Plugin Alliance – SPL Machine Head for WiN

Machine Head by SPL is the best digital tape saturator ever made. With tape tone becoming so popular in pro production circles, this discontinued piece of hardware is in demand. Many plugin developers have tried but failed to capture the magic of its code, until now.

Nothing Sounds Closer, Nothing Sounds Better

Using the latest advances in hardware modeling, SPL and SoundArt worked together on the original code for Machine Head. The result is this very special plug-in – nothing sounds closer to studio gear.

The Essential Tape Processing Plugin

Whether you’re mastering tracks, enhancing mixes, or adding depth to individual instruments, Machine Head delivers authentic analog warmth, increased perceived loudness, and improved tonal richness with easy-to-use controls and studio-quality audio.

Authentic Analog Tape Sound

Add those smooth harmonics to any signal without the drawbacks of tape: no crosstalk, no noise floor, no motor speed fluctuations. Get the sonic richness of tape in a clean, controlled digital package.

Make tracks louder and warmer

The SPL Machine Head adds power, punch and warmth to digital sources while reducing harshness. With the ability to increase perceived loudness by up to 10 dB, it’s ideal for enhancing penetration and clarity. Use it on entire mixes and masters, as well as on specific instruments like guitars, bass, drums, loops and samples.

Two Modes: Original and Ultimate

In addition to the perfect capture of the hardware in Original Mode, Machine Head offers Ultimate Mode, demonstrating what this icon can achieve with modern technology, expanding and refining the original controls to meet the needs of modern engineers.

Key improvements in Ultimate Mode include:

• Low Frequency Control: Compensates for tape head resonances depending on tape speed, providing precise control of low frequency response – from calibrated settings to creative over- or under-compensation.
• High frequency tuning: provides 10 times higher resolution than the “original” version (-6 dB to +6 dB).
  
• Drive Options: Double the resolution for more detailed saturation control.
  

These optimizations deliver unrivaled openness, clarity and precision, making Ultimate Mode a significant step forward in sonic performance.

Dynamic High Frequency Control

Adjust the intensity of the high frequency damping for greater versatility. Unlike traditional tape machines, Machine Head allows you to control this parameter independently of the drive level. Experiment with extreme saturation effects or choose subtle tonal adjustments. Go from rich, warm tones to sharper, brighter highs.

True Tape Compression Quality

Modeled after the non-linear behavior of analog tape, Machine Head applies selective dynamic compression and harmonic distortion – especially at high frequencies – to bring out the warmth and power of classic analog recordings. The result is a combination of frequency-dependent compression and harmonic richness that adds musicality and power to your sound.

Simulation of high-speed tape recording

Switch from normal speed (15 ips) to high speed (30 ips) to simulate the pre-emphasis effect of high-speed tape recording. This boosts the upper mids and high frequencies for greater resolution and detail. With a user-friendly interface and accurate emulation of an advanced hardware DSP platform, SPL Machine Head is both intuitive and powerful. Its simple operation provides exceptional processing power.

Possibilities

• Exact replica of the original code of the legendary SPL Machine Head hardware.
  
• Authentic Analog Tape Sound: Accurate analog tape saturation models.
  
• Ultimate Mode: Enhanced clarity, spaciousness , and frequency control for modern workflows.
  
• Bass Control: Compensates for head resonance and tape speed artifacts.
  
• Treble Control: High resolution for precise tonal adjustment.
  
• Drive Settings: Double the resolution for detailed saturation control.
  
• Tape Speed Selection: Choose between 15 and 30 ips.
  
• High Speed Recording Simulations
  
• Warmth and character with no crosstalk, pre/post echo, low noise floor,
  
• Dynamic Tape Compression