Earlier today we told you about an error by AudioDeluxe including details of Softube plug-ins in an email to their subscribers. Well, we have not had to wait too long for the official announcement from Softube that they have released their new Tape Plug-in.

This tape emulation plug-in models three types of reel-to-reel tape machine without taxing CPUs or breaking the bank, with an introductory price of $79 until June 30th 2017 with the normal price of $99 thereafter, and includes a MixFX version for Studio One users called Tape Multitrack.

Check out our exclusive review.

Three In One

Softube’s Tape effectively has three distinctly different tape machine characteristics in one 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 much more colourful affair — a transformer-based machine that adds weight and creaminess to the low end
• TYPE C is based on a British tape machine with a visible vintage vibe.

Simple To Use

Using the Softube Tape plug-in can be as simple as selecting a tape machine, and adjusting the Amount & Color controls. Alternatively, choose one of the included presets from award-winning engineers, such as Joe Chiccarelli (Beck, Strokes, U2) and Howard Willing (Kris Kristofferson, Sheryl Crow, Smashing Pumpkins), and you’re good to go!

Under The Hood

If you want to go under the hood, you can, users can control Tape Speed (which includes tape speeds that do not actually exist in the real world), as well as Speed Stability, Channel Crosstalk as well as other options including the mastering-grade High Freq Trim filter, which is designed to add a smooth treble boost and Run Stop sound effects 

Extra Features For Presonus Users

Tape is available as a standard plug-in that will run on any DAW that hosts AAX, AU, or VST formats.

For Presonus Studio One users, Tape 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, licensed, and ready to go. Watch out for a Studio One Expert review of Tape showing how it works as a MixFX plug-in.

What Do We Think Of Tape By Softube?

Did we need another tape emulation style plug-in? Softube thought we did and I must say that I'm so pleased to see that they've finally developed one. I've always felt that a tape style plug-in was always missing from their plug-in range. The Tape plug-in by Softube couldn't be easier to use and features a selection of really powerful controls such as dry/wet that is great for achieving tape flange effects and high freq control for shaping the top end of audio. The three tape machines are uniquely different from each other - I've already found my favourite in type B as I think it sounds the most rounded and punchy. The tape stop effect is also a nice creative addition that can add a nice production feature if used cleverly.