Physical Modeling for Analog Tape Machines

CHOW Tape Model is a physical model of an analog tape machine, implemented as an audio plugin. The physical model is described in a paper presented at the 2019 DAFx conference. This work began part of a class project for Music 420 at Stanford University (CCRMA).

Quick Links

• Latest Release
• ChowTape for iOS
• Nightly Builds
• User Manual

Definition

magnetic tape noun
mag·net·​ic tape | \ˈnedik 'tāp
Definition of magnetic tape
1 : tape used in recording sound, pictures, or computer data.

Description

CHOW Tape is an analog tape machine physical model, originally based on the Sony TC-260. The current version can be used to emulate a wide variety of reel-to-reel tape machines. Feel free to build and use for your own enjoyment.

CHOW Tape is currently available in the following formats:

• VST
• VST3
• AU
• AAX
• AUv3
• CLAP
• LV2
• Standalone plugin

Installation

The latest release for desktop can be downloaded from our website. ChowTape for iOS can be downloaded from the app store. If you would like to try the nightly builds (potentially unstable), see the Nightly Builds page. If you prefer to build the plugin for yourself, please see the building instructions. Linux users may also download builds from the Open Build Service.

Note for FL Studio users: If you're experiencing pops and click while using the plugin, try enabling the "used fixed size buffers" setting. For more information, see this issue.

Contributing

Contributions are most welcome! There are many ways to contribute to this project, for both programmers and non-programmers. For more information, see the contributing guidelines.

Credits

• GUI Design - Margus Mets
• GUI Framework - Plugin GUI Magic
• Power Switch Icon - FontAudio
• Open Build Service Builds - Konstantin Voinov
• User Manual - Yann from SINK Music

License

CHOW Tape is licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPLv3) agreement. CHOW Tape for iOS is dual licensed under the GPL and Mozilla Public License (MPLv2). Enjoy!