There’s a lot of confusion around tape saturation, much of which arises from word of mouth and miscommunication, producers that advocate being HUGE lovers of the ‘warmth’ that analogue brings often are the ones that dive in head first with tape saturation, without ever really understanding the specifics of what it is.
As far as the best free saturation and tape simulation plug-ins go, Variety of Sound has a few options. Ferric TDS might be the most fully featured freeware saturation plug-in on the market. It is not (at least in name) a direct “tape simulation” plug-in, but it does model all of the elements of plug-ins that are trying to nail the tape. CHOW Tape Model is an analog tape machine physical model originally based on the Sony TC-260, implemented as an audio plugin. The physical model was described in a paper presented at the 2019 DAFx conference. This work began as part of a class project for Music 420 at Stanford University (CCRMA).
Tube Saturator Vintage is a free reissue of the original Tube Saturator. It uses circuit simulation. Read Tape Op's Tube Saturator Review. Sound Samples (by. 6 great saturation and distortion plugins. Strap this throughout your mixes and reap the benefits of classic tape saturation, without the inconveniences of a physical machine. 4.5 out of 5. Read Slate Digital Virtual Tape Machines review. This plugin combines two independent tube drive processes. The Saturation control pushes the input. Mar 14, 2018 - As the recording world pushes towards digital, the need for solid tape emulation plugins goes up immensely among any engineers, producers.
Free Tape Saturation Plugin For Mac
I’ve had plenty of hands-on experience with producers that hold their hands up and admit being guilty of doing exactly that (myself included). And that’s ok!
I understand the feeling of excitement, when you buy a new plugin and think it’s going to transform the game you’re playing, only after a few minutes of twisting knobs, you find out that it’s not as easy as plug and play.
Coming prepared with nothing but a keen interest to learn can make all the difference before using these kinds of plugins, and in result completely transform your sound and bring you closer to your desired outcome.
So before we get into the reason you’re here (Finding out the best tape saturation plugins EVER DEVELOPED! cheesy title but I had to rope you in somehow)
Let’s walk through what tape saturation is in its simplest form so that if you follow through and buy any of these plugins you’re armed to use them to their maximum potential.
What is Tape Saturation?
Historically, the magnetic recording had a tough row to hoe. After a period of 50 years, magnetic recording eventually arrived at what we call high fidelity. Iron compounds don’t want to magnetize smoothly and linearly on their own, but they can be forced to behave like a misbehaved child for a good first-generation recording.
The problems come when you try to make the signal loud enough to overcome the ever-present tape hiss, which builds up every time you make a copy, which is what happens in a modern multitrack studio recording. Every generation (a mixdown master for making LPs, for example– it’s another copy) gets noisier and the distortion that was lurking below audibility in the first generation starts to become audible.
Add in carelessness and you have a new distortion to add to the inherent distortion and the copy distortion: tape saturation is when the tape runs out of little magnetic particles to be magnetized!
You’ve run them dry!
You’ll get a sound that’s like hard amplifier clipping: lots of odd-order harmonics mitigated somewhat by a roll-off of the high frequencies plus some compression. Used carefully by a savvy engineer/producer, it adds funk/dirt/grit to the sound. Used carelessly, it sounds like dog shit.
Below is a great video from the Youtube channel Ledger Note giving excellent before and after examples of using tape saturation:
So if you understood any of that you’ll now get that tape saturation is a problem! but life is full of problems and we’re forced to deal with them.So here are 4 problems I hope you love!
Saturn is both a distortion and tape saturation plugin (including multiband capabilities if required) that can produce effects ranging from warm and subtle analogue saturation to full-on crunchy bit-crushed digital distortion.
Really, this plugin is a potential one-stop shop for saturation as it’s so flexible – the modulation, panning and even compression options are excellent (as always), the clickable spectrum analyzer field at the back is where you can visually set up the crossover points for your different frequency bands, that can then all be treated independently. Between this feature and the simple mix knob, you have so many options for how, and to what degree, you process your sounds.
Available for: Mac all formats; Windows VST, VST3, AAX and RTAS
The PSP Vintage Warmer2 has a large drive knob it’s simple to set up and adds real sonic character to anything you apply it to. When you buy VintageWarmer2, you actually get 3 versions:
- MicroWarmer, a single-band, streamlined version; for using on individual parts;
- Vintage Warmer (LE), based on the CPU-friendly original;
- and VintageWarmer2, which uses double sampling for extra analogue fatness.
D16 Group Redopter
The D16 team have been getting a lot of grassroots praise from EDM producers for their range of awesome effects plugins, not to mention probably the best 808 and 909 classic drum machine emulations yet created. Redopter is a Vintage Tube Distortion unit, and just brilliant.
