hornet tape

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.

What is Tape, and How Does It Work?

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.

Bias Control: Enhance the Saturation Effect

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.

Emulation of Tape Decks and Electronics

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.

Key Features of HoRNet Tape

Why Choose HoRNet Tape?

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.

Final Thoughts

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.


Try out the new HoRNet Tape

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