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Tape DSP
Tape DSP
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Tape compressor plugin

Tape Compressor: opto, FET and tape in one channel

Tape Compressor levels a vocal, a bass or a bus with an opto stage and tape underneath. The transients keep their shape while the level holds.

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Tape DSP Compressor plugin interface: preamp, threshold, ratio, attack, release, knee, tape character, peak reduction and mix controls with dual VU meters and a gain-reduction meter.
Price
Free$25 Expansion
Type
Tape compressor
Formats
VST3AULV2
Platforms
WindowsmacOSLinux

What is Tape Compressor?

Tape Compressor is an opto compressor with tape from the Tape Machine engine under the gain reduction, voiced for smooth, program-dependent leveling.

Use it on

  • Lead vocal Medium Attack and Release, 3 to 6 dB of gain reduction. The vocal sits still.
  • Bass Slower Attack, higher Ratio. The note holds and the low end stays even.
  • Drum bus Fast Attack, Mix around 50%. Parallel punch with the room intact.
  • Mix bus Low Ratio, slow Attack, 1 to 2 dB. Add Preamp (Expansion) for tape weight.
  • Bass under the kick Turn on Sidechain and send the kick to the sidechain input. The bass ducks on every hit.
The plugin pack

Free to use. One-time Expansion.

Install the pack and every plugin runs for free. The Expansion adds the controls listed here, paid once.

Download the pack →
Included Free
  • Threshold
  • Ratio
  • Attack
  • Release
  • Knee
  • Mix
  • Sidechain
  • SC Filter
  • Listen
Expansion adds $25
  • Preamp
  • Tape Character
  • Peak Reduction

The rest of the pack

Tape Machine
Tape Echo
Tape Chorus
Tape Reverb
Tape Distortion
Stereo Expander
Pitch Shifter
Try Tape Mastering
FAQ

Tape Compressor FAQ

Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release, Knee, Mix, Sidechain, SC Filter and Listen. The Expansion adds Preamp, Tape Character and Peak Reduction for a one-time payment.

Peak Reduction is a faster FET stage after the opto compressor. It catches transients the opto lets through and adds punch. It is part of the Expansion.

Yes. Use a low Ratio, a slower Attack and a little gain reduction for glue. Use Mix to bring back dry transients.

Yes. Turn on Sidechain and route a track to the plugin’s sidechain input in your DAW. SC Filter keeps the low end out of the detector, and Listen lets you hear what it reacts to.