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Description

Dive into the world of vintage analog sound with the Waves J37 Tape, a plug-in that masterfully replicates the warmth and charm of the legendary Studer-designed EMI J37 tape machine. Crafted in collaboration with Abbey Road Studios, this plug-in captures the essence of the 1960s and '70s iconic sound, adding a rich analog texture to your digital recordings. Whether you're looking to enhance your mixes with subtle saturation or deep tape delay effects, the J37 gives you the tools to achieve that classic, timeless sound.

With an intuitive interface, the J37 Tape plug-in offers comprehensive control over key parameters such as bias, tape speed, and the unique "imperfections" that give tape its character. Choose from three distinct EMI oxide tape formulas to tailor your sound further, and make use of the embedded tape delay, equipped with multiple delay types and sync capabilities. This plug-in is not just about adding warmth; it's about reviving the authentic tape sound that shaped a generation of music.

Key Features:

  • Developed with Abbey Road Studios for authentic sound
  • Emulates the classic Studer-designed EMI J37 tape machine
  • Offers 3 unique EMI oxide tape formulas
  • Adjustable parameters: bias, wow, flutter, and tape speed
  • Comprehensive tape delay with 3 delay types
  • Sync, low-pass, and high-pass filter controls

Owner's manual

Waves J37 Tape User Manual

Product specs

Available since October 2016
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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

What does the Waves J37 Tape plugin emulate?

The Waves J37 Tape plugin emulates the sound of the Studer J37 tape machine used in Abbey Road Studios, known for its warm analog saturation and harmonic distortion that adds vintage character to recordings.

Is the Waves J37 Tape plugin suitable for mastering?

The Waves J37 Tape plugin is primarily designed for adding tape saturation and warmth to individual tracks or buses, rather than mastering. However, it can be used creatively in mastering to achieve a vintage, analog sound.

What are the key features of the Waves J37 Tape plugin?

The Waves J37 Tape plugin features authentic tape saturation, three different tape formulas, and adjustable tape speed, allowing users to recreate the classic sound of analog tape machines.

Can the Waves J37 Tape plugin be used with any DAW?

Yes, the Waves J37 Tape plugin is compatible with most major DAWs, including Ableton Live, Pro Tools, and Logic Pro, as long as they support VST, AU, or AAX formats.

How does the Waves J37 Tape plugin affect audio quality?

The Waves J37 Tape plugin enhances audio quality by adding warmth, depth, and subtle harmonic distortion, emulating the characteristics of vintage tape machines to give recordings a classic analog feel.

Waves Audio

Waves Audio

Waves / Abbey Road J37 Tape Plugin: In-Depth Tutorial with Audio Demos

Video thumbnail for Waves / Abbey Road J37 Tape Plugin: In-Depth Tutorial with Audio Demos by Waves Audio

Waves / Abbey Road J37 Tape Plugin: In-Depth Tutorial with Audio Demos

Waves Audio

Waves Audio

Video thumbnail for Waves /Abbey Road J37 Tape Overview by Waves Audio

Waves /Abbey Road J37 Tape Overview

Waves Audio

Waves Audio

Video thumbnail for Butch Vig and Billy Bush on the Abbey Road J37 Tape Plugin by Waves Audio

Butch Vig and Billy Bush on the Abbey Road J37 Tape Plugin

Waves Audio

Waves Audio

Video thumbnail for J37 Tape Overview at Abbey Road Studios by Waves Audio

J37 Tape Overview at Abbey Road Studios

Waves Audio

Waves Audio

Video thumbnail for Waves J37 Tape | Can you hear the difference? by Woody Piano Shack

Waves J37 Tape | Can you hear the difference?

Woody Piano Shack

Woody Piano Shack

Video thumbnail for What's the Best Waves Tape Plugin: J37 vs Kramer by Sage Audio

What's the Best Waves Tape Plugin: J37 vs Kramer

Sage Audio

Sage Audio

Video thumbnail for 5 Ways To Use Tape Saturation In A Mix 👉 Waves J37 Tape Overview by Audio Tech TV

