UAD Powered Plug-Ins Manual v7.1 - Universal Audio

OFF is similar to the Thru position in the Path Select control (page 30) except
that the Meters are still active when the Thru control is used. However, in this
state, the Meters indicate signal levels at the input of the plug-in prior to processing.
Note: DSP usage is reduced only when DSP LoadLock is disabled. If DSP
LoadLock is enabled (the default setting), activating OFF will not reduce DSP
usage.
Tape Speed
The Tape Speed control determines the speed of the tape transport,
in inches per second (IPS). Tape Speed affects the recorder’s
fidelity and associated “head bump” sonics. Head
bump is bass frequency build-up that occurs with magnetic tape;
the dominant frequencies shift according to transport speed.
To change the Tape Speed value, click the IPS text values, or drag the knob,
or click the knob then use the mouse scroll wheel.
15 IPS is considered the favorite for rock and acoustic music due to its low frequency
“head bump” (low frequency rise) and warmer sound, while 30 IPS is
the norm for classical and jazz due to its lower noise floor, greater fidelity and
flatter response. 7.5 and 3.75 IPS are also available for an even more colored
experience, with even greater frequency shift and other artifacts.
Note: The available parameter ranges of Tape Type, Head Width, and Emphasis
EQ are affected by Tape Speed. See Table 6 on page 44 for details.
Tape Type
Tape Type selects the active tape stock formulation. Seven
Tape Types are modeled in the UAD Ampex ATR-102. To select
the Tape Type, click the TAPE button to cycle through the
available types, or click directly on the Tape Type value label.
The active Tape Type is highlighted in yellow.
Note: The available Tape Types and defaults are dependent
on the current Tape Speed and Head values. The available
Tape Types, and the associated Tape Speed and Head values,
are shown in Table 6 on page 44.
Each type has its own subtle sonic variation, distortion onset, and tape compression
characteristics. Generally speaking, the lower the Cal Level for each
formula, the higher the signal level required to reach saturation and distortion.
UAD Powered Plug-Ins Manual - 28 - Chapter 2: Ampex ATR-102