Introducing Tape MK2: Elevating Your Sound to New Heights
We’re thrilled to announce the release of HoRNet Tape MK2, the latest update to our plugin family. This new version is designed to bring your audio recordings to life by adding the warmth and character of vintage tape saturation. With Tape MK2, we’ve enhanced the functionality of the original Tape plugin, providing more control and options to create that rich analog tape sound that professionals love.
Tape MK2 is far from an ordinary tape saturation plugin. It is an advanced tool designed to emulate the sound and behavior of vintage 24-track tape recorders. This plugin brings the essence of analog recording to your digital projects, delivering depth, warmth, and musicality that digital recordings often lack. Here’s what makes Tape MK2 stand out:
One of the most notable improvements in Tape MK2 is the enhanced tape saturation. Tape saturation is a phenomenon that occurs when the magnetic tape is driven hard, resulting in a characteristic distortion that adds harmonic richness and warmth. With this update, we’ve refined the algorithm to provide a more authentic tape sound, ensuring that you get that “classic analog warmth” with every use.
Tape MK2 offers you the choice of five meticulously modeled tape decks, each representing a different piece of iconic analog tape gear. Each deck has its own unique sonic signature, allowing you to find the perfect sound for your project. Whether you’re looking for a smooth, lush tone or a more aggressive, gritty sound, Tape MK2 has a model that suits your needs.
Additionally, you can choose between two different tape speeds: 15 ips and 30 ips (inches per second). The tape speed affects the overall sound, with faster speeds (30 ips) providing a clearer, more detailed sound, while slower speeds (15 ips) result in a more saturated and colored tone. This flexibility lets you fine-tune your recording for the perfect analog vibe.
The bias control in Tape MK2 is another feature that adds to its authenticity. Bias is the high-frequency signal applied to the tape to linearize the recording. With continuous bias control, you can dial in the perfect balance of distortion and clarity. Whether you want a subtle amount of harmonic distortion or you’re aiming for something more saturated, the continuous bias control allows for precise adjustments.
For those looking to add even more vintage character to their recordings, Tape MK2 includes an optional analog hiss emulation. Analog tape recorders often introduce a small amount of hiss due to the physical properties of the tape. While some may consider this noise undesirable, it’s actually an integral part of the analog sound, providing a sense of warmth and authenticity. With this emulation, you can choose to introduce a natural level of tape hiss, giving your recordings a more true-to-life, vintage feel.
The pre-emphasis filter in Tape MK2 is another key feature that sets it apart from other tape emulation plugins. This filter allows you to shape the tonal characteristics of your recordings before they’re processed by the tape. In the world of analog recording, engineers often used pre-emphasis filters to shape their sound before it was captured on tape. This feature is perfect for adding punch and clarity to your mixes, or for enhancing the overall tonal balance of your sound.
Tape MK2 also introduces an auto gain function, making it easier than ever to maintain consistent levels. With seven different target levels to choose from, the auto gain feature automatically adjusts the input signal to ensure optimal levels. This eliminates the need for manual adjustments, allowing you to focus more on the creative aspects of your project.
For users who work with multiple instances of the plugin, Tape MK2 offers a group function. This allows you to copy settings from one instance to another quickly and easily, saving you time and effort when setting up your session. Additionally, the linked input and output feature maintains constant loudness, ensuring that your recordings stay balanced throughout the processing chain.
Another standout feature is the oversampling option. Oversampling is important when using plugins like Tape MK2 to avoid aliasing and improve the overall sound quality. With Tape MK2, you can choose between different oversampling settings, including an “auto” setting that adjusts based on your system’s performance. This ensures that your recordings maintain clarity, even during complex processing tasks.
Tape MK2 features a seamless user interface that looks great at any resolution. The vector-based design ensures that the plugin will scale perfectly, and it adapts to both light and dark modes, depending on your system settings. This makes it easy to work in any environment, whether you’re working late at night or in a brightly lit studio.
Tape MK2 is available for both macOS (10.13 and later) and Windows (Windows 10 and later) in 64-bit versions. It supports Audio Units, VST, VST3, and AAX formats, making it compatible with a wide range of digital audio workstations (DAWs).
For existing users of the original Tape plugin, upgrading to Tape MK2 is incredibly affordable. For just €1.99, you can unlock all the new features and improvements, allowing you to take full advantage of this powerful tape emulation plugin. The cost is a small investment for all the additional control, flexibility, and warmth Tape MK2 brings to your recordings.
If you’re ready to elevate your audio productions, Tape MK2 is here to help. With its combination of vintage analog warmth, flexibility, and intuitive controls, it’s the perfect tool for adding that sought-after analog character to your digital recordings. Don’t wait—download Tape MK2 today and experience the next level of audio processing!