T-RackS Tape Machine 24

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A Tape Machine with character

Professional analog tape recorders are highly prized tools, valued for the unique character they impart to audio - interesting considering that they were designed to be as transparent as the technology of the time allowed.

One fantastic machine, designed and manufactured in the US, has a unique sound which is carefully recreated in the T-RackS Tape Machine 24.

The MCI JH24 was first produced in 1980 and was a staple in studios across the US throughout the ‘80s. This completely transformerless, high performance op-amp-based design delivers a pristine, phase coherent and remarkably true-to-the-source audio performance. The JH24 delivers a sound that’s perfect for multi-tracking and mixing/mastering to give your overall mix a cohesive sound with a moderate and elegant polish.

Using a mix of dynamic convolution and physical modeling, the Tape Machine 24 re-creates the complex interplay of effects taking place in the analog audio tape recording process, down to the smallest and finest detail.

The Tape Machine 24 is perfect to give your tracks a musically enhanced feel, really capturing the magic of a timeless classic!

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Comprehensive Controls

Tape Machine 24 features a set of controls to enhance the ease of use. Key features include:

Signal path selection: With “Input,” the signal only passes through the input and output electronic stages of the recorders, bypassing the tape. Depending on how the recorder is designed, the “Input” path can sound extremely transparent or just slightly more colored. “Repro” passes your signal through the entire analog recording system: input-> recording amplifier -> recording head -> tape -> playback head -> playback preamplifier -> output stage.
True Stereo: Even a perfectly aligned tape machine will have slight level, EQ and distortion differences between the left and right channels. This is good and part of the analog recording mojo! The T-RackS Tape Machine Collection perfectly recreates these subtle differences to deliver the real experience. If perfectly identical left and right channel processing is a must, simply disable this feature.
Tape Speed: Select the speed of the tape transport between 15 and 30 inches per second (“ips”). The higher speed gives you more fidelity, and the lower speed delivers a warmer, rounder tone.
Transport Modeling: Precisely models the behavior of the mechanical transport. Small irregularities in the movement of the tape creates various degrees of sonic alteration to the audio program, especially between the two channels. Keep it on for the magic to happen! In case a perfectly steady performance is needed, just disable the control.
Record Bias: Ideal bias voltage settings provide maximum sensitivity and low distortion. Intentionally overbiasing is a common technique to produce a warmer, gently saturated sound. Underbiasing can be used to nicely boost the high frequencies in a truly unique way and add distortion and other nonlinear effects.