Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder plugin interface by Universal Audio with tape reels

Ampex® ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder: Tape Emulation Plugin by Universal Audio

Rated 4.8/5 on Plugin Boutique (918 ratings)

Ampex® ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder is a tape emulation plugin by Universal Audio that models the Ampex ATR-102 two-track tape machine. It adds saturation, warmth and analog glue to mixes and masters.

VST3AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

The Ampex ATR-102 plugin from Universal Audio models one of the most popular professional two-track tape machines ever made. Universal Audio says the emulation is authenticated by the Ampex Corporation. It offers selectable tape types, classic saturation and color, and a retina-enhanced interface with interactive tape reels. It is available as a UAD Native version for Mac or PC and as an accelerated version for Apollo interfaces and UAD-2 hardware.

Best for

Mix glue
Mastering chain saturation
Vocal and bus warmth
Drum bus coloring
Analog tape character in LUNA

Developer: Universal Audio
Category: Tape Emulation
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Classic Ampex tape saturation with selectable tape types and color
Full ATR-102 circuit including transformers, amplifiers and Repro, Sync and Input paths
Auto-Gain keeps gain staging intact while adjusting Repro and Record levels
Three tape heads (1/4", 1/2" and 1") with selectable tape speeds
Emphasis EQs and formulas including GP9, 456, 900 and 250
Retina-enhanced GUI with interactive tape reels
LUNA Extension for tape color inside LUNA's mixer
UAD Native and Apollo Realtime/UAD-2 accelerated versions

03In depth

Tape Tone, Heads and Machine Circuit

The plugin models the full ATR-102 circuit, including its transformers, amplifiers, Repro, Sync and Input paths. Universal Audio describes three classic tape heads (1/4", 1/2" and 1"), tape speeds and emphasis EQs, and formulas labeled GP9, 456, 900 and 250.

Calibration can be fine-tuned to open up headroom or to get grittier compression and saturation. Auto-Gain lets you adjust Repro and Record levels while keeping gain staging intact, which is the difficult part of running the original hardware.

Using the ATR-102 in LUNA

The ATR-102 LUNA Extension brings the tape colour into LUNA's mixer, so you do not need to manage separate plugin windows. This suits producers who work inside LUNA Recording System and want analog tape character on their channels.

The interface uses an enhanced retina GUI with interactive reels and controls modeled on the original hardware.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Universal Audio
Type	Plugin
Category	Tape Emulation
Formats	VST3, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does the Ampex ATR-102 support?

The plugin is available in VST3, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows and macOS and is a 64-bit plugin.

What do I need to run the Ampex ATR-102?

You need a supported DAW and an internet connection to download the software and authorize it. A free iLok account with iLok Cloud works for online activation, or an iLok USB (2nd generation or higher) for offline use. A physical iLok dongle is not required for online activation. The plugin does not work in GarageBand.

Which DAWs are compatible with the ATR-102?

The listed compatibility includes Pro Tools 2022 (AAX), Logic Pro (Audio Units), Ableton Live 11 (VST3 and Audio Units), Cubase 12 (VST3), Studio One 5 (VST3) and LUNA Recording System.