Question 1

What's in the box?

Accepted Answer

1 x alter.audio Timetosser
1 x Quickstart guide
1 x USB cable (Timetosser is USB powered)
2 x DIN-5 to mini jack MIDI adapter cable (type B)
1 x Custom Timetosser travel case

Question 2

Where can I find a local retailer?

Accepted Answer

Please head over to our product page (https://www.alter.audio/product-page/timetosser-ot15)to view the list of all our current retailers worldwide.

Question 3

What are Timetosser's audio specs?

Accepted Answer

In stand-alone mode, the audio resolution is 24-bit, 96 Khz. This allows for buffering up to 16 seconds of audio (or 16 beats @ 60 BPM), with a round-trip latency of 0.5 milliseconds. In USB-mode, sampling rates up to 192 Khz are supported. The round-trip latency will depend on the driver-model (Windows Audio / ASIO / Core Audio) and the selected buffer size.

Question 4

What does the "tap-tempo" button do?"

Accepted Answer

When Timetosser is externally synchronised through midi or gate, the tap tempo allows you to tap in a multiplier of the external tempo. This way, you’re able to halve, double or even set the internal tempo to a fraction of the external tempo. When not externally synced, the tap-tempo is used as a “hint” for the built-in tempo detector. This way, the system is able to home in on the correct tempo faster. The internal tempo is sent out to the midi-output.

Question 5

What makes Timetosser different from other gear?

Accepted Answer

Timetosser focuses on re-arranging audio in a performative way. Timetosser uses a continuous audio buffer. With the top row of buttons you select where you listen within that buffer. This allows you to not only loop, but also bring back sounds from the past in a different order. By playing patterns on these buttons, you're able to reconstruct the music in any rhythmical pattern.

Question 6

How come a power adapter is not included in the box?

Accepted Answer

Various types of domestic wall sockets and plugs are being used worldwide. Currently, there are over 10 different wall socket standards in use. As we ship to every part of the world, we would have to stock all types which would be a costly and inefficient endeavor. Secondly, we know that most people have been accumulating USB power adapters over the years, and that producing (and shipping) millions of unneeded adapters and accessories consumes resources and adds to our carbon footprint.
 
Considering these two arguments, we think it’s rather more efficient if one buys a compatible power adapter locally, and only if needed. If you are looking to get one near you, we have had good results with 5V smartphone chargers and generic (multi-port) usb chargers from several brands.

Question 7

Why is Timetosser using the type-B midi adapter variant?

Accepted Answer

The type B pinout allows the double functionality of the sync / midi input. Connect a supplied adapter to use it as a midi input, or use a mono mini-jack cable when using gate signals. The same pinout is used on the midi-output as well. Note that you can use stereo mini-jack cables to directly connect to other gear that uses the type-B standard, like the Arturia Beatstep Pro.

Question 8

How do I set up my USB and midi connections for standalone or plugin mode?

Accepted Answer

When you connect Timetosser to a standalone USB power supply, the unit will start in standalone mode. All buttons will respond to the midi-input port and button presses are sent to the midi-output port as well. This way, you can sequence Timetosser with an external device or DAW.
Plugin-mode is entered when connecting your unit to your computer directly via USB (or USB-hub). One of up to eight plugin instances can be selected and controlled from the hardware unit.

The two modes are explained in more detail in chapter 1 of the user manual.

Question 9

Why is my Timetosser not showing its colors?

Accepted Answer

Probably Timetosser is detecting a computer, or any other USB-host. Or perhaps you have it powered through a USB-hub with other devices interfering.
When connected to a computer, Timetosser starts in plugin mode. When you power Timetosser with a separate USB charger it should start in standalone mode and the buttons should look like normal.
Try to unplug all cables and power Timetosser to a wall socket with the supplied USB cable and a standard USB power adapter, like a smartphone charger. The quality of the charger can make a difference in the sound quality, so be sure to use a good one. To avoid ground loops, it’s best to power Timetosser from the same wall-socket or extension cord as your other music gear.
When for some reason Timetosser is still not starting in the right mode, please let us know by sending an email to support@alter.audio

Question 10

I’m getting noise, what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Timetosser can accept quite a "hot" signal so it can accept input from "hot outputting devices" like analog synths and pro audio gear. To get around the (inherent*) noise floor, your input needs to be as loud as you can make it without clipping. You can toggle the input level meter on/off by pressing "shift" + "mode". Make sure the meter is on average somewhere in the middle. Secondly, you would typically need some form of volume control “after” the Timetosser unit. Examples of this are explained in more detail in chapter 7 of the user manual.
If this information doesn't help, please let us know by sending an email to support@alter.audio
*All units leave the factory with a tested signal-to-noise ratio of at least 70 dB.

Question 11

I have macOS Ventura installed, what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Some users have reported issues installing our .pkg software installer. This seems to be caused by a bug in the OS. A simple workaround is to move the downloaded .pkg file to the applications folder and install it from there. Afterwards, the .pkg can of course be deleted.

Question 12

What is the difference between Timetosser MK1 and MK2?

Accepted Answer

Cosmetically, there are no big differences between MK1 and MK2. The changes are mainly to the hardware design: MK2 units have an improved noise floor, optimised internal parts and better processing capabilities.

Overall, the Timetosser MK1 and MK2’s functionality remains the same. However, the improved processing capabilities in the MK2 make room for future firmware updates with more extended features.

Question 13

How do I know if I have a Timetosser MK1 or MK2?

Accepted Answer

Your unit has MK2 hardware if the black product sticker on the bottom of the unit states "MK2".

Please note that Timetosser MK2 comes installed with its own firmware version (1.1.1) to be able to support the new hardware. This version is not available for MK1 units and does not add any new features. MK2 units cannot be downgraded to earlier firmware versions, as they are incompatible with MK1 hardware. Future firmware upgrades will be able to run on both MK1 and MK2 hardware.

DOWNLOADS

VIDEOS

*for Ventura users: See our FAQ for troubleshooting

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GET IN TOUCH