Airwindows Tape takes a streamlined approach to tape emulation, providing the warmth, compression, and saturation of analog tape machines without unnecessary complexity. Created by Airwindows, known for their minimalist philosophy, Tape is designed to deliver authentic analog sound in a simple, no-frills package.
Airwindows Tape replicates the qualities of an analog tape machine with just one control—“slam.” This fader handles all the heavy lifting, adjusting the intensity of the tape effect, from subtle warmth to rich saturation and distortion. Unlike its sibling plugins, like ToTape and FromTape, Tape focuses on simplicity, making it ideal for users who want instant analog vibes without intricate tweaking.
The plugin doesn’t introduce EQ shifts, ensuring a neutral yet impactful sonic transformation. Tape’s design eliminates unnecessary features, staying true to Airwindows’ ethos: delivering high-quality sound with minimal distractions. It’s perfect for producers who value substance over flash and need an efficient tool to add depth and character to their tracks.
While Airwindows Tape is simple on the surface, its sound is far from basic. The plugin combines Airwindows’ renowned algorithms for saturation, compression, limiting, and distortion into a single cohesive tool. Whether you’re enhancing drums, warming up vocals, or adding grit to synths, Tape delivers an authentic analog feel that elevates your mix.
Available for both Windows and Mac, Tape features Airwindows’ signature no-UI interface, ensuring you focus on sound, not visuals. As Airwindows creator Chris Johnson says, “In mix, nobody can hear your screen.”
Yes, Airwindows Tape is completely free, following Airwindows’ philosophy of open-access audio tools.
The “slam” fader adjusts the intensity of the tape effect, controlling saturation, compression, and distortion levels.
No, Tape avoids any EQ coloration, providing a transparent tape emulation.
Airwindows Tape is available in VST format for both Windows and macOS.
Tape is simpler and more streamlined than ToTape, making it more versatile for general use. FromTape is a tamer version of ToTape, while Tape strikes a balance between functionality and ease of use.