Plugin interface — screenshot pending
Tape

Ampex ATR-102

UAD / Universal Audio

The Ampex ATR-102 is a mastering tape recorder plugin that emulates the most popular professional 2-track tape machine ever made. It delivers classic Ampex tape saturation, warmth, and harmonic coloration to glue mixes together, with authentic modeling of the entire ATR-102 circuit including transformers, amplifiers, and signal paths. Fully authenticated by Ampex Corporation, it provides the final analog sweetness for turning recordings into records.

Key Features

01Three tape head widths (1/4", 1/2", 1") with selectable tape speeds (3.75, 7.5, 15, 30 IPS)
02Seven tape formulas (GP9, 456, 900, 250, and consumer tape options) with individual sonic variations
03Four selectable calibration levels (+0 dB, +3 dB, +6 dB, +9 dB) with automatic and manual calibration
04Three emphasis EQ curves (NAB, CCIR, AES) for tape speed and regional standards
05Four signal paths (Input, Sync, Repro, Thru) modeling different recording and playback scenarios
06Modeled ancillary noises: hum (60 Hz or 50 Hz), hiss, wow, flutter, and crosstalk with individual controls
07Tape delay effect with adjustable dry/wet mix for slapback echo and ADT effects
08Record and Reproduce EQ controls (HF EQ, Shelf EQ, Repro HF, Repro LF, Bias) for manual calibration and creative coloration

Things to Try

  • 01Set Tape Speed to 15 IPS for warm, low-frequency head bump ideal for rock and acoustic music
  • 02Raise Record level to increase harmonic saturation and tape compression while lowering Reproduce to maintain unity gain
  • 03Enable Tape Delay with dry/wet mix for automatic double tracking on vocals by setting repro head delay
  • 04Manually adjust Bias to create intentional tape compression for warmer, gently saturated sound
Official Website↗User Manual↗

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