Galaxy Tape Echo by Universal Audio tape delay plugin interface

Galaxy Tape Echo: Tape Delay and Spring Reverb Plugin by Universal Audio Free Download

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (88 ratings)

Galaxy Tape Echo is a tape delay and spring reverb plugin from Universal Audio, an emulation of the Roland RE-201 Space Echo that adds warm, warped analog echo to any audio source.

VST3AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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Free trial available from the developer

01Overview

Galaxy Tape Echo models the behavior of the Roland RE-201 Space Echo, the 1973 tape delay and spring reverb unit. Universal Audio says the plugin reproduces the hardware's distortion, wow and flutter, and pitch shifting, along with its real-time controls. It is available in VST3, AU and AAX formats for Windows and macOS, and it includes both UAD Native and Apollo Realtime/UAD-2 versions.

Best for

Dub-style delays
Vocal echo effects
Guitar slapback
Sci-fi textures
Drum bus widening
Psychedelic spring reverb

Developer: Universal Audio
Category: Delays
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Faithful emulation of the Roland RE-201 Space Echo tape delay
Tape distortion, wow and flutter, and pitch shifting controls
Self-oscillation for sci-fi textures and moods
Spring reverb shimmer applicable to any source
Tempo Sync for delay timing
Separate Pan controls for reverb and delay
Tape Select for varying delay timbre
Available as UAD Native and Apollo Realtime/UAD-2 versions

03In depth

Sound and Character of the Tape Delay

The plugin focuses on the imperfections that give analog tape echo its character. Driving the input can add grit to a vocal or widen a drum bus, according to Universal Audio. Tweaking the wow, flutter and pitch shifting controls can produce time-based effects ranging from subtle tape textures to swirling, self-oscillating sci-fi tones.

The spring reverb section adds an ambient shimmer that can be applied to any source. Universal Audio cites rockabilly slapback and hazy trails of delay as typical results.

Controls and Workflow

The original Mode Selector, Repeat Rate and Intensity controls are retained for head combinations, timing and repeats. The Echo/Normal switch mutes the signal going to the echo, and global Bass and Treble controls shape the tone.

The plugin adds Tempo Sync, separate Pan controls for reverb and delay, and a Tape Select control that changes the tone of the delay.

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	Delay
Formats	VST3, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit
Free trial	Yes

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does Galaxy Tape Echo support?

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

What do I need to run Galaxy Tape Echo?

You need a supported DAW compatible with VST3, AU or AAX, an internet connection to download and authorize UAD Native plug-ins, and a free iLok account. An iLok USB key is supported but not required. The free UA Connect application is used to manage the plugin.

Does Galaxy Tape Echo require UA hardware?

No. The UAD Native version runs on a Mac or PC without any UA hardware. The Apollo Realtime and UAD-2 version runs accelerated on Apollo interfaces and UAD-2 hardware.