KVR Audio

Robmobius · Post by **Robmobius** » Thu May 21, 2020 1:06 pm

Hello,

I've been using Slate's VTM for a good while now and I like it.
But given the fact that there are quite a few new(ish) ones about, does anything out there sound that much better, for adding that extra tape mojo?

I've been thinking of purchasing IK Multimedia T-RackS Tape Machine Collection. It's a decent price on Audio Deluxe. And I've heard good things about it.

Anything else out there worth scoping out?

I already have Softubes tape (which is quite nice too).

Ta'.

telecode · Post by **telecode** » Thu May 21, 2020 1:11 pm

yeah. i got them. i put them on guitar tracks and snare. i think it adds warmth to the sound. I use mostly the 24.

pixel85 · Post by **pixel85** » Thu May 21, 2020 1:16 pm

I never heard anything like IK Multimedia T-RackS Tape Machine Collection and it's the only tape emulation that I consider as really good sounding because it can really enhance the sound and doesn't sound like distortion/LoFi effect. Yesterday I practically did Mastering of old Synthwave track and it instantly placed all instruments in the right place. Just keep in mind that IKM Tapes eat CPU like madman

But you can really hear why it's so CPU intensive.
I don't have much experience with Slate except working with it a few years ago and I don't really remember how it sounds so I can't compare them.
Also, I don't have any experience with real tapes.
But I tried a few (plugins) of them and I found tape sims mostly degrading sound in a not pleasant way (especially Waves!)

sleepcircle · Post by **sleepcircle** » Thu May 21, 2020 2:15 pm

pixel85 wrote: ↑Thu May 21, 2020 1:16 pm (especially Waves!)

waves' tape sims are not very good, no. they really chew up the sound, somehow.

focusrite · Post by **focusrite** » Thu May 21, 2020 2:22 pm

Taupe, if you apply the correct model/preset to your material. I like the A8 (MCI 110)

mcbpete · Post by **mcbpete** » Thu May 21, 2020 2:36 pm

My two choices are IK Multimedia Tape Machine Collection for algo tape mastering, and Acustica's Taupe for convolution tape mastering. Both are ace ! I prefer IKs for control-ability and Acustica's for realism

Robmobius · Post by **Robmobius** » Thu May 21, 2020 2:45 pm

Thanks guys!

Ambiphile · Post by **Ambiphile** » Thu May 21, 2020 4:36 pm

I love the IK Tape collection as well. But it is definately more of a sweetening/enhancing type of tape plugins, since they lack those Lo-Fi options like Noise, Wow & Flutter, Dropouts etc. that some other tape plugins have.
I especially like the "Hi-EQ" knobs on those machines. Unlike many digital EQs or saturation plugins, which quickly can sound harsh when you add too much treble content, these knobs add treble in such a pleasant way.
As far as CPU load goes, i get about 16% in FL's CPU meter on an i7-8086k. So if just using one instance on the master or maybe 1 or 2 more on busses, it's definately doable with a decent CPU.
My other top choice for tape plugin would be Satin. I like the tape compression effect alot, that already happens when you just turn the input knob a bit. Let alone the versatility when you get into all the additional settings.

simmo75 · Post by **simmo75** » Thu May 21, 2020 4:39 pm

IK Tape Collection, nothing else in the box compares if you’re after an actual tape emulator. Taupe is good for color.

Synthient Sound · Post by **Synthient Sound** » Thu May 21, 2020 5:16 pm

I have IKM Tape Collection and the Softube one. The Softube one seems to have a lot of color and is much easier on CPU...can be placed on individual tracks.

The IKM is crazy CPU intensive and has a lot of latency, but sounds the most realistic. I can only use it after the track is done. It is great to have both in the arsenal though. If you don't have much money, the Softube will take care of you just fine.

sleepcircle · Post by **sleepcircle** » Thu May 21, 2020 6:11 pm

@robmobius
one other suggestion.
the actual tape machines on mixanalog.com

https://mixanalog.com/products/telefunken_m15
https://mixanalog.com/products/studer
it's only a few dollars for a session of 15 minutes, and they both sound GREAT.

https://soundcloud.com/sleep_circle/wes ... n-fraser-1 this went through the studer, earlier

RafaelMorgan · Post by **RafaelMorgan** » Thu May 21, 2020 8:59 pm

The best one, IMO, and it's free:

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=536112

Ploki · Post by **Ploki** » Thu May 21, 2020 11:55 pm

u-he satin.
it's the be all end all of tape simulation imo

everything else next to satin just seems either weak/too subtle, or plain ... wrong.

midi_transmission · Post by **midi_transmission** » Fri May 22, 2020 12:46 am

For mojo with punch in the low end Blackrooster Magnetite is my favorite. It really transfoms the sound when pushed. Satin is also great, but for my liking more to get smooth signals.

Clearscreen · Post by **Clearscreen** » Fri May 22, 2020 3:38 am

What about CHOWtape?

Tape simulations for that mastering mojo.