I recommend that you start by installing a trial version of a tape emulation plugin, and experiment with adding different amounts of analog warmth and saturation.
Here are 3 tape plugins they have developed: UAD Oxide Tape Recorder, UAD Ampex ATR-102 and UAD Studer A800.
BEST WAVES PLUGINS FOR MASTERING FREE
One brand I feel I need to mention is UAD, which does amazing plugins which work well on their hardware DSP. Ive googled 'best free mastering plugins', and Ive seen a few lists of suggestions, but most of those lists are outdated by a couple years SO, to kick things off, I would like to start a new list of some of the best free mastering plugins, whether they are in suites, or they are standalone plugins, or even unusual plugin suggestions. Now there are of course a few more tape emulation plugins on the market, so you can dive deeper into this subject if you wish.
16-track 2-inch tape machine and a 1/2 inch stereo mastering deck.Extra features speed stability, cross-talk etc.Includes three distinctly different tape machine types.But which tape emulation plugins should you choose? 5 Tape Emulations VST Plugins 1. The great thing about tape, and the reason for us wanting to use it even today, is that it colors the sound in what many consider a very musical way, much like vinyl, due to the analog “roundness”. And it shaped the sound with that analog, warm vibe. In the classic vintage era of music production they used analog master tapes to record the music to. Using a tape emulation plugin is one of the easiest way to get this sound, unless you happen to have high-end analog hardware to route your audio through. I even like using it on the master stereo bus, to color the entire track with that warm, analog character. I love using plugins that add that vintage, analog vibe to the instruments and sounds in my music. Which are the Best Tape Emulation Plugins? Let me share my top 5 recommendations.