Tape Mastering prints a finished mix through tape in the browser and masters it: upload the song, compare at matched level, download a WAV. For single tracks and buses, the plugin pack gives you tape live in your DAW. Here is the online workflow.
How tape works in Tape Mastering
Tape Mastering runs a physically modeled reel-to-reel engine on our server. It reads the whole song, sets tone, dynamics and level, and prints the mix through the tape of the preset you pick. The plugin pack installs as VST3, AU, and LV2 when you want tape inside the session.
How online tape tone works, step by step
- Upload the finished mix as a WAV or MP3
- Preview any 30 seconds through Modern and Vintage, for free
- Compare at matched level, so the difference you hear is the tone
- Master the whole song with the preset you like and download a 24-bit WAV
The heavy lifting is server-side, so a light laptop is fine. For what each stage is doing, read the engine explainer.
Hear samples, then try your song
Download the plugins, or start with the homepage before and after samples and preview your own mix.
When Tape Mastering fits
Use it when the song is mixed and you want the tape print and the master in one step, on any computer. The plugins are the tool for tape on single tracks, stems and loops, and for automation inside a session. Many producers keep a tape plugin on buses while they mix, then master the bounce through Tape Mastering.
Where analog tape tone helps most
- Vocals: thickness; tames brittle sibilance
- Drums: glue and punch
- Bass: harmonics that translate on small speakers
- Mix bus: subtle cohesion and a smoother digital edge
Start quiet. You want warmth, glue, and smoother highs.
What does online processing cost?
Previews are free, and mastering the whole song is paid by its length, with no subscription. See Tape Mastering pricing.
FAQ
Does it lower audio quality?
Processing uses oversampling so the added harmonics stay musical. The master downloads as a 24-bit WAV, with MP3 and FLAC copies if you need them.
Can I add tape to a single track or a loop?
Use the Tape Machine plugin for that: it runs live on any track in your DAW. Tape Mastering works on the finished song, where the tape print and the master happen in one step. Step-by-step: master a song online.
What if I want live tape in my DAW?
Install the plugin pack: VST3, AU, and LV2, live in your session.
Add tape tone now
Install the plugins for live DAW processing, or master a finished song through tape with Tape Mastering.