Tuğrul Akyüz (2Rule) has released an update to his recent tape delay effect plugin. Version 1.3.0 of TugPhonon brings various new features and support for Ubuntu Linux.
TugPhonon simulates a rotating magnetic disk with 8 playback heads — a concept pioneered by Pierre Schaeffer and Jacques Poullin in the early 1950s. Audio is continuously written onto a virtual tape loop. The 8 heads read back from different positions on that loop simultaneously, each with its own filter, effects chain, and spatial placement. The result is somewhere between a tape delay, a granular texture machine, and a spectral decomposition tool.
Changes in TugPhonon v1.3.0
- Per-Head EQ: Each head now features its own independent EQ section for precise tonal shaping.
- LFO Phase Control for MOD: Offset the LFO phase between heads, unlocking wider spatial and rhythmic possibilities.
- Pivot & Skew for Heads:
- Pivot now uses a physical string model.
- Skew range has been increased, with exponential and continuous movement.
- Left/Right Offset – Separated: L and R offsets are now independent per head, offering full stereo width control.
- SHIFT Modifier for EQ Tab: The SHIFT modifier now works inside the EQ tab, consistent with other tabs.
- New MIDI Distribution Modes: Choose how MIDI notes are assigned across 8 heads:
- Round-Robin – Notes cycle through heads 1–8 in order.
- Pitch-Sorted – Lowest note to head 1, highest to head 8; chords spread across the disk.
- Polyphonic – Each head acts as a fully independent voice.
- Each head label displays its currently assigned MIDI note.
- MTS-ESP Support:
- Full support for the ODDSound MTS-ESP (MIDI Tuning Standard – Extended Protocol).
- When an MTS-ESP master is active, resonator and ring mod pitch follow the retuned scale automatically.
- MOD Waveform Crossfades: LFO shape switching now crossfades instead of snapping — no clicks during performance.
- Smooth Random Waveform: Random waveform is now interpolated rather than stepped.
- MOD Depth & Rate Smoothing: Automating or adjusting MOD depth/rate no longer causes zipper noise.
- Gain & Pan Smoothing: Per-head gain and pan controls also benefit from zipper‑free smoothing.
- PANIC Button: Clears stuck notes, resets resonators and ring mod, and silences runaway feedback.
- Loop Feedback Control: Feedback is now an explicit, dedicated control.
- Resizable Window: The plugin window can be freely resized; the UI layout scales accordingly.
- Spectrum Analyzer & Oscilloscope: Both are now visible in the interface, with a low-cut filter on the spectrum view.
- Presets: Preset browser now includes categories, with identical structure on macOS and Windows.
- Visual Design: Complete UI overhaul with a dark neon theme. Each tab features its own accent colour.
- Installer for Windows and Debian Support.
The plugin is a “pay what you like” download, including free. It is available in VST3 and AU plugin formats for Windows, macOS and Ubuntu Linux.
More information: TugPhonon
