Dubspot Tape M15
Version 1.0.0. A tape effect with saturation, pitch movement, low-frequency weight and optional tape noise.
A first pass
Insert M15 on a drum bus or stereo track and start with Studio 38. Compare TAPE and THRU, then adjust Output so the processed and bypassed signals have similar perceived loudness. Raise Mojo for stronger saturation, memory and tonal movement. Use Mix to blend the processed signal with latency-aligned dry audio.
Main controls
| Control |
Function |
| Input / Output |
Drive the tape stage and set the final level. Each trim ranges from -18 to +18 dB. |
| Mojo |
Increase magnetic coloration, memory, high-frequency loss and bass weight, from 0 to 10. Zero retains the baseline tape model. |
| Tape |
Choose LPR35, SM911, SM900 or 468. Each choice changes the model and reel artwork. |
| Speed |
Select 19, 38 or 76 cm/s. Speed changes frequency response and motion. |
| IEC / NAB |
Select the record/replay equalization family. |
| Wow / Flutter |
Adjust slower and faster pitch movement independently. |
| Mix |
Blend dry and processed audio from 0 to 100 percent. |
| TAPE / THRU |
Enable processing or pass latency-aligned dry audio. THRU bypasses level trims. |
Alignment
Bias trims the head/speed alignment over a -3 to +3 dB range. Reference flux selects 200, 320 or 510 nWb/m. Head selects Vacodur or Ferrite. Bass trim, LF corner and LF phase shape the low-frequency response. Tape noise has an independent on/off control and a level from -100 to -30 dBFS. Crosstalk can be disabled. Input pad provides 0 or -4 dB before the tape path.
Metering and comparison
The VU meters measure native audio, with an input/output selector. A sine wave at -18 dBFS peak corresponds to 0 VU. A and B hold separate settings; Copy transfers the current settings to the other slot. Six factory starting points cover studio tape, warmer speed, motion, driven drums and alignment changes. Deck hides the reel mechanism when screen space is limited. Alignment reveals secondary controls.
Requirements
macOS 13 or later, Apple Silicon or Intel, and a compatible AU, VST3 or AAX Native host. Audio sample rates from 44.1 to 192 kHz are supported. Your host may require a newer macOS version.
Installation
Close your audio host, open the macOS installer, and select the formats you use. Administrator permission is required. AU, VST3 and AAX Native are installed in their standard system folders. Open the host and select the plug-in from its browser. Windows is coming soon.
Activate or try
Choose Activate in the plug-in, then Activate / Start trial. Sign in to your Dubspot account. The same account works for courses and plug-ins. Start the 14-day trial, or activate your purchased licence for this computer. Download the .dubspotlicense file and choose Import licence file in the plug-in.
One perpetual licence covers up to three computers and all included desktop formats. The Analog Bundle includes one licence for each of its four plug-ins. Each plug-in has its own three-computer allowance. An iLok is not needed for the Dubspot customer licence; your host may have its own licensing requirements.
Paid activation does not require periodic internet access. To activate an offline studio computer, use Copy offline request, take the request to a connected computer, and paste it into the matching plug-in's licence section in your Dubspot account. Transfer the resulting licence file back and import it.
Sessions, presets and automation
Save your host session to retain the current sound. Factory presets, user presets and host sessions do not contain your licence. Automate exposed parameters through your host. Keep the previous installer and back up important sessions before updating. Desktop AU/VST3/AAX and mobile AUv3 have separate host identities; sessions do not automatically migrate between them.
Licence management
Manage activations at https://www.dubspot.com/account/plugins. To move a licence, deactivate the old computer, stop using the plug-in there and remove its licence file. Deactivation frees a slot but cannot erase an offline file remotely. If a computer is lost, contact admin@dubspot.com.
The trial is fully functional for 14 days and never starts an automatic payment. A running, activated instance keeps working until closed, including when its trial reaches the end. New instances need a valid licence after the trial ends.
Troubleshooting
If the plug-in is missing, verify that you installed the format your host supports and that its architecture and OS requirements are met. Follow the host's own plug-in discovery instructions. Do not copy a mobile AUv3 into the desktop plug-in folder.
If activation fails, check that the downloaded licence belongs to this product and this computer. Use the product's Activate button to supply its computer ID. A licence for a different plug-in, or a file copied from another computer, cannot unlock this one. Check the computer clock when a trial reports invalid dates.
Removal
Close audio applications. Remove only this product's bundles from the locations below. Keep user presets, licences and installers if you may reinstall. Removing the application files does not cancel ownership or free an activation slot; manage activations separately in your account.
Support
Contact admin@dubspot.com with the product name, version, macOS version and host version. Do not send your password. Direct purchases have a full refund period of 14 days; retailer purchases are handled by the retailer. The supplied EULA explains the complete terms. Mobile App Store purchases are separate.
AU: /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/Dubspot M15.component
VST3: /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/Dubspot M15.vst3
AAX: /Library/Application Support/Avid/Audio/Plug-Ins/Dubspot M15.aaxplugin
Licence file: ~/Library/Application Support/Dubspot/Licenses/M15.dubspotlicense