HoRNet has just released Tape, a powerful new plug-in simulation designed to replicate the unique effect that magnetic tape imparts to the signal recorded on it. For those who have worked with analog equipment, the distinct warmth, saturation, and subtle distortion created by magnetic tape are essential elements that give recordings their timeless, organic sound. […]
HoRNet has just released Tape, a powerful new plug-in simulation designed to replicate the unique effect that magnetic tape imparts to the signal recorded on it. For those who have worked with analog equipment, the distinct warmth, saturation, and subtle distortion created by magnetic tape are essential elements that give recordings their timeless, organic sound. Whether you’re working on a modern digital production or aiming to add vintage character to your mix, HoRNet Tape is designed to bring the essence of analog tape to your digital audio workstation.
In its essence, HoRNet Tape is a sophisticated tool that applies the distinct saturation characteristics of analog tape to your tracks. Analog tape is renowned for its ability to add a pleasing, natural compression and harmonic distortion to audio, making it especially effective for adding character to instruments, vocals, and full mixes. What HoRNet Tape does is replicate this effect with remarkable accuracy, giving you the ability to inject that classic analog vibe into your digital recordings.
But the plugin doesn’t stop at just saturation. It also simulates the frequency response of four different tape decks, each modeled after popular vintage machines that have become legends in the world of analog recording. These machines are a crucial part of the equation, as each one imparts its unique tonal color and character to the sound. HoRNet Tape offers two different tape speeds for each deck: 15 inches per second and 30 inches per second. This means you can experiment with the speed to achieve different textures, from a more lo-fi sound with increased harmonic distortion at 15 ips to a cleaner, more controlled tone at 30 ips.
One of the standout features of HoRNet Tape is the ability to control the bias applied to the tape. Bias refers to the high-frequency signal used to magnetize the tape, and by adjusting it, you can change the saturation characteristics of the plugin. Essentially, this feature allows you to fine-tune how much of the tape distortion you want to add to your sound, making it possible to go from a light, subtle effect to an intense, aggressive tape saturation that can completely transform the texture of your track.
By giving users the ability to control the tape bias, HoRNet Tape provides a level of customization that many other analog tape simulators don’t offer. This means you can match the effect to your musical style, whether you’re looking for a vintage warmth or a more pronounced tape saturation that brings out a different energy in your tracks.
The tape deck emulation in HoRNet Tape is incredibly detailed, going beyond the typical frequency response you’d expect from a tape playback head. It includes both the frequency response of the machine as well as the internal electronics saturation that happens when the tape passes over the playback head. This combination gives a more authentic and complete tape simulation that’s representative of how analog machines behave in the real world.
The internal electronics saturation adds an additional layer of distortion, which is often overlooked in many other tape emulators. By simulating this, HoRNet Tape is able to provide a more natural and cohesive sound that closely mirrors the behavior of actual tape machines. This attention to detail helps to create a more dynamic and lifelike experience when using the plugin, ensuring that the saturation doesn’t sound overly processed or artificial.
Analog tape saturation simulation: This feature is the core of HoRNet Tape and provides the warmth, compression, and harmonic distortion that makes analog tape so beloved.
Emulation of four different tape decks: Each deck in the plugin is modeled after a popular vintage machine, giving you a variety of tonal colors to choose from.
Two different tape speeds: You can select between 15 ips and 30 ips for each deck, allowing you to adjust the level of saturation and the texture of the sound.
Output compensation: This feature ensures constant level monitoring, allowing you to maintain consistent output levels regardless of the settings you choose.
Input analog VU meters: The inclusion of VU meters lets you monitor the input levels in a visual format, giving you another way to control the dynamics of your sound.
Auto Gain with three different target levels: The Auto Gain function makes it easy to adjust the saturation while maintaining consistent output levels. You can select from three different target levels depending on your desired outcome.
Three tape bias options: Choose from three different bias settings to adjust the level and type of saturation you want to apply.
Analog hiss simulation: This adds a subtle tape hiss, which contributes to the overall analog feel and texture of the effect.
Group function: With this feature, you can copy settings across multiple instances of the plugin, saving you time when using HoRNet Tape on multiple tracks.
Bypass button: Quickly toggle the plugin on or off to compare the sound with and without the effect.
Mac OS X and Windows support: The plugin is compatible with both Mac OS X (>=10.6 Intel only) and Windows, ensuring a wide range of compatibility for users across different platforms.
64-bit compatibility: The plugin is optimized for 64-bit processing on both Mac and Windows, ensuring that you get the best performance and highest quality sound.
Formats supported: HoRNet Tape is available in Audio Units, VST2.4, VST3, and AAX formats, making it compatible with most major DAWs.
At 19.99€, HoRNet Tape is an affordable yet powerful tool for anyone looking to add the unmistakable character of analog tape to their digital productions. Whether you’re looking to warm up your tracks, add subtle harmonic distortion, or completely transform the sound of your recordings, HoRNet Tape provides all the tools you need to create an authentic analog experience.
With HoRNet Tape, you’re getting much more than just a tape saturation effect. The plugin faithfully emulates the behavior of four popular tape decks and offers customizable settings for bias, tape speed, and saturation. Whether you’re working on a vintage-inspired mix, adding warmth to a digital recording, or looking to re-create the analog sound of the past, HoRNet Tape is the perfect tool to help you achieve your goals.
If you’re serious about analog sound, the HoRNet Tape plugin is a must-have in your digital toolbox. It’s an excellent way to bring your tracks to life and add the classic warmth and depth that only analog tape can provide.