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Effect
UAD Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder
Universal Audio · $49+
UAD Ampex ATR-102 is an officially authenticated 2-track mastering tape machine plugin with multiple tape heads, formulas, speeds, and Auto-Gain calibration.
8.8
Great8.8
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The go-to 2-track tape glue for mix buses and masters—Ampex-authenticated saturation, tape formulas, and calibration depth that still defines 'print to tape' in the box.
Idéal pour: Mix and mastering engineers who want final analog glue from a classic mastering 2-track machine.
Pros
- Officially authenticated Ampex ATR-102 modeling
- Multiple tape heads (1/4", 1/2", 1"), speeds, emphasis EQs, and tape formulas
- Auto-Gain keeps repro/record calibration musical while you adjust drive
- Native + Apollo/UAD-2; LUNA Extension for integrated mixer tape
Cons
- Deeper than one-knob tape tools—easy to over-saturate if mis-calibrated
- Overlaps Studer A800 (multitrack) and Softube/Chow free/paid tape options
- Sale and Spark pricing fluctuate
Aperçu
The UAD Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder is Universal Audio's authenticated model of the most famous professional 2-track tape machine. Engineers use it as final analog glue: dynamics, frequency response, and saturation that make digital mixes feel finished.
It excels on mix and master buses. Selectable tape heads, speeds, emphasis curves, and formulas (including classics like 456 and GP9) open a wide color range from gentle polish to obvious tape compression. Auto-Gain helps keep repro/record levels sensible while you push drive—one of the practical modern extras that hardware calibration used to make tedious. Native support and a LUNA Extension broaden who can leave it on the 2-bus all day.
The trade-offs are complexity and alternatives. Mis-set calibration can squash a mix. Softube Tape and free Chow Tape cover many tape needs cheaper. Studer A800 is the better multitrack "print every channel" cousin rather than a 2-track master.
Choose ATR-102 when the mastering 2-track sound is the goal. Choose Studer A800 for multitrack tape, Softube Tape for simpler commercial tape, or Chow Tape when free is required. Artist presets from longtime ATR users are a good starting calibration.
Spécifications
- Type
- 2-track mastering tape recorder emulation
- Authentication
- Ampex Corporation authenticated
- Tape heads
- 1/4", 1/2", and 1"
- Tape formulas
- Includes GP9, 456, 900, 250 and related options
- Features
- Repro/Sync/Input paths, Auto-Gain, interactive GUI
- Platform
- Native macOS/Windows; Apollo/UAD-2 versions where licensed
Dernière vérification 2026-07-16
FAQ
Does Ampex ATR-102 require Apollo?
No for native use. It runs on macOS and Windows without UA hardware.
ATR-102 vs Studer A800?
ATR-102 models a mastering 2-track machine ideal for mix/master buses. Studer A800 models multitrack 2-inch tape behavior for track-by-track color.
Is free Chow Tape good enough instead?
Chow Tape is excellent free physical modeling. ATR-102 is the Ampex-branded mastering machine with specific formulas, heads, and calibration workflow many mixers prefer on the 2-bus.
Concurrents directs
UAD Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder vs — head-to-head specs, price, and Dubspot Score.
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