Softube Tape

[MogwaiBoy]

I don't know, it just works for me sir I think it's VST2 only or VST3, can't recall (will check). Do you use the new Softube installer app? Gobbler is gone, rejoice.

I'll grab some screens of the other tape modes later tonight for ya. I think if I remember correctly the A model has the flattest freq response and C has the biggest low end bump, with the default B being in between. They all deal with transients differently too ofcourse.

[lwj]

Ease of use and negligible CPU hit are the main draw here. Meaning you can use it like an actual tape machine in your mix: after every effect and on every bus if you want.

If you just want to smear your master bus with semi-authentic tape grease, there’s better sounding plugins for the job. But in allround utility this hits the spot. A bunch of Softube plugins do that actually.

[rasmusklump]

Ease of use and negligible CPU hit are the main draw here. Meaning you can use it like an actual tape machine in your mix: after every effect and on every bus if you want.

If you just want to smear your master bus with semi-authentic tape grease, there’s better sounding plugins for the job. But in allround utility this hits the spot. A bunch of Softube plugins do that actually.

exactly.
Only that I have them in the first slot on every channel...

[The Noodlist]

Studio One has a MixFX that supports this product (no doubt you knew this), I prefer it without, well, I prefer Chow Tape model and broad strokes.

[Hermetech Mastering]

Just bought this, wonder if it'll finally be the first tape sim to actually make it on to a master?

[Ploki]

in my case no - it's still u-he satin.
i do like it for the pleasant grit it does tho, but more on individual tracks.

[legendCNCD]

I also thought about this, what is the best that could be used even on master? I tried Chowtape but.. nope. Also would like wet/dry..

[Hermetech Mastering]

in my case no - it's still u-he satin.
i do like it for the pleasant grit it does tho, but more on individual tracks.

I didn't like Satin when I demoed it a few years ago, but maybe I should try again. I've tried 5 or 6 I think, none of them ever made it on to a master, so far. Always sounded better blind A/B'd in Bypass...

[plexuss]

I also thought about this, what is the best that could be used even on master? I tried Chowtape but.. nope. Also would like wet/dry..

I have many tape emus and before all this worked with tape in the day, both mutli-track and 2-track mastering. My go-to master buss tape emu is IK 80 specifically the "Pristine Mastering" preset but with Ampex 456 tape.
https://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/trtapemac80/

[_leras]

Just bought this, wonder if it'll finally be the first tape sim to actually make it on to a master?

Do you have UAD? The ATR-102 is really good.

[The Noodlist]

I have many tape emus and before all this worked with tape in the day, both mutli-track and 2-track mastering. My go-to master buss tape emu is IK 80 specifically the "Pristine Mastering" preset but with Ampex 456 tape.
https://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/trtapemac80/

Have you tried the Cupwise CupReels Ax102?

[plexuss]

I have many tape emus and before all this worked with tape in the day, both mutli-track and 2-track mastering. My go-to master buss tape emu is IK 80 specifically the "Pristine Mastering" preset but with Ampex 456 tape.
https://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/trtapemac80/

Have you tried the Cupwise CupReels Ax102?

NO! What?? I didn't know about CuoReels. I have Tim's entire library. I just checked though my emails and I have nothing announcing CupReels. No matter. I just bought it and will install. I have a reference track that I will use to compare one of the CupReels decks to IK 80. Would you be interested in my posting the audio files so you can A/B?

TL;DR
I generally dont use N4 anymore due to issses with it on the mac that AA wont address. I've stopped buying libraries for it. However it wasn't until I well into accumulating libraries before I realized this issue. I have a lot invested. But I am a sucker for tape emulation and Tim's libraries specifically. So I am interested to hear CupReels for mastering! The issues that stop me from using N4 are actually not as important in mastering, I am realizing now as I type. So perhaps I can find a place for N4 in mastering only duties. Would be nice to use it since I have so much invested.

[Hermetech Mastering]

Just bought this, wonder if it'll finally be the first tape sim to actually make it on to a master?

Do you have UAD? The ATR-102 is really good.

Nope, cos never been into the idea of hardware dongles.

[Ploki]

I generally avoid 100% wet IR on masters, doesn't feel right.

[Hermetech Mastering]

Me too, but ST Tape is 100% algorithmic. Will report back after I try it on a few masters in the coming week!