Reference Guide

1039
ProChannel (Producer and Studio only)
Tape Emulator module (Producer only)
Figure 331. Tape Emulator module.
A. Clipping LED B. Tape Emulator enable/disable C. Rec level (input gain) D. Noise (tape hiss) E. Tape
speed F. Bias G. Stereo link H. Playback level
The Tape Emulator module emulates the sonic characteristics of analog tape recordings, and
provides extensive control with adjustable tape speed, bias and noise parameters.
Digital audio is often accused of lacking “character”. Although mixing entirely inside a computer has
many benefits, it can sometimes lack the character of using an analog mixing console and analog
magnetic tape.
Digital audio can capture audio levels up to 0dB before undesirable clipping occurs. This is known as
overload. Analog tape recordings also have an upper limit, but unlike digital clipping, the signal
compresses and distorts slightly as you approach the limit. There is typically a “sweet spot” of a few
decibels before undesirable distortion occurs. Because tape saturation sounds pleasing to most
people, recording engineers have long been using it as a creative mixing tool.
The Tape Emulator module lets you add the analog warmth and richness of magnetic tape saturation
to your digital mixes. Use it on individual mono or stereo tracks, or on buses.
Unlike real analog tape, the Tape Emulator gives you the flexibility of applying tape saturation to
individual tracks, and only where desired. For example, you may want to apply heavy tape saturation
to drums, a little less to bass guitar, but not to vocals, etc.
E
A
F
G
B
D
C
H