I picked up the Analog Tape Bundle primarily for the Studer and Ampex.
What struck me most is how little effort it takes to get great results from these plugins. You don’t have to chase settings or “dial in a sound.” You drop them in, make a couple of small adjustments, and things simply start to feel like a record instead of just another digital session.
The Studer A800 has become essential on tracks and buses. It quietly pulls things together — transients smooth out, harshness fades, and everything starts to feel cohesive without sounding processed. It’s subtle, but once you hear it, you don’t want to mix without it.
The Ampex ATR-102 on the mix bus is the finishing touch. It removes the last bit of digital edge and replaces it with depth, weight, and a polished, finished quality. You don’t hear “tape” — you hear a mix that sounds complete.
Together, they’ve reduced how much EQ, compression, and tweaking I need to do. Mixes fall into place faster and more naturally.
I haven’t explored the other recorders or the delay yet, but even just using the Studer and Ampex as part of a simple plan has made this bundle one of the most worthwhile additions to my setup.