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Tape

Ampex ATR-102

Universal Audio

Where to get itAvailable from Universal Audiouaudio.com

The Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder is a faithful emulation of the legendary 1976 Ampex tape machine, providing authentic tape saturation, warmth, and harmonic coloration for mastering and mixing. Fully authenticated by Ampex Corporation, it models the complete circuit including transformers, amplifiers, and repro/sync/input signal paths. Use it as the final insert on your master bus to impart classic analog tape character and "glue" to your mix.

Written from the manual and checked against it. How we check

Key Features

01Four tape speeds (3.75, 7.5, 15, 30 IPS) each with unique head bump and frequency shift
02Three selectable head widths (1/4", 1/2", 1") for different fidelity and stability
03Four calibration levels for tape response variation
04Record and Repro EQ controls for manual calibration or creative coloration
05Modeled transformer circuit (optional) with full ATR-102 electronics path
06Tape delay effect (0–1000 ms) for slapback echo and automatic double tracking
07Adjustable wow, flutter, hum, hiss, and crosstalk for authentic tape character or creative exaggeration

Things to Try

  • 01Set Tape Speed to 15 IPS for a warmer, low-frequency head bump ideal for rock and acoustic music
  • 02Raise Record (input) level above 0 dB to drive harmonic saturation and tape coloration, adjusting Reproduce downward if unity gain is desired
  • 03Use the Tape Delay feature by enabling it in secondary controls, setting Dry/Wet mix, and adjusting Delay Time (default times: 124 ms at 15 IPS, 248 ms at 7.5 IPS) for slapback effects on vocals and guitars
  • 04Intentionally overbias the tape by increasing the Bias control for a warmer, gently saturated sound with tape compression characteristics
Formats
VSTAUAAX
Official Website↗User Manual↗

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Ampex ATR-102 by Universal Audio | Plugin Library