Bedroom Producers Blog has launched BPB Dirty VHS, a free tape emulation plugin for Windows and Mac. The plugin is the result of an in-depth analysis of various VCR models and VHS tapes, with the aim of recreating the unique sound and vibe of each unit.
The team at Bedroom Producers Blog studied a range of VCR models, from those in perfect working condition to those in desperate need of repair. They also tested multiple VHS tapes, including new and completely destroyed cassettes. The analysis focused on extracting the information for pitch variation, circuit and transport noise, dynamics, and frequency response for each analyzed unit. The internal tape emulation algorithm slices the incoming audio into small pieces, with tiny crossfades for each slice, so that the musical timing of the incoming material will be preserved even with extreme variations in pitch.
BPB Dirty VHS offers eight processing modes. Each mode simulates different combinations of VHS and VCR units with unique pitch inconsistencies and tonal characteristics. These modes include “Golden”, “Old”, “80s”, “Generation”, “Broken”, “Long-play”, “Circuit-bent”, and “Console”. Each mode is modelled on a different VHS player, from a 90s player in good condition to a broken player in dire need of repair, and even a vintage video game console recorded onto a VHS tape.
Additionally, Dirty VHS features three operation modes: “Grainy”, “Smooth”, and “Whammy”. The “Grainy” mode is the most accurate but also the hardest on the CPU, while the “Smooth” mode is less precise but also less demanding. The “Whammy” mode turns BPB Dirty VHS into a pitch shifter, ideal for extreme pitching effects.
The plugin also includes a tape chorus effect that simulates the chorusing you’d get when recording a signal to multiple VHS tapes. It’s an incredibly warm chorus that perfectly matches virtual analog synths. The chorus also has a stereo spread feature that makes the effect wider. You can make the chorus sound more lo-fi by increasing the value of the Pitch knob.
BPB Dirty VHS also features a Dirt algorithm, which allows users to distort the signal using tape-style distortion. Combine with the pitch and tone coloration modules for complex lo-fi effects. But the Dirt knob isn’t the only way to distort the signal using BPB Dirty VHS. Experiment with the Circuit-bent, Console, and Whammy modes for unique pitch modulation, pitch shifting, and crushing effects.
Key features of BPB Dirty VHS include mode selection, pitch modulation, tone shaping, noise, dirt algorithm, tape chorus, stereo control, randomization, user-friendly interface, presets, and undo/redo functionality. The plugin comes with 20 built-in presets and the ability to create and save custom presets. The user interface is freely resizable with large controls and a simple layout, making it easy to use.
