SPL Machine Head

The ultimate tape emulation plugin, backed by SPL Heritage

SPL’s Machine Head is the finest digital tape saturator ever built. With the tone of tape becoming so popular in pro production circles, this discontinued hardware is in demand. Many plugin developers have tried and failed to capture the magic of its code, until now. 

Nothing sounds closer, nothing sounds better

With the help of the latest advancements in hardware modelling, SPL and SoundArt worked together on the original code for Machine Head. The result is this very special plugin – nothing sounds closer to the studio hardware.

An essential tape processing plugin

Whether you're mastering tracks, enhancing mixes, or adding depth to individual instruments, Machine Head delivers authentic analog warmth, increased perceived loudness, and enhanced tonal richness, with easy controls and studio quality. 

The authentic analog tape sound

Add those smooth harmonics to any signal minus the drawbacks of tape: no crosstalk, no noise floor, no fluctuations in motor speed. Get the sonic richness of tape, in a clean, controlled digital package. 

Make tracks louder and warmer

SPL Machine Head adds power, punch, and warmth to digital sources while reducing harshness. With the ability to increase perceived loudness by up to 10dB, it’s ideal for boosting penetration and clarity. Use it on entire mixes and masters, as well as specific instruments like guitars, bass, drums, loops, and samples.

Two modes: Original and Ultimate

On top of perfectly capturing the hardware in Original mode, Machine Head offers Ultimate Mode, showing you what this icon can achieve with the help of today’s technology, expanding and refining the original controls to meet the demands of modern engineers.

Key upgrades in Ultimate Mode include:

• Low Frequency Adjust

Compensates for tape head resonances based on tape speed, precise control over low-frequency response – from calibrated settings to creative over- or under-compensation.

• High Frequency Adjust

Offers 10x finer resolution compared to the "Original" version (-6dB to +6dB).

• Drive Parameter

Doubled resolution for more detailed saturation control.

These optimizations deliver unparalleled openness, clarity, and precision, making Ultimate Mode a significant leap forward in sonic performance.

Dynamic high-frequency controls 

Adjust the intensity of high-frequency damping for greater versatility. Unlike traditional tape machines, Machine Head allows you to control this parameter independently from drive level. Experiment with extreme saturation effects or opt for subtle tonal adjustments. Go from lush, warm tones to sharper, brighter highs. 

True tape compression quality

Modeled after the non-linear behavior of analog tape, Machine Head applies selective dynamic compression and harmonic distortion –  particularly in the high frequencies –  to deliver the warmth and punch of classic analog recordings. The result is a combination of frequency-dependent compression and harmonic richness that adds both musicality and power to your sound.

High-Speed tape recording simulation

Switch from normal speed (15ips) to High Speed (30ips) to simulate the pre-emphasis effect of high-speed tape recording. This boosts upper mids and high frequencies for greater resolution and detail. With its user-friendly interface and faithful emulation of the hardware’s advanced DSP platform, SPL Machine Head is both intuitive and powerful. Its simple controls deliver exceptional processing power.

Features

• Exact 1-to-1 replication of the original code from the iconic SPL Machine Head hardware
• Authentic analog tape sound: precise models of analog tape saturation 
• Ultimate Mode: enhanced clarity, spatiality, and frequency control for modern workflows.
• Low Frequency Adjust: Compensates for head resonance and tape speed artifacts.
• High Frequency Adjust: Fine resolution for precise tonal adjustments.
• Drive Parameter: Doubled resolution for detailed saturation control.
• Selectable Tape Speed: Choose between 15ips and 30ips 
• High-speed recording simulation
• Warmth and character without crosstalk, pre/post echoes, noise floor, 
• Dynamic Tape Compression

System Requirements

• AAX, AU, VST3
• macOS 15 down to macOS 12
• Windows 11 down to Windows 10