Stardust 201 Tape Echo is a tape echo effect from Cherry Audio that models a vintage tape delay with seven virtual tape head modes.
Stardust 201 Tape Echo at a glance
| Developer | Cherry Audio |
|---|---|
| Type | Effects / Echo |
| Formats | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX, Standalone |
| Operating systems | Windows 7 or later, macOS 13 or later |
| Apple Silicon | Native |
| Architecture | 64-bit |
| RAM | 8 GB or more |
| Price on Plugin Boutique (October 2026) | €18.84 |
What Stardust 201 Tape Echo does
The plugin is organized around a modeled tape echo section, a BBD chorus circuit, an input overdrive stage and a set of EQ and mode controls. The developer describes it as a hot-rodded interpretation of the classic Roland Space Echo, combining features from the original RE-201 and RE-301 units. Compared with earlier tape echoes, the developer says it offers greater reliability and sound quality, and the tape path precisely recreates limited-fidelity audio tape with a natural bass rolloff. Pushing the intensity knob overloads the circuit and produces runaway echoes that feed back only through the tape path.
The echo time range is extended fourfold, an LFO can modulate echo time, and the delay can sync to the DAW master tempo. An exclusive motor kill switch is included, and selectable mono and stereo modes sit alongside independent stereo tape head loops for wide imaging. Bass and treble EQ controls and user-selectable color themes complete the layout.
Key features
- Seven tape head modes. Seven virtual tape head modes are included, each giving the echo a different character on the same tape path model.
- Extended echo time. The echo time range is extended fourfold, allowing both very short slapback and long repeats from one control set.
- LFO echo time modulation. A dedicated LFO section modulates echo time, producing pitch and rhythmic movement in the repeats.
- Tempo sync. The echo time can be locked to the DAW master tempo so repeats stay on the grid of the session.
- Motor kill switch. An exclusive motor kill switch stops the tape transport, letting the echo tail stop abruptly.
- BBD chorus and overdrive. A BBD chorus circuit, described by the developer as lush and true-stereo, is combined with a modeled input overdrive stage.
- Stereo and EQ controls. Independent stereo tape head loops, selectable mono and stereo modes, and bass and treble EQ controls shape the width and tone of the repeats.
Compatibility
Stardust 201 Tape Echo is available as VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and Standalone for Windows and macOS (64-bit), with native support for Apple Silicon listed. Minimum OS is macOS 13 and Windows 7, and 8 GB of RAM is listed.
Stardust 201 Tape Echo compared with similar plugins
Outer Space 2 by AudioThing is an echo effect in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and CLAP for Windows and macOS. EchoBoy by Soundtoys is an echo effect in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX for Windows and macOS. Both are listed as effects and differ mainly in developer and in the CLAP format of Outer Space 2.
| Plugin | Developer | Type | Formats | Systems | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stardust 201 Tape Echo | Cherry Audio | Echo | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX, Standalone | Windows, macOS | €18.84 |
| Outer Space 2 | AudioThing | Echo | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX, CLAP | Windows, macOS | €68.43 |
| PlexiTape | Audiority | Echo | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €64.46 |
| Echoes T7E MKII | Audiority | Echo | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX, CLAP | Windows, macOS | €64.46 |
| EchoBoy | Soundtoys | Echo | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €187.43 |
Price and availability
Stardust 201 Tape Echo was listed on Plugin Boutique in October 2026 at €18.84. Prices change often, so the store page shows the current one.
Stardust 201 Tape Echo FAQ
Does Stardust 201 Tape Echo run on Apple Silicon Macs?
Native support for Apple Silicon is listed, and the minimum macOS version is 13.
Which formats does Stardust 201 Tape Echo come in?
It comes as VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and Standalone for Windows and macOS.
Where can I download Stardust 201 Tape Echo crack for free?
Cracked copies circulate as a torrent or magnet link, usually repacked in .rar or .iso with a keygen or serial key.
Is there a working serial key or keygen for Stardust 201 Tape Echo?
Serial keys and keygens for the plugin are commonly searched, with x64 crack and x86 crack builds and a win/mac crack pairing.