TapeStation Kontakt synth instrument by AudioThing interface

TapeStation: Tape-Saturated Synth Instrument for Kontakt by AudioThing

Rated 4.3/5 on Plugin Boutique (93 ratings)

TapeStation is a Kontakt instrument by AudioThing that combines sampled waveforms from an analog bass synth recorded to cassette tape. It offers 24 factory presets, 24 user presets and 255 samples.

REQUIRESKontaktHost player sold separately
Kontakt
AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique
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01Overview

TapeStation is a software instrument built for the full version of the NI Kontakt engine. AudioThing sampled a classic analog bass synth to a new old stock cassette, then packaged the recordings into a Kontakt instrument. The developer says the raw tape character and unstable pitch give the sound a distinctive, "tron"-style quality. The instrument is aimed at producers who want a lo-fi, tape-coloured voice rather than a clean digital synth tone.

Best for

  • Tape-saturated bass
  • Lo-fi lead sounds
  • Tron-style synth textures
  • Unstable pitch effects
  • Retro analog-style pads
Developer
AudioThing
Requires
Kontakt
Store
Plugin Boutique
02Key features

What you get

  • Two oscillators with Saw, Square and Pulse 5% waveforms
  • 12-24dB/oct filter for cutoff shaping
  • One LFO (Random, Saw, Triangle) for pitch and cutoff
  • Two envelopes for shaping sound over time
  • Waveforms sampled chromatically from C0 to C7
  • Samples longer than six seconds at 44.1kHz / 24-bit
  • Saturation and Limiter Input Gain in Performance View
  • 24 factory presets and 24 user presets
03In depth

Tape-Sampled Sound and Character

Each of the three waveforms, Saw, Square and Pulse 5%, was sampled chromatically from C0 to C7. Every sample runs longer than six seconds, so sustained notes stay true to the recording across the keyboard.

AudioThing says the tape stage adds unstable pitch and raw analog grit to the original synth's fat basses and sharp leads. A Saturation control and a Limiter Input Gain are included in the custom Performance View alongside the synth's core parameters, so you can push the tape colour further or pull it back.

Controls, Presets and Sound Shaping

TapeStation uses two oscillators feeding a 12-24dB/oct filter. One LFO with Random, Saw and Triangle shapes can modulate pitch and cutoff, and two envelopes shape the amplitude and filter movement.

The instrument ships with 24 factory presets. You can save up to 24 of your own patches using the save function within the Kontakt GUI.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

DeveloperAudioThing
TypePlugin
CategoryKontakt Instrument
RequiresKontakt
FormatsKontakt
05FAQ

Questions, answered

What do I need to use TapeStation?

TapeStation requires the full version of Kontakt 4.2.4 or higher. It is a software instrument and not a physical product.

What formats does TapeStation come in?

TapeStation is available in Kontakt and WAV formats. The instrument is 200 MB in size.

Can I save my own sounds in TapeStation?

Yes. TapeStation includes 24 user preset slots, and you can save patches using the save function within the Kontakt GUI.

How is TapeStation sampled?

AudioThing sampled a classic analog bass synth to a new old stock cassette, then mapped the Saw, Square and Pulse 5% waveforms chromatically from C0 to C7 at 44.1kHz / 24-bit.

07Developer

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