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IK Multimedia T-RackS TASCAM Tape Collection REVIEW

T-RackS TASCAM Tape Collection REVIEW (WINNER ANNOUNCED)

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If you’re going to emulate some legendary hardware, working with the original manufacturer is an excellent place to start. IK Multimedia put this collection together in collaboration with TASCAM for their 50th anniversary.

Read more in our IK Multimedia T-RackS TASCAM Tape Collection review and enter the giveaway to win a FREE copy of the software.

Recreating the sound of vintage hardware in plugin form can be a thankless task at times. Some purists will tell you it sounds awful before they even hear it. Personally, I like to take each on individual merit; some are terrible, some are good, and now and then, some are remarkably good.

The TASCAM Tape Collection got my attention when it was announced, so I’m delighted to have the chance to check it out.

T-RackS TASCAM Tape Collection – What’s in the Collection?

The collection features four vintage tape machines and has an introductory price of €129.99 (usually €199.99).

TEAC A-6100 MKII

The TEAC A-6100 MKII arrived on the scene in 1973 as one of the first tape machines made specifically for mastering.

It’s the most subtle of the four, and you have to make more significant adjustments to get more noticeable changes. It adds instant authenticity with the right amount of tape saturation and compression.

TEAC A-3340S

The 1972 A-3340S was the first four-track recorder that featured synchronized overdubbing.

When used with the 911 tape formulation, it delivers the definitive tape sound with saturation that can be warm or more aggressive when pushed.

TASCAM 388

The TASCAM 388 eight-track recorder came around in 1985.

Of the four, the 388 provides the most comprehensive scope for creative tweaking, thanks largely to the three-band EQ.

TASCAM Porta One

The four-track TASCAM Porta One MiniStudio looks and sounds like the 80s/90s.

I’m not just bundling two decades of sound together, but I’m talking about that boombox image. It makes me think of movies like Do the Right Thing, and it’s great on Hip Hop, New Jack Swing, etc.

IK Multimedia says TEAC and TASCAM selected the most sought-after models from their history, which is no surprise. They then sourced the most pristine example of each unit available and fully restored them to factory specification.

Spectrasonics did a similar thing on a larger scale with 36 vintage keyboard instruments for Keyscape.

The behavior and performance of vintage gear aren’t always consistent from one unit to another, so multiple hardware owners could have slightly different expectations of how something should sound. What I like most about this collection is that it starts with the sound and performance that the manufacturer intended all those years ago.

Having the original manufacturer’s seal of approval doesn’t guarantee success, but it certainly doesn’t hurt.

Using T-RackS TASCAM Tape Collection

The first thing to note is that you can open these plugins inside the T-Racks 5 shell or individually in your DAW.

As far as image goes, I think these plugins look great, and that’s pretty common with IK Multimedia. Good looks aren’t essential, but when a plugin looks clunky or has a strange/tedious layout, it becomes less appealing to use; these GUIs are fully resizable too, which is always nice.

The layout of each plugin follows the design of the original tape machines pretty closely, minus a few adjustments for plugin form. Each plugin also shares the same set of controls, with just a few slight differences.

The shared controls allow you to quickly become more confident with all four plugins, especially for users new to tape machine plugins. Instead of struggling with too many controls, you can focus on how each plugin sounds and reacts.

The TEAC machines have Record and Play sections, the TASCAM machines have Record and EQ sections, including some of the most important controls.

In the Record sections, you’ll find Bias, Level, and HF EQ. In conjunction with the main Input, these three controls let you bring out varied effects of the recording head. Pushing the Record Level will result in more obvious saturation, and the HF EQ can either highlight or compensate for the loss of high-frequency content with magnetic tape recorders.

The Bias is a bit more interesting; generally, Bias on a tape machine provides optimal fidelity through a more linear magnetic transfer. Increasing the Bias will typically produce a warmer sound with more saturation; reducing it will typically enhance any non-linear effects like distortion.

You don’t have to adjust the Bias, but it’s something that is often used exaggeratedly.

There is an Input/Repro switch that determines whether your signal goes through the whole analog recording system or just the electronic input/output stages. I can see why people might like both options, with Input being more transparent.

But, for me, I doubt I’d stray from Repro because you can still be subtle without losing any of the tape machine processes.