5 Ways To Use Tape Saturation In A Mix 👉 Waves J37 Tape Overview

Audio Tech TV

Audio Tech TV

Video thumbnail for Best Tape Emulation Plugin: Waves J37 Tape by Adrian Rascon

Best Tape Emulation Plugin: Waves J37 Tape

Adrian Rascon

Adrian Rascon

Reviews

PROS

  • Delivers high-quality sound reminiscent of professional studio tape machines

  • Offers vintage-style tape delay and warm, analog noise effects

  • Versatile for use on individual tracks or the main output bus

  • Smooths out transients, especially effective on bass guitar

  • Comes with a variety of useful presets and manual settings

  • Enhances vocals and instruments with rich, flavorful saturation

  • Allows for creative effects like shimmering delays and reverbs

  • Highly effective at taming hard transients for a polished mix

  • Adds character and depth to mixes with subtle saturation

CONS

  • Requires a powerful workstation for optimal performance on multiple tracks

  • Lacks true tape saturation due to its digital nature

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Waves J37 Tape.

Features and functionality

  • J37 is known for subtle tape coloring, contrasting with RC-20, which can achieve subtlety through careful manipulation of frequency mix ranges.

    Source
  • J37 effectively smooths high end and transients, doubling as a versatile delay, enhancing mix depth.

    Source

Comparisons

  • J37 is viewed as a high-fidelity tape emulation compared to RC-20, which targets a more vintage, low-fidelity sound.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Waves' update policy requires payment for updates after the first year, which may influence long-term value considerations.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Ensure purchase during Waves' sales to avoid paying more than $30, maximizing the plugin's cost-effectiveness.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Users often layer J37 with RC-20 to achieve varied tape effects, leveraging both plugins' strengths in a single project.

    Source
  • Best integrated into mixes from the start for consistent sound; late-stage addition may disrupt mix balance.

    Source
  • Ideal for self-mastering, but unnecessary if a professional mastering engineer will apply their own tape saturation effects.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Waves J37 Tape review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Waves J37 Tape delivers a solid vintage character with an impressive delay effect and authentic tape hiss, making it an appealing choice for tone connoisseurs. However, its bulky interface and high CPU demand can be off-putting, especially since it's not the top tape emulation out there. While it excels in adding a firmer, present tone, the plugin can be harsh if pushed too hard. Overall, it's a niche tool best suited for specific uses, rather than an all-around tape solution.

Review: Waves J37 Tape Plug-in — AudioTechnology

audiotechnology.com

Waves J37 Tape is a delightful sonic tool for adding authentic tape warmth to your tracks. Emulating the iconic Studer J37, it offers rich saturation and distortion, particularly enhancing drums, guitars, and vocals. The flexibility to manipulate wow, flutter, and saturation allows for both subtle and extreme effects. A standout feature is the tape-delay mode, providing excellent delay effects. While it lacks multi-tracking, its ability to enrich individual tracks or mix outputs makes it a worthy addition to any audio arsenal. The J37’s historical pedigree and sound quality make it a compelling choice for tape emulation enthusiasts.

positive

Waves J37 Tape Review : A Wave of Saturation - Audiofanzine

audiofanzine.com

While the Waves J37 Tape plug-in impresses with its nostalgic Abbey Road collaboration and tape saturation effects, it struggles with practicality. The GUI, though visually appealing, is cumbersome and lacks functionality, making adjustments a chore. Despite offering decent saturation and a pleasant delay feature, the plug-in's sensitivity to gain makes it tricky for beginners. Moreover, the absence of a grouping function and sound interruptions when changing settings detract from its usability. While it captures the essence of "tape sound," it falls short of the authentic warmth expected from Waves. Overall, the J37 Tape is a mixed bag, appealing to those seeking vintage vibes but potentially frustrating for those prioritizing ease of use.

Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 45 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
liam_phillips

Great Tape!

I use the J37 on every master, and drum bus. It gives an effect of a soft clipped signal that's not really clipped but adds so much flavor to the sound. You probably won't be able to hear it at first, but you will realize how well the J37 tames hard transients to sound just right. Try it out!

shawnrichard

My old vinyl emulator just dose not cut it.

I still would try my hand at tape (I mean modding the machine) but if you can't afford it or have the time to take care of it i would give this a try.

jimmarchi1

tape machines aren't a big PUTA to keep maintained, no one uses them anymore because the reels are expensive now that hardly anyone manfactures tape

sakurauchi

TAPE SIMULATOR !!

on master channel(again) and Audirvana for listening music, never forgot this.

dubelementssp

TAPE SATURATION

Good tape saturation to add some analog texture to your sounds.

