Tape and console emulation plug-ins, such as Slate Digital VCC, Avid Reel Tape, and the Waves NLS, u-he Satin Tape Machine and Abbey Road Studios J37, and others, are all the rage. A common refrain is that they help to “glue” tracks together in the same way as an analog console or analog tape does. But from a technical standpoint, what are they really doing?
The main limitations of magnetic tape and classic analog electronic components were higher noise floors and lower signal-to-noise ratios than digital gear. Software emulates this by processing your audio with slight compression and harmonic distortion — not enough to qualify as a dedicated compressor or distortion effect, but enough to do a bit of squashing and energizing of your audio. It is that squashing and energizing that can be said to “glue” tracks together, by adding similar harmonics to every track and creating a sort of “common energy” in the mix. The effects of these plug-ins — when used properly — are subtle, but they can definitely provide that final “pro” sheen and vibe that brings your mix to life.