I love the EQ in the Record and Play stages; even if they are subtle, you can do a lot of fine-tuning, avoiding the need for another plugin.

The TASCAM Porta One has the same EQ as the TEAC models (Play), but the 388 has a three-band EQ with a wide frequency range.

True Stereo recreates the subtle variation between left and right channels that you’d expect from a tape machine. The variation isn’t overwhelmingly noticeable, but it’s part of the analog charm. You can disable it if you prefer to keep both channels identical.

Transport Modeling mimics the behavior of the mechanical transport, which increases the likelihood of very slight irregularities.

Features like True Stereo and Transport Modeling are amongst my favorite things about this collection.

I say that for a couple of reasons; firstly, it’s an example of how IK Multimedia modeled each part of these tape machines in great detail. It’s about recreating the interaction between those different parts that play a role in the final sound.

Secondly, when developers add such features, they sometimes exaggerate them as if that validates their inclusion more. When that happens, you end up with something that sounds false and gimmicky; that’s not the case here.

The Tape Speed is shown on each machine as Low and High, representing 7.5 and 15 inches per second (IPS), respectively. Setting the Tape Speed has a lot to do with the desired sound and the style of music in question. I prefer the Slow speed because it sounds warmer and less clinical, but the increased fidelity of the High speed works well, too, particularly with a more modern sound.

The TASCAM 388 has no Tape Speed controls.

Magic Formulas

There are five tape formulations in total. Each machine offers four of those formulations, with the selection varying from one machine to another. The TASCAM Porta One is the exception, which offers two cassette tape formulations (Type I and Type II). As a nice little aesthetically pleasing feature, you’ll see the tape change on the GUI when you select different formulations.

Here are the formulations and their defining characteristics:

  • 35 – Balance between precision and warmth of the TASCAM 388.
  • 911 – Balance between precision and warmth on the TEAC machines.
  • 456 – The most commonly used and definitive tape sound.
  • GP9 – Punchy and modern.
  • 499 – Analog sound with minimal distortion/compression and enhanced HF definition.

The impact of changing formulation depends on the machine you are using and how you have it set up. With default settings, the effect of changes is fairly minimal; you’ll hear it, but it’s not a drastic change. You notice a subtle but steady transition from a warmer or darker sound to a more open and modern sound as you cycle through the selections.

The two cassette tape types of the Porta One have more distinct characteristics. Type I (normal bias) has an apparent Lo-Fi sound, and Type II has a cleaner sound.

CPU-Unfriendly

I want to touch on this briefly because it’s to be expected. With many moving parts (processing), the trade-off is higher CPU usage; this is true of these plugins. It’s not going to cripple your project in any way, but you wouldn’t want to have too many instances running. Even if the CPU usage was far less, these plugins aren’t ones that you’d want all over everything in your mix anyway.

T-RackS TASCAM Tape Collection – Final Thoughts

I don’t own any of these tape machines in hardware form, so I’m not making direct comparisons. I’ve heard people saying bluntly, it’s not as good as the real thing, and I’ll agree, that’s fine.

Without ever using a real TEAC A-6100 MkII, if offered the machine or the plugin, I’ll take the machine. However, I find it ridiculous that people who make it clear they are hardware-only purists take the time to comment so passionately on plugins; just don’t buy it.

Anyone who is open to software will know that emulations are getting better and better. The trouble isn’t so much creating a good sound; it’s mimicking the inconsistencies of an analog machine, and the relationship between each stage; that’s where I think IK has done a fantastic job.

I love how they sound, and I love that they aren’t as obvious/intrusive as many other tape emulations. I think they sound very close to the original units (as far as I can without owning one), and it’s fantastic when you add the convenience of a plugin (no maintenance, no flight case).

Even beyond the introductory price, the full price of €199.99 seems reasonable value for money to me for the collection. I mean, I wouldn’t mind if they reduced the price to, say, around FREE, but that’s stretching wishful thinking.

Plugins come in 64-bit AU, VST2, VST3, and AAX formats for macOS and Windows.

More info: T-RackS TASCAM Tape Collection

The Giveaway

We are giving away a FREE copy of the T-RackS TASCAM Tape Collection to one lucky BPB reader (thanks, IK Multimedia! ❤️).

