These are the best free tape stop VST plugins to add the tape-stop audio effect in your favorite software. I have included tape stop plugins for both Windows and Mac computers.
In this collection of free Tape Stop plugins, I’ve included feature lists, screenshots, and videos.
What Is A Tape Stop Effect? A tape stop effect is an audio edit made to sound like the sudden stopping of a piece of magnetic tape. This can be done in various ways, but the most common technique is quickly cutting off the input signal to a recorder while it’s still playing.
Best Tape Stop VST Plugins
- Cassette Transport
- Tapestop
- iZotope Vinyl
- Glitch
- Vinylizer
- Scratch it
- Tapebrake
- dBlue Tapestop
- Repeat X
I’ve downloaded and tested hundreds of free VST plugins, and here are some of the best Tape Stop VST plugins available to download.
Instructions: Click the links below to visit each Tape Stop plugin. Look around each website for the download link or button. Do not install any suspicious software.
1. Cassette Transport
Cassette Transport is a tape stop effect plugin in VST format. One of its main offerings is tape stop emulation, which includes physical noise from the buttons and rotor of a cassette tape transport.
It is one of the best plugins in this category because of the high quality of its emulation.
You can get that tape-like sound with the touch of a button. Plus, it’s totally free.
Plugin | PC / Mac / VST / VST3 / AAX
2. Tapestop
Tapestop is an easy-to-use VST plugin that helps you create the time-stretched sound that happens when you press the stop button on a tape deck.
This enables you to achieve the tape-stop effect without using a tape deck or any other hardware.
The plugin is one of the best options available because of its simplicity and the range of sounds it can create.
You can use Tapestop to create tape-stop effects, glitches, and other unusual sounds. It is available for Windows users only.
Plugin | PC
3. iZotope Vinyl
If you’re looking for an awesome tape stop VST plugin that can add analog vibes and scratches to your track, look no further than iZotope Vinyl. This plugin is easy to use, with on-the-fly tweaking and menu browsing right from hardware controls.
You can keep your mind on your music without having to worry about the minutiae. The Lo-fi Effect enables you to add the saturated, worn timbre of late-80s hip-hop to your music production projects easily.
iZotope Vinyl is one of the best tape-stop VST plugins available on the market. This is one of my favorite plugins on this list.
Features
- Adds analog vibes and scratches to tracks
- Easy on-the-fly tweaking and menu browsing
- Lo-fi Effect for saturated, worn timbre
- Adjustable parameters like Dust, Wear, Noise
- Includes Chorus, Flanger modulation effects
Pros
- User-friendly interface for easy navigation
- Range of presets for different music genres
- Ideal for adding vintage, lo-fi sound
- Versatile for various music production projects
Cons
- Limited to tape stop and vinyl effects
- Might be too specific for some users
- No advanced sound design features
iZotope Vinyl | Mac / AAX / AU
4. Glitch
If you’re looking for an exciting and unique VST effect plugin, Glitch is definitely worth checking out. A multi-effect sequencer allows you to apply various effects to incoming audio, divided into individual steps of multiple lengths.
This can then be looped, and there are controls to adjust the level and amount of the effect, as well as the length of the sequence.
There’s also a randomizer for both effects and sequences.
The plugin also has built-in templates and preset banks, which can be saved and loaded.
You can easily get lost in creating unique effects with this plugin, and it’s great for those looking for something different.
Features
- Multi-effect sequencer for audio effects
- Loopable steps with adjustable length and effect
- Effects include tape stop, modulator, retrigger
- Randomizer for effects and sequences
- Built-in templates and preset banks
- Filter Envelopes
Pros
- Great for creating unique effects
- Suitable for electronic, techno, house music
- Works well with drum loops and percussive sounds
Cons
- Mainly caters to electronic music genres
- Limited to Windows users
- Requires some learning to master fully
Glitch | PC
5. Vinylizer Tape Stop VST
Vinylizer is a tape-stop VST plugin that simulates the typical damaged sound of an old vinyl record. This plugin is perfect for adding vintage characters to your recorded audio tracks.
It allows you to simulate and manipulate the noise dust, the record decentralization, the high-frequency damage, the rotational speed, and the typical stop effect of a turntable with an adjustable stop time.
If you’re looking to add some charming vintage feel to your audio tracks, Vinylizer is a plugin you won’t want to miss. It’s only available for Windows users.
Vinylizer | PC
6. Scratch it
This tape stop VST plugin is designed for live scratching and tape stop effects. It has an envelope control that defines how the stop button works on the audio signal.
This can create some cool effects, such as a scratch sequence. You can also define up to 16 points in a synchronized beat grid.
This will help you create cool tape stop effects on the fly. Additionally, the plugin has a built-in limiter to prevent clipping. If you’re looking for a tape stop VST plugin that is simple to use and sounds great, then you’ll want to check this one out.
Scratch it | PC
7. Tapebrake
Tapebrake is a VST plugin that simulates the effect of tape or a turntable stopping on the fly.
You can select downspin-time in beats, making it easy to use.
This is one of the best plugins available due to its realistic sound and easy-to-use interface.
That’s why Tapebrake is perfect for those who want to add tape-stop effects to their music without dealing with complicated plugins.
Plugin | PC
8. dBlue Free Tape Stop VST
dBlue Tapestop VST plugin is an effect that slows down the tape to make it sound like a tape recorder stopped working.
This kind of break in the music can happen due to latency or any other issues with the tape recorder.
You don’t have to wait for tape problems anymore; just press dBlue’s stop button and enjoy the tape stop sound that you always wanted.
The plugin has a straightforward design that is easy to use with any type of music.
You will be amazed at how this plugin can enhance your music. It is one of the best tape stop VST plugins because of its simplicity and reliability. It is available for both Mac and Windows users.
dBlue | PC & Mac
9. Repeat X
Repeat-X is a powerful FX plugin that can manipulate audio in real-time. It offers nine effect algorithms, all of which can be controlled using MIDI Learn.
The step sequencers for each FX are synchronized to the host and are very flexible in their synchronizing possibilities. This makes it easy and intuitive to use.
The plugin has been designed with live performance in mind. However, it can also be employed in your studio projects. That’s what makes it such a versatile tool.
If you’re looking for a tape-stop VST plugin that is easy to use and offers a lot of flexibility, then Repeat-X is a good option for you. It is available for Windows and Mac users.
- Built-in Sequencer
Repeat X | PC & Mac
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Use A Tape Stop Plugin?
There are a few different ways to use the Tape Stop plugin. The most common way is to use it as an insert effect on an audio track. To do this, simply add the plugin to your audio track and then adjust the playback speed until you get the desired effect.
Another way to use the Tape plugin is as a modulation effect. This can be done by adding the plugin to a modulator track and then routing the signal from your audio track into the modulator track. By doing this, you can create some really cool modulation effects that wouldn’t be possible with just an audio track alone.
How Do You Tape Stop A Sample in FL Studio?
FL Studio provides several ways to stop a sample from playing. One way is to use the ‘Tape Stop’ effect, which simulates the sound of a tape being stopped abruptly.
To use the Tape Stop effect, insert it into the channel where you want it to apply. Then open the Effect Editor for that channel and locate the ‘Tape Stop’ effect under the ‘Time’ category.
In the Effect Editor, set the Start Point and End Point sliders to determine how much the sample will be played. The shorter the sample will be, the farther you move these sliders towards either end of the timeline. You can also set a Curve for how quickly or slowly the sample will play from the Start Point to the End Point.
Finally, adjust the Volume and Panning sliders to get the desired sound. You can also use the other controls in the Effect Editor to further customize the sound of your tape stop. Click the ‘Apply’ button to hear the effect when you’re done.
I hope you found this list of free tape stop VST plugins helpful.
