Looking for a free tape echo plugin with vintage delay, spring reverb, and some seriously creative sound-design options? Dusk Audio’s Tape Echo 2 is a free, open-source plugin inspired by classic hardware tape echo effects, including the iconic Roland Space Echo.
Watch the Video
In this video, I take a look at Tape Echo 2 and put its features to the test with a few audio demonstrations. It’s free, open-source, and combines tape delay, spring reverb, and tape saturation in one plugin.
What Is Tape Echo 2?
Tape Echo 2 from Dusk Audio is a tape echo effect plugin designed to recreate the character of vintage tape-based delay units. It uses three playback heads to create different echo patterns, with additional controls for shaping the sound and experimenting with more extreme effects.
If you already own other Space Echo-style plugins, Tape Echo 2 gives you another option to explore without spending any money.
Tape Echo 2 Features
Three Playback Heads and 12 Echo Modes
The three playback heads create different delay patterns, while 12 echo modes offer combinations of playback heads and built-in spring reverb.
Spring Reverb and Tape Saturation
Tape Echo 2 combines tape delay with spring reverb and tape saturation, making it useful for adding ambience, character, and vintage-style coloration to instruments and other audio sources.
Tape Character Controls
You can choose between new, used, and old tape settings to change the amount of wow, flutter, hiss, and other tape imperfections. The plugin also includes controls for repeat rate, feedback, tone, and mix.
Tempo Sync and Factory Presets
Tempo synchronization helps keep delays aligned with your music, and 13 factory presets provide starting points for different sounds.
Feedback and Stereo Panning
Increasing the feedback can push the delay into self-oscillation for more experimental effects. You can also pan the echo and reverb to different sides of the stereo image, creating wider and more interesting textures.
Hear Tape Echo 2 in Action
In the video, I demonstrate several of the plugin’s features and explore how far the effects can go. The examples include tape delay patterns, spring reverb, tape-character adjustments, extreme feedback, and stereo positioning.
These are just a few ways to use the plugin. Try it on guitars, synthesizers, keyboards, vocals, or other instruments when you want anything from subtle repeats to more unusual effects.
Where to Get Tape Echo 2
Tape Echo 2 is free and open-source. You can find the plugin and download information on the official Dusk Audio website.
Get Tape Echo 2 here: https://duskaudio.com/plugins/tape-echo-2/
If you’re looking for another free tape echo plugin to add to your music production setup, it’s worth checking out.
What do you think of Tape Echo 2? Let me know how you’d use it in your own productions.
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