Reels - LoFi Tape

Anyone who has been making music with IOS for more than 5 minutes already has one or more Lo-Fi apps, so why buy this one? The main answer is because it sounds better, IMHO, than any of the others. The layout of controls are also more intuitive making it easier to get that subtle warm vibe, as opposed to something that hits the mix like a truck. Although, Reels can do that, too. What I would like to see added, is a way to manually move the tape reels back and forth, which is possible in at least one rival app.

First, really responsive developer! I found a weird thing that was the plugin working as intended with an unintended consequence. He nailed it in less than 8 hours, and started on an update to fix it. Bravo! Always reach out and give developers a shot before you bash the review button. This thing sounds great, is basically zero latency, and makes synth pads and leads come alive. It can be gritty, warbly, saturated, and give a slap echo that is unique and nothing like a clean Studer or Ampex. It can sound totally busted, but still free from that harsh, over crispy digital aliasing distortion, comb filtering, and odd harmonics that some lofi plugins give. So much motion is possible in the stereo field, without a sea sick auto panning/tremolo feel. The idea of applying an envelope to the hiss and motor is genius. I always get irritated with some simpler plugin designs where the crackling is present until I hit bypass. Sometimes I only want it when I’m playing. Great work.

This is an excellent authentic Lo-Fi reel-to-reel tape machine with 3 different reel types, 2 tape speeds and tons of presets and settings to play around with. Works on any audio, instrument track, or master track. Beautifully designed interface too. Sometimes I just stare at it in awe watching it work. This app is very stable and works well in Cubasis 3, AUM, and Audiobus 3. 100% worth the price. Well done AudioThing!