TS500 Tape Simulator

The TS500 Tape Simulatoris the successor or the Stereo Tape Simulator. It has been adapted to the API* 500 format with a number of enhancements. It is an analog processor that recreates the sonic imprint of vintage tape recorders. The effect provides the roundness, the punch, the compression and the saturation of magnetic tape. It is a mono unit, two are used for stereo.

The TS500 includes the electronics of a vintage tape recorder with input transformer, variable gain input stage, pre-emphasis stage, recording amplifier, constant current driven tape head, playback amplifier, NAB de-emphasis stage and a pure class A output stage driving the output transformer.

The TS500 can simulate a tape recorder rolling at 3 different speeds: 7.5 ips, 15 ips and 30 ips. Each speed gives a different frequency response.

The tape can be chosen between 3 formulations giving 3 levels of saturation from light to heavy.

Highlights

• 100% analog,
• Faithful and natural simulation, thanks to the close parallelism with the tape recorder models,
• Zero latency,
• For studio and live sound,
• No moving parts, no hiss, no tape wear, no maintenance,
• Input and output transformers,
• Pure Class A output stage,
• 3 tape speeds,
• 3 tape formulations,
• 3 recorder frequency response styles,
• High resolution peak-meter,
• High grade components.

Controls

1 DRIVE potentiometer Adjusts the input gain of the TS500. The potentiometer action is directly visible on the peak-meter as well as on the effect intensity.

2 Tape speed 7.5"-15"-30" Modifies the bandwidth and the head bump frequency in the way a tape recorder rolling at 7.5, 15, 30 ips would do.

3 Tape saturation 3 tape formulations giving 3 saturation levels from light [-] to medium [~] to heavy [+] saturation.

4 BIAS/EQDefines how the bias and EQ settings of the recorder will correct the frequency response defaults.
Left position (vintage): no correction, you get the head bump and high frequency roll off,
Centre position: head bump only,
Right position (modern): full correction, no head bump, no roll off.

5 Bypass switch
OFF: the effect is disconnected. The signal still goes through the input and output transformers,
MUTE: output is muted,
ON: The effect is on.

6 Meter The high resolution meter is a tool that lets you calibrate the simulation and get repeatable results. The clip LED at the top indicates that the signal is clipping in the input stages.

7 OUTPUT potentiometer Adjusts the output level and allow compensating the level changes induced by the DRIVE potentiometer. It has no effect on the simulation.

What's in the kit?

Absolutely everything!

• Passive components (resistors, capacitors, inductors),
• 2 transformers
• Active components (diodes, transistors, LED's, IC's),
• Front panel elements (switches, potentiometers, knobs),
• Connectors,
• PCB,
• Front panel and side panel,
• All the hardware

You bring the solder (use good quality solder, 1mm diameter max) and the Lunchbox.

Difficulty level

The LA502 kit is an easy kit. It can be undertaken by everyone who is able to make a clean solder joint.

The setup is simple. It only requires a decent quality AC/DC voltmeter.

Product Options

XT500 Extender

The XT500 option is a cable extension that allows you to test and setup the module outside the lunchbox while connected.
You get a discount when you puchase it as a Kit option.

Go to the XT500 page

501 Case

The 501 case option is a standalone, single slot lunchbox with PSU.
The XT500 Extender is not needed with the 501.

You get a discount when you puchase it as a Kit option.

Go to the 501 page

Assembled Product

If you prefer not to DIY, choose an Assembled product.
It comes fully assembled, ready to use.

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