Helper Saturator
Helper Saturator is the cheapest on the list which you can buy from Plugin Boutique here.
Best Free Tape Saturation Plugins For Mac
Helper Saturator is not just a simple saturation plugin, equipped with 2 filter features, 2 different saturation modules and the ability to be able to process 5 different types of audio signal.
Lots of people are obsessed with the ‘warmth’ of analog studio gear. Sure—it sounds fuller, more human, more present.
But these days, modeling technology has become really good at simulating the effects of analog circuitry. Our computers and DAW apps are powerful enough to handle these VST workhorses.
So forget about spending tons of money on analog gear.
Here’s 7 VSTs (for both PC and Mac) that will give you that sweet analog warmth.
- SGA1566 Tube Preamp
- TDR Slick EQ
- Ace Amp
- Molot Compressor
- Voxengo Tube Amp
- MJUC jr. Compressor
- Softube Saturation Knob
What’s all the analog fuss about?
Ok, so what does analog circuitry do to your sound? What’s everyone so obsessed about?
What people like about analog sound are the quirks and imperfections.
So when people talk about ‘warm analog sound’ they’re referring to:
- Subtle distortion and drive
- Harmonic distortion
- Tape Saturation
- Vacuum tubes
- Preamps
What these processes do to your sound is often hardly noticeable. That’s what the magic’s about—you won’t hear them, but they’ll make a huge difference in how your track sounds and feels.
The cumulative effect of analog processes is what people are gushing about.
1. SGA1566 Tube Preamp
Shattered Glass Audio’s SGA 1566 gives you a single channel vintage tube preamp. The whole circuit is simulated in real time to get you that authentic analog sound.
Use the SGA 1566 as a saturation compressor to boost the warmth of your track. Or add a bit of grit with the tube overdrive.
The newest version is also lighter on your CPU––so no computer freak outs!!
Download the SGA 1566 for free here.
2. TDR Slick EQ
Free Tape Saturation Plugin Mac Os
“This little guy sounds amazing” –Dave Pensado
The TDR Slick EQ is a sleek easy-to-use three-band EQ that gives you amazing sound—like all Tokyo Dawn Records plugins.
Warm up your sound by choosing a non-linear option under Output Stage. That’ll add subtle harmonic distortion and texture.
Download the TDR SlickEQ for free here.
3. Ace Amp
Ace Amp—another Shattered Glass Audio creation—is based on classic 1950s style tube amps.
Control the input, volume, feedback, output. Choose between three resampling options.
This amp plugin has simple controls and doesn’t eat up your CPU.
Hot Tip: Try it on vocals for a cool aesthetic effect.
Download the Ace for free here.
4. Molot Compressor
Vladg’s Molot is a compressor with character. Even the vintage Soviet look is on point.
Molot will give your sound interesting color. I recommend reading the manual to learn how to tune it properly—it’s worth the read.
Free Saturation Plug In
Download Molot for free here.
5. Voxengo Tube Amp
Voxengo’s Tube Amp gives you warm overdrive, fuzzy distortion and everything in between.
It imitates tube overdrive in the style of single-tube mic preamps.
Hot Tip: Use the low-pass filter to imitate the texture of lower-quality tubes.
Download Voxengo’s Tube Amp for free here.
6. MJUC jr. Compressor
Klanghelm’s MJUC jr. compressor is simple and elegant.
Use it for smooth compression or a heavier pumping effect. MJUC jr. is based on vintage compressors of the 1960s––it even looks like one.
Best Free Tape Saturation Plugin
Flip the ‘Time Constants’ switch to choose between slow, fast and auto. This changes the attack and release time. It affects other parts of the circuitry too, giving you interesting analog-style saturation.
Download the MJUC jr. for free here.
7. Softube Saturation Knob
This Saturation Knob is one the best free analog emulation plugins out there. Even Dave Pensado gives it two thumbs up!
Use it anywhere to add some character and distortion. Drag it on your vocal track to add shimmer.
The great thing about this one is how simple it is: literally one knob and a switch. Change the switch setting to choose between the kind of distortion you’ll get.
Download the Softube Saturation Knob for free here.
Fake It Till Ya Make It
These effects are the missing ingredient in your digital sound.
The key with analog emulation is to avoid overdoing it. Bring in the effect until you hear it, then dial it back a notch. It’ll still make a huge difference. Your sound will be fuller and warmer.
Use these plugins and people will be asking for your studio secrets in no time.
Make sure to grab the whole LANDR-approved free VST plugin collection: