SN03
by Sender Spike
4.6 / 5     (27 votes)
Win32 Win64
   
VST
SN03/SN03-G is a tape sound emulation plug-in.

It takes the key components of analog tape recorders and gives the user tools to create a properly calibrated "custom tape machine" that operates in the range of 7.5 to 30 IPS, while conforming to NAB, IEC, and AES equalization standards.

The plug-in is designed with ASIO/CPU footprint that allows use of many instances for cumulative effect.
  • Input gain +/- 24dB.
  • Output gain +/- 24dB.
  • NAB, IEC (15 IPS), AES (30 IPS) EQ modes.
  • Adjustable recording EQ (LF +/- 10dB, HF +/- 14dB).
  • Adjustable reproduction EQ (LF +/- 10dB, HF +/- 14dB).
  • Adjustable "head bump" frequency from 65Hz to 105Hz.
  • Adjustable "head bump" gain from 1dB to 8dB.
  • Tape hiss gain +/-30dB from ca. -76dBFS (RMS).
  • Tape hiss on/off switch.
  • Complete I/O VU metering.
  • ...and tape saturation, of course.
Downloads
John Burns Aug 04 2023
(5 / 5)
Aug 04 2023
Nice tape saturation effect with useful EQ functions. I don't know if it's the best tape plugin out there but it sounds good and has very low CPU usage (like all the plugins from this developer).
Walkalone Dec 25 2022
(5 / 5)
Dec 25 2022
Love this one from the first time i try it... this is so great.
Cyril Dec 08 2022
(1 / 5)
Dec 08 2022
Doesn't sound like a tape. I compared it with big name brands and it's more like and eq thingy
Ike Jan 30 2024
Jan 30 2024
Well, the difference is that some of these other "tape emulators" produce unrealistic amounts of saturation, whereas here you get only the degree of saturation, that you would typically find in a tape device (= little amount)
ShebenMuzik Oct 19 2022
(5 / 5)
Oct 19 2022
I’m really amazed by the results of such a small plugin !
Eel Oct 11 2022
(5 / 5)
Oct 11 2022
Good stuff here.
anomous Sep 29 2022
(2 / 5)
Sep 29 2022
Not working on windows 11
Skud Sep 04 2022
(5 / 5)
Sep 04 2022
Good
nomentero Apr 10 2022
(5 / 5)
Apr 10 2022
By default I always have a saturator with transformer quality loaded in the master channel (I won't say which one because I don't know if it's okay since it's from another creator), and this tape emulator since it seems very controllable to me. actually I don't have it set up in a subtle way as I like how it expands the overall sound. But I have some doubts: does the input, in positive values, add distortion or something? I thought I read somewhere but I'm not sure since my English is not very good. Can I find some detailed explanation, even examples of practical uses, somewhere? Finally, thanks. I have a great appreciation for this plugin and for the great work, in general, done.
dg Jan 06 2023
Jan 06 2023
Yes it does. At default this plugin will give a broad 0,8db boost at ~70hz and an overal cut of -1,5db in the rest of the spectrum. If you crank the input to 6 it will add volume gain and add harmonics while doing. From 6 onwards it is just only harmonics, not volume anymore.
dg Jan 06 2023
Jan 06 2023
just adding, if you turn off the hiss and h bump it will be a flat eq spectrum with -1,5db. Input at 6 at this settings and you have still a flat eq spectrum and now at unit, flat 0 db, no boost or cut, but with added harmonics. Keep pushing input, no changes in gain, only added harmonics. Pretty well designed if you ask me, just turn off h.bump and hiss, crank the input, voilà, no eq changes, only fine tape saturation.
nomentero Feb 10 2023
Feb 10 2023
Thanks for the clarification.
Firescape TX Mar 17 2022
(5 / 5)
Mar 17 2022
Real Tape sound VST with nice saturation! Thank You.
HomeWorkStudio Apr 08 2021
(5 / 5)
Apr 08 2021
This Plugin sounds huge! Thank you
Ryan Feb 22 2021
(5 / 5)
Feb 22 2021
Fantastic VST!!!
DarseZ Feb 16 2021
Feb 16 2021
Can anyone explain the essential basic settings? I'm finding it difficult to understand where to 'push the saturation' based on these controls.
Sender Spike Feb 21 2021
Feb 21 2021
Use the Input knob.
John Sep 28 2020
(5 / 5)
Sep 28 2020
This is fantastic. Works on everything including master bus. The "record" bass and treble EQ allows to saturate those frequencies like tape does, the bump is great. I tried all the payed ones this one beats them by a Mile. Thank you!!
angel Jun 28 2020
Jun 28 2020
Muy bueno, ojala saliera para mac en la vercion rta
Steve Jun 02 2020
(5 / 5)
Jun 02 2020
Very good tape effect. Gives lots of warmth, that can be unruly - take care : ). There are options within the tape to control that. More warmth than Slate and Waves with a pleasing transparent extra. Excellent!
Gwugluud May 22 2020
(5 / 5)
May 22 2020
The best tape sim I own, as far as really sounding like tape. I have Waves and other paid sims, but I come to this one the most.
SteadyRev Apr 23 2020
Apr 23 2020
Still not working in every app, but where it works it is amazing. This is not a toy. It compresses, saturates, eq's. If you know the sound of tape, you can do magic with this. Thanks! Thank you, Sender Spike
Andy May 07 2020
May 07 2020
hey SteadyRev the treshold is the input
Госконтроль Apr 15 2020
(5 / 5)
Apr 15 2020
А где крутилка THRESHOLD ?
SteadyRev Apr 23 2020
Apr 23 2020
You are pushing against 0db. As you push the saturation harmonics come out and the top end flattens. Like Vari-mu
Andy May 07 2020
May 07 2020
Госконтроль the treshold is the input have nice day mate
Ike Apr 08 2020
Apr 08 2020
Please add oversampling / anti-aliasing. Tokyo Dawn Labs have a pretty good way of doing it!
Max Carra Mar 18 2020
(5 / 5)
Mar 18 2020
Super warm,thx man.
Proper Dec 22 2019
(5 / 5)
Dec 22 2019
WARM. I would love a resizable GUI.... too small on 4k screen
eranmadi84 Dec 09 2019
(5 / 5)
Dec 09 2019
It's almost like waves Kramer master mix buss tape, just with out feedback deley and maybe... Whatever it's great for mix and mastering. I love this plugin.
TA-AT Dec 08 2019
(5 / 5)
Dec 08 2019
Excellent and thanks!
None Dec 08 2019
(5 / 5)
Dec 08 2019
Genuinely sounds fantastic. Up there with paid tape saturation plugins. Agree with other user who says hiss is a bit useless - I just turn it off with the switch below
Robert Dec 09 2019
Dec 09 2019
I see 1.1 has added hiss on/off and head bump on/off :) Agreed that this is up there!
Robert Dec 08 2019
(5 / 5)
Dec 08 2019
Great plugin, thank you. This and the compressor work really well together. A few ideas that come to mind.. non essential but could make it better. Appreciate this one. - invert input output would be cool, either right click or toggle on off. - resizable gui would be nice but not essential. - any way to make the noise a bit more dynamic? Or turn it off entirely?