Tag: delay

Tuğrul Akyüz has released TugPhonon, a free delay and sound transformation plugin inspired by the Poullin and Schaeffer phonogène from 1951. Rather than working as a standard delay, TugPhonon recreates the idea of a rotating magnetic disk with multiple playback heads for more complex echo, texture, and timbral processing.

Inspired by Early Experimental Tape Technology

TugPhonon is based on the rotating magnetic disk delay machines developed by Jacques Poullin and Pierre Schaeffer at GRM Paris in the early 1950s. In this software version, a virtual magnetic disk spins continuously while eight playback heads read from different positions around the loop.

As a result, the plugin produces a layered network of echoes, movement, and tone shaping that goes beyond a conventional tape delay. It sits somewhere between a delay effect, a texture processor, and a spectral-style sound design tool.

Eight Playback Heads With Independent Control

At the center of TugPhonon are eight independent playback heads. Each head has its own delay position, volume, pan, and feedback settings, which gives users detailed control over the movement and balance of the repeats.

In addition, each head includes its own band-pass filter, so users can shape the tonal character of every echo separately. This makes it possible to build more complex delay patterns and evolving textures inside a single plugin.

Resonators, Modulation, and Visual Feedback

TugPhonon also includes physical modelling resonators for each head. Users can choose from eight resonator types, including Karplus-Strong, Comb, Bell, Pipe, Marimba, Beam, and Membrane models. These are based on acoustic principles and give the plugin a broader sound design range than a typical vintage delay emulation.

The plugin also features host sync and free-running loop modes, with timing options ranging from 1/128 triplet to double whole note. For more motion, an LFO modulation section can be applied to the playback head positions. An animated disk visualizer is included as well, so users can see the virtual disk and head movement in real time.

Features

• Rotating magnetic disk delay inspired by the 1951 phonogène concept
• 8 independent playback heads
• Per-head controls for delay position, volume, pan, and feedback
• Per-head band-pass filter
• Physical modelling resonators for each head
• Resonator types including Karplus-Strong, Comb, Bell, Pipe, Marimba, Beam, and Membrane
• Host sync or free-running loop modes
• LFO modulation with multiple waveforms
• Animated disk visualizer
• Built-in preset system
• Apple Silicon native support
• Signed and notarized by Apple

Plugin Formats

TugPhonon is available in AU and VST3 formats for macOS and Windows. On macOS, it supports Apple Silicon natively and requires macOS 12 or later.

Free Download

TugPhonon delay plugin is available now for free from Tuğrul Akyüz’s Gumroad page.

Saschart has released dynamicEcho, a free dynamic delay plugin for Windows and macOS. The plugin is available as a free download, with optional donations welcomed.

A Delay Plugin Controlled by Gain Reduction

DynamicEcho is built around the idea of using gain reduction to shape the behavior of the delay engine. At the center of the plugin is a compressor section that works as a gain reduction detector, allowing the delay to react in a more dynamic and responsive way.

This approach gives users more movement and variation compared to a standard static delay effect, making the plugin suitable for creative echo processing that responds to the input signal.

Multiple Delay Parameters Can React to the Signal

The plugin allows gain reduction to control several delay parameters, including Feedback and Wet level. This means the effect can change organically depending on the incoming audio, creating a more active and adaptive result.

Alongside the dynamic processing, dynamicEcho includes controls for delay time, feedback, pan width, filtering, and mix levels. Users can also choose between stereo or mono input processing and explore different warp modes for additional tonal variation.

Real-Time Visual Feedback

To help users monitor what is happening inside the effect, dynamicEcho provides real-time visual feedback for the input signal, gain reduction, feedback, and wet levels. This makes it easier to understand how the delay is reacting and how the dynamic control is affecting the sound.

Features

• Free dynamic delay plugin for Windows and macOS
• Compressor-based gain reduction detector
• Dynamic control over feedback and wet level
• Delay time, pan width, filtering, and mix controls
• Stereo or mono input processing
• Warp modes for additional delay shaping
• Real-time visual feedback for key parameters

Plugin Formats

dynamicEcho is available in VST2, VST3, and AU plugin formats for PC and Mac users.

Free Download

dynamicEcho is available as a free download from the Saschart website, with optional donations accepted.

HEAR360 has released EcoSlap, a free delay plugin that brings the character of classic analog plate reverb into the realm of creative slap-delay effects.

EcoSlap is based on the shortest decay setting of their Ecoplate I reverb model, originally known for its lush, metallic ambiance. Instead of simply mimicking old gear, EcoSlap takes the concept in a fresh direction, offering a unique blend of slap-back delay with a reverb-like tone that sits well in both subtle and experimental mixes.

A Plate Reverb, Reimagined as Delay

While most slap-back delays rely on tape or digital echoes, EcoSlap leans into the coloration of a physical plate reverb unit. The developers modeled the original Ecoplate I with precision and built EcoSlap on top of its shortest decay setting.

Additional controls, such as high- and low-pass filters, pre-delay, and a creative mix section, let you dial in slap textures ranging from vintage shimmer to tight, modern reflections.

Features

• Slap delay derived from Ecoplate I’s shortest decay mode
• Built-in high-pass and low-pass filters
• Pre-delay control
• Creative wet/dry mix shaping
• Modeled after a real analog plate
• VST3 and AU formats for macOS and Windows

Free Download

EcoSlap delay plugin is available as a free download and compatible with macOS and Windows in VST3 and AU formats. You can grab your copy from The Department of Sound website.

Sonimus has released DelaySon, a free tape-inspired delay plugin designed to capture the warmth, movement, and nostalgic charm of classic analog echo machines. Built with modern usability in mind, DelaySon offers musicians and producers a powerful tool for adding depth and character to vocals, guitars, synths, and drums.

Tape Delay Reimagined for Today

DelaySon recreates the soul of vintage tape delay units, delivering authentic analog-sounding echoes, slapback effects, and creative delay textures. The intuitive interface offers deep control while staying simple to use, making it easy to dial in everything from gentle tape coloration to experimental sound design.

Features

• Tape-inspired delay engine with rich analog character
• Intuitive interface for quick and creative results
• Modulation, feedback, tone, and color controls
• Preset system for saving and recalling custom setups
• Mono and stereo support with sample rates up to 192 kHz

Creative Use Cases

Vintage Slapback Delay (Vocals & Guitars)

• Set delay time to ~120ms or sync to 1/16 note
• Feedback around 15-25% for minimal repeats
• Slightly increase Color to add analog warmth
• Use Tone to roll off highs for a lo-fi tape feel

Rhythmic Delay (Synths & Drums)

• Sync time to 1/8 or dotted 1/8 notes
• Modulation depth at 25-50% for movement
• Feedback above 50% for layered echoes

Experimental Sound Design

• Crank feedback for self-oscillation
• Add modulation for warping effects
• Automate delay time for pitch-shifting echoes

System Requirements

macOS

• OS X 10.10 or newer
• Audio Unit, VST2, VST3, AAX (64-bit)

Windows

• Windows 10 or newer
• VST2, VST3, AAX (64-bit)

Free Download

DelaySon tape delay plugin is available as a free download at the Sonimus website.