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Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Waves Reel ADT". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Step into the sonic legacy of Abbey Road with the Waves Reel ADT plugin, a masterful emulation of the iconic Artificial Double Tracking (ADT) effect that defined The Beatles' sound. Originally engineered within the hallowed halls of Abbey Road Studios, this plugin faithfully recreates the magic of sending an audio track to a separate tape machine, introducing those subtle yet impactful timing variations that bring your recordings to life. Whether you're a fan of vintage warmth or modern versatility, Waves Reel ADT offers a mesmerizing array of flanging, phasing, and tape saturation effects to enhance your mix.
Perfectly suited for vocals, guitars, and beyond, this plugin provides full control over pan position and phase, allowing you to craft wide, immersive soundscapes. The intuitive interface lets you manually control varispeed via MIDI or automatically through a built-in LFO, giving you creative freedom to experiment with your sound. With the added touch of tape saturation, the Waves Reel ADT plugin doesn't just replicate the past; it offers a timeless tool for contemporary music production.
Key Features:
- Authentic software emulation of the Artificial Double Tracking effect from Abbey Road Studios
- Varispeed control available manually via MIDI or automatically through the built-in LFO
- Add rich tape saturation using the drive control
- Full control over pan position and phase of both original and doubled tracks
- Ideal for enhancing the depth and texture of vocals and guitar parts
Product specs
| Available since | October 2016 |
| 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 | Yes |
| 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
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What is the main purpose of the Waves Reel ADT plugin?
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The Waves Reel ADT plugin is designed to recreate the classic Artificial Double Tracking effect, famously used by the Beatles at Abbey Road Studios, to add depth and richness to vocal tracks.
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Does Waves Reel ADT offer tape simulation effects?
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Yes, Waves Reel ADT includes tape simulation effects, providing an authentic analog feel that enhances the warmth and texture of your recordings.
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Is the Waves Reel ADT plugin suitable for use on instruments other than vocals?
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While primarily designed for vocals, Waves Reel ADT can also be used creatively on instruments to achieve unique doubling effects and a vintage tape sound.
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Can Waves Reel ADT be used in real-time during live performances?
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Waves Reel ADT is a software plugin that can be used in real-time when integrated with a suitable DAW, making it viable for live performance scenarios where doubling effects are desired.
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Is Waves Reel ADT compatible with all major DAWs?
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Waves Reel ADT is compatible with most major DAWs, including Ableton Live, Pro Tools, and Logic Pro, ensuring flexibility in different production environments.
Videos
Waves Audio
Waves / Abbey Road Reel ADT: In-Depth Tutorial
Reviews
PROS
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Emulates vintage tape-machine techniques for authentic analog warmth
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Versatile use on vocals, guitar, and bass for a fuller sound
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Provides convincing double-tracking without manual effort
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Offers flexible presets that can be easily tweaked
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Distinctive character differentiates it from typical flanger or phaser effects
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Enhances cheap synths and brings a 60s vibe to organs
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Usable as both an effect and a mix process for creative flexibility
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Integral to achieving classic rock and pop production sounds
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Has a live version for real-time performance evaluation
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Highly praised for its price-to-performance ratio
CONS
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Noticeable CPU load might require track freezing with extensive use
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Waves Reel ADT.
Features and functionality
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Waves Reel ADT's standout feature is its tape emulation, including inherent saturation and pitch instability (wow and flutter), crucial for authentic ADT sound.
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Comparisons
Use cases and applications
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The classic ADT effect involves modulation of tape speed and pitch, a process originally used on Beatles tracks, making it ideal for vintage vocal and guitar sounds.
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Authentic double tracking is recommended for a natural sound, as ADT inherently produces a flange or chorus effect.
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Delaying the ADT track by 20-30 milliseconds and adjusting pitch by about 10 cents can enhance vocal mixes when a double track is unavailable.
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For a creative approach, matching the mix's EQ to a lofi vocal recording can result in compelling production quality.
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Value and pricing
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Waves Reel ADT often goes on sale, particularly during weekends, enhancing its value proposition for potential buyers.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 10 Ratings
1787
Absolutely Essential
I could not record without this. This is more than just a way to avoid having to double track for me. It's more than just a way to widen my mix. This is a way of bringing a whole new kind of effect to my music. I use this as an effect, not just as a process, something akin to what Syd Barrett would do with Pink Floyd. So essential is it to my sound that my standard DAW template opens up with a bus already set up with this loaded. Have to have it. If I could only ever have ONE plugin, ever again, it'd be this one.
Artist usage
Add artist
In an article on Sound on Sound, The Weeknd is noted for using the Waves Reel ADT plugin, which emulates Artificial Double Tracking, in his music production.
Mike Patton praises the Waves Reel ADT plugin, particularly highlighting its varispeed function, which he frequently automates for real-time adjustments. He notes its unique sound, reminiscent of the Tropicália movement and psychedelic influences, as described on waves.com.
“Reel ADT plugin is the newest addition to my vocal effect chain – it can do anything from a subtle chorusing effect to something really crazy and deranged. My vocals are always very effect-heavy, and Reel ADT is a big part of that. ”
"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!"
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 Reel ADT, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Similar
Add recommendation1 alternative for Waves Reel ADT, curated by the Equipboard community.
$169.15 - $219.00
If you need to use it in a Pedal, the Keeley is great. But if you only need it in the studio, go with the plugin. It's more accurate and has far more options.
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