Kramer is occasionally useful as an effect. Does not sound 'expensive,' does not sound like actual tape. The slap echo is cool. VTM is more subtle, and closer to the sound of tape. I use it only occasionally, because i don't always dig the sound of tape. Slate Digital's VTM is the most detailed attempt yet to capture these in digital form. Few companies are brave enough to try to model the behaviour of a professional analogue tape recorder in software. In fact, Steven Slate tells us that their Virtual Tape Machines is the most complex plug-in they've ever coded.
- Kramer Master Tape Vs Slate Vtm Flooring
- Kramer Master Tape Vs Slate Vtm Nieuws
- Kramer Master Tape Vs Slate Vtm Siding
- Kramer Master Tape Vs Slate Vtm Tile
The musicians and music producers often try to get the analog warmth into their digital tracks, but the process is a lengthy one. By process, we mean the manual one, like recording the tracks via tape recorder. But isn’t that the old time-taking method? Being the people of the modern generation, we should get smarter and use a plugin to sort this situation.
Tape emulation plugins are here for quite some time now, but if you are still unaware of them, let us introduce with them, well, a few and the best ones from the lot.
Contents
- 1 What are the best Tape Emulation Plugins
What to check in an emulation plugin?
When it was the time of analog music production, big tape machines were used by the engineers to record tracks, which is the reason of using the word “tape machine” while working with DAW (digital audio workstation). When you see the arranger view, the MIDI notes or the waveforms of the audio files can be seen as the strips in rows. You can cut, paste, or split them.
But then also, you cannot get the tape sound in the tracks. That is because the visual representation of the soundtracks will be seen on the computer screen, and the GUI is great to work with, but definitely it is not the real recording with a tape recorder. This is why you need a tape emulation plugin which will convert the tracks of the digital era to the warm analog tape machine created the soundtrack.
How Tape Saturation works
Tape saturation is basically the key to put the warmth into the musical or vocal track. In older times, the sound or vocal tracks were recorded or pre-recorded at different stages. Each stage would have added some kind of noise or distortions, which went unnoticed individually but added the warmth at the accumulation of the tracks at the final stage.
The modern-day technologies of digital recording eliminated this noise and distortion successfully, but along with that, the warmth and realness are also lost. This minor noise is called audio saturation. Now, the modern engineers have worked with the software developers to create plugins or software to emulate the “noise” deliberately to get the tape recorder effect to the tracks. So the name “tape emulation” has been thus derived for certain reasons.
Using plugin to the desired tracks or the mix, to any particular instrumental track or to the compiled master track, or to both the items, will result in the tape recorder like tracks. If the emulation is done rightly, you can omit the extra loudness of the track as well as the get the gritty and rich soundtracks.
What are the best Tape Emulation Plugins
- VTM bySlate Digital
The Virtual Tape Machines by Slate Digital gives the tape recording type feeling to the digitally recorded tracks by employing two kinds of machines. One is a 16 track 2-inch tape machines and a ½ inch stereo mastering tracks. This emulator also provides control over bias, tape type and speed. There is sufficient flexibility so you can apply the effects on recordings, and also you can control the amount of warmth to put into your tracks.
Basic requirement to use this plugin is Quad-core i4 processor and 4 GB RAM and it supports various plugin formats on both Mac and Windows computers. Most of the users are happy with it, though a few complaints about the outcome of the plugin is slightly louder than required. So you need to normalize the output once the emulation is done, to keep things right. The uses of two well-adjusted tape machines obviously produce the appropriate copy of tape recording sound, and the interface is quite user-friendly. This emulator comes with an affordable price tag so you may try your hand at this to get the old-time effect for your tracks.
- Satinby u-he
This plugin tried to mimic the different parts of the tape recording machine, rather than copying the whole machine effects. This is best for getting the desired effect of interaction among the components to produce the track with the right amount of distortion. Thus you can assume that the flexibility of this plugin is its key feature. You can produce the exact distortion coming out from a particular part of a tape recorder to moderate the track, and the output will be customized.
This emulator comes with 4 tape head emulations and phase-shifting ability. This allows the producer to induce necessary delay and flange within the track. Also, format conversion can be done with this plugin as it provides the feature of a decoder which can break the recorded track as well.
Compatibility of this plugin is also unquestionable. It works well with Mac, Windows and Linux perfectly. It can even work on 1 GB RAM, however, the higher the RAM is, the faster it will operate. Users love this plugin for its flexibility. This one has larger control over available parameters, so a specific tone or feel can be availed by using this emulator. When subtly is required within the tracks, Satin is undoubtedly the best option for the musicians.
The only con mentioned by the users is, it takes up a huge space of CPU if a large number of variations are included in the working process. So a powerful laptop with higher RAM is best suited to use this plugin.