This review has been translated automatically into English. See original
R

awesome tape emulation

this is a cheeky plugin that adds character the mix

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tom Misch uses Waves J37 Tape

Tom Misch

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video, you can see the J37 at 5:10.

See how Mike Patton uses Waves J37 Tape

Mike Patton

Singer, Keyboardist

Faith No More

...
Verified via waves.com

J37: A juicy tape emulator that can be used on literally ANYTHING. I have used this on entire stereo mixes, and it made them sound as if they were recorded next to a warm fireplace!

See how Roosevelt uses Waves J37 Tape

Roosevelt

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

He uses the Waves j37 Tape for almost every track in "Wait Up" as you can see in this video.

See how William Basinski uses Waves J37 Tape

William Basinski

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube video by 180 Spaces, William Basinski discusses using the Waves J37 Tape plugin for its tape emulation features, including controls for bias, wow, flutter, tape speed, and delay, highlighting its role in his sound production.

See how OMFG uses Waves J37 Tape

OMFG

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:50:28, OMFG Explains that he put the J37 Tape Saturation plugin on the master of his first song 'Hello'

See how Lil Baby uses Waves J37 Tape

Lil Baby

Rapper

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used for vocals on "Sum 2 Prove", as stated by mix engineer Tillie in this June 2020 Sound on Sound interview. An image of the settings can be found here.

"All Lil Baby's vocals go through an aux track," says Tillie, "on which I have the Waves DeEsser, Avid EQ3 7-band, Waves SSL Channel and Compressor, Waves RCompressor, UAD J37 and the FabFilter Pro‑DS de-esser. There are two sends to reverb aux tracks and one to a half–note delay. The Waves DeEsser is there because I felt the vocal was too bright. The EQ3 has a pretty involved curve, with a low cut at 69.8Hz, notches at 184.7Hz and 425.2Hz, and me adding at 2kHz and high end at 5.37kHz, because I wanted some more presence. The SSL Compressor is not doing much, it's just there for vibe. I do the actual compression with the RCompressor.

"The J37 adds analogue vibe — it's one of my favourite plug–ins on vocals. It really brings them to life. I did all the heavy lifting with the first de-esser, and the Pro‑DS is just to catch anything that's the result of the EQ curve that I added. There's also a Vocal Parallel aux with the Softube Tube‑Tech CL‑1B to add more body and a bit of beef. I think that compressor just makes everything sound better. It gives you a different tonal character.

"The first send goes to the Verb aux track, which has the DVerb, set to a Large Hall, and an EQ3 7-band, taking out low end below 100Hz. The second send goes to the Verb 2 aux, with the Waves RVerb, the Waves REQ, again rolling off low end, and the Waves S1 Stereo Imager. I use the Imager on my reverbs probably 75 percent of the time. My style of mixing is very wide, so I tend to spread out my instruments and my effects, and I place things in different places in the stereo mix. I always like to add width and depth, so you can feel things and they are not necessarily right up in your face. But I leave the vocals to be the centre point of the mix."

See how Lenno uses Waves J37 Tape

Lenno

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

This Snapshot was taken from 13/02/2021 Twitch Stream (https://www.twitch.tv/helloimlenno), proving that Lenno is using this Plugin.

See how Kiefer uses Waves J37 Tape

Kiefer

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Time stamp ~ 9:50

See how Bad Snacks uses Waves J37 Tape

Bad Snacks

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video Bad Snacks mentions using this plugin at 8:22.

See how Tennyson uses Waves J37 Tape

Tennyson

Drummer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video [at 1:30:50] Luke uses the Waves J37 plugin to add tape saturation to one of his synths.

See how Tom Lord-Alge uses Waves J37 Tape

Tom Lord-Alge

Music Producer

...
Verified via waves.com

"Even though the SSL E-Channel is my go-to for most everything, I do grab the SSL G-Channel if I want to get a bit more aggressive. I miss having a physical plate, but the Abbey Road Reverb Plates plug makes up for it. I also love the Abbey Road Reel ADT and of course the J37 Tape – old-school saturation and delays!"

See how Luca Pretolesi uses Waves J37 Tape

Luca Pretolesi

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 19:52 we can see Waves J37 Tape Plugin on vocals

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Waves J37 Tape, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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freddie_handleymusic

freddie_handleymusic

Gear IQ 72

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