
Tape by Monomono
ULTIMATE COLORBOX INSPIRED BY TAPE RECORDINGS
MAKE YOUR OWN TRIPLE PACK: Buy any three or more Monomono products at the same time and get a 20% Discount (automatically applied at checkout)
Tape is a versatile colourbox, inspired by the classic Studer tape decks. It captures the spirit and character of tape recordings in a convenient package for modern sonic explorations.
- Three tape decks modeled after famous studio decks with two playback speed options. Each deck has a unique character — saturation curves and authentic frequency responses.
- Three tape models based on formulations with unique compression and saturation curves
- Tape hiss profile unique to each desk and tape with adjustable level
- Authentic deck and tape wear algorithms
USER GUIDE: VOLUME ONE
Tape by Monomono
ULTIMATE COLORBOX INSPIRED BY TAPE RECORDINGS
MAKE YOUR OWN TRIPLE PACK: Buy any three or more Monomono products at the same time and get a 20% Discount (automatically applied at checkout)
Tape is a versatile colourbox, inspired by the classic Studer tape decks. It captures the spirit and character of tape recordings in a convenient package for modern sonic explorations.
- Three tape decks modeled after famous studio decks with two playback speed options. Each deck has a unique character — saturation curves and authentic frequency responses.
- Three tape models based on formulations with unique compression and saturation curves
- Tape hiss profile unique to each desk and tape with adjustable level
- Authentic deck and tape wear algorithms
USER GUIDE: VOLUME ONE
Additional information
| MaxforLive | Audio Devices |
|---|---|
| Ableton Live Compatibility | Ableton Live 10 Standard with MaxforLive, Ableton Live 10 Suite, Ableton Live 11 Standard with MaxforLive, Ableton Live 11 Suite, Ableton Live 12 Standard with MaxforLive, Ableton Live 12 Suite |
| Min. Requirements | Ableton Live 10 Standard with MaxforLive Installed or Ableton Live 10 Suite |
| OS | Mac, Windows |
Product reviews
I appreciate the simplicity and the fact that it can be controlled from P3 standalone. Overall I think it sounds best when dialed in the first 1/3 of the knob range. Another great product!
Love how it sounds. I first bought mono one which lead me to check out the other monomono devices and Tape was my second purchase. I wouldn’t be surprised if I ended up buying all of them.
Great sound, easy to use, beautiful UI. I slap this thing on everything now.
Easy to use and sounds great. I do wish there was a way to separate the hiss from the clicks - hopefully in an update!
This is a must-have! Wonderful sound, a great interface.
Tape by Monomono
The Tape Max4Live device delivers the sound and character of a tape recording with no hassles that come with actual tape recording process. Although it’s not trying to match the profile of any specific deck, it captures the tone, feel and the vibe of the generation deck represents.
Each model has its own saturation curve and authentic frequency responses at two speeds — 15 ips and 30 ips — measured from actual tape decks, but exaggerated slightly to invite more sonic exploration.
UNIQUE SOUND PROFILES
Based on the profiles of the actual tape decks of different generations every model imparts it’s own signature sound onto material.
- A820 Inspired by the iconic Studer A820, this model offers a modern and balanced sound signature. It’s perfect for those seeking clarity and dynamic range in their recordings.
- A80 Channeling the characteristics of the Studer A80, this emulation has a pronounced low-end. It’s the go-to choice for a grounded bass presence.
- C37 Drawing elements from the Studer C37, this model offers a distinctive low-mid focus, ideal for a vintage touch to your tracks.
Each deck comes with two playback speeds each with its own unique signature sound:
- 15 ips speed emphasizes the richness of low frequencies while gently rolling off the high frequencies. The phenomenon occurs because, at slower speeds, the tape has more time to capture low-frequency waves but can miss some high-frequency details.
- 30 ips has a slight attenuation in the low end, but it extends the frequency response further into the high frequencies. This happens because the faster tape speed captures high-frequency details more effectively but can slightly undershoot the broader, low-frequency waves.
TAPE FORMULATIONS
Tailor your sound further with three distinct tape formulations:
- 900: Inspired by the BASF 900, offering a crisp and detailed sonic character.
- 456: A nod to the Ampex 456 tape, expect a characteristic analog warmth.
- Б3716: Capturing the essence of the Soviet-era tape, this formulation adds a distinctive lo-fi texture, ideal for adding character.
TAPE DECK MECHANICS
The mechanics of a tape deck play a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity and quality of the sound. Worn-out mechanics introduce a host of irregularities and imperfections such as increased wow & flutter, tape and drive slips — which result in tonal fluctuations, uneven frequency response — all combined while sometimes problematic, can also be harnessed creatively to impart a distinct, nostalgic character to recordings.
TAPE HISS
A background noise inherent to tape recordings. While often seen as a drawback and something to be minimized, some artists and producers enjoy the nostalgic and “live” feel it imparts. You can adjust the amount of tape hiss in your recording with a dedicated setting.
SATURATION & CLIPPING
Saturation, a subtle form of distortion, acts like a sonic cushion. It gently compresses peaks, adds harmonics, and increases perceived loudness without causing harsh clipping. With Tape you get the dual benefit of adding character to your mix while safely boosting its overall volume, ensuring your master buss remains clean and free from digital artifacts.
AUTHENTIC LOOK & FEEL
All our devices follow the established Ableton Live design conventions and blend nicely with the existing selection of tools while employing a unique look. Color scheme adapts to the selected Live color theme naturally. While the design of our devices is functional, it also is easy on the eyes.
PUSH 3 STANDALONE READY
All Monomono devices work on Push 3 in Standalone mode.
ALSO AVAILABLE FROM MONOMONO: MAYA | MONO ONE | COMPX54 | CONSOLEX8056 | OPTOCOMP | CURVES | VOLUME ONE
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Tape is a MaxforLive device that brings the warmth, saturation, and nostalgic vibe of classic tape decks into Ableton Live — with multiple deck and tape models, adjustable hiss, wear, and authentic tape mechanics.
A: Yes.
A: MaxforLive integrates Max into Ableton Live, letting you design, customize, and perform with unique audio, MIDI, and control devices directly in your DAW.
A: To use this product, ensure the following requirements are met:
Ableton Live 10 Standard with MaxforLive or higher
Mac or Windows operating system
A: You can explore more of Monomono’s tools and devices here:
Monomono
Important Information
V1.0.0 – Initial Release – October 2023
Our Products are generally provided as Zip file downloads which in all cases will need to be extracted and saved to your hard drive prior to installation. Details on the different file type provided and what to do with them are below.
.alp Files – These are Ableton Live Packs and will either install directly into the Packs Section of the browser of Ableton Live or ask you to save them to your hard drive. For packs that install to the library, when you double click on them you will see a pop up window asking you to confirm that installation is ok as the files are described as “Legacy”. This is fine and you are ok to proceed, the packs are created using the format for an earlier version of Live and so remain compatible with the current version.
.amxd files – These are individual MaxforLive Devices and can be stored anywhere on your hard drive. We’d advise creating a folder for them and then adding that folder as a location within the Places section of Lives Browser.
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