Machine Head

by SPL · Saturation · Tape saturator

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SPL's digital tape saturation plugin with Original and Ultimate modes.

Best for: Mix Bus, Drums, Vocals. Genres: all genres.

Keywords: tape, mixing, bus processing, discontinued, drums, full mix, mastering, mix bus, single-band, vocals.

What it does

Machine Head is a tape saturation plugin that applies frequency-dependent compression and harmonic distortion to imitate a tape machine.

Modes: Original replicates the discontinued hardware 1:1; Ultimate adds extra controls and finer resolution.
Controls: Drive, Low Frequency Adjust, High Frequency Adjust and dynamic high-frequency damping.
Tape speed: 15 or 30 ips.

Source: SPL product page

When to use it

Machine Head is a straightforward tape colour box. Compared with Universal Audio's Ampex ATR-102, the rated tape option, Machine Head is less detailed but simpler, and adds loudness, with SPL saying up to 10 dB perceived.

Best for: mixing, mastering and single instruments.

Where to buy

Plugin Alliance: $125

Tutorials and reviews

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