Synchronia, the small French audio company whose Sound Skulptor preamp kits we reviewed in September 2008, have just announced their Stereo Tape Simulator (or STS), which, as its name suggests, aims to impart some tape-style analogue warmth to single channels and stereo busses.
An entirely analogue unit, the controls appear to be very intuitive, with just input and output level controls, a three-way tape-speed switch, and a hard-wired bypass switch for each channel.
The channels are entirely independent of each other, so the unit can be used to process two different mono sources at different tape speeds and with different amounts of gain. There's also comprehensive input metering so you can see how hard you're driving the 'tape', and the output level control will then allow you to trim the level going back into your DAW or other digital recorder.
The tape speeds available are 7.5, 15 and 30ips, and changing this setting alters the channel’s bandwidth and amount of saturation, so you can get exactly the type of tape effect you’re after. Furthermore, Synchronia say that typical tape-recorder electronics have been incorporated into the unit’s design, and these include pre-emphasis and de-emphasis stages, and record and playback amplifiers. There’s even a filter to emulate the high-frequency roll-off caused by the record-head gap.
As with the Sound Skulptor preamps, the Stereo Tape Simulator is available as either a complete unit, or in kit form, with the DIY kit costing significantly less. Pre-assembled, the STS will set you back 899 Euros, with the kit costing 449 Euros. Both prices include VAT.
