Classic tape delay sounds are everywhere on record, with their popularity showing no sign of going anywhere soon. With original hardware units out of reach for many, Luke Goddard sees whether IK Multimedia has the answer to your prayers with the T-RackS Space Delay plugin.

Why Tape Delay?

Before DSP technology made digital delay a reality, up until the 70s the only way to get repeating delays was to use “bucket brigade” analogue delays or tape-based echo techniques or dedicated machines. The nature of tape meant that the echoes were never exact copies of the original sound, and despite designers’ best efforts, the signal could only ever be a facsimile of the dry sound. This supposed flaw has been part of the tape delay sound, which can sound very musical when a more ethereal sound is needed. 

T-RackS Space Delay

Of all the hardware units produced, the Roland RE201 Space Echo is probably one of the best-loved machines which found its way onto almost as many stages as it did control rooms. IK Multimedia has decided to model their plugin on this classic unit which is a great introduction into the world of “grown-up” analogue delay.

Having heard a handful of actual units, including the RE201, I can say with confidence that the T-RackS Space Delay does an excellent impression of its progenitor, while adding some luxury features not found on the original (stereo, anyone?). I really liked the input stage modelling and of course the quality of the delay itself which adds a diffuse haziness that it’s hard not to love. You can hear it for yourself in the video.

Final Thoughts

I really enjoyed my time with T-RackS Space Delay, which for 99 Euros not only holds its own against the plugin competition but also the real thing. It gives you the classic tape delay sound without the chewed up tapes and backache, plus it takes a zero off the price of a real one! For me, for the studio, it’s a no-brainer.