- WavesJ37 Tape
Waves J37 is already a popular plugin among musicians and music lovers. Waves 37 was built by emulating the Abbey Road Studio tape machine along with three other tape emulation models. These three models always provide the accurate tape kind of warmth to the soundtrack together. The facilities that Abbey Road Studio features are available with this plugin, such as bias enabling, tape speed, flutter and wow control are to name a few. It gets you the machine level emulation where you will be able to delay the track in three different types.
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As per the compatibility, it works with the Mac operating system as well as Windows. At least 8 GB RAM is required if you want to use this emulator to work smoothly. Most of the audio hosts are supported by this plugin. Though this plugin is actually quite high priced, it always offers some kind of discounts. If you wish to avail it, keep checking for the price drop. Users verdict goes for it, as they love this one for its superb delay implementation.
The emulator comes with a bulky interface which may cause a problem for some. The 8 GB RAM requirement is also something to worry about, as it eats up a lot of space on your CPU. The effect that it produces with minor change is a great benefit though. Basically, this one can be called a great plugin with some considerations.
- WavesKramer Master Tape
This one is another product created by Waves. Kramer Master Tape was produced before J37. This one is created based upon the model of a vintage ¼” reel to reel machine with adjustable control over bias, flutter, wow and tape speed. This one costs a bit more than J37. When compared with J37, the reviews of Kramer Master Tape are mixed and controversial. Some say this one is a good emulator while others say they are not satisfied with this one.
According to the negative feedback, the output is disappointing and the users had to buy J37 to get the right kind of effect on their soundtrack. It is said that Waves had come up with Kramer after the release of Slate’s VTM to compete with them, but the plugin was not really well planned and well-thought-of. This one cannot be called an all-rounder product, but you can trust this one for some of the effects to perform well.
Mac and Windows operating system with a good 8 GB RAM willwork for it.
- Tapedeskby Overloud
Tapedesk is a rare emulator which is designed by combining both a tape machine and different console models. This one imparts the desired analog warmth to your soundtrack. It works with a 2” 24 track tape machine and three analog consoles. This one smartly conjugates all three parts and the output is perfect replica of their interaction. Its requirement for low storage space on the CPU is a great reason to buy it.
Though it needs less space, it can finely simulate all the sub-components in the original unit. That way it never compromises with its working ability. Thus if you are looking for a great plugin which will work lightly on your DAW, surely you can choose this one.
Users have always spoken well about this emulator. The complicated procedure of conjugating three systems, however, has frustrated a few users though. But once you get the grip on this plugin, you are sure to be satisfied with the output.
The conclusion
Satin plugin definitely provides more controls than Slate’s VTM, as Satin lets you work with each component of tape machine individually and thus you get better controlling over the modifications. On the other hand, VTM offers the total response of a tape machine. Thus Satin wins over VTM on this ground.
However, Satin requires more space on your CPU when the emulation process is continuing. VTM takes up lesser space and thus is lighter on your CPU. The costs of both the plugin are nearly the same, Satin being slightly on the cheaper side.
Kramer and J37 are both Waves product. Depending upon the users’ experience, you can find that J37 offers better control over a large number of presets, and thus resulting in better output than Kramer. But along with that, this is a heavier plugin to be worked on the CPU. But still, it wins over Kramer as its working process is quite methodical and deeper than Kramer.
Overloud has produced the Tapedesk which is good for the ones who have taken up music as their hobby. This one has many facilities with a lower space consumption of CPU, but compared to the other four emulators mentioned above, this one will score lesser for features.
More:
Remember when “tube” was all the rage? The underlying drive was to get digital to sound more analog by introducing a tube into the signal chain. Not to be outdone, software manufacturers over the years have done their part with versions of tape emulators like the Massey Tapehead, Ferric TDS or Digidesign’s Reel Tape. Avid moved it into the next generation with the Pro Tools HD-specific HEAT feature, which is not really a plug-in but gets to the same point. Console manufacturer Harrison even offers another DAW-specific tape emulator in their Mixbus DAW.
In the past couple of years, there have been releases making emulation choices a head-spinning experience, in ever widening market niches, from amplifiers to channel strips. For the Mix roundup this month, we dive into the deep end and make sense of the most recent tape emulation software.
UAD Studer A800, ATR-102
For use within the UAD-2 platform only and slickly modeled after the Studer A800, this plug-in gives users all the tweaks you’d expect from the real thing. You can dial in four magnetic tape formulas, play with calibration levels, three tape speeds and more under the hood. Users can dig deeper to adjust EQ controls (NAB or CCIR), HF Bias calibration, Sync and Repro HF and LF calibration, and separate controls for Hiss, Hum and global noise bypass.
Also for UAD-2 users, the UAD Ampex ATR-102 plug-in allows you to choose between Input, Sync and Repro signal paths, different tape speeds, bias, emphasis EQs (NAB, CCIR, AES) and tape formulas, even including consumer/home brands. You can saturate “tape” with record gain knobs, switch in/out noise, crosstalk and wow and flutter and even use the plug-in as a fully adjustable tape delay.
