Waves Audio and Abbey Road Studios have released the J37 tape saturation plug-in – ‘a precision model of the very machine used to record many of the greatest masterpieces in modern music’.

Offering user control over Tape Speed, Bias, Noise, Saturation and Wow & Flutter, the processor aims to recreate the signature of the original Studer J37 Four-Track tape deck. In addition, three tape oxide formulas have been modelled on those developed by EMI during the 60s and 70s to offer options in frequency response and harmonic distortion.

‘The winning combination of Abbey Road Studios’ Studer J37 Four-Track machine and EMI Tape has been used to create some of the most important recordings of all time,’ says Mirek Stiles, Head of Audio Products at Abbey Road Studios. ‘As well as modelling the J37, with the amazing warmth of 52 valves, Waves has teamed it with the last remaining blank 60s and 70s tape stock from the EMI archives. EMI Tape has stood the test of time – it never needs baking and sounds wonderful.

‘Abbey Road Studios’ technical staff from the J37’s heyday were consulted on the line-up procedures that they used over 50 years ago, with the end results sounding simply stunning. Waves has given us yet another unique example of Abbey Road Studios’ heritage, available for the first time as a software plug-in.’

The J37 is Native and SoundGrid-compatible. It is not included in any Waves bundle.

The Waves: Abbey Road J37 Tape Saturation plug-in is now available at an MSRP of US$249 Native and US$375 SoundGrid.

More: www.waves.com