Tape Double Track by AIR Music Technology is a creative audio effect plugin designed to recreate the famous studio trick known as Automatic Double Tracking. Originally invented in the 1960s, this technique created a thicker and wider sound by blending a second performance with the original audio. Instead of recording the same part twice, engineers used tape delay and varispeed modulation to create an artificial second take. Tape Double Track brings this classic effect into today’s digital workflow, allowing producers to achieve a warm, analog, double tracked sound with no extra recording.
One of the most impressive features of Tape Double Track is how closely it captures the character of real tape machines. The plugin uses a combination of tape delay, pitch drift, varispeed, and natural imperfections to create a second virtual performance. You can adjust the modulation using different shapes like sine, triangle, or random, and each creates a unique texture. The random mode gives unpredictable movements similar to aging tape, while sine and triangle offer smoother and more consistent tape wobble. This makes the effect suitable for subtle vocal thickening or more dramatic stereo movement on guitars and synths.
The plugin provides full control over both the source and doubled channels. You can adjust the pan of each channel, mute them individually, and fine tune their volume and drive. This approach allows for precise stereo imaging. You can place the doubled signal slightly to the left or right to add width, or create a wide stereo spread by panning the original and the doubled signal apart. The drive control adds a touch of tape saturation, giving the audio more color and harmonics without the harshness of digital distortion.
Another highlight is the varispeed engine. This simulates the speed and pitch variations of a real tape machine. Slight differences in timing and pitch between the two signals produce the classic swirling ADT effect. If you want a very natural double tracked sound for vocals, a small amount of varispeed is enough. If you aim for a dreamy or psychedelic effect, increasing the variation creates a more dramatic warp. This range makes the plugin useful across many genres including hip hop, RnB, pop, indie, lo fi, cinematic, and experimental music.
Tape Double Track also includes helpful tools for controlling the low end. Bass Mono keeps the bass frequencies centered, which helps prevent phase issues and maintains clarity in the mix. Solo Bass allows you to focus the doubling only on higher frequencies, keeping the low end clean. This is especially useful when applying the effect to instruments like bass guitar, synth bass, or full mixes.
One of the biggest advantages of Tape Double Track is its simplicity. While the technology behind the effect is detailed, the interface is easy to use. Producers can get results quickly, even if they have never worked with tape style effects before. The flexibility also means you can use it in many ways. Add subtle width to a vocal, create a wide guitar track with more dimension, thicken a synth lead, or give samples a vintage personality. Beatmakers can also use it to add movement and texture to loops and melodies.
The plugin is compatible with major formats including VST2, VST3, AU, and AAX. It also works with MPC standalone devices, making it a strong option for mobile or hardware based producers. AIR Music Technology released Tape Double Track for free for a limited time, offering a high quality effect that normally costs much more. For new producers and musicians working with a budget, this makes it an excellent opportunity to add professional tape double tracking to their toolbox.
Tape Double Track delivers a convincing analog style doubling effect that feels musical, organic, and inspiring. It blends classic tape behavior with modern control and convenience. Whether you are thickening vocals, creating wider guitars, shaping synths, or adding movement to samples, this plugin offers a powerful way to bring a vintage studio trick into your modern workflow. If you want classic double tracked vibes without re recording, Tape Double Track is a plugin worth downloading and exploring.
