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Universal Audio Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder Plug-In

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Universal Audio Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder Plug-In

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$35.00 to $199.00

5.0 (8)

2 Critic Reviews

All time low price

Find out who is using Universal Audio Ampex ATR-102

12 wishlisted

36 saved

Page last updated Jul 01, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated June 19, 2026.

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4.5 (4)

$199.00

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$39.00

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$49.00

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4.9 (9)

$36.00 $35.00 $1.00 · All time low

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Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Universal Audio Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder Plug-In". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Step back in time to the golden era of analog warmth with the Universal Audio Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder Plug-In. This meticulously crafted software emulation captures the essence of the iconic 1976 master tape machine, delivering a lush, harmonic saturation that has shaped countless legendary albums. Authenticated by Ampex, it faithfully replicates the entire ATR-102 circuit, including its transformers, amplifiers, and multiple signal paths, providing a fully professional polish to your tracks.

Designed for the modern musician, this 64-bit plug-in is compatible with an array of DAWs, supporting AAX, AU, and VST3 formats on both Windows and macOS. Whether you’re adding subtle warmth or pushing the limits with hot overdrive, the ATR-102 offers adjustable belt speeds, multiple tape heads, and various reference levels to tailor your sound. Dive into its detailed settings for added control, including switchable noise, hum, wow, flutter, and automatic calibration, transforming your digital mix into a vintage masterpiece.

With presets for quick starts and in-depth customization options, the Universal Audio Ampex ATR-102 is a must-have for anyone seeking to infuse their music with the rich, analog textures of a bygone era.

Key Features:

Emulation of the classic Ampex ATR-102 from 1976
Precise circuit modeling for authentic sound reproduction
Adjustable belt speeds: 3.75, 7.5, 15, and 30 IPS
Selectable tape heads and reference levels
Switchable signal paths: Thru, Input, Sync, Repro
Adjustable input levels for varied saturation
Compatible with AAX, AU, and VST3 formats on Windows and macOS
Includes presets for different applications

Product specs

Available since	July 2024
Los artikel / bundelartikel	Los artikel
Delay	No
Dynamics	No
Effect Filter	No
Encoder/Decoder	No
Equalizer	No
Guitar amps/-effects	No
Channel Strip	No
Metering / Analysis / Correction	No
Modulation Effects	No
Multieffect / Plugin-Host	No
Overdrive/Distortion	No
Preamp / Saturation	No
Psychoacoustic tool / Enhancer / Exciter	No
Restauration	No
Reverb	No
Special FX	No
Summer / Mixing Consoles	No
Tape Simulation	Yes
Pitch Shifter / Harmonizer / Timestretching	No
Transient Processing	No
Vocoder / Vocal effect	No
Mastering Tools	No
Hardware Controller	No
Download	1

FAQs

How does the Universal Audio Ampex ATR-102 plugin enhance my mixes?: The Universal Audio Ampex ATR-102 plugin emulates the warmth and depth of the original tape machine, adding a rich, analog tape saturation to your mixes. It's ideal for mastering, providing a polished, professional sound.
Is the Universal Audio Ampex ATR-102 plugin suitable for mastering?: Yes, the Universal Audio Ampex ATR-102 is specifically designed for mastering, offering tape simulation that enhances the final mix with analog warmth and smoothness.
Can the Universal Audio Ampex ATR-102 be used on individual tracks?: While primarily intended for mastering, the Ampex ATR-102 can also be used on individual tracks to add tape saturation and character, enhancing the overall texture and tone.
Does the Universal Audio Ampex ATR-102 plugin require any specific hardware to run?: Yes, the Universal Audio Ampex ATR-102 plugin requires a UAD-2 DSP Accelerator or Apollo Interface to operate, as it is part of the Universal Audio plugin ecosystem.
What DAWs are compatible with the Universal Audio Ampex ATR-102 plugin?: The Universal Audio Ampex ATR-102 plugin is compatible with most major DAWs, including Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, and Ableton Live, as long as they support VST, AU, or AAX formats.

Videos

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Universal Audio

Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder Plug-In Trailer for UAD-2

Universal Audio

Universal Audio UAD Ampex ATR-102 - Extended Video Review

Production Expert

Mixing | Use UAD Ampex ATR-102 for Speed & Saturation on The Mix Bus with Jacquire King

Puremix

The BEST UAD Plugin Is Now NATIVE! Ampex ATR-102 2024

MixbusTv

WATCH THIS BEFORE YOU BUY THE Universal Audio Ampex ATR 102 PLUG IN ***REVIEW***

BIG APEX REACTS

Come usare l' Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder plugin di Universal Audio

RECnMIX

Reviews

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PROS

Adds authentic tape warmth and cohesion to mixes
Exceptional for mastering, providing a smooth, silky sound
Creates a "real tape" vibe without the hassle of old hardware
Enhances mix by gluing tracks together for a cohesive sound
Surpasses other plugins like Kramer Master Tape for mastering

CONS

Lacks a delay section for creative effects
Less suitable for individual track processing

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Universal Audio Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder Plug-In.

Use cases and applications

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The ATR-102 is often used on the master bus or in mastering sessions, while the Studer is preferred for individual tracks.
Source
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The ATR-102 is frequently applied on vocal, synth, and guitar busses to add warmth, but it's less effective for low-frequency content.
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For electronic and lofi genres, users mention the ATR-102 enhances bass and highs, providing a more "hi-fi" sound.
Source

Features and functionality

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Mixing into the ATR-102 from the start can help achieve desired sound characteristics early, but it can also be added during mastering for flexibility.
Source
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The ATR-102 can drastically alter treble, requiring careful consideration of its settings to maintain a neutral sound or intentionally shape the mix.
Source

Software and compatibility

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Users with Mac Studio Ultra M1 report latency issues when using the ATR-102, requiring the removal of effects from the master fader to manage latency effectively.
Source
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Users recommend launching a demo of the ATR-102 before purchasing, especially if already owning similar plugins like the Studer.
Source
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Satisfaction reported with the ATR-102 becoming native, eliminating the need for additional hardware like a used satellite.
Source

Setup and maintenance

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The ATR-102 can easily cause tape/overload distortion, necessitating careful management of input/output levels to avoid unwanted distortion effects.
Source

Comparisons

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Some users prefer the API summing plugin over the Neve for its punchy and cleaner tone, especially in electronic and pop genres.
Source
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Users find the ATR-102 offers a unique clarity not achieved by plugins like Gulfoss and Virtulizer.
Source

User experience

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Some owners regret purchasing the ATR-102 without testing, especially if they already have the Studer, highlighting the importance of trying before buying.
Source
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Some users report a transformative impact on digital recordings, significantly enhancing track quality when applied on master bus.
Source

Value and pricing

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Owners found a deal at $40, but noted similar offers frequently occur, suggesting no rush to buy immediately.
Source

Critic Reviews

UAD Ampex ATR102

soundonsound.com

Universal Audio's Ampex ATR-102 plug-in recreates the revered mastering tape recorder with precision, offering a wealth of customization options that capture the machine's essence. The plug-in excels at delivering the warmth and cohesion of tape, with settings to emulate everything from clean sound to gritty distortion. Its detailed model and special effects capabilities ensure both realistic and creative uses. However, it lacks a varispeed control, which limits some traditional tape manipulation, and it's demanding on DSP resources, making it unavailable for older hardware. Overall, it's a stellar choice for those seeking authentic tape sound in a digital format.

positive

Full Review

Universal Audio: Ampex ATR-102 tape recorder plug-in | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The Universal Audio Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder Plug-In is a highly detailed emulation that captures the essence of its hardware counterpart, offering a compelling tape sound experience with features like adjustable tape speed and calibration. The plug-in impresses with its ability to make quick comparisons of tape stocks and settings, a task that is nearly impossible with physical tape machines. However, it falls short in resources, potentially burdening mixers. While it can't replace an actual tape for playing back mix tapes, it's a stellar option for achieving that classic tape warmth and character digitally.

positive

Full Review

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 8 Ratings

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Artist usage

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Diplo

Music Producer

Major Lazer

Verified via Uaudio

"I’m still getting to know a lot of the new stuff. I’m actually looking for other UAD users to help me find some new tricks all the time. When it comes to analog sound or reproduction, another UAD user, Ariel Rechtshaid – who has co-written with me a lot on Justin Bieber, Usher, No Doubt, Major Lazer, etc. – is very good at stuff like that. So I’ve been trying out the UAD Studer A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder Plug-In and the Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder Plug-In."

Rostam Batmanglij

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Dirty Projectors

Verified via Uaudio

One of the last things that we recorded on the album was a guitar outro that I wrote and played for “Don’t Lie.” We just plugged a Les Paul guitar into the DI of the Apollo. I got really used to using a combination of Avid SansAmp and the ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder Plug-in — just those two with some AltiVerb Reverb. That gave us a scrappy sound that I’m very fond of.

Alex Metric

Music Producer

Infadels

Verified via Photo

When asked what some of his favorite UAD plugins are on his reddit ama, Alex Metric mentions the "Ampex tape machine," which refers to the UAD Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder Plug-In. Original source here.

Eskmo

Music Producer

Verified via drip.com

"I use lots of UAD stuff all the time. I love their verbs 140 + 250. I love their Studer, Ampex and Culture Vulture. Love the Silver compressor and Fatso"

Pogo

Music Producer

Fiskales Ad-Hok

Verified via YouTube

Mentioned at 48:38.

Driftmoon

Keyboardist, Composer

Verified via Instagram

There is UAD Ampex ATR-102 Tape Recorder plugin visible on Driftmoon's monitor in this photo on his Instagram.

Shiba San

Verified via Mjtutoriels

In the Mjtutoriels video "Devenir DJ Producteur | Studio RDV avec Shiba San," at the 10:31 mark, Shiba San discusses using the Universal Audio Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder Plug-In to add "a bit of breath and compression" to his bass sound.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Electronic

Pop

Hip Hop

Folk, World, & Country

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Universal Audio Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder Plug-In, it is most commonly used with the following gear.