Cassette Transport

Name: Cassette Transport
Author: Wavesfactory

by Wavesfactory · Multi-FX · Tape start/stop effect

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Cassette Transport is a free plugin that simulates tape speeding up and slowing down, with the noise of a real cassette deck's buttons and rotor.

Play and stop times sync to the host tempo, so it works for automated tape-stop transitions and pitch dives.

Best for: Sound Design, Keys & Synths, Drums. Genres: Lo-Fi, Hip-Hop & Trap, Electronic & EDM.

Keywords: cassette, free, tape, tempo-synced, lo-fi, sound design, creative, hardware emulation, 80s, drums, mixing, samples & loops, simple, vintage.

What it does

Cassette Transport is a "free audio plugin effect that simulates the sound of tape speeding up and slowing down," and it also includes noises from the buttons and rotor of a real cassette unit. Wavesfactory presents it as a little brother to its paid Cassette plugin.

Start and stop: separate play and stop times, each up to 8 seconds.
Tempo sync: times can sync to the host tempo.
Button noise: adjustable volume for the mechanical button and rotor sounds.
Automation: parameters can be automated to trigger tape stops and starts in the arrangement.

It is free; the download link is sent by email from Wavesfactory's free plugins page.

Source: Wavesfactory product page

When to use it

Cassette Transport is the one to grab when you want a free tape stop that also includes the mechanical sounds of a real deck. Like Kilohearts Tape Stop and Cableguys HalfTime, it covers tempo-based slowdowns; unlike HalfTime, which is aimed at half-speed playback, it is built for stops.

Best for: tape-stop transitions, pitch dives on loops and beats, and lo-fi sound design.
Genres: hip-hop, lo-fi, trap and electronic.
Look elsewhere if: you want a full tape emulation with saturation and wow; that is what Cassette does.
Standout: real cassette button and rotor noises built in, at no cost.

What producers say

Coverage has been positive about the creative uses of a simple free tool.

Bedroom Producers Blog (2020) said that with button noise off and some automation it "can pull off some rather dramatic pitching effects."
Plugin Boutique users rate it 4.5 out of 5 from 552 ratings.

Where to buy

Wavesfactory: Free
Plugin Boutique: Free

Tutorials and reviews

Similar plugins

Tape Stop by Kilohearts · Free tape stop effect · Free
Tape Suite by UVI · Tape effects suite · $99

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