TapeStation

TapeStation by AudioThing brings cassette-worn analog synth tones to the full version of Native Instruments Kontakt. Built from a ’90s bass synth recorded onto an ’80s tape recorder, it pairs weighty basses and cutting leads with raw tape texture and gently unstable pitch. Sawtooth, square and 5% pulse waveforms were sampled chromatically from C0 to C7, with recordings lasting over six seconds each. Shape the sound using two oscillators, a switchable 12/24 dB-per-octave filter, two envelopes and an LFO for pitch and cutoff. Saturation and limiter input gain provide further control. With 24 factory presets, 24 user preset slots and 255 samples, TapeStation suits producers seeking retro synth parts, characterful bass lines and Mellotron-like textures. Supplied in Kontakt and WAV formats, it requires the full Kontakt engine for instrument use.