German company e-instruments has released Slower Fragment, a virtual instrument for Native Instruments Kontakt/Kontakt Player delivering the warmth and warped textures of half-speed tape recordings.
Based on the Slower instrument, this free version captures the character of analogue tape slowed to half speed. Sounds recorded on four tape machines have been pitched down an octave, resulting in a palette of harmonics, lo-fi grit and atmospheric colour, for adding depth and character to a project.
Slower Fragment features six crafted presets, each offering distinct tonal options, from warm, tape-worn pianos and lush, evolving strings to airy winds and gritty synths. Three macro controls provide instant sound-shaping capabilities, allowing users to easily control multiple parameters such as saturation, delay, space, wobble and reverse textures.
‘Slower Fragment is crafted to ignite instant inspiration, offering a taste of the magical world of half-speed tape sound,’ the company says. ‘For producers seeking deeper control, the full version of Slower features 230 presets across 65 sound sources, extended modulation and FX controls and advanced sound-shaping possibilities. It’s the ultimate toolkit for creating evolving cinematic textures, immersive soundscapes, and richly detailed tape-based atmospheres.
Key features:
- Real pitched-down tape recordings for organic, atmospheric sound.
- Tape Machines: Studio (Studer A812, Revox PR99), Portable (Uher 4400 Report), Cassette (Tascam Portastudio 424Mkiii) and Dictaphone (Sony M650v).
- Six patches from Slower: Pure Taped Grand, Lush Strings, Alpine Sphere, Animated Flute, LoFi Saw and Alto Flute.
- Three single-slider macros for expressive sound design, from subtle coloration to dramatic modulation.
See also: e-instruments Slower