To enter the giveaway, answer this question in the comments section: Would you ever substitute your digital studio for an entirely analog one?

We will pick the winners using a random comment picker on Monday, November 29th.

The winner is: Nicolas Fournier: n********@gmail.com

Congratulations! :)

Everyone else, thanks for participating, and better luck next time. Thanks for reading BPB! :)

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T-RackS TASCAM Tape Collection Review

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James is a musician and writer from Scotland. An avid synth fan, sound designer, and coffee drinker. Sometimes found wandering around Europe with an MPC in hand.

689 Comments

  1. Jason

     on

    If I have the real deal equipment ? Sure. I could see people who are making music in the box not living this idea, but having full on tape with a good board and all the outboard ? It would be like recording with Steve Albini in Electrical Audio.

    Reply

  5. Emmieeee

     on

    I don’t think it’d be great for my music, short term. Swapping to 100% analogue would be a huge adjustment and not something I’m motivated to do. If it was more of a case of working alongside someone who knows the equipment and getting an opportunity to try a different way of working and learn from others then, yeah, absolutely. Never say never, and all that.

    Reply

  7. Bsprt

     on

    Simple answer: no way. I would first have to learn how to cope with analogue equipment from the scratch, I guess. And then have the money and space to aquire and place the equipment. That’s not realistic for me.

    Reply

  11. Sven

     on

    Ich würde bestimmte Komponenten weiterhin analog bevorzugen ( z.B. Compressor). Viele andere, wie z.B. Synthis können ruhig digital sein. Der ideale Weg ist eine Mischung aus beiden. Das ist jedenfalls der aktuelle Stand. Vielleicht ist es in Zukunft wieder anders und die analogen Komponenten verschwinden komplett. Interessant wird auch wie sich die KI in diesem Bereich zukünftig entwickeln wird.

    Reply

  15. Kevin Ingham

     on

    I wish I could afford to, so no, it’s very unlikely, but I wish I could have more analogue gear as it’s so much fun to play with tactile equipment.

    Reply

  25. LU

     on

    no nn I would, it would be nice to have everything analog but the power of digital is now almost unbeatable nowadays, it never fails, I put as many as I want and if I knew how to use they give perhaps better results than the old analog

    Reply

  26. Gunnar

     on

    I would not leave my digital studio, because of the comfort to recall everything, what is not possible in a total analog envirounment.

    Reply

  27. Klaus

     on

    It would be great to be able to do this. But in 2021 we have the possibility to work around with emulations like the Tape Machines of Ik Multimedia. I think that’s great, too, to be able to combine old school recording with modern producing. It is a very good approach for creativity, really creating something new and not just recalling the good old times.

    Reply

  31. Javier

     on

    I don’t have any, but I would love to use a digital emulation, I can’t afford a real one, and if I could, I’d try to switch to digital because of simplicity

    Reply

  33. Denis

     on

    Actually yes, but only because I have dry eyes and staring at a computer screen for hours is not good for me (but I’m still staring :-) )

    Reply

  34. Anthony Junior

     on

    Having T-RackS TASCAM Tape Collection in my arsenal is as well having analogue in my digital box, so what else? what is Analogue again? no substitution any more and save space ,

    Reply

  35. Matt

     on

    Yes I would, then I’d sell all that lovely gear and with teary eyes get myself setup with a killer mobile digital setup so that I could work while traveling. I think as much as I love analogue gear it still doesn’t compare to being in studio with a talented new artist, in a city you’ve never been to before exploring the one thing that brings us all together… the process of making music!

    Reply

  38. HPN

     on

    If money ain’t no issue, I would! Cause it would take so much cpu to achieve fully analog result. Analog recordings can convert to any bit modern Technology offers, just like tape movies are now in 4k or 8k.

    Reply

  40. Gioacchino

     on

    Entirely analog one? Too expensive and complex for a home studio.
    Of course you can add some hardware in some case to improve your music.
    Anyway thanks to bpb and ik multimedia for the giveaway.
    Cheers!

