TapeDesk: 4-Track Tape Studio

TapeDesk: 4-Track Tape Studio

Synth, samplers and sequencer

9 ratings
5 reviews
$4.99

Details

Released
June 6, 2026
Updated
September 30, 2026
TapeDesk: 4-Track Tape Studio screenshot #1 for iPhone
TapeDesk: 4-Track Tape Studio screenshot #2 for iPhone
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TapeDesk: 4-Track Tape Studio screenshot #4 for iPhone
TapeDesk: 4-Track Tape Studio screenshot #5 for iPhone
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TapeDesk: 4-Track Tape Studio screenshot #8 for iPhone
iphone
ipad
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About

This app is a 4-track tape recorder for iPhone and iPad, offering a simple interface for recording, overdubbing, and mixing. It features real varispeed, sound-on-sound looping, and built-in effects, with the ability to export finished mixes or individual stems. It also functions as an AUv3 plugin for use in other DAWs.

✓4-track tape recorder
✓Real varispeed and pitch control
✓Sound-on-sound looping
✓Non-destructive editing
✓Built-in mixer and effects
✓AUv3 plugin support
✓Export stems or master mix
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What's New in TapeDesk

2.0.1

September 30, 2026

fix: the bluetooth button closed the app on ios 27 fix: midi keyboards skipped the arp and the sequencer fix: some plugins opened blank or cropped fix: the synth went silent after some plugin preset changes

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User reviews

Incredibly fun!

Just had a blast in my first hour with it and can tell it is a very powerful tool. Definitely worth the price.

Tape magic

I don’t know why or how, but the app just has some kind of a magic workflow. It’s inspired by OP-1, but much more capable and fluid.

You can use it straight as a tape recorder, or make it your favorite groovebox. Sequencers are nice, synth engines sounds great.

But it’s not that important as a magic workflow. Despite of the whole plethora of music apps these days, there are only two of them, where I make finished tracks. Koala sampler and this beautiful thing.
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Good workflow. Simple to use (but can be deep) and fun.

The app can be used as a multitrack audio recorder standalone or as an AUV3 plugin. It can also be a synth (nice presets). Can be deeper than that (include a sampler, an arpeggiator and chord player, among other things). The workflow is interesting. It is beautiful and well designed.

Good but….

Good, I really like it, but unable to find it as an auv3 in any daw on iPad.

Great…apart from the AUV3

I love this app on my iPhone and it’s so handy for recording demos. I was excited to hear that it was now an Audio Unit but I can’t get the Auv3 to load on my iPad. I guess this will be fixed but giving it 4 stars until then.

Response from developer

Hi! thank you for the feedback, it’s strange that the plugin does not work in the ipad.. i release a new version with several fixes for the AUv3.. let me know if you still have problem and i will review your case to fix it!

Developer apps

FAQ

What is TapeDesk?

TapeDesk is a 4-track tape recorder app for iPhone and iPad designed to emulate the workflow and sound of analog tape machines. It allows for recording, overdubbing, and mixing with features like varispeed and built-in effects.

Does TapeDesk have ads?

No, TapeDesk is ad-free. The developer explicitly states there are no ads, tracking, or subscriptions, ensuring a private recording experience.

What devices is TapeDesk compatible with?

TapeDesk is available for iPhone and iPad. It is designed to run natively on these devices, offering a solid and low-latency audio experience.

How does TapeDesk handle varispeed?

TapeDesk features real varispeed from 0.25x to 2x, affecting both speed and pitch as on old cassette decks. This means recording at a bent speed is printed into the take, offering a unique creative tool.

Can I use TapeDesk with other music apps?

Yes, TapeDesk runs as an AUv3 plugin, allowing it to be used within hosts like AUM, Logic, and other compatible DAWs. Your projects can seamlessly move between the standalone app and the plugin.

What effects are included in TapeDesk?

TapeDesk includes seven built-in effects: TapeSat (saturation), Delay (wavering tape delay), Reverb (room simulation), CRUSH, HAZE, WOBBLE, and SHIMMER. These effects are printed into the take and can be augmented with third-party AUv3 effects.

How often is TapeDesk updated?

TapeDesk was last updated on June 25, 2026, with version 1.1. The app is developed in native Swift with a C++ audio engine, ensuring reliability and performance.

What is the price of TapeDesk?

TapeDesk is a paid app, available for $4.99. It is a one-time purchase with no subscriptions or in-app purchases required.