HAINBACH Gets Loopy: Uher Royal Deluxe Tape Machine Unleashed

Right from the get-go, HAINBACH throws us into the deep end with the Uher Royal Deluxe—a tape machine that looks like it’s more at home in your nan’s lounge than a modern studio. But don’t let its unassuming shell fool you. This thing’s got more tricks up its sleeve than a dodgy magician at a country pub. With a single over-engineered knob promising 11 different functions, it’s the kind of gear that makes you want to poke, prod, and see what explodes.

HAINBACH’s approach is classic: curiosity, a dash of chaos, and a healthy disrespect for the manual. He sets up a mini studio inspired by Harmonia, ropes in some vintage synths, and gets stuck into the tape machine’s “trick functions.” The vibe is pure experimentation—like a kangaroo discovering a trampoline. Whether you’re a tape veteran or just analog-curious, this section sets the tone for a wild ride through sound design possibilities.

Here’s where things get spicy. The Uher’s looping capabilities and variable speed settings aren’t just party tricks—they’re a goldmine for anyone chasing new textures. HAINBACH dives into multiply mode, bouncing tracks back and forth like a beach ball in a gale. The result? Glorious degradation, unpredictable artefacts, and a sound that’s more lived-in than your favourite pair of thongs.

Extreme pitch shifting, half-speed shenanigans, and even a bit of reverse tape magic all make an appearance. The machine’s four speeds let you layer sounds, stretch them, and generally make a mess in the best possible way. Sure, it’s a bit fiddly—like trying to butter toast in a cyclone—but the payoff is a palette of gritty, characterful tones you just can’t fake with software. If you want to hear the real chaos, you’ll have to watch the video for the full sonic mayhem.

Just when you think HAINBACH’s run out of tricks, he whips out a visual technique that’s as clever as a cockatoo stealing your chips. By hooking up the Uher’s dia pilote function to a slide projector, he syncs tape loops with analog visuals—turning the humble tape machine into the beating heart of an immersive installation. It’s the kind of move that’ll have art students and synth nerds alike frothing at the mouth.

The process is part MacGyver, part mad scientist. There’s a special cable, some inherited slides, and a whole lot of button pressing. The outcome? Tape-driven visuals that pulse and shift in time with the music, adding a whole new layer to the performance. If you reckon that sounds bonkers, you’re spot on—and the full effect is something you really need to see in action. Trust me, words don’t do it justice.

If there’s one lesson HAINBACH hammers home, it’s that tape doesn’t suffer fools lightly. Getting your monitoring and levels right is the difference between sonic bliss and a muddy dog’s breakfast. The right cable makes all the difference—suddenly, everything sounds tighter, brighter, and ready for the big time. Push those levels into the red, but do it with intent, or you’ll end up with nothing but hiss and regret. It’s a reminder that tape rewards patience and a bit of old-school know-how.