I keep reading about
the desirable tape effect on a mixdown, and keep hearing people talk
about these Studer tape machines. Is it possible to send your WAV song
to someone who owns one of these, so they can run it through and back to
WAV?
While
the effects of running a track through an analogue tape machine at
mixdown might be desirable, you may be better off using a plug-in if you
have a very specific effect in mind. The possible parameters involved
in using an old tape machine, like this Studer model, for example, can
create large variations in the sound achieved.
Via SOS web site
SOS
Technical Editor Hugh Robjohns replies:
You could, but this isn’t
a one-size-fits-all process. The crushing and bending effect of tape
varies dramatically with the type of tape, the bias level, the record
EQ, the overall signal level, the tape speed, the tape width, and the
electronics in the tape machine itself. The art and skill is in choosing
and using just the right parameters to achieve the effect you’re
looking for. Plug-ins are beginning to get there now, however; I’m
really quite impressed with the UAD offerings, for example.
SOS
Reviews Editor Matt Houghton adds:
Analogue tape can do nice things on a
bus, but it’s no magic bullet: you need to tweak settings to achieve
the desired effect. For example, running tape at 15ips will add a
low-frequency ‘head bump’ that can be really flattering on a rock drum
bus, but could screw things up elsewhere. Similarly, it’s not a case of
running a source louder to get more effect: the tape effect changes in
nature with level. While people will happily do what you ask, I prefer
using plug-ins or outboard tape simulators (eg. Anamod ATS1, RND Portico
5042), as these offer far more control and I can use them as I might
a bus compressor, for example.
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