Audio product specialists Universal Audio have released ranges of audio signal hardware as well as virtual instruments and plug-ins. In this video, Universal Audio mixing specialist Drew Mazurek shows how one of these plug-ins, the Studer A800 Tape Machine, can help you use classic, time-tested tape effects, without the need for a giant analog tape machine.
In the video, Drew shows us how we can take advantage of both simple presets as well as parameter tweaking to dial in the sound we’re looking for. For example, through using the “Old Tape” preset and simply heightening the calibration, Drew turns a screechy snare sample into something a little more subdued. The real magic, in my opinion, happens, when getting a little more in-depth with the settings. While applying the Studer A800 to a drum loop, Drew gets into the internal controls of the device, lowering the BIAS setting and increasing the input to help compensate the drop in volume. This makes the loop sound a little broken up and glitchy. Then, he raises the high frequency driver to heighten the high end of the loop. The result is a drum loop that sounds bitcrushed while maintaning clarity.
Hopefully, this video shows you that not only is this type of plug-in highly versatile, but also that having fun with tape doesn’t have to be a thing of the past!
