Nomad Factory’s Magnetic plug-in isn’t the first tape emulation DAW plug-in, but it is the newest.
Available as a Windows, Mac RTAS or VST plug-in, Magnetic offers a solid range of features. Effects include reel speed, tape saturation, tape “color” (compression), limiting and high and low EQ.
Magnetic’s nice GUI imitates a generic old, tube-style piece of audio equipment, complete with old-school black Bakelite knobs and a VU meter.
Truly grizzled veterans of reel-to-reel usage might ask where are the wow and flutter controls? Crinkled or stretched tape or flaking oxide effects? Print-though, anyone?
But that’s the point: all the “good” tubey sound without any of the actual hassle that reel-to-reel recorders engender. For “squeaky clean” digital production and HD broadcasts maybe a little syrup might sweeten the sound.
Until Dec. 12 Nomad is offering Magnetic at $49.99. Regularly it will be priced at $199.
