What is the magic behind the UAD Ampex ATR 102?

[owen841130]

It gives me a feeling similar to Gullfoss, always aiming for an optimal frequency response, but not through dynamic EQ, rather through saturation?

Does anyone know how it operates? And are there any plugins that can achieve similar functionality?

[muzines]

The ATR-102 the UAD plugin I most want them to port to native UADx format. For now, I'm running Luna to print the ATR to a mix, which is less than ideal...

There are other plugins that model the ATR tape machine though, and there are lots of tape modelling plugins (which all sound different). Ones I like include Softube Tape, u-he's Satin, UA's Studer 800 and some others, but really, everyone has a different idea of what they think the "tape sound" is for them, so you really need to demo and find the ones that work for your needs/sound aesthetic...

Tape processing is has complex audio behaviour, there are EQ and saturation effects, compression effects, there's a slight softening of transients, and more.

[sonics]

As stated above, what it's doing is changing dynamics, EQ and adding saturation. All typical analogue tape behaviour.

Are you after tape plugin recommendations in general, or something that emulates the Ampex specifically? There are many flavours to choose from in this plugin area.

When I want that "tape character" I use Waves' Kramer Master Tape and J37, or IK Multimedia's Tape Machine Collection (which includes an Ampex 440 model).
I used to use UA's Oxide until I gave up UA. I don't miss it; it's been replaced more than adequately by the above.

I've heard the Slate and SoftTube tape plugins and they sounded good.

There are also very many highly-configurable saturation plugins available.
Just one, for example (and if you don't need VST3), is ToneBooters' Ferox V3, which is now a free product.

[owen841130]

As stated above, what it's doing is changing dynamics, EQ and adding saturation. All typical analogue tape behaviour.

Are you after tape plugin recommendations in general, or something that emulates the Ampex specifically? There are many flavours to choose from in this plugin area.

When I want that "tape character" I use Waves' Kramer Master Tape and J37, or IK Multimedia's Tape Machine Collection (which includes an Ampex 440 model).
I used to use UA's Oxide until I gave up UA. I don't miss it; it's been replaced more than adequately by the above.

I've heard the Slate and SoftTube tape plugins and they sounded good.

There are also very many highly-configurable saturation plugins available.
Just one, for example (and if you don't need VST3), is ToneBooters' Ferox V3, which is now a free product.

Actually, I've tried all the Tape Plugins on the market, and the ATR102 is the only one with such strong Tonal Control, and I'm curious why it's so special. Perhaps only UAD staff can answer this question for me.

[sonics]

Actually, I've tried all the Tape Plugins on the market, and the ATR102 is the only one with such strong Tonal Control, and I'm curious why it's so special. Perhaps only UAD staff can answer this question for me.

Perhaps, but I very much doubt you've tried all of the competing products! If the ATR gives what you want, just use that, or are you trying to replicate it using other software?

It is possible to achieve very strong effects with other plugins. Can you be more specific about what you mean?

[yeroc]

As stated above, what it's doing is changing dynamics, EQ and adding saturation. All typical analogue tape behaviour.

Are you after tape plugin recommendations in general, or something that emulates the Ampex specifically? There are many flavours to choose from in this plugin area.

When I want that "tape character" I use Waves' Kramer Master Tape and J37, or IK Multimedia's Tape Machine Collection (which includes an Ampex 440 model).
I used to use UA's Oxide until I gave up UA. I don't miss it; it's been replaced more than adequately by the above.

I've heard the Slate and SoftTube tape plugins and they sounded good.

There are also very many highly-configurable saturation plugins available.
Just one, for example (and if you don't need VST3), is ToneBooters' Ferox V3, which is now a free product.

Actually, I've tried all the Tape Plugins on the market, and the ATR102 is the only one with such strong Tonal Control, and I'm curious why it's so special. Perhaps only UAD staff can answer this question for me.

If you want the most flexible and minute controls for a tape plugin, it’s Saturn 2 hands down. Multiband control for saturation, transients, compression, eq, etc. All the stuff that the ATR102 is doing opaquely in the background in a pleasing manner to you

[tea for two]

And are there any plugins that can achieve similar functionality?

After reading your thread, I checked out Paul White SoS review from 2012.
https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/uad-ampex-atr102
Paul writes "Perhaps the closest rival is Waves' Kramer Master Tape, which is modelled on a different Ampex machine."

I have emulation Abbey Road Studer J37 waves purrchased on sale.
https://www.abbeyroad.com/news/studer-j ... adeus-3195
I find J37 useful to make a mix more forward sounding so I would only use J37 for such specific use for me.
I haven't used UAD Ampex ATR 102 so I can't say.

[muzines]

Just a headsup - the ATR-102 has *finally* been released (today) as a native UADx plugin.

It's missing a few features compared to the DSP version, but otherwise, sounds great. It was the main UA plugin I was waiting for a native version of....

[Zukan]

I have the IK tape emulators and they are the best I have used....Tape selection is as important as transport emulation and IK offers all manner of tapes from the popular 456 to the GP9 and everything in between. The transport modes are excellent and the usual arsenal of Bias etc are well presented. I also have their Teac A-6100 MK2 mastering tape emulator and it is sublime.

I only have the baby UAD Oxide tape emulator so not like for like and not something I can comment on.

[muzines]

BTW Cheapest way in is:

$34.71 at https://www.jrrshop.com/ with code "forum"

https://www.jrrshop.com/universal-audio-ampex-atr-102

(iLok USB or iLok Cloud, as all paid UADx plugins are)

[ajay_m]

When I used to record stuff at 15ips on my half track Revox A77 we dreamed of a time when all the restrictions of tape would be overcome , wow and flutter, dropouts (probably the biggest annoyance) , the restricted dynamic range, hassles with azimuth alignment, compromises due to the IEC equalisation, etc.
On the other hand I did discover the unique 'reverse reverb' effect as with half track tape you can just put the reels on the other way round and create 'tape echo' on the reversed signal (on a 3 head machine like the revox).
Now we fetishise all the limitations of tape. What a strange world we live in!