![Tape Plug-in Metering](https://cdn.softube.com/storage/4981A9B064D1E14AFC7E40CA591532005EB2BAE008DFCC970FE6A9832BABE714/14a2cf61cce74c6ab920daffd208e6b5/jpg/media/b177ea862940450b9f561a59910fb1dd/5-things-to-watch-out-for-when-choosing-a-tape-plug-in-header-metering-b.jpg)
3. Metering you can easily understand
There is more to metering than VU. A THD meter, for instance, can clarify how much distortion your plug-in is giving you, while modern Peak and RMS meters will show you how the peaks are being shaved off. Built-in mastering-class LUFS meters, on the other hand, let you ensure that your project is ready for all platforms when it's time to add that final polish to the master bus. A standard-issue VU meter is helpful in some circumstances, of course. But advanced meters can be instrumental in helping you fully appreciate how the tape machine is affecting your sound.
![Tape Plug-in Speeds](https://cdn.softube.com/storage/83E77140825DBF771FC96640FA6AB23D7C05B8B39C6F99996C650FA9C4557EC5/33646600d226400d936c91dceddfcf93/jpg/media/80b8667e87784352a82f0bea7b33cd85/5-things-to-watch-out-for-when-choosing-a-tape-plug-in-tape-speeds-b.jpg)
4. Tape speeds with real range
Subtle is great. But when it comes to tape machine emulations, look for plug-ins that do more than that. With a broad set of tape speeds, you can do nuanced but also extreme—and everywhere in between. Lower tape speeds, for example, enable you to get a lot of flavor from the machine. Keep your eye out for tape plug-ins that offer a comprehensive range of speeds and sound quality that stays high no matter what.
![Tape Plug-in Creativity](https://cdn.softube.com/storage/363DBBCC8D036BBDA25E488E55ED9D6D03BAA775034105F8987DF2EFC7354678/f09dba95273b46aea0672a006acb313c/jpg/media/1c35cd213db94096ae4136a225db52ea/5-things-to-watch-out-for-when-choosing-a-tape-plug-in-header-creativity.jpg)
5. Creative effects (and side-effects)
Tape wobble, hiss, crosstalk, start and stop—the things traditional tape operators tried to avoid are what make tape emulation plug-ins so much fun to play with. Of course, it is vital to get a tape machine emulation that can add shine to the master bus, but you will be best served by a plug-in that can be a creative tool too. Look for tape plug-ins full of glitchy antics that can also be sophisticated when needed.
![waveform-divider.svg](https://cdn.softube.com/storage/336D6AC0904F2090C0B41688BF6A2ABE303549EEE2152E4467EBB78B6F3EDEA8/cddd729a1cd441328fa4f329a4ca4b33/svg/media/0ebb8ce461dc4d73b3afd86f340b3f4f/waveform-divider.svg)
There you have it: our top five tips for choosing a tape plug-in. Now, you can go forth and shop—and mix—with confidence. Learn more about our range of tape emulations below. And try them free for up to 20 days.