Kramer Master Tape Vs Slate Vtm Flooring
Waves MPX—Kramer Master Tape
Developed in collaboration with engineer Eddie Kramer, the Kramer Master Tape plug-in is modeled on a vintage ¼-inch reel-to-reel machine. Adjustments include tape speed, bias, flux, wow and flutter, and noise parameters. There’s also a flexible slap and feedback delay. The plug operates at up to 96kHz/24-bit and supports TDM, RTAS, AU, VST and Audiosuite, across Mac and PC platforms.
Kramer Master Tape Vs Slate Vtm Nieuws
Slate Digital VTM
Kramer Master Tape Vs Slate Vtm Siding
The VTM from Slate Digital offers two tape machine types, a 2-inch, 16-track and ½-inch mastering recorder. Users can choose between two tape formulations, 15 and 30 ips tape speeds, noise reduction, auto mute, and wow and flutter and bass alignment controls. Other features include normal, low and high bias controls, and level calibration plus GUI controls like VU ballistics and grouped operation of parameters. AU, RTAS and VST formats are supported.
URS Saturation Plug-In
URS offers a hybrid plug-in that offers console and tape machine algorithms for preamps (6), tape saturation (2), transformer core saturation (2), tube and discrete analog saturation, soft clipping and even/odd ordered harmonic distortion. Tape emulation features include tape head algorithms (2) and choices for 15 or 30 ips. All major DAWs are supported including full Avid ICON and ProControl support.
Crane Song Phoenix II
Phoenix II is an update of Crane Song’s suite of TDM plug-ins designed to emulate the unique properties of a magnetic tape machine. The five control categories are grouped by personality. Luminescent is the most neutral-sounding process of the five; Iridescent has a similar magnetic character, but with a fatter bottom and midrange; Radiant is characterized by a more aggressive compression curve; Dark Essence is even more aggressive, and Luster starts more gently than the other four processes but becomes as aggressive as Dark Essence when the process is at full-scale. Phoenix II runs both Native and DSP on Avid’s Pro Tools 10 AAX format.
McDSP Analog Channel
The Analog Channel from McDSP is two plugins, AC101 emulates channel amplifier circuits, while the AC202 features standard tape machine parameters such as bias, playback speed, and IEC1/2 equalization plus adjustable low frequency roll off and head bump – independent of playback speed. Users can select from several playback head types, tape formulations, and even control the tape saturation recovery time. Supported formats include TDM, RTAS, Audiosuite and AU formats, Mac or PC up to 192 kHz.
MAGNETIC II Reel-to-Reel Audio Tape Warmer
Nomad Factory’s MAGNETIC II features controls for tape speeds, tape/tube saturation and tape color effects, as well as a dedicated vintage style EQ and a built in Boost mastering section. There are nine tape machine models from Otari, Ampex, Tascam, Studer and MCI. Other controls include wow and flutter, fully variable tape speeds (1 to 30), magnetic tape color, saturation, low- and high-frequency control, gain and a brickwall output ceiling. Supported formats include AU, RTAS, VST, 32- or 64-bit Mac or PC.
Virsyn VTape
VTape is a set comprising three plug-ins—Saturator, Delay and Flanger—that are based on a thorough simulation of the sound of analog tape machines. VTape Saturator simulates the recording and playback on an analog mastering machine. VTape Delay combines the Saturator sound with a modern, step sequencer-like tapped delay engine. VTAPE Flanger simulates the legendary “tape flanging” effect, simulating playback of two tape machines running at slightly different speeds. New for Version 2: Delay adds optional triplet and dotted notes; Flanger adds LFO Modulation. For VST3/VST2.4: 64-bit version for Windows 7 and Windows Vista.
Kramer Master Tape Vs Slate Vtm Tile
DUY Software DaD Tape
DaD Tape models four of the most representative tape recorders on the market: a vintage machine with valve circuitry, a transistor-based machine of the late ‘60s, an op amp-based machine of the ’70s and a current machine. There’s also simulation of the three most common noise reduction systems, plus a proprietary noiseless-tape mode. Switchable tape speed (7.5/15/30 ips) permits unusual combinations of tape recorders and speeds. For TDM, it can be purchased as part of the Analog Bundle. For RTAS (Mac and Windows), Audio Units, VST (Mac) or MAS/MOTU-based computers, DaD Tape Native can be purchased individually.
Yamaha Vintage Open Deck
Based on the company’s Virtual Circuitry Modeling technology, the Vintage Open Deck offers four machine types—Swiss ’70, Swiss ’78, Swiss ’85 and American ’70—and each type can be applied to the record and playback deck — independently. Typical parameters such as tape speed, bias and EQ settings, distortion and saturation characteristics are adjustable the type of tape can be selected. Vintage Open Deck is available in VST 3, VST 2.4 and AU plug-in format, allowing for multi-instance use with DAWs such as Cubase, Nuendo, WaveLab and Logic.