Plugin interface — screenshot pending
Delay

EP-34 Tape Echo

Universal Audio

Where to get itAvailable from Universal Audiouaudio.com

The EP-34 Tape Echo is a vintage tape delay emulation plugin based on the legendary Echoplex hardware used by Jimmy Page, Brian May, and Eddie Van Halen. It captures the characteristic idiosyncrasies of analog tape echo—distortion, wow and flutter, self-oscillation, and squelch effects—with a real-time movable record head for smeary pitch-shifting effects and an input clipping circuit that adds tonal coloring and grit. Modern workflow features like Tempo Sync, Wet/Solo, Pan, and Tape Tension controls make it a versatile tool for everything from subtle slapback to chaotic self-oscillation.

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

Key Features

01Delay range 80–700 ms (80–350 ms per tap in hardware, extended in plugin)
02Real-time record head adjustment for smeary pitch shifting and dub effects
03Echo Repeats control with self-oscillation capability
04Input Meter with three-segment LED feedback
05Echo Tone controls (Bass and Treble, ±10 dB cut/boost)
06Input switch (LO/HI) for Instrument or Microphone gain structure
07Tension switch (LO/HI) controlling pitch-shift slew rate
08Tempo Sync with beat values from 1/64 to 1/2
09Wet mode, Pan, and Send (dub) switch for workflow control

Things to Try

  • 01Push the Recording Volume control higher to increase tape distortion and 'grit' for a dirtier, more colored tone
  • 02Use the Tension switch set to LO for snappier, faster pitch-shifting effects when adjusting Echo Delay in real time, or HI for sluggish pitch shifts
  • 03Engage the Send switch OFF to disable signal to the echo section for 'dub switch' effects
  • 04Set Echo Volume to the 85–95% range to achieve a '50/50' wet/dry balance despite the unusual control taper

Own EP-34 Tape Echo?

Add it to your Plugin Library and it stops being a name in a folder — search it by sound, keep notes, and remember why you bought it.

Add to My LibraryAdd to wishlist with a sale alert

Free forever · no credit card

Already have an account? Sign in to add it

Similar plugins to explore

Get more out of the plugins you already own

Track your plugins and instruments, search by the sound you need, and learn what each one is for. Free forever for up to 50 plugins and instruments.

Get Started Free
EP-34 Tape Echo by Universal Audio | Plugin Library