Tape Fiasco

Tape Fiasco is a creative audio effect plugin that combines three distinct time-based effects: Stretch (granular time-stretching), Varispeed (tape-style speed manipulation), and Stutter (rhythmic slicing and repetition). Each effect can be used independently or in combination, with configurable signal routing between them.  The plugin is designed for real-time performance and sound design, offering tempo-synced operation, envelope follower modulation, and extensive parameter control for each effect section.

Stretch

The Stretch effect is a granular time-stretching processor that captures audio into a buffer and plays it back using overlapping grains, allowing independent control of playback speed and pitch.

• Speed: Controls buffer read position (0% = Frozen, 50% = Half-speed, 100% = Normal).
• Tempo: Syncs buffer capture frequency to the host tempo.
• Pitch: Grain-based pitch shifting independent of speed.
• Grain: Adjusts the generation rate (Higher = smooth/smeared; Lower = choppy/transient-heavy).
• Spread: Controls stereo width by alternating grains between left and right channels.
• Scatter: Randomizes grain read positions for glitchy, fragmented textures.

Performance Toggles:

• Reverse: Plays individual grains backward while maintaining forward buffer progression.
• Freeze: Indefinitely holds the current buffer state for continuous processing.
• Envelope Modulation: Features an Envelope Amount and Target selector (modulates Speed, Tempo, Pitch, Grain, Spread, Scatter, or Mix).

Stutter

The Stutter effect captures audio slices and repeats them rhythmically, with extensive control over timing, pitch manipulation, filtering, and probability-based variation.

Timing & Pitch

• Rate: Sets slice length via note divisions (Sync mode) or milliseconds (Free mode).
• Capture: Determines how often a new audio slice is grabbed.
• Pitch & Pitch Ramp: Controls static pitch shifting or cumulative pitch changes per repeat.

Rhythmic Shaping

• Gate & Gate Curve: Applies volume envelopes with Linear, Log (percussive), or Exp (reverse percussive) curves.
• Pattern: Offers variation modes: Even, Dotted, Triplet, Swing, Ramp Up (accelerating), or Ramp Down (decelerating).
• Probability & Retrigger: Introduces randomness; Probability sets the trigger chance, while Retrigger allows mid-cycle buffer updates.

Filtering & Imaging

• Filter Modes: * LP/HP: Resonant Lowpass/Highpass with Drive.
  • Formant: Vowel-like parallel bandpass filters with Formant Shift.
  • Comb: Metallic feedback effects with Damping.
• Pan & Smooth: Controls stereo alternation and crossfade times between loops.

Varispeed

The Varispeed effect emulates tape machine speed manipulation, including wow/flutter modulation, tape stop effects, scratch control, and analog-style saturation/compression.

• Speed: Tape playback speed (0% = Stopped; 100% = Normal).
• Wow/Flutter: Dual LFO pitch modulation simulating mechanical transport irregularities.
• Scratch: Real-time DJ-style pitch bending that returns to center upon release.
• Saturation/Bitcrush: Adds harmonic character via Heat (warm tape saturation) or Bitcrush (lo-fi digital reduction).
• Compression: Increases ratio and makeup gain for a punchier, "squashed" sound.

Tape Controls:

• Play Direction: Choose between Forward, Reverse, or Fwd-Rev (alternating).
• Stop: Simulates a tape machine slowing to a complete stop (and spinning back up on release).
• Modulation: Includes an Envelope Amount and Target (Speed, Tempo, Wow/Flutter, Scratch, Saturation, Compression, or Mix).