Eddie Kramer Master Tape Plug-In User Guide

which became popular with many users.
Flux
Flux is the term used for the level of magnetic radiation emitted from the record head on
to the tape,
commonly referred to as operating level. Measured in nano Webers per
Meter – nWb/m, flux is essentially a gain factor reflecting a higher level passed onto the
record head. While older tapes were designed to handle lower flux levels, modern tapes
could withstand much higher flux before distorting, resulting in relatively lower noise.
Noise
The Kramer Master Tape plugin features modeled noise which is a combination of the
tape hiss ge
nerated by analog tape r
ecording, overlaid by the thermal valve noise of the
reference machine’s input and output electronics.
Wow & Flutter
The term wo
w & flutter refers to modulations and
fluctuations in speed and gain caused
by physical friction of the mechanical parts of the tape machine and the tape itself. While
the original machines were designed to minimize wow and flutter, they nonetheless have
become part of the sound we associate with analog tape. Increasing the Wow & Flutter
control makes for a rougher, more “worn” sound.
VU Meter
The Kramer Master Tape features a modeled analog VU meter, where 0 dBVU =
1.23Volts RMS = +4 dBu at 1 kHz. Using a 700
Hz tone at -18 dBFS, input and output
levels are equal. The default VU meter calibration is -18 dBFS = 0 dBVU, which we
found to be optimal for achieving the desired sound when the meter action hovers
around 0 dBVU. For hot digital signals peaking close to 0 dBFS, this will require lowering
your Record Level proportionately to achieve “proper” tape sound. When running hot
signals, the needle may stick to the right side (≥ +3 dBVU). If you are achieving the
desired sound, but would like to see some meter action, you can calibrate the meter to
Waves Kramer Master Tape
User Guide
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