Softube has released its Tape mag tape emulation plug-in, offering virtual models of three types of reel-to-reel tape machine with different sonic characteristics. Tape is available as a standard plug-in that will run on any AAX, AU or VST DAW host.

Softube combines Tape three tape machine characteristics in a single plug-in – Type A is based on a classic Swiss high-end reel-to-reel design, generally known and admired for its precision and linearity; Type B is a transformer-based machine that adds weight and creaminess to the low end; and Type C is based on a vintage British tape machine.

Selecting a tape machine Type and adjusting the associated Amount control adds tape-style characteristics. The plug-in includes presets from engineers Joe Chiccarelli (Beck, Strokes, U2) and Howard Willing (Kris Kristofferson, Sheryl Crow, Smashing Pumpkins). Users can control tape speed (which includes tape speeds not used in the real world), as well as speed stability, channel crosstalkamount, balance the dry/wet signal, and access other features, such as the mastering-grade High Freq Trim filter and run-stop effects.

For Presonus Studio One users, there are some extras. Not only can they also use Tape as a standard plug-in, but it is also available as a MixFX plug-in called Tape Multitrack, with selectable crosstalk between individual tracks and control of all instances of the plug-in from a single interface. The Tape and Tape Multitrack license is one and the same, so someone buying Tape then later switching over to using Studio One already has Tape Multitrack installed and licenced.

Tape is available now from Softube’s website and authorised international dealers at a list price of US$99.

More: www.softube.com