Tape is a tape emulation plugin from Softube that adds analog tape character to tracks and master buses, with three selectable tape machine types in one instance.
Tape at a glance
| Developer | Softube |
|---|---|
| Type | Effects / Tape Emulation |
| Formats | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX |
| Operating systems | Windows 10 or later, macOS |
| Apple Silicon | Native |
| Architecture | 64-bit |
| Copy protection | iLok |
| Hosts named by the developer | Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Cubase, Reaper, Studio One |
| Price on Plugin Boutique (October 2026) | €38.68 (regular €98.18) |
What Tape does
The plugin is organized around a machine selector, an Amount control and a Remote Control panel. The developer describes three distinctly different tape machine types: Type A, a Swiss reel-to-reel machine known for precision and linearity; Type B, a transformer-based machine that the developer describes as much more colorful; and Type C, a British tape machine with a distinct vintage character.
The Remote Control panel exposes tape speed settings, stability and crosstalk for the selected machine. The developer suggests trying different tape speeds first, since slower speeds change the result more noticeably. A single instance on the master bus is described as a way to emulate a tape stage for the whole mix, and the developer states that the plugin is unusually light on the processor. Tape Multitrack is available as a MixFX slot in Studio One, and it includes everything in Tape plus extra functions.
Key features
- Three tape machine types. Type A, Type B and Type C each model a different tape machine, so one plugin covers the Swiss reel-to-reel sound, a transformer-based colored sound and a British vintage sound.
- Amount control. A single Amount knob sets how strongly the selected tape machine is applied, which the developer presents as the main adjustment for everyday use.
- Remote Control panel. The panel exposes tape speed, stability and crosstalk for the selected machine, giving direct control over the speed and behavior of the emulation.
- Included presets. Presets made by engineers are included, so a starting point is available without building settings from scratch.
- Master bus use. A single instance placed on the master bus is described by the developer as a way to emulate a tape stage across the whole mix.
Compatibility
The minimum OS is Windows 10, and activation uses iLok. The developer names Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Cubase, Reaper and Studio One as hosts.
Tape compared with similar plugins
Other tape emulation plugins in the catalog differ in formats and operating systems. FLYWHEEL Reel-To-Reel Tape by Fuse Audio Labs is listed as VST3, VST2, AU and AAX for Windows and macOS. Reels by AudioThing adds CLAP to the formats it lists, alongside VST3, VST2, AU and AAX on Windows and macOS.
| Plugin | Developer | Type | Formats | Systems | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tape | Softube | Tape Emulation | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €38.68 (regular €98.18) |
| FLYWHEEL Reel-To-Reel Tape | Fuse Audio Labs | Tape Emulation | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €28.76 (regular €58.51) |
| Reels | AudioThing | Tape Emulation | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX, CLAP | Windows, macOS | €58.51 |
| Tape Machine 80 | IK Multimedia | Tape Emulation | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €118.99 |
| TAIP | Baby Audio | Tape Emulation | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €88.26 |
Price and availability
Tape was listed on Plugin Boutique in October 2026 at €38.68, reduced from €98.18. Prices change often, so the store page shows the current one.
Tape FAQ
Where can I download Tape crack for free?
Tape crack copies circulate as torrent, magnet link and repack archives, usually packed as .rar or .iso, and the developer lists iLok for activation.
Is there a working serial key or keygen for Tape?
Searches for Tape serial key and keygen are common, but the developer lists iLok copy protection, so a license is the activation method named in the product line.