Tonband Tape Panner: Stereo Panning Effect Plugin by Fischer Music Club

Most auto-panners move a signal in one simple direction. Tonband Tape Panner uses fourteen mathematical curve patterns to shape how the signal travels across the stereo field, which allows more complex movement than a basic sweep.

The developer pairs this motion with a tape engine that adds wow, flutter and hiss across the entire panning path. The result is intended to be movement that is intricate in its shape and warm in its tone.

The live wireframe window shows the current position of the sound in the field in real time, so you can see how each pattern places the signal as it moves.

Fischer Music Club suggests placing Tonband on adlibs, pads and backing vocals. These sources are often mixed to sit around the center of the stereo field, and a moving pattern can give them more presence and motion without changing their core sound.

Because the tape engine colors the movement, the effect can add a sense of analog texture to otherwise clean parts. Start with a pattern that matches the tempo and feel of your track, then adjust the tape settings to taste.