    Reply

  41. Ashley Marlow

     on

    To be honest I kinda would! All the limitations and charm analog midi devices have would make my workflow a little simpler, and probably could get some nice oldskool jungle with a little practice. Ambient and noise sessions would be amazing in a analog-only studio too :D

    Reply

  44. Lukas J. Knaup

     on

    Would I replace my digital studio with an entirely analog one? No. Reason being the ease of using a daw. Thats not to say I don’t love being hands on, I think Im more creative hands on and ultimately I would love a hybrid studio! Ah one day…

    So many entries for this giveaway. Good luck everyone!

    Reply

  47. Progtronic

     on

    Nope…

    Used my old hardware studio for years. Things I had to deal with on a daily basis were bad cables/connections, backing up individual devices samples, programs, sequence data & whatnot… and just generally trying to get things sounding the same from the previous days session.

    Once I went digital… I went all-in, in-the-box… and haven’t looked back.

    Reply

  49. Johnathan Glass

     on

    I couldn’t at this point, even though I started on tape in a fully analog studio in 2000. Digital has too many advantages in speed and flexibility.

    Reply

  53. Charles Kerper

     on

    I would and I have. To be stuck in one or the other is bipolar and unnecessary. We have the luxury of living at a time when we have both. I recall the fun of PortaStudios and there was a magic that is not the same with digital; but the same can be said of the reverse.

    Regardless Tascam created some of the most used and loved recorders just prior to the digital revolution and its nice to see them get props.

    Reply

  55. Rachmann

     on

    Yes, I would. There is a sound that an all analog studio would evoke that, although not intrinsically better than the sound achieved by a totally ITB studio, had its own merit and cadre of fans whom prefer that sound.

    Reply

  61. Alexey Vasilyev

     on

    I think I would prefer hybrid between analog and digital. And it would be more analog and just a little digital.

    Reply

  62. Matías

     on

    If, without a doubt, by having digital tools we often focus more on “correcting” and “improving” production factors that may not be the most suitable, with fewer possibilities in the analog environment, it is more important to be well prepared to record and enforce a production only with what is at hand, the execution of the instruments, the production and the audio chain, with these elements should be more than enough.

    Reply

  63. Matías

     on

    Yes, of course. Undoubtedly, having digital tools many times we focus more on “correcting” and “improving” production factors that may not be the most suitable, with fewer possibilities in the analog environment, it is more important to be well prepared To record and enforce a production only with what is at hand, the execution of the instruments, the production and the audio chain, with these elements should be more than enough.

    Reply

  66. xul Rether

     on

    Couldn’t do it, have done some stuff to tape and would not use it when it comes to editing, may run tracks and mixes to it. I think the method of analog recording is extremely important as the limitations help move things along and kill indecisiveness.

    Reply

  81. Nils Åkesson

     on

    I would have loved to. I guess I would have grown a large fetish (and ‘nerdishment’) for outboard.
    But my start in the world of music production coincided with the DigiDesign/Pro Tools era.
    And my career never took me towards analog gear.
    But I would have loved to work on a big desk and a 24 track R&R – well at least a bigger set-up, than the
    Tascam 244 porta I once had ;-)
    Now all thats analog, are my mic-pre’s a couple with tubes.
    But at least I also have an analog juvel in my rack: Phonic T8300 Tube enhancer.
    Anyway – had a stroke 9 years back, so I can no longer manage anything other than digital.

    Reply

  82. Jon Drucker

     on

    If someone were to set it up for me, and pay for all of it, and instruct me as to how everything works, then yes, sure!

    Reply

  84. Z-Rock

     on

    No. While the idea of an all analog studio is appealing in some ways, I am just too much of a plug-in junkie and have become too accustomed to digital recording to be willing to trade it.

    Reply

  90. Chris Dunnett

     on

    No I would not. There is far too much flexibility and ease of workflow in today’s digital world. Not to mention that most plug ins emulate analog gear close enough and add great features like presets :)

    Reply

  103. Jon Drucker

     on

    How does this set of tape machine emulations compare to IK’s own set of 4 tape machines that they already offered as a part of T-Racks, I wonder? Wondering how the performance compares for each set, and whether it’s worth it for me to spend $130 on the TEAC/Tascam set

    Reply

  108. Tobi Ve

     on

    Don’t think so, my tiny apartment would not be happy. Nor would my wife. Or my cat. Well, maybe he would, and mixes could go to the unexpected.

