Audiopunks has introduced a dual-engine tape-modulation and cassette-depth processor that aims to transform instability into emotion.
Built in collaboration with Tchad Blake, Tape Eater combines a physically-modeled cassette system with a “chew” section that mimics the warped randomness of a swallowed tape, complete with pitch drops, magnetic drift, and a lo-fi speaker.
Born from a collaboration between Tchad Blake and Audiopunks, it began with Tchad’s habit of emulating the sound of a swallowed cassette to bring movement and emotion to synths and guitars, and evolved into a special cinematic cassette deck with features that celebrate the beauty of imperfection and the poetry of broken sound.
Tape Eater features two distinct engines to form an expressive instrument equally capable of subtle warmth, haunting modulation, and total tape chaos:
- Cassette Tape Section: A physical model of a real tape path hidden under the lid, recreating the depth, bias, tone shaping, azimuth drift, and natural compression that make tape machines so engaging. This part of the plugin is both suited for transient and melodic instruments.
- Chew Engine: A modulation system inspired by the moment a cassette gets “eaten.” It generates organic pitch instability, warble, and random dropouts through physically-driven algorithms “Magnetosis”, extended with Advanced Chew Controls for randomness, stereo drift, and AM modulation. This part of the plugin is mostly suited for melodic instruments.
The plugin also features a built-in speaker simulator and input/output drive stage, allowing users to push the signal like a true hardware box.
Available for Windows and Mac (VST3, AU and AAX), Tape Eater is on sale for the introductory price of $78 USD (regular $99 USD).
More information: Audiopunks
