Inventor and sound artist Rich Bernett, creator of the original Cassettone synthesizer, has announced the development of the an upgraded, feature-packed evolution of the original cassette synth that gained a loyal following of DIY builders and experimental musicians around the globe.
The Cassettone Two is Bernett’s next step in redefining how cassette tapes can be manipulated into unique musical instruments. The original Cassettone, a keyboard that plays cassette loops, sparked excitement in the music-making and DIY communities, receiving widespread attention across YouTube, Instagram, and music blogs.
With its quirky design and DIY appeal, makers all over the world began building their own versions, and workshops and even social media communities sprung up around it. Now, with the introduction of the Cassettone Two, Bernett is ready to push the boundaries further.
A New Chapter for the Cassettone Synth
The Cassettone Two builds upon the foundation of the original with exciting new features designed to give musicians and builders more creative control. The most notable upgrade? Two cassette players, each with independent pitch control, that can be blended for a richer, more versatile sound. This marks a major leap forward from the original single cassette model, allowing users to create complex, layered tones.
“I wanted to address some of the challenges builders faced with the first version. With the Cassettone Two, there’s no need to hack into old cassette players anymore, which should eliminate the parts most prone to failure,” says Bernett.
Tailored for Makers and Musicians Alike
Bernett, who operates online under the name The Sound of Machines, has learned from the overwhelming interest in the first Cassettone and is implementing a rollout strategy that caters to both makers and musicians. For those who enjoy building, there will be DIY kits that include all necessary components (minus the tools). For musicians who prefer to skip the assembly, Rich plans to have a small-batch of pre-built units that will be available for purchase.
Additionally, Bernett plans to offer virtual and in-person workshops and detailed tutorials to guide makers through the building process, ensuring that anyone can successfully bring their own Cassettone Two to life.
More Features on the Horizon
While the base model of the Cassettone Two is set to feature two cassettes with pitch control, Bernett is already planning an XL model with reverse play, stereo outputs, and a brand-new “drone” mode, which he teases will be detailed in future announcements.
“Based on the popularity and community engagement with the first Cassettone, I’m aiming for a much more structured rollout this time. Whether you’re a musician who wants a one-of-a-kind sound source or a maker who enjoys the build process, there will be an option for you,” says Bernett.
Limited Availability for Early Runs
Due to the anticipated demand, initial batches of the Cassettone Two will be limited. To ensure you don’t miss out, Rich Bernett encourages fans and makers to join The Sound of Machines Patreon, where he’s offering behind-the-scenes updates, production insights, and priority access to the first run of the Cassettone Two.
Subscribers will not only be the first to know when new units are available, but they’ll also gain access to audio samples, exclusive tutorials, and detailed guides on building other experimental instruments from Bernett’s collection.
Join the Journey
Bernett’s journey with the Cassettone has been shaped by the creativity of the community around it, and he’s eager to see where musicians and makers will take the Cassettone Two.
To stay updated on production progress and get priority access to the first batch, join Bernett’s Patreon at Patreon.com/TheSoundofMachines and follow along on Instagram at instagram.com/thesoundofmachines.
