P821 MDN Tape


“… Better than the other tape emulations I have. How great to have the vibe of that incredible-sounding tape machine on a plug-in!”
BILL SCHNEE
Multi Grammy Winning Legendary Producer/Engineer (Steely Dan, Whitney Houston, Natalie Cole, Dire Straits, Ringo)
Overview
The 821A is the first multitrack tape machine that doesn’t use a transformer. It doesn’t have a capstan or a pinch roller, so the tape path is free to move without any resistance or audio signal degradation.
For the first time, engineers and producers could hear the physics of the recording process without interference from excessive electronics. They experienced the unaltered sound of tape and could present their clients with a clearer representation of what was captured on the studio floor.
P821 MDN Tape is based on Marc Daniel Nelson’s personal Stephens 821 2” tape machine, which was utilized at the Producer’s Workshop, renowned for producing iconic albums such as The Wall, Aja, Rumours, and others.
The P821 signature sound is very open and has a large sonic character, as there is very little electronics and zero transformers in the tape machine, making the sound stage massive and no aggressive compression or clamping down. This is the first plugin of its type where you’re actually hearing TAPE and how it reacts.
Now, hearing the P821 MDN Tape plugin recreates that same experience. It’s truly incredible and unlike anything else out there.
Features
- Zero samples delay compensation when modulation is off or 1.1 ms when on.
- Two legendary tape formulas: 900 & 456.
- Speed: 15 and 30 ips.
- True tape-hiss generator (not noise).
- Pre/Post shelving EQ.
- Low and High Bias controls.
- VU meter with dual input/output needles.
- Tape delay circuit with feedback and filtering.
- Modulation circuit—Wow & Flutter (Slow/Fast) with tape flanging.




Videos
Audio Examples
Specification
Supported Plugin Formats
AU, VST3, AAX (Apple Silicon ready).
Supported Operating Systems
macOS 10.13+ Apple RISC M chip and Intel CPU (Universal 2 Binary)
Windows 10+ x64-compatible CPU
Copy Protection
A one-time challenge & response over the internet. License works on up two separate machines.
Downloads
User Guides- Dark Mode
User Guides- Print Mode
For previously authorized computers
15-Day Free Demo
To start your 15-day fully functional demo for 2 computers, Press the "DEMO" button and complete the checkout. Follow the instructions you will get by email. No dongle required.
This is a new release and is not on sale.
Customer reviews
DISCLAIMER: The intellectual property rights, including names, logos, and trademarks associated with studio equipment and accessory brands, including Stephens, belong to their respective owners and are not affiliated with Pulsar Modular or Marc Daniel Nelson. This plugin is designed to replicate the unique audio equalization, compression, and summing envisioned by Pulsar Modular and Marc Daniel Nelson. Any use of names, logos, or trademarks is solely for identification purposes to illustrate the hardware chain and audio workflow that inspired this product.
4 reviews for P821 MDN Tape
I LOVE the imaging quality that this provides. It has an innate ability to place everything in its own space in the stereo field. It also makes the transition between low end to high end a seamless and cohesive through its saturation!
I A/B’d this with UAD’s ATR-102 and this sounds way better. I was surprised.
I should have added that it is utterly amazing to hear a plugin take me back to that experience.
Awesome legendary Stephens Electronics 821 emulation!!!
I would use it when I want the texture of a late 70’s hi-fi sound that’s not dirty tape sound.