Softube Tape Review | Reviewer's Revival

Softube Tape (Exciting Deep) Review

Softube Tape - Click to Zoom

I remember the first time that I actually sat up and took notice of a so-called “Tape” emulation plug-in. It was way back in the 32 bit days of 2009. VOS (Variety of Sound) had just been awarded KVR Audio’s Plugin-of-the-Year top honors for their “FerricTDS” plug-in. It was (and remains) a delightful freeware offering that certainly did impart tasty tape-like flavor to any audio source. 

Things have progressed quite a lot since those days. Most of us have retired our old x86 Windows XP and Vista machines in favor of newer, more powerful, multi-core 64 bit designs. Many of the well-established plug-in makers have developed impressive Tape emulators and these kinds of accessories have now become a fairly common digital audio commodity.

I enjoy throwing ToneBooster’s “TB_ReelBus” on drum tracks. It sounds great, it’s easy to dial in, and it offers plenty of configuration options. What’s more, it can be had for only €20. Other times you’ll find me smiling with satisfaction at the even better executed tape emulation heard in Slate Digital’s “VTM”. That said, I was more than a little intrigued when I received the official press-release concerning Softube’s “Tape”. If “Tape” exuded the same kind of highly convincing analogue vibe that other Softube treasures do, it must be something to behold – er, listen to, rather. *Grin.
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Softube Tape lists for $99 (USD). I don’t know about you, dear reader, but I’m especially eager to delve into it and find out what everybody’s favorite “Rock-n-Roll Scientists” have come up with this time!

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