    Reply

  113. Jordan O

     on

    Probably not, as digital is what I’m familiar with. I’d add outboard gear in a heartbeat, but I couldn’t get rid of my computer. Thanks for the opportunity to win one of your nice products.

    Reply

  114. Enrique

     on

    I’m familiar with digital, as I have used FL Studio for a while, so it would be a glaring change to analog only… Maybe just outboard gear to get to use the best of both flavors

    Reply

  115. Thennarasu

     on

    Nowadays digital was unavoidable. If I was in 80s, I can use only analog. But we are in 20th century, we have to accept and adopt the technology.

    Reply

  117. olsson

     on

    not completely, I prefer a hybrid. Also, today it is not crazy to say that digital is similar or superior to analog in some cases

    Reply

  119. Jonathan

     on

    I would definitely change it all to analogue if I could have the space (not speaking of the costs for the original instruments and gear) so basically – gimme some hundreds of thousands of dollars/euros/ pounds (I’ll take some millions of Yen too if that should be the only option) and I promise to switch all till the beginning of 2022 :)

    Reply

  124. Carlos

     on

    La tecnología avanza a pasos agigantados el software esta casi a la par que el hardware y creo que por comodidad, espacio, costo/beneficio no lo cambiaría.

    Reply

  126. Dmitry

     on

    Hm… Now sure. Maybe analog gear can became handy, so why not? So far I use mixed both: analog and digital stuff, hardware and software.

    Reply

  132. Joost

     on

    Your question: “Would you ever substitute your digital studio for an entirely analog one?”

    My answer: “No… I am using the good stuff that some analog gear brings and the nice benefits that digital hardware and software brings. So hybrid for me. I can’t efficiently distribute my work though analog devices either ;-)”

    Good luck all on this nice giveaway!

    Reply

  133. Jannes

     on

    I wouldn’t wanna work solely in a completely analog studio. I love the color and feel that you can get from analog hardware, but I also love the huge amount of possibilities, as well as the ease of use, in digital mixing.

    Reply

  136. Andy Skinner

     on

    I learned on old fostex and tascam multi tracks, my daw has a few things i couldnt ever do on non digital equiptment, but if i had to go back id be happy to.

    Reply

  137. Giulio Jimenez

     on

    Of course I would! But only if I could bring back Bruce Swedien, Rudy Van Gelder, Al Schmitt, Tom Dowd and all of the amazing engineers that worked on the fully analog world!! But we would have to travel in time, because how could we get any work these days?

    Reply

  139. Carlos Melguizo

     on

    Probably yes, an entirely analog studio gets you to work differently, Doing everything digitally is very convinient, but it can really affect your workflow. Plus, it would be encredibly fun to put together and to play with every single piece of gear until it breaks hehe :)

    Reply

  144. Robualdo Righetti

     on

    Too much money for an analog studio. I read bedroomproducersblog for free digital gear so….not interest for analog.

    Reply

  150. Abraham Padilla

     on

    I could consider that only if I had the best analog equipment, a great sounding room, a good technician and a lot of money to maintenance. But most of musicians are now working on the box so I would need a good computer, DAW and plug ins in order to get lin to them. I think right now it would be almost impossible for any studio to work exclusevly in the analog world. In fact the hibrid aproach, using good analog equiptment to record, some good processors and good plug ins and emulators will give us a very professional sound that everybody is looking for. Thanks for your effort. I value all your posts and the links to free or discounted material. Thanks for the TASCAM.

    Reply

  158. Romeo - Israel's masked musician

     on

    I WOULD.
    It’s all about the ear and less about how you got used to your gear. Open minded approach is a game changer. and analog is not a curse. It can FEEL wow.
    Muchas Gracias for your generous offer, IK. You may never know when it may change someone’s life.

    Reply

  165. Yerko Paniagua Lobo

     on

    Como toda persona sin recursos para comprar algo analógico me llamaría la atención aprender de ese mundo analógico, conocer su “color y sabor”, hasta el momento será todo digital, pero seguramente debe ser toda una experiencia, sin duda.

    Reply

  166. Daniel Smith

     on

    I would prefer more physical than digital since I am a more hands on type of person. If I had to choose I may go with physical. As difficult as it may be it would be for the experience and authenticity of it all. I’m no purist by any means and prefer hybrid but if given the choice that’s what I would go with. Definitely more expensive but a better experience for sure. This article got me thinking too, I was about to get the wavesfactory tape plug-in but I may reconsider now!

    Reply

  168. Daniel J Fontes

     on

    As someone who still has a TEAC A-3340S and wouldn’t mind playing around on a 388, yes. I appreciate the sound of both recording methods. Granted, I do see the current “revival” could come to an end for the simple reason that there aren’t as many companies making the blank tape, making it FAR more expensive than it was when I was recording on my deck back in the early 90s, and replacement parts for the old machines are getting harder to come by, as I’ve heard (not to mention, I don’t know of anyone making NEW machines, or making them affordable for that matter) so I’m sure this time will come to a close. It’s too bad. I think it’s come to represent a different method of artistic expression, like filming in black and white, using vintage or boutique analog synths or virtual ones or using real film (even choosingeither 35mm or 70mm) or shootinga movie digitally, or even the choice between tube guitar amps and solid state ones. Unfortunately, with analog recording equipment there isn’t the same weight behind its use as, let’s say 35mm or 70mm film over digital.

    Reply

  173. Davis Hill

     on

    I would be perfectly happy to do a hybrid setup (actually that would be preferred), but I couldn’t switch to all analog. I wold miss so many things…

    Reply

  179. durlok

     on

    There’s something about analog. I can feel it in photographs, film, music and other artforms. It’s the human touch in its most pure form, and you can’t replicate it digitally, but you can get close. Would I trade all my plugins for analog hardware? Of course. Would I stop working ITB? No, but I would try to get the best of both worlds.

    Reply

  183. Simone Egidi

     on

    No. Currently the new technology is more fast than analog technology and the sound of the new plug-ins is so good that you can substitute analog

    Reply

  185. KimchiBagels

     on

    100% dawless setup would be loved dearly….

    but even then it’ll still find its way to the digital “realm” for some polishing and other creative touches.

    Reply

  186. Randal

     on

    No, certainly not but I would be happy to incorporate more analog elements into my otherwise entirely “in the box” workflow.

    Reply

  189. Jeffreymmviii

     on

    Yeah im not sure. Although hardware is superior most of the time. Would love to be a proud owner of your emulation though!

    Reply

  192. Gerardo Rojas

     on

    No way! I’m happy with my DAW and plugins. I don’t want consoles, racks and lots of cables. I’m satisfied with sounding just close to the real thing.

    Reply

  193. Alxander Munro

     on

    No.Digital takes away warmth, but two inch tape in real life is a pain to edit Will always need a combination of both.

    Reply

  194. juan suarez

     on

    Would you ever substitute your digital studio for an entirely analog one?

    OF COURSE !!! thats my horizon right now.. i never get done with go for the another level… every day its gettin a great one with so much curiosity . But right now im going well with what i have. Just step by little step. Like a 1dB xd

    Reply

  195. David

     on

    Although analog has a great sonic character, I would take the all digital setup. Digital is getting better and better with a sonic quality that makes the “analog sound” available to everyone. Not to mention, there are things you can do with digital that you can’t do with analog like brick wall limiting, presets, session recalls, etc.

    Reply

  196. laurent roussel

     on

    I own some analog gears but now it’s so expensive and difficult to make them repared that now I prefer digital plugins

    Reply

  197. Silvano

     on

    I actually woudn’t because mixing in the box is less of a hassle and can get pretty much the same results. As I’ve never tried out the T-Racks Tascam Tape plugins, I would definately give it a go and most likely would stick with it

    Reply

  199. Chris D

     on

    Would I ever substitute my digital studio for an entirely analogue one? If I had way too much money – yes! XD :’)
    In short? No. The reality is I’ll always be a poor, starving artist and the convenience and cost of ‘mixing in the box’ for me far outweighs all the problems that arise as you get more and more hardware equipment in the chain, not to mention maintenance costs. I wouldn’t be adverse to the odd hardware unit, such as a compressor/limiter or EQ on the way in. Oh and a nice keyboard synthesizer would be just perfect! :3

    Reply

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