Superscope PSD230
Souped-Up Transcriber
by Adam Perlmutter

Years ago, a professor of mine spent an entire evening trying to transcribe several measures of a John Coltrane record. Overcome by frustration, he eventually threw in the towel and flung the problematic LP out of his window and onto an adjacent highway, where it was obliterated by a truck. These days, the professor laments the innumerable hours he spent struggling with elusive phrases, and he cringes at the thought of all the jazz LPs he ruined, many of which are now valuable collectors' items, easily fetching more than $100 each. Modern digital technology spares precious vinyl, and makes transcribing a much less tedious process. A variety of software programs feature advanced playback controls, making it easier to focus on difficult sections.

But what if you don't own a computer? check out the Superscope PSD230, a unique portable compact disc player. As opposed to a conventional CD player, the Superscope offers fine control over tempo and tuning, making it easier to nail that burning Yngwie Malmsteen line, for example. The unit runs on either the included AC adapter, three size D batteries, on an optional rechargeable battery pack. Conveniently, the Superscope has both a built-in full range speaker and 1/4" headphone jack, and for connecting to external components, the player offers both analog and digital RCA outputs. The Superscope weigh only 2.4lbs., making it perfect for travel.

Perfect Pitch
For transcribing purposes, the Superscope's handiest feature is its tempo control, with which a CD's speed can be increased or decreased by up to 50%, in increments of 1%. On a variable-speed tape player, a half-speed phrase will sound an octave lower than recorded. The sonic quality will be murky, too. A phrase's original pitch level is maintained on the Superscope, and the sound is considerable clearer than that of a slowed-down cassette player. With Superscope's A-B repeat, you can select the beginning and ending of a tricky line—such as that demonstrated in the accompanying musical example—and repeat it infinitely, hands-free. That's much more convenient than repeatedly having to stop and cue a cassette's phrase.

The Superscope can change a selection's tempo without affecting its key, and vice versa. It can transpose a key as much as an octave in either direction, while maintaining the song's tempo. Suppose you want to play along with an F blues, but prefer the key of G. Raise the CD's pitch by using the key control's "+" button, which adjusts the music in steps of 12.5 cents. Depress the button, until the display indicates "2.00." With the Superscope's mixing Mic/Line input, you can even plug in your guitar, adjust the mix, and play along. An optional footswitch allows you to keep your hands on your axe. Plugging the unit into an external recording, you can tape yourself jamming with a CD rhythm section. That feature is especially handy for learning jazz.

In addition to its tempo-and key-adjusting controls, the Superscope offers voice reduction, which will diminish the volume level of a CD's vocal track, or remove the vocals entirely. That feature, obviously, is useful for figuring out a riff that's obscured by heavy vocals. With the built-in 3-band equalizer, you can tweak a riff's sound, further facilitating transcription. Naturally, the voice reduction would also come in handy for that wild karaoke party.

In and Out of the Shed
At $549, the Superscope PSD230 is not a thrifty unit. With its convenient size and unprecedented features, though, the machine is an invaluable learning tool. As a transcription aid, Superscope will save you hours of guesswork, and will spare your practice room from being littered with broken cassettes and discs. The machine can also function as a surrogate rhythm section, in any key and tempo. And when you emerge from the woodshed, you can even use the Superscope as a party accessory.