Dusk Audio has released Tape Echo 2, a free three-head tape delay and spring reverb plugin for macOS, Windows, and Linux.
I am a massive fan of tape delays, especially when there is a spring reverb involved. This one is clearly going for the classic Space Echo-style workflow, which has been emulated many times already.
I own a few commercial takes on this kind of hardware echo, including the Arturia, Universal Audio, and AudioThing versions. I enjoy using all three because each has a slightly different vibe, and I use delays a lot for sound design work, so I am spoiled for options here.
Still, it is always nice to see someone attempting this type of tape echo for free. Tape Echo 2 goes pretty deep in terms of features, and I like the sound so far. I have not compared it directly against those commercial plugins in one session yet, but it sounds very decent on its own.
The plugin models a tape loop running past one record head and three playback heads, with a spring reverb path included. The heads share one motor, so changing Repeat Rate moves the whole rhythm together instead of treating each tap like a separate digital delay.
There are 12 echo modes covering single heads, multi-head combinations, reverb combinations, and reverb-only operation. Tape Age switches between New, Used, and Old conditions, affecting wow, flutter, hiss, level wobble, and splice dropout together.
The spring reverb uses three unequal springs and short diffusers to fill out the tail. Also, the Record Input switch can mute the tape feed while leaving the spring live, so you can hold a spring wash while the echoes decay underneath. Pretty cool.
Intensity controls regeneration, moving from a single repeat into cascading echoes and self-oscillation. Dusk Audio says the runaway behavior is modeled through the tape path rather than added as a simple feedback loop.
You also get tempo sync, independent echo and reverb levels with panning, Bass and Treble controls on the echo return, VU/peak metering, 13 factory presets, a resizable interface, and full automation support.
The interface gives me a slight vibe-coded feeling, although I do not know whether that is actually how it was made. Either way, this is worth checking out if you are into tape delays, spring reverb, dub throws, and self-oscillating delay sounds.
Tape Echo 2 is completely free, open-source under the GPL-3.0-or-later license, and available as a direct download with no sign-up required. It supports AU, VST3, CLAP, and LV2 on macOS, VST3 and CLAP on Windows, and VST3, CLAP, and LV2 on Linux.
Download: Tape Echo 2 (FREE)
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Last Updated on August 12, 2026 by Tomislav Zlatic.
