Tape saturation guide

Choose tape color by purpose,
not by habit.

Tape processing can add tone, motion, texture and glue. The useful choice is the smallest amount that solves a clear problem in the track.

Vocals, drums and mix bus

Vocals

Use subtle saturation to soften sharp peaks and add density. Keep noise and movement controlled when intelligibility is the priority.

Drums

Use more drive when the drum bus needs density or grit. Compare the processed signal at a matched output level so louder does not automatically sound better.

Mix bus

Choose a clean or warm character and make small changes. Mix bus processing affects every source, so use less drive and check transients after each adjustment.

SL Tape or SL Tape Pro

SL Tape is the focused option for quick tape color and lo-fi character. SL Tape Pro adds four tape characters, local neural analysis, saturation, movement, wear, noise and glue controls for more detailed work.

Use the simpler tool when speed matters. Use Tape Pro when the tape behavior itself is part of the sound design or final mix decision.

Choose your tape workflow

Start with quick cassette color or move into detailed tape character and vinyl texture.

SL Tape Pro plugin
AI-powered neural tape effect

SL Tape Pro

Choose Clean, Warm, Vintage or Dirty and shape the tape behavior in detail.

$69$39
SL Tape plugin
Tape color and lo-fi plugin

SL Tape

Fast cassette warmth, movement and age with a focused control set.

$22$12
SL Patina plugin
Vinyl and continuous texture effect

SL Patina

Add vinyl movement and continuous texture when tape is not the final color.

$29$24