Plugin interface — screenshot pending
Tape

J37 Tape

Waves

J37 Tape is a tape saturation plugin that models the legendary Abbey Road J37 tape machine used to record many classic recordings. It brings analog warmth and natural compression to digital recordings through three authentic EMI tape formulas with adjustable tape speed, bias, and harmonic saturation controls. Distinctive for its faithful emulation of vintage tape character without conventional compressor artifacts.

Key Features

013 modeled EMI tape formulas (888, 811, 815) with unique frequency response and harmonic distortion
022 tape speed options (15 ips and 7.5 ips) with corresponding noise and frequency response changes
03Adjustable Bias control with Nominal, +3 dB Over Bias, and +5 dB Over Bias settings
04Wow and Flutter controls with separate Depth and Rate parameters for each
05Saturation Level control (0-30 range) independent of input/output levels
063 delay types (Slap, Feedback, Ping-Pong) with tempo sync and high-pass/low-pass filtering
07Input and Output Level controls (-18 to +18 dB) with inversely proportional Level Link
08Modeled Tracks selection (Mono: Track 2 or 3; Stereo: Track 2, 2+3, or 3)

Things to Try

  • 01Set Input Level to -3 to 0 VU using the VU meters for proper gain structure and tape compression
  • 02Use 15 ips speed for sensitive high-frequency material (vocals, strings, brass) and 7.5 ips for low-frequency content (bass, kick drums)
  • 03Switch to EMI TAPE 888 formula for dirtier, grainier sound with more distortion
  • 04Increase Saturation Level on clean guitars or vocal tracks for enhanced harmonic coloration
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J37 Tape by Waves | Plugin Library