From Vintage Analog Delay to Experimental Sounds: Imaginando K7D

Analog tape delay is one of my favorite pieces of equipment. I frequently use both hardware and software plugins.

One of the most popular and long-loved tape delay products is the Roland Space Echo, which has recently been released as a plugin version by the original manufacturer.

However, the K7D from Imaginando is also a noteworthy tape delay plugin. True to Imaginando's reputation for releasing products suitable for unique and creative sound-making, the K7D can provide distinctive effects while excellently preserving a vintage analog feel.

What is Tape Delay?

Tape delay is a very old analog technique. When tape delay is activated, sound is recorded onto magnetic tape and then played back to create a delay effect.

Unlike digital delay, which cleanly reproduces the original sound, tape delay creates a warm, pleasant delay sound as it's played back through magnetic tape.

Another characteristic of tape and analog delay is the ability to create feedback loops by greatly increasing the amount of repeated signals. Therefore, DAWs and digital effects often use plugins that emulate this operating principle to apply analog and tape delay effects.

Using Classic Analog Delay

While the K7D has various functions, it also performs well as a basic simple delay. Using the TIME, FEEDBACK, and DRY/WET knobs, you can create a simple delay with analog effects.

The FEEDBACK knob can be adjusted from 0% to 200%. At 200%, you can see feedback loops starting to occur automatically, even without playing anything, just like hardware equipment.

You can also adjust the TIME to match your project's BPM by pressing the SYNC button. The PRE-GAIN knob can increase the input gain value before the delay process, allowing you to add preamp saturation to the original signal.

There's also a unique KBD button, which reportedly alters the delay time according to the pitch of the played notes. This element makes analog delay more 'human' and interesting.

In the CHARACTER section at the bottom, you can further refine the tape sound. SPREAD can widen the stereo field by creating a time difference between left and right signals. STEREO WIDTH becomes a mono delay when turned counterclockwise and creates a stereo delay effect when turned clockwise. You can also adjust subtle tape effects with WOW or FLUTTER.

Special Effects Using LFO

While K7D can be used as a general analog delay as described above, you can give it more creative effects by starting to use the LFO knob.

Moving the LFO changes the pitch of the delayed signal. You can create dramatic special effects by changing the LFO waveform or RATE. Just slightly touching the LFO knob can create subtle tape distortion sounds without being overwhelming.

The FILTER section not only reduces the presence of the delay but also works well with LFO to create experimental sounds.

Overall, whether K7D is used as a natural analog delay or an extreme special effect depended on the use of the LFO knob. Adjusting the LFO knob value according to the purpose can create the intended sound.

Clean Interface and Presets

A plugin with good sound isn't always easy to use. Some products, despite being long-loved classics, still have inconvenient interfaces, perhaps due to limitations of old software coding.

While K7D isn't a brand new product, its overall interface is impressively clean and convenient. MIDI Learn (Assign) for parameters can also be done easily.

There are various presets available. While you might not need to use presets if you're using it as a simple analog delay, many presets are provided to allow users unfamiliar with LFO usage to easily create unique effects.

Overall Assessment

As someone who likes analog delay, I generally liked K7D. The interface is convenient and intuitive, and the tape saturation sound is pleasant to hear. It's also impressive that various effects can be created using LFO.

The price is 39 euros, which is less than 60,000 won. Currently, Plugin Boutique is running an event until August where you can get K7D or Softube VCA Compressor for free with any purchase. VSTBuzz is also selling it for 8 euros during their closing sale until August 31st.

Ways to Use K7D

Finally, I'll briefly introduce a few examples of how to use analog delay before concluding this review.

Adding Texture to Electric Guitar

Usually, strong saturation is added to electric guitars to naturally thicken the sound. With K7D, you can add PRE-GAIN to add saturated texture and a sense of space.

Repetitive Rhythm of Electric Guitar Arpeggios

Creating a delay that matches the BPM in 8th or quarter notes can create a mysterious and spacious sound with delay notes following the timing of arpeggio playing. The effect is amplified as you increase the MIX or FEEDBACK knob.

Adding Subtle Color to Drum Bus

Like adding pre-delay to reverb, adding a short delay that repeats once can add space to the drum bus while adding analog color.

Thickening the