Vacuumsound has released two freeware effect plug-ins for Windows and Mac: ADT – Artificial Double Tracking and RIAA – phono equalization.
ADT – Artificial Double Tracking
The ADT technique was developed at Abbey Road Studios by engineers recording the Beatles in the 1960s. To free John Lennon from having to sing everything twice for real double tracking they came up with an artificial replacement: they sent the original signal to another tape machine and re-recorded it. Due to the physical distance between record and playback heads the new signal was delayed. The length of the delay depends on the tape speed (the slower the tape is running the longer it takes for the signal to travel from the record to the playback head). However, due to the machine’s (small amounts of) Wow and Flutter the delay time was not fixed but varied slightly, giving an additional chorus-like effect.
The ADT Plug-In takes a mono input signal and creates a stereo output. The original input signal will be output on one channel the new ADT signal on the other. Blending the two is also possible. The Plug-In allows to control the delay time (10 – 50ms), Wow and Flutter (both with intensity in % and frequency). All values are based on the technical data of the tape machine that was originally used to create this effect.
RIAA – phono equalization
This Plug-In provides normal and inverse RIAA equalization. It thus can be used for record playback or vinyl cutting purposes. Another nice trick is to use it to simulate certain ‘vinyl sound effects’ by applying the inverse RIAA curve to your signal and after running it through a compressor converting it back to flat.
“RIAA – phono equalization” works at the standard sample rates from 44.1kHz up to 96kHz.
Both plug-ins are available for Windows and Mac (including 64-bit support, VST/AU). Donations are welcome.
Visit Vacuumsound for more information and links to download the plug-ins.
