UAD Powered Plug-Ins Manual - 148 - Chapter 12: Ampex ATR-102
Operational Overview
Famous Tape
Sound
The UAD Ampex ATR-102 provides all of the original unit’s desirable analog
sweetness. Like magnetic tape, users can dial in a clean sound, or just the
right amount of harmonic saturation.
Mixdown Tape
Deck
The primary purpose of the UAD Ampex ATR-102 is to obtain tape mixdown
sonics within the DAW environment. To obtain the classic tape mixdown
sound, instantiate the plug-in as the last insert on the output bus, after other
processing is applied (or possibly as the second-to-last insert, before a
brick-wall processor such as the Precision Limiter). Of course, creative
“non-standard” results can be obtained by placing the Ampex ATR-102 in
any channel insert or on busses in a send/return configuration.
Multiple Tape
T
ypes
The UAD Ampex ATR-102 models seven popular magnetic tape formulas.
Each type has its own subtle sonic variation, distortion onset, and tape com-
pression characteristics. The tape types that can be selected depend on the
active tape speed and head type; all tape types are not available for all tape
speeds and head types. Lower fidelity types are included to facilitate more
signal coloration options.
Multiple Tape
Heads
The original hardware machine was manufactured with an interchangeable
head block system which enabled the system to be quickly converted to use ei-
ther 1/4” or 1/2” tape stock by simply swapping out the heads and recali-
brating the electronics. As track width increases, subtle improvements to sta-
bility, fidelity, and noise become apparent. A popular custom aftermarket
tape head is available which enables the use of 1” tape stock, enabling even
higher fidelity with its greater track widths. All three tape head widths are ac-
curately modeled and selectable in the UAD Ampex ATR-102.
Multiple Tape
Speeds
All four tape speeds in the original hardware are modeled in the UAD Ampex
ATR-102. Speeds of 3.75, 7.5, 15, and 30 inches per second (IPS) are avail-
able. Each speed provides distinct frequency shift, head bump, and distortion
characteristics. Higher speeds have higher fidelity; 3.75 IPS has a distinc-
tively “lo fi” character.
Multiple
Calibration
Levels
Tape machines can be setup with different calibration levels, which entails set-
ting unity gain from input through output based on the magnetic flux (amount
of magnetic field) of a given tape formulation. Different calibration levels pro-
vide different tape response characteristics for a given level into the recorder.
Four selectable calibration levels are available in the UAD Ampex ATR-102.
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