Delivering an incredibly accurate reproduction of the one of the first ever mastering tape decks, TEAC A-6100 MKII from IK Multimedia is a plug-in that provides all of the core technology and warmth of the original tape machine, but with modern additions for the working producer. With an intuitive interface modeled on the original hardware that lets you control features like record bias and EQ, TEAC A-6100 MKII makes it easier than ever to add tape color and subtle saturation to your master bus and more.

Like all IK plug-ins in the TASCAM Tape collection, you can choose your signal path, stereo alignment, and transport modeling, for an ultrarealistic experience. Support for up to 32-bit floating point / 192 kHz sampling resolutions are fully included, along with high-quality oversampling. This plug-in can be used as an individual T-RackS processor module, or as a plug-in for DAWs in AU, VST2, VST3, and AAX formats on 64-bit Windows and macOS platforms.

Four Plug-Ins Based on Classic Tape Tech    Four Selectable Tape Formulations    Intuitive UI with Bias and EQ Control    Selectable Tape Speeds    32-Bit / 192 kHz Support    Signal Path and True Stereo Selection    High-Quality Oversampling    AU, VST2, VST3, AAX, and T-RackS Support    For Windows and macOS

The TEAC A-6100 MKII was one of the first tape machines ever made for the sole purpose of mastering. During the development, IK interviewed the original product designer who explained how TEAC engineered the A-6100 in 1973 to be the most reliable and best-sounding mastering deck possible.

And so the TEAC A-6100 MKII was born. Indestructible and without compromise on any components, it was a huge success. In fact, the A-6100 with its admirable sound and Simul-Sync technology was the core unit that evolved into the famous 80-8 multitrack. And now this officially certified digital version is here to add its unique sonic textures to your music.

The T-RackS TEAC A-6100 MKII puts all the controls from the original at your disposal, along with some additional features to help you create just the sound for which you're looking. You can calibrate the record and playback heads, or choose from 2 tape speeds and 4 tape formulas for a wide variety of tape-machine effects. IK has also included a number of presets and you can easily save your own.

For the T-RackS TASCAM Tape collection, each machine was chosen specifically by TASCAM and TEAC themselves, recommending particularly sought-after models from their history and helping IK source the best-sounding units. Each machine then went through a complete restoration to bring them perfectly back to spec before the scientific modeling process started.

IK’s DSP engineering team then took each stage apart, analyzed them in depth, and produced a model of the entire magnetic tape recording process. This model works in symbiosis with a powerful dynamic convolution engine to capture the essence of the real machines, faithfully bringing the complete picture of these complex analog engineering marvels to the digital realm.

Choose from 4 different tape formulations, each with its own unique tone:

• 911: modeled after the BASF SM911, this is the formula TASCAM recommends for an optimal balance between warmth and precision.
• 456: modeled after the Ampex 456 formula, this model went into production around 1974 and is perhaps the most widely used tape, contributing to what is considered the distinctive tape sound. It offers a warm, round tone with a slight touch of saturation that greatly responds to the recording level.
• GP9: modeled after the Quantegy GP9 formula, this tape accepts higher levels of signal with minimal distortion and compression. It's very punchy and perfect for modern, high-quality analog recordings.
• 499: modeled afte the Ampex 499 formula, this tape is designed to handle a great amount of signal level with minimal distortion and compression. It also exhibits enhanced high-frequency definition that makes it ideal for printing digital-like recordings, while still maintaining an analog sound. 

All TASCAM Tape Collection plug-ins share the same set of controls to enhance the ease of use and allow for quick A-B comparisons among them. Key features include:

• Signal path selection: With Input, the signal only passes through the input and output electronic stages of the recorders, bypassing the tape. Repro passes your signal through the entire analog recording system, including the recording amp, recording head, tape, playback head, playback preamp, and output stage.
• True Stereo: Even a perfectly aligned tape machine will have slight level, EQ, and distortion differences between the left and right channels, which is a part of the analog process that many seek out. The A-6100 MKII recreates this effect, and also provides the option to disable it for a perfectly matched stereo field.
• Tape Speed: Select the speed of the tape transport between 7.5 and 15 or 15 and 30 ips. With a higher speed, you get more fidelity, while the lower speed offers a warmer, rounder tone.
• Transport Modeling: Precisely models the behavior of the mechanical transport, reproducing the small irregularities in the movement of the tape. Keep this feature on for a convincing analog performance, or turn it off for a perfectly stead performance.
• Record Bias: Ideal bias voltage settings provide maximum sensitivity and low distortion. With this setting you can intentionally overbias for producing a warmer, gently saturated sound, or underbias to get a nice boost to the high frequencies and add distortion or other nonlinear effects.

Like all T-RackS plug-ins, the TASCAM Tape Collection offers you two ways to work: as a standalone plug-in, or inside the T-RackS 5 shell. Use these together with any of the other 39 T-RackS processors to mix and master faster than ever creating a powerful lightning-fast workflow.

The T-RackS shell offers a unique modular system with up to 16 processor chains, series and parallel routing, easy A/B/C/D comparison, up to 192 kHz / 32-bit floating point processing, and much more, in both plug-in and standalone mastering applications.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. what types of apps are included with this mic?

A: The apps aren't included , you have to download the free version from the App Store or Google Play. But connecting Mic Studio will unlock paid content inside several of these apps. The full list is here: a href= http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irigmicstudio/index.php?pp=irigmicstudio-app target= _blank http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irigmicstudio/index.php?pp=irigmicstudio-app/a

Q: 2. I have iphone se. I want to connect Galaxy GT-V wireless and connect the headphone jack from irig pre to mixer. Will this work and what xlr to 1/8 adapter will I need for the iring pre? Thank you

A: This could work. Use this cable. A headphone into a LINE input may a bit "hot".

Q: 3. Does this mic have a XLR option or is it strictly USB?

A: Besides the input for the included mic, here is what the description says: The unit also features an auxiliary input for your acoustic/electric's existing pickup configuration, and a blend knob.... The processing unit...provides a USB output for connection to Mac and Windows computers, as well as iOS devices. It also offers a 1/4" output for use on stage.

Q: 4. How does it mount on a dashboard of a car?

A: If your dashboard doesn't have a microphone stand, it's probably not going to mount on your dashboard.

Q: 5. It seems, This includes iPhone apps. Is there any app for Android that can be downloaded? Thanks!

A: This product does not support Android.

Q: 6. Is the sound quality good with DSLRs ? I'd like to use this with running and gunning on-the-go with a shotgun mic and not have to sync audio in post. Thanks, Ef

A: The audio recorded by virtually any DSLR's built-in microphone is mediocre at best. The iRig Pre Microphone Interface is not designed to connect to cameras as it is intended for use with iOS devices like the iPhone or iPad. Consider a Shure VP83 LensHopper Shotgun Microphone B&H # SHVP83 which requires no adapters. It is a plug and play mic. An XLR shotgun powered by a battery will offer even better performance but will require a cable and an adapter. Shure VP83 LensHopper Shotgun Microphone B&H # RONTG2K2 (B&H Kit)

Q: 7. Will this securely hold my iPad Pro 12.9 in portrait mode?

A: I am not sure, Brian. I bought it for my son-in-law to use when playing music (holding his Ipad for chords & lyrics) but I don't know the size of his ipad. Otherwise it works great for him.

Q: 8. I want to use this to mount a light. Same L x W dimensions but a little thicker than a tablet. What is the max thickness of tablet/light/etc that this is able to accommodate?

A: The IK Multimedia iKlip Xpand Universal Mic Stand Mount for Tablets BH #IKXMAMSM712 does not have a specification for thickness from the manufacturer. Since it is designed for tablets, the thickness will not be very much. If your device exceeds .23'', it will most likely not fit properly.

Q: 9. How do you recommend attaching this to a rig? Is gaff tape the only solution or do you just let it hang?

A: Honestly, i just use a piece of leather to keep it up.

Q: 10. You are advertising this as coming with iRig Keys Pro, but the image appears to be only of the iRig Keys, and iRig itself only seems to sell this package with the Keys and not the Keys Pro. Does this in fact come with iRig Keys Pro or is that a misprint?

A: It comes with the iRig Keys Pro. It says iRig Keys Pro numerous times in the copy. It seems the photo was never updated.