Using Tape Saturation plugins

[Juan_M]

So I’m done watching Charles Dye’s Mix It Like A Record and I was surprised at the fact he uses Tape Saturation plug ins on everything. Master fader included! I do love the effect the plugin has on his tracks and I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t paid much attention to them until now.

I’ve done my homework and found some good comments about Voxengo TapeBus and others so I guess I’ll get it soon, but my question is how do you use this kind of plugs? Dye uses tape saturation a lot but he doesn’t really explains why he sets the plugin’s parameters the way he does… so how do you use it on guitars, drums, vocals,… and when? Always, only on more aggressive tracks? Anyway, pretty much any pearl of wisdom you are willing to share will be much appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Ethan Winer]

Juan,

> Dye uses tape saturation a lot but he doesn’t really explains why he sets the plugin’s parameters the way he does <

This is not exactly what you're asking for, but here's a closely related article I wrote for Sound On Sound magazine a few months ago:

www.soundonsound.com/sos/feb06/articles/soundingoff.htm

As for parameters, it's not that big a deal. Since the goal is to add a little grit to the sound, I'd say the main control to be concerned with is "Amount."

--Ethan

 

[Juan_M]

Thanks so much Ethan! I'll check your article right now! And it's nice to see it's actually easier than I thought...