Harrison Audio’s latest plug-in aims to recreate the sound of the two-track tape machines that occupied the studios of the 1970s and 1980s. Tape Saturator faithfully models a selection of different machines, and offers enough adjustment to cater to everything from subtle warmth to more obvious saturation.
The plug-in enhances incoming audio signals with layers of odd and even harmonics, which the company say results in a ‘thickening’ of the low end along with a smoother high-frequency response and gently tamed transients. There’s also a subtle amount of tape-style compression that can help make a mix sound more cohesive.
The quality of the virtual tape and machine can be altered using a Fidelity control, which covers everything from high-quality, high-headroom performance with minimal distortion, to obviously lo-fi effects, while a selection of tape speeds help to fine-tune the plug-in’s character. a large central Drive control governs the signal level on its way into the processor, and allows Tape Saturator to be pushed harder for more heavy-handed saturation, while common tape artefacts can be introduced using variable Flutter, Dropouts and Hiss controls.
Key Features
- Input & Output Gain & Meters: Dedicated input and output gain controls, along with clear metering, let you easily see how hard you’re driving Tape Saturator and monitor your final output level.
- Fidelity Selector: Choose from five tape grades, with Best offering the highest headroom and widest bandwidth with minimal distortion. Lower the selector to introduce more character and step into authentic lo‑fi analogue territory.
- Speed Selector: Switch between multiple tape speeds, from 60ips for the highest‑quality, studio‑grade performance, all the way down to 1 7/8ips, like classic consumer cassette machines.
- Drive: Increase the Drive knob to intensify the tape saturation, adding warmth, grit, and analogue-style colour to your source.
- Flutter: Introduce subtle to extreme variations in tape speed, creating slight pitch fluctuations that authentically replicate the natural mechanical inconsistencies of real tape machines.
- Dropouts: Emulate the artifacts of worn or damaged magnetic tape that momentarily lose contact with the tape heads. This control adjusts both the frequency and intensity of those dropout events.
- Hiss: a classic byproduct of recording to tape, created by the magnetic particles and the mechanical nature of the machine. Add as much or as little hiss as you like to dial in the perfect amount of vintage charm on your tracks.
- Presets: Save time by choosing from curated preset sounds, each designed to emulate classic tape types and instantly add character to your tracks.
Compatibility
The new plug-ins are supported on PCs running Windows 10 or above, and Macs running macOS 13 and higher. VST, VST3, AU and AAX versions are available.
Pricing & Availability
Tape Saturator is available now, and is currently (19 February 2026) being offered at an introductory price of $29, reduced from its full cost of $49.
