Jatin Chowdhury has released CHOW Tape Model, a freeware reel-to-reel tape emulation effect in VST, VST3, and AU plugin formats for compatible digital audio workstation software on PC and Mac.

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Free VST Plugins are one of the most exciting things about mixing. In the past it was impossible to imagine that so many quality tools could be available at no cost. Today there are more great free plugins than ever before, but the freeware scene is always changing. Although somewhat limited due to only being compatible with Pro Tools, the original Phoenix and its successor helped engineers add analog tape saturation and vibe to material long before most competitors. Simply put, it’s to this day, a great sounding plugin. Mastering in the Box Course. For a newly-updated 2018 version of this post, click here for “The (Updated) Big List of Free Pro Tools Plugins”. For a long time, it’s been easy to find a whole world of free VST and AU plugins on the web. But for users of Pro Tools – arguably the most popular professional DAW in the U.S. – pickings have always been a bit slimmer.

CHOW Tape Model isn’t exactly a new plugin (it was released on GitHub back in 2019), but I had only discovered it a few days ago. And there’s literally not a lot of buzz surrounding this freeware VST gem, apart from a few forum threads and Reddit posts. This is very surprising, especially since the CHOW Tape Model plugin is easily one of the best free analog tape emulations out there.

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The software is based on a physical model of an analog tape machine that was developed as a class project for Music 420 at Stanford University. The physical model is described in a paper published by Jatin Chowdhury and presented at the 2019 DAFx conference (here is a link to the article). Although the plugin was initially intended to model the Sony TC-260 tape machine, the algorithm was later changed to be a more flexible simulation of a wider variety of analog reel-to-reel machines.

CHOW Tape Model sounds impressively authentic and offers a tremendous amount of parameters for tweaking the tape simulation algorithm.

The plugin emulates all the sonic components of an analog tape machine. This includes the saturation and other non-linearities that can enhance the sound, as well as the lo-fi aspects of analog tape that are used for a “vintage” effect. There is a dedicated section for adjusting the depth and rate of wow and flutter that is applied to the signal. The user can also fine-tune the bias, drive, and saturation amount in the hysteresis section.

The developer stated that the CHOW Tape Model plugin was developed as a “research project rather than as a plugin to be used for mixing/mastering.” That said, there’s no denying that this is one of the best free tape simulation effects at the moment.

The tape saturation algorithm is spot-on, and the lo-fi aspects of the tape model sound very realistic. The obvious use for the plugin’s audio degradation features would be to emulate an old tape recorder. That said, the CHOW Tape Model can also be used as an analog-style double-tracking effect thanks to its wow and flutter simulation.

The updated CHOW Tape Model user interface looks much better.

The user interface uses the default JUCE graphics. It is freely resizable, which is an excellent feature in this age of high-resolution screens. The GUI is vertical by default, but you can easily set it to any shape and size by clicking and dragging the lower-right corner.

CHOW Tape Model is available as a standalone effect, as well as a VST, VST3, and AU plugin for compatible hosts on Windows and macOS. A version compatible with Mac OS Catalina is also available, along with an LV2 port. You can download the software completely free of charge from GitHub.

UPDATE (December 8th, 2020): CHOW Tape Model was recently updated with a new and improved user interface.

More info:CHOW Tape Model(5.83 MB download size, ZIP archive, 32-bit & 64-bit VST/VST3/AU plugin formats for Windows & macOS)

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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.

1. SGA1566 Tube Preamp
2. TDR Slick EQ
3. Ace Amp
4. Molot Compressor
5. Voxengo Tube Amp
6. MJUC jr. Compressor
7. 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

“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.

Download Molot for free here.

5. Voxengo Tube Amp

Voxengo’s Tube Amp gives you warm overdrive, fuzzy distortion and everything in between.

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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

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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.

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.

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Use these plugins and people will be asking for your studio secrets in no time.

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Make sure to grab the whole LANDR-approved free VST plugin collection: