Summary

PrimalTap is a retro digital delay plugin by Soundtoys that emulates and expands upon the classic Prime Time delay hardware from the late 1970s. It features two independent delay taps, a unique "Multiply" control for pitch-warped delay times, a versatile VCO modulation section, and a Freeze function for looping and sound design.

Key Features

• Emulates the vintage Prime Time delay with a hybrid digital-analog sound character
• Multiply control doubles delay time and halves sample rate, generating gritty lo-fi echoes and pitch jumps
• VCO section with four modulation waveforms enabling chorus, flanging, ring modulation, and pitch warping
• Freeze feature to capture and loop audio slices with tempo sync or manual time settings for creating complex textures and soundscapes
• Expanded memory up to 2500 milliseconds delay time compared to the original 128-256 ms
• Independent delay taps each with depth and phase VCO controls for complex stereo modulation
• New feedback modes including parallel, series, ping pong, and reverb-style echoes
• Input Drive control to add unique saturation and breakup effects
• Host tempo sync with automation support for expressive sound manipulation

Historical Context and Evolution

PrimalTap is inspired by the original Prime Time delay unit released in 1978, favored by artists like Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno for its distinctive sound and performance capabilities. While faithfully emulating the original, PrimalTap extends its features to modern standards, adding more memory, modulation options, and creative feedback algorithms.

Technical Details

• Compatible with Mac OS X 10.15+ and Windows 10+ (except ARM-based Windows)
• Plugin formats supported: AAX Native, AAX AudioSuite, VST 2, VST 3, and Audio Units (AU), all 64-bit
• Supported sample rates: 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz
• Requires internet connection at activation

Documentation and Related Products

A detailed manual is available for download as PDF. PrimalTap is also available in a simpler single-delay-line version called Little PrimalTap. Both are part of the Soundtoys 5 effects collection.