# Reels - LoFi Tape — Tape Echo with Start and Stop

> Tape echo and start/stop effect plugin with Lo-Fi analog sound. (iPhone/iPad app by AudioThing Ltd..)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reels-lofi-tape/id1662498557 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [AudioThing Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1659941236)
- Category: Music
- Price: $19.99
- Rating: 4.90/5 from 21 App Store ratings · 3 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 14.0 · 37 MB
- Released: 2023-03-09
- Data updated: 2026-08-22
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reels-lofi-tape/id1662498557/reviews.md

## What is Reels?

Reels is a tape emulation plugin with built-in echo section and tape start and tape stop effect, available as AUv3 and Standalone.
It's based on an old Japanese portable tape recorder with a very distinct Lo-Fi analog sound. Reels emulates all the imperfections of consumer reel-to-reel recorders.

## Key features

- Tape emulation
- Built-in echo section
- Tape start and stop effects
- Lo-Fi analog sound
- AUv3 and Standalone compatibility

## Recent user reviews (3 of 3)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reels-lofi-tape/id1662498557/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Easiest way to get clean lo-fi

*2023-06-05*

First, really responsive developer!  I found a weird thing that was the plugin working as intended with an unintended consequence.  He nailed it in less than 8 hours, and started on an update to fix it.  Bravo!

Always reach out and give developers a shot before you bash the review button.

This thing sounds great, is basically zero latency, and makes synth pads and leads come alive.  It can be gritty, warbly, saturated, and give a slap echo that is unique and nothing like a clean Studer or Ampex.  It can sound totally busted, but still free from that harsh, over crispy digital aliasing distortion, comb filtering, and odd harmonics that some lofi plugins give. 

So much motion is possible in the stereo field, without a sea sick auto panning/tremolo feel.  The idea of applying an envelope to the hiss and motor is genius.  I always get irritated with some simpler plugin designs where the crackling is present until I hit bypass.  Sometimes I only want it when I’m playing.

Great work.

### 5/5 — The Lo-Fi producers secret weapon !! Buy this !!

*2023-04-05*

This is an excellent authentic Lo-Fi reel-to-reel tape machine with 3 different reel types, 2 tape speeds and tons of presets and settings to play around with. Works on any audio, instrument track, or master track. Beautifully designed interface too. Sometimes I just stare at it in awe watching it work. This app is very stable and works well in Cubasis 3, AUM, and Audiobus 3. 100% worth the price. Well done AudioThing!

### 4/5 — Almost perfect

*2023-03-17*

Anyone who has been making music with IOS for more than 5 minutes already has one or more Lo-Fi apps, so why buy this one? The main answer is because it sounds better, IMHO, than any of the others. The layout of controls are also more intuitive making it easier to get that subtle warm vibe, as opposed to something that hits the mix like a truck. Although, Reels can do that, too. What I would like to see added, is a way to manually move the tape reels back and forth, which is possible in at least one rival app.

## Frequently asked questions about Reels

### What kind of sound does Reels produce?

Reels emulates the distinct Lo-Fi analog sound of old Japanese portable tape recorders. It captures the imperfections of consumer reel-to-reel machines for a vintage audio character.

### What are the main effects offered by Reels?

Reels includes a tape emulation engine, a built-in echo section for delay effects, and unique tape start and tape stop effects to simulate the behavior of physical tape machines.

### Is Reels available on multiple devices?

Yes, Reels is supported on iPhone, iPad, and iPod, making it versatile for different iOS audio setups.

### What is the price of Reels?

Reels is a paid application, priced at $9.99. This one-time purchase grants access to all its features.

### How often is Reels updated?

The latest version, 1.5.4, was released on March 30, 2026. While this indicates a recent update, the developer's update frequency can vary.

### What is the age rating for Reels?

Reels has an age rating of 4+, indicating it is suitable for users of all ages.

### Does Reels have ads?

No, Reels does not contain advertisements. As a paid application, it offers an ad-free experience for users.

### Can Reels be used as a standalone application?

Yes, Reels can be used as a standalone application, meaning you can run it without needing a separate DAW or host application.

## Version history (last 3 releases)

### 1.5.4 — 2026-03-30

- Improved: CPU and memory usage

### 1.5.3 — 2024-02-16

- Long press to edit values
- Added: Graphics Controls (Brightness and Contrast)
- Fixed: Echo Feedback getting too hot causing CPU spikes
- Fixed: Latency compensation filtering Dry signal when Oversampled

### 1.5.2 — 2023-03-09

No release notes.

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## More apps by AudioThing Ltd.

- [Filterjam](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/filterjam/id1659941144)
- [Dials - Test Equipment Channel](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dials-test-equipment-channel/id1660423191)
- [Wires - Vintage Wire Echo](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wires-vintage-wire-echo/id1661379414)
- [Noises - Creative Textures](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/noises-creative-textures/id1661984586)
- [Things - Bubbles](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/things-bubbles/id1662271287)

All apps by AudioThing Ltd.: https://appshunter.io/developer/1659941236

## Related topics

[reels music](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/reels-music)

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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 2026-08-22.*