SPL Machine Head

About

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.

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.

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.

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.

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