Plugin Alliance SPL Machine Head: The Ultimate Tape Machine Sound for Your DAW?
The Feel of Analog Tape for the Digital World
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Plugin Alliance SPL Machine Head: The Ultimate Tape Machine Sound for Your DAW? · Source: Plugin Alliance
The new SPL Machine Head plugin from Plugin Alliance brings the unique sonic characteristics of analog tape machines to the digital production process. With effects such as “tape glue” and saturation, it reproduces the warmth and dynamics of analog devices without increasing the peak levels. It adds more energy to your tracks. The unique algorithm allows precise control of saturation and treble independently, opening up new sonic possibilities. Developed by SoundArt, the plugin is based on proprietary algorithms and filter technologies developed specifically for this project – and now available in all DAWs!
Plugin Alliance SPL Machine Head: From Studio Classic to Plugin
The SPL Machine Head plugin from Plugin Alliance is designed for both sound purists and creative sound designers. With this tool, you can not only benefit from analog warmth with digital precision, but also glue sounds and entire audio tracks to your song. And all in the quality you expect from the developer. All you have to do is place the effect on your track, set the desired tape speed, add some saturation, and you’ve got the legendary tape sound in your own studio. What’s more, you get two effect versions in one plugin: the Original and the Ultimate.
Classic Tape Machine Meets Digital Precision
The “Original” version of the SPL Machine Head plugin is based on an algorithm developed in the 1990s. This algorithm was optimized for hardware implementation on Motorola DSPs and ensures precise reproduction of analog sound characteristics. Adaptations to today’s development environments and support for higher sampling rates extend the range of applications without changing the characteristic sonic aesthetics. Extensive tests and measurements have shown that the software delivers absolutely authentic results.
The “Ultimate” version of the SPL Machine Head goes beyond the original version and takes advantage of modern CPUs. The new “Low Frequency Adjust” parameter allows you to specifically adjust low frequencies – by compensating for tape speed-dependent resonances – to create sonic accents. The improved resolution for parameters such as High Frequency Adjust and Saturation allows for even finer control of sonic details and ensures an open, spatial and transparent reproduction of your sounds.
SPL Machine Head: The Charm of Tape in Your DAW
The origins of the project go back to the 1990s, when Kai Lukas and Frank Hartmann of SoundArt had the idea of digitally recreating the characteristic sound of the Lyrec TR-533 24-track tape machine. Intensive measurements and listening tests led to the development of a complex algorithm that accurately reproduces the sonic subtleties of the analog original. These fundamentals form the core of the current plugin.
Conclusion
I was able to test the plugin beforehand, and I am really impressed with how subtle yet powerful the effect can be on tracks. For me, every setting has a positive effect on the overall sound. You can really feel the tape compression at extreme settings – and it’s really high quality. If you don’t want to miss the legendary tape sound, you should definitely try the SPL Machine Head.
Pricing and Details for Plugin Alliance SPL Machine Head
SPL Machine Head will be available later today on the Plugin Alliance website, here at Thomann* or here at Plugin Boutique*. The introductory price is $69 instead of $125. For owners of the MEGA BUNDLE, the new plugin is available for free (see account).
The VST3, AU and AAX plugin is compatible with MacOS (10.9 or later) and Windows (10 or later). You can download a free trial version and a PDF user manual from the manufacturer’s website. The package also includes a number of presets.
Learn More About the New Effect From Plugin Alliance
- Product page at Plugin Alliance
- More about Plugin Alliance
- More about SPL
*Please note: This article about the Plugin Alliance SPL Machine Head plugin contains affiliate links that help us support this site. The purchase price and final price will always be the same! If you make a purchase through one of these links, we will receive a small “donation” and thank you for your support!
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