# ChowTapeModel

> Analog tape machine emulation audio plugin with detailed parameter control. (iPhone/iPad app by Jatin Chowdhury.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chowtapemodel/id1557806564 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Jatin Chowdhury](https://appshunter.io/developer/1547671735)
- Category: Music, Music
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.98/5 from 51 App Store ratings · 16 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 11.4 · 11 MB
- Released: 2021-04-20
- Data updated: 2026-07-07
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chowtapemodel/id1557806564/reviews.md

## What is ChowTapeModel?

CHOW Tape Model is a physical model of an analog tape machine, implemented as an audio plugin. The model has parameters for tape distortion, playhead loss, wow/flutter, tape degradation, and more. Originally designed to emulate the Sony TC-260 reel-to-reel tape machine, the current version can emulate a wide range of tape machines and tape types.




CHOW Tape Model began as a class project for Music 420 at Stanford University (CCRMA), and resulted in an academic paper published at the 2019 DAFx conference. There are several supporting materials that may be interesting to users with a more technical background:
- Source code: https://github.com/jatinchowdhury18/AnalogTapeModel
- Technical Paper: https://dafx2019.bcu.ac.uk/papers/DAFx2019_paper_3.pdf




Chow Tape Model installs as an AUv3 plugin that can be used in host applications like Garageband or AUM.

## Key features

- Tape distortion emulation
- Playhead loss simulation
- Wow and flutter control
- Tape degradation modeling
- Emulates various tape machines
- AUv3 plugin format

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Small Tip | $1.99 | one-time |
| Medium Tip | $4.99 | one-time |
| Large Tip | $9.99 | one-time |
| Huge Tip | $24.99 | one-time |


## Recent user reviews (10 of 16)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chowtapemodel/id1557806564/reviews.md

### 5/5 — I love it

*2026-03-28, version 2.11.4*

Chowtapemodel is so realistic and customizable

### 5/5 — Amazing plugin

*2026-02-11, version 2.11.4*

Sounds great too.

### 5/5 — Great Free Tools.

*2025-11-17, version 2.11.4*

I have used CHOW Tools for over a year now and I am impressed!! Easy setup and easy to use. I have used CHOW tools in sound design, mixing and editing. They are great especially when I was a student and on a budget and I still use them from time to time over paid products.

### 5/5 — Usefull

*2025-08-01, version 2.11.4*

I use this app all the time, great presets.

### 5/5 — Great. Exactly what I needed. Appreciate the freebie

*2024-11-15, version 2.11.4*

Very good. It is a must have 👍

### 5/5 — Here is Chowdsp and there is ik multimedia

*2023-11-26, version 2.11.4*

At one end, chowdsp is pulling off some incredibly creative apps related to audio production and ojnthe otherside IK multimedia is making so called third grade apps which are full of bugs and glitches and doesn't even work.

On behalf of ios community i pay my deepest and sincerest respect to the true developer of ios. Chowdsp. 

Respect!!!

### 5/5 — Amazing for any price

*2021-12-09, version 2.10.0*

This plugin sounds great and can achieve a wide variety of Tape vibes and effects.
I occasionally have issues with the plugin crashing on IOS whilst having multiple instances in use at the same time. 

You can tune in any given tape sound yourself or use the variety of presets to quickly get a desired sound.
I won’t name names, but this easily beats a large majority of Tape plugins with a price tag on them.

Thank You Chowdsp for all the time you spent making and maintaining this plugin.

### 5/5 — The best tape simulation I’ve found so far.

*2021-06-08, version 2.8.0*

The sound quality and depth of control available in a free app is incredible. Apps like this are what I appreciate the most about making music on iOS. Highly recommended.

### 5/5 — Does tape..

*2021-05-26, version 2.8.0*

Without “chowing” out tape. Geddit..

### 5/5 — Excellent sonics

*2021-05-19, version 2.8.0*

Really surprised by how good this sounds, and how easy it is to get noticeable and usable timbres from it.  As others have said, it leaves some other paid tape emulations in the dust in my opinion. Great work

## Frequently asked questions about ChowTapeModel

### What is ChowTapeModel?

ChowTapeModel is an audio plugin that simulates the sonic characteristics of analog tape machines. It allows users to control parameters like tape distortion, wow/flutter, and degradation to achieve a vintage tape sound.

### What devices does ChowTapeModel support?

ChowTapeModel is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod. It functions as an AUv3 plugin, meaning it can be used within compatible host applications on these devices.

### Is ChowTapeModel free to use?

Yes, ChowTapeModel is free to download and use. The app does offer in-app purchases, suggesting there may be optional features or expansions available for purchase.

### How often is ChowTapeModel updated?

The latest version of ChowTapeModel is 2.11.4, released on November 5, 2023. This indicates a relatively active development cycle, with updates provided to improve functionality and reliability.

### What is the age rating for ChowTapeModel?

ChowTapeModel has an age rating of 4+. This suggests it is suitable for users of all ages and does not contain mature content.

### Can ChowTapeModel be used offline?

As an audio plugin, ChowTapeModel's functionality is dependent on the host application it is used within. If your host application supports offline use, ChowTapeModel should also function offline.

### Where can I find technical information about ChowTapeModel?

Technical details and supporting materials for ChowTapeModel are available. You can find the source code on GitHub and a published academic paper from the 2019 DAFx conference.

### What makes ChowTapeModel unique compared to other tape plugins?

ChowTapeModel offers a detailed physical model of analog tape machines, allowing for nuanced control over various tape characteristics. It was developed through academic research and provides access to its source code for technical users.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.11.4 — 2023-11-05

- Added "RK" preset pack.
- Fixed issues with "Wow" processing at higher sample rates.
- Fixed "Mix Group" being reset with preset changes.
- Improved factory preset level normalization.

### 2.11.2 — 2023-02-03

Fixed "Bad Signal" warnings in AUM.

### 2.11.1 — 2023-01-14

- Improved graphics rendering performance.
- Adjusted clip guard for RK2 Hysteresis mode.
- Fixed phase bound for Flutter processor.
- Fixed main view scrolling when dragging sliders on iOS.

### 2.11.0 — 2022-07-14

- Added multi-channel processing support.
- Added stereo/mid-side "balance" controls.
- Improved presets system, and added new built-in presets from Carter and Cool WAV.
- Improved UI scaling behaviour, especially for high-resolution screens.
- Fixed V1 mode creating high-pitched tone with linear phase oversampling.

### 2.10.0 — 2021-12-05

- Added mid/side processing option.
- Fixed linear phase oversampling affecting frequency response in STN mode.

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## More apps by Jatin Chowdhury

- [ChowCentaur](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chowcentaur/id1547671733)
- [ChowKick](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chowkick/id1567842112)
- [BYOD](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/byod/id1595313287)
- [ChowMatrix](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chowmatrix/id1598726146)
- [ChowMultiTool](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chowmultitool/id6448428301)

All apps by Jatin Chowdhury: https://appshunter.io/developer/1547671735

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-07-07.*
