IK Multimedia T-RackS 5 Space Delay

TRackS is IK Multimedia’s processing system
and it provides a multitude of plugins that
work either alone or as modules inside their
mastering framework, TRackS Suite. Over time
TRackS has accumulated an enviable array of
almost 50 rather excellent processors, many of
which, such as their Echoplex-inspired Tape
Delay, are based on classic hardware processors.
To get started you can buy one of the TRackS
bundles or download their free TRackS CS
version and purchase just the modules that you
really want.
On the test bench is their latest addition,
Space Delay, which emulates the unique sound
of Roland’s RE201 Space Echo. This tape-based
delay actually combines a three-head delay and
spring reverb, and you can use these
independently or together to create anything
from more subtle-sounding spaces perfect for
vocals to more extreme, weird or unpredictable-
sounding efects.
Although the colour scheme is red rather
than green, Space Delay is styled to look just like
Roland’s original, and to that end you have a
pretty similar layout to the hardware, with input
and metering to the left, delay EQ (Bass and
Treble), Rate and Feedback to the right and the
large Mode knob in the middle.
The Mode knob (more on that below)
activates speciic head and reverb combinations
and the red LEDs in the Heads Pan section tell
you if a head is in use.
Modernize
As you’d expect Space Delay has a number of
software-only extras. Features include tempo
sync, high and low-pass ilters across the whole
efect output, stereo or mono reverb setting,
and panning both for individual tape heads and
the overall reverb and delay components. A
couple of options, Tape Age and Noise, do a
good job of adding vintage lavour. Both work
really well with our favourite feature, Ducking, to
create some excellent pumping efects. Ducking
also does a great job keeping the delays in
check when the dry signal is present.
Just like the original hardware, maximum and
minimum delay times are limited and diferent
for each head – the maximum is 489ms (head 3)
and minimum is 69ms (head 1). They are also
controlled collectively by the single Rate control.
This is of course authentic, but we do feel it’s a
shame you can’t adjust times more freely and
extensively. On a positive note, Space Delay is
great fun, particularly when you modify the
controls in real time, or use the FX Feed to spin
small snatches of audio into the delay. So, throw
in a bit of DAW automation and you’ll be adding
dub-inspired lavours in no time. Space Delay
has only a handful of presets that don’t really
showcase its capabilities, and, used as an insert
across anything from guitars and horns to
basses and drum loops, we conjured up some
pretty whacky sounds.
Overall Space Delay retains the functional
familiarity of the original and has plenty of sonic
lavour. We particularly like the additional stereo
options such as individual pans for each head
and the ducking feature is very welcome. A bit
more lexibility with delay times would have
been good, but Space Delay is nevertheless a
solid addition to the TRackS family.
Web ikmultimedia.com
IK Multimedia
T-RackS 5
Space Delay
€120
Classic tape delays add character in weird and wonderful ways. Let’s
see how this latest Roland emulation from IK Multimedia shapes up
Verdict
For Hardware-inspired familiar layout
Visual indication of active tape heads
Excellent ducking feature
Plenty of stereo and panning options
Against Delay times limited to match
original hardware
Limited number of presets
Space Delay is a solid emulation of this
Roland classic with very useful software
extras thrown in for good measure
8 / 1 0
Alternatively
UAD Galaxy Tape Echo
£149
UA’s tape delay delivers a close
emulation of Roland’s RE201 both
in sound and features
Arturia Delay Tape-201
€99
Excellent adjustable extras
including input EQ and tape and
mechanical settings
To provide quick access to a variety of delay
conigurations Roland’s RE201 includes a 12
mode selector, and this is replicated on the
TRackS version. The irst four modes activate
only the delay heads (the spring reverb is
bypassed) with modes 1 to 3 each activating a
speciic head and mode 4 a combination of
heads 2 and 3. Modes 5 to 11 activate
combinations of speciic delay heads and
spring reverb, and in mode 11 all three delay
heads and the reverb are active. Mode 12 is
just the reverb. If this all sounds a little bit
confusing, LEDs next to the Delay Pans
provide you with a visual indication of which
of the heads are active. If you really need to
check what’s happening there’s a detailed
table in the manual. Replicating the delay
time limitations of the original hardware
means picking a mode that works best. So,
Mode 5 is great for a reverby slap back delay,
while Mode 4 is better for simple panned
double delay.
Modes
78 / COMPUTER MUSIC / November 2020
> reviews / ik multimedia t-racks 5 space delay
CMU288.rev_IK_Space_Delay.indd 78 17/09/2020 14:34