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Heritage Audio, known for its high-quality vintage-inspired recording gear, has expanded its offerings with the release of the HA1200 TapeSat as a native plug-in. Previously available as a DSP plug-in for the i73® PRO family of audio interfaces, this innovative tool brings the warmth and punch of analog tape to MacOS and Windows users. With its release on January 20, 2025, Heritage Audio allows modern producers to achieve that coveted ‘golden era’ sound without the need for a physical tape recorder.
HA1200 TapeSat At a Glance:
- Authentic Analog Tape Emulation: Modeled on a classic Ampex MM-1200 unit.
- Streamlined Design: Five intuitive controls for versatile sound shaping.
- Accessible Pricing: Free for i73® PRO family users; priced at $99/€99 for others.
Modeled After a Classic Machine
The HA1200 TapeSat is built around meticulous modeling of an Ampex MM-1200 tape recorder, a 16-channel unit owned by Heritage Audio CEO Peter Rodríguez since his teenage years. Revered for its rich, analog warmth, this iconic recorder has been faithfully replicated to deliver the punch, glue, and depth that only genuine tape saturation can provide.
Rodríguez, inspired by the authentic tones of professional reel-to-reel machines, wanted to make this vintage sound accessible to all. With the HA1200 TapeSat, producers can enhance their vocals, synths, guitars, and more, capturing the spirit of classic recordings from the 60s and 70s.
Key to the TapeSat’s versatility is its five virtual knobs, which let users craft their desired tone with ease:
- INPUT: Controls the signal level entering the tape emulation.
- SPEED: Simulates different tape playback speeds for varying tonal responses.
- TAPE: Offers five tape types, each delivering unique sonic characteristics:
- 250: Warm and musical saturation.
- 456: Enhanced transient articulation.
- 499: Natural and clear tones.
- 911: Boosted bass and sparkling highs.
- GP9: Focused and defined midrange.
- LEVEL and OUTPUT: Fine-tune the saturation intensity and final signal output.
This simplified layout makes the HA1200 TapeSat an intuitive yet powerful tool for shaping tracks, whether adding subtle warmth or creating dramatic saturation effects.
Modern Accessibility
Heritage Audio has made the HA1200 TapeSat accessible to a broad range of users. Owners of i73® PRO family audio interfaces automatically receive the plug-in free of charge, reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting its loyal customer base. For others, the HA1200 TapeSat is available at a straightforward price of $99/€99, offering incredible value for such a nuanced and faithful tape emulation.
Designed for seamless integration into modern workflows, the HA1200 TapeSat is compatible with 64-bit AAX, AU, and VST3 formats. It runs on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs (MacOS 10.15.7 and later) and Windows 10 or 11 systems, ensuring it fits effortlessly into professional and home studios alike. Users will need an iLok account to activate the plug-in, which includes a 14-day free trial for those wanting to explore its capabilities before purchase.
For a hands-on look at the HA1200 TapeSat in action, check out Heritage Audio’s official walkthrough video.
Tape Saturation with Heritage Audio’s Expertise
With the HA1200 TapeSat plug-in, Heritage Audio has captured the magic of analog tape and delivered it in a user-friendly, affordable package. From the meticulous modeling of a legendary machine to the intuitive control scheme, every detail reflects the company’s dedication to quality and musicality.
Whether you’re a professional producer looking to add vintage charm to your tracks or an aspiring engineer seeking to elevate your mixes, the HA1200 TapeSat is a game-changing addition to any studio.
For more details or to purchase the plug-in, visit Heritage Audio’s official site.
The post Heritage Audio’s HA1200 TapeSat: The Vintage Sound of Tape, Now a Plug-In appeared first on Magnetic Magazine.