than writing does, so it’s good to have both options in my journaling practice
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So , is the warble still present on your new unit? I just received my 2nd one and man the warble is harsh. I confirmed with the supplier that this was a new batch . When I record acoustic guitar on it and play it back , it sounds like I have a chorus pedal on it
Ah yeah, lips sealed and all that. I’ll say this tho, it seems like a quite flexible platform, so I believe in whichever direction the TP-7 will go, it’ll be more due to how TE views it as a product for the future rather than what it can or can’t do as a device.
MWAU
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No, the new unit has no warble or discontinuity when recording or playing back with the wheel ON. It functions exactly as you would hope.
To be the clear, the old unit was not recording the warble/discontinuity - it was only when playing back with the wheel on. I suspect this is because the device has some slight smoothing algorithm so the discontinuity was minor enough it didn’t bother it whilst recording, even when the wheel was on.
Mine certainly did not sound like a chorus. As above, try with wheel off to eliminate other problems.
@circuitghost , haha, ok. With TE that could be nowhere or everywhere then - all bets are off 
No matter, I’m pretty happy with current functionality. I would like some tapes styles though, that would be super nice.
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ErnieCF
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Thanks , that’s helpful . I’ll start a return with the retailer, huge bummer …
As a follow up to my post above. My third TP-7 also has a noticeable warble that isn’t terribly pleasant. I gave up replacing them in the return window opting instead for intending to claim a warranty repair in the future.
I sent videos of all my TP-7s and TE support responded as follows;
“yes you are correct in your assessment that the unit should not wobble. your second unit seem to have been a lot worse however the one you have now also warrants a replacement”
So if they’re telling customers now that it’s an intentional part of the design, they’re back pedaling and probably to not result in nearly every unit being returned.
Clearly the clicks and warbles were not intentional, but absolutely pervasive. In fact I challenge anyone to record a pure sine tone onto their unit, then play it back with the motor on and record what you hear and tell us if it truly is not warbled in a mechanical way.
What bugs me the most is obviously there’s a software layer between the motor speed sensing and the manipulation of the output audio. Which means adding two settings “sensitivity” (to what strength the physical speed change impacts audio playback rate) and “smoothing” (the slew of any change) would allow everyone to actually run their motor but dial in the intensity and natural feeling of the warble, or set both to 0 and simply enjoy the physical aesthetic of the rotation but with perfect audio playback.
Why doesn’t TE just release a feature like this and instead keep letting people return them over and over?
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I think the simple reason is that in their context, it’s probably not a big deal. Not enough units have the problem to make this a priority. We talk about it here and in other forums, but there’s likely thousands out there who don’t even know there are forums, who use these every day without problem.
I have no idea if this is the case, but I work in product development myself, and hundred people saying it’s a problem could still mean the remaining ten thousand don’t think it’s a problem at all, and that’s relevant when a dev makes priorities.
Though there’s almost never smoke without fire, and even though comments might be scattered, if they show up here and there and with some frequency, it’s usually the tip of that ice berg we’re seeing. So in the TP-7 case, I would guess it’s more of an issue than not, even for TE.
But really, I have no idea and I feel I want to stress this, since I’m testing their betas and therefore might be assumed to know stuff I don’t.
I should perhaps just keep my mouth shut, actually 
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