VariSpeed

Name: VariSpeed
Author: GSi

by GSi · Delay · Copicat IC-400 tape echo model

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VariSpeed is a free plugin from GSi that recreates the WEM Copicat IC-400 VariSpeed tape echo, the first with a variable-speed DC capstan motor.

It copies the hardware's character and adds MIDI control; it is free on Windows, Mac and Linux.

Best for: Guitars, Vocals, Keys & Synths. Genres: Rock & Indie, Ambient & Cinematic.

Keywords: tape, free, tape echo, hardware emulation, MIDI-controllable, vocals, vintage, electric guitar, keys, swirling, inspired by, Linux, mixing, samples & loops.

What it does

VariSpeed is a free software replica of the WEM Copicat IC-400 Belt Drive VariSpeed tape echo. GSi calls it the second chapter of its tribute to Charlie Watkins, after the 2008 WatKat plugin, and it copies the hardware "as is" with all its pros and cons.

Variable speed: a motor speed control sets the tape speed and with it the delay time, as the DC capstan motor did on the original.
Three heads: three pickup heads switched on and off with green, white and red buttons, for single echoes or multi-head patterns.
Echo controls: Repeat, Swell (the echo level) and Tone, plus left and right input levels and an on/off bypass switch.
Echo swells: pushed hard, it produces the long, swirling echo swells the original Copicat is known for.
Interface: an animated tape loop that follows speed changes, a GUI scalable from 100% to 130%, and a help overlay that explains each control.
Faithful by design: no added features beyond being digital and MIDI-controllable, so there is no tempo sync or stereo widening.

The current version is 1.0.0. It is free on desktop; the developer suggests a donation.

Source: GSi product page

When to use it

VariSpeed is the pick for a free, authentic British 60s tape echo with real character. Compared with EchoBoy and Timeless 3, it has no tempo sync, presets of other styles or modulation routing; it does one machine and costs nothing. Compared with Delay TAPE-201 and Galaxy Tape Echo, it models a different and less common unit, the Copicat, with a simpler control set and no spring reverb. Its delay time follows the motor speed, so it rewards playing the controls by hand rather than setting a note value.

Best for: vintage tape echo on guitar, vocals and keys for free, and hand-played echo swells.
Genres: rock, surf, psychedelic and ambient.
Look elsewhere if: you want tempo sync and modern delay features; EchoBoy or Timeless 3 fit better.
Tip: treat it like an instrument, as Bedroom Producers Blog suggests: ride the motor speed and Swell during playback for the Copicat's swirling swells.

What producers say

Free-plugin sites rate it among the best free tape delays, praising its authentic vintage sound.

Bedroom Producers Blog called it "one of the best freeware delay plugins in a long while" and highlighted its "never-ending swirly echo swells."
AudioTechTV rated it "one of the top free vst delay plugins" and said it "could easily be a paid for plugin", praising the vintage character.
Criticisms: neither review raised any; its limits are by design, with no sync or extra features.

Where to buy

GSi: Free

Tutorials and reviews

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