SoundToys PrimalTap Retro Delay with Freeze

Modeled retro dual delay with "freeze" for lo-fi pitch warped loops and delays.

PrimalTap is an emulation and re-imagining of the unique sound and features of the Prime Time delay, a classic digital delay with some powerful performance and sound design capabilities. Like the original hardware, PrimalTap is a hybrid of digital and analog sound - it packs a surprising amount of grit, vibe, and character for a digital delay. In true Soundtoys fashion, some of the unique features of the original hardware has been evolved and enhanced to give you even more control and creative possibilities. Whether you're looking for a studio delay that's full of 80s character, or a performance tool that responds to knob tweaking with mind-bending sounds, PrimalTap is a must!

Multiply - In PrimalTap, the Multiply control doubles the delay time and halves the sample rate with each turn of the rotary switch. This is an emulation of the old Prime Time units - back in the early 80s the memory needed for the delay circuit was really expensive, so the designers cleverly let you choose longer delay times at the expense of audio quality.

Modulate - Like the original hardware, PrimalTap includes a VCO (voltage controlled oscillator) section that lets you add variation and motion to your echoes. Use it to create lush chorused effects, tape-like flanging, and echoes that drift gently in pitch. It's perfect for dialing up those great shimmering guitar sounds of the 80s, or for creating more wild and unstable modulations. Unlike the original, PrimalTap's Rate control lets you take the VCO up into the audio frequency range, so you can even create robotic ring modulation effects.

Freeze - Ready to move into even weirder territory? Tap the Freeze button to grab a slice of incoming audio. At its most basic, the Freeze feature lets you loop audio, either synced to tempo or at a length you choose. But the real madness begins when you start to adjust the Time, Freeze and VCO settings - you can quickly warp and modulate a sliver of audio into weird and beautiful soundscapes.

Highlights

• Get vintage digital delay sounds inspired by the quirky Prime Time echo


• Create complex delay effects and modulations with 2 independent delay taps


• Create insane pitch jumps with the Multiply knob


• Create everything from lush chorus to sci-fi warbles with the VCO section


• Sample, loop and warp incoming audio using the unique Freeze control


• Go beyond the original hardware with expanded memory and creative new features

Extra Features and Enhancements:

Expanded VCO - The original just had one modulation VCO shape; PrimalTap gives you four different options. You can push the VCO rate far beyond the original, move it way up into the audio range for ring modulation effects. You can even independently control the VCO depth for each of the two delay taps, and flip the phase of each to have modulation moving in two different directions.

Upgraded Memory - While the original was limited to 128 milliseconds of delay time (or 256 with a very pricey upgrade!) PrimalTap maxes out at a comparatively massive 2500 milliseconds. Create extra long echos, or sample and loop up to 2.5 seconds of audio with the Freeze feature.

New Feedback Algorithms - PrimalTap's feedback section offers four new feedback types not found in the original: parallel and series modes, ping pong modes for creative stereo effects, and a special reverb mode that excels at lush washes of echo.

Sync to Host - By locking to your DAW's tempo, you can tame the beast. Or, if you want, just let it run wild! Both delay lines can be independently synced to a note value or set to a millisecond value for maximum flexibility.

Host Automation - Capture the mind-altering sounds of PrimalTap knob tweaks by automating with your favorite DAW. Whether you're recording your frenzied knob moves, or drawing directly into your host, automation really unlocks the creative potential of this effect!

Input Drive - Soundtoys gives you an "IN" amount so you can get the sound of pushing that old hardware too hard. It's actually a very unique break-up saturation you can use to give sounds a little more or a lot more bite and attitude.

Specs

Current Version: 5.2.0

Plug-in Formats (both 32 and 64-bit): AAX Native, AAX AudioSuite, VST, and Audio Units (AU)

Supported Sample Rates: Minimum: 44.1 kHz, Maximum: 192 kHz

System Requirements:
• Operating systems: Mac OS X 10.8 or later; Windows 7 or later
• An internet connection is required at the time of activation.

Supported Hosts: Pro Tools (10.3.5 or later), Live, Cubase, Nuendo, Sonar, Logic, Digital Performer