Spitfire Audio releases LABS Tape Piano, the latest addition to the LABS series.
No matter how many LABS instruments we cover, I’m always impressed by the quality and surprised by the lack of traction they seem to generate.
Maybe it’s just me, but people don’t seem to have the same excitement for LABS releases as they do for some other freebies. I know I sound like a broken record with LABS, but it’s an extremely useful free collection for any composer.
The latest addition to the series is Tape Piano, a modern upright piano processed with vintage tape machines.
We know that LABS instruments are typically very cinematic, and Tape Piano is no different, but this lo-fi piano will sound great on anything from soundtracks to Pop and Hip Hop (and much more).
The unique character of the Tape Piano comes from variations of the featured tape loops, echoes, and magnetic card reader.
As you’ll hear in the demo video, moving the variation slider can take you from warm and wobbly to gritty and unpredictable (and everywhere in-between). Although Tape Piano is the sound of a modern upright piano, its lo-fi nature brings some of the charming qualities of playing an old piano.
Old pianos that look, sound, and feel a bit wonky are sometimes most enjoyable to play because they are a bit unpredictable. They never entirely stay in tune; no two keys feel like they have the same action, you don’t have complete control, but it can sound great.
The lo-fi sound has been used over and over, and I still like it. But, it should never sound uniformed or contrived; it should sound unpredictable and, at times, on the edge of being out of control.
Spitfire Audio has created a great lo-fi piano instrument with that element of unpredictability that makes it sound like something real.
LABS instruments function in the free Spitfire Audio plugin, which comes in AU, VST2, VST3, and AAX formats for macOS (10.13 – 11 M1 supported) and Windows ( 7, 8, or 10).
Check out previous additions like Cello Moods and Glass Piano!
Download: LABS Tape Piano
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4 Comments
Brenny C
onI agree, James. LABS doesn’t get hyped up like a lot of other free software. While I do see and hear LABS mentioned here and there, the fact that it’s not something every single producer uses is actually a good thing in my view; it keeps LABS as a somewhat hidden gem. With that said, it’s good to see some more love for LABS so thank you for this post!
James N
onLABS is awesome!
Coopmusic247
onPerhaps we don’t comment enough because we are so quick to just run over and grab it. Labs is probably one of the only suites that is just duh to have.
James N
onHey, I sometimes get comparatively weak reactions when I speak to people about LABS in-person, but you have a good point!
Cheers!