3348 TAPE

Name: 3348 TAPE
Price: 37.99 USD
Author: Mixland

by Mixland · Saturation · Digital tape and converter emulation

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3348 TAPE emulates Sony digital tape machines and converters, including the 3348, 3348HR, 3324, X80, 601, 701, DA88 and 1630.

It adds harmonic distortion with a bias control, emphasis and filter curves, and a bypassable limiter; it is $37.99 on sale (list $99.99).

Best for: Mix Bus, Mastering, Drums, Vocals, Keys & Synths. Genres: all genres.

Keywords: tape, subtle, hardware emulation, mastering, 90s, auto-gain, bus processing, digital classic, full mix, warm, aggressive, classic, drums, enhancement, mix bus, mixing, oversampling, single-band, smooth, transparent, vocals.

What it does

3348 TAPE models the AD/DA converters of classic Sony digital multitracks and mastering units rather than analog reels. Mixland bills it as "7 rare units in 1 plugin," aimed at the subtle edge of 1990s digital recording.

Converter models: 3348, 3348HR, 3324, X80, 601, 701, DA88 and 1630, each with its own converter colour.
Harmonic distortion: a drive stage with a Bias control, from subtle warmth up to aggressive clipping.
Emphasis: a sweepable emphasis mode with custom filter curves for adding warmth and character at a chosen frequency.
Auto-gain: linked auto-gain to keep the output level matched while you drive the input.
Limiter: a transparent, bypassable limiter to smooth transients and stop overs.
Oversampling: 2x, 4x, 8x or 16x.

A free 7-day trial is available. It was on sale when the developer's store was checked.

Source: Mixland product page

When to use it

3348 TAPE is the better pick when you want the density and edge of early digital machines rather than analog tape. Compared with the Ampex ATR-102, it has no wow, flutter or tape hiss to manage, and its colour is subtler. It is far gentler than Decapitator or Saturation Knob, which are built to drive sources hard, and unlike RC-20 Retro Color it adds no noise, wobble or lo-fi effects. It suits subtle bus and master processing better than obvious effect use.

Best for: subtle density and character on buses, masters and individual tracks.
Genres: any style, especially 1990s-style rock and pop mixes.
Look elsewhere if: you want wow, flutter and tape hiss (Ampex ATR-102) or obvious distortion (Decapitator).

Where to buy

Mixland: $37.99

Tutorials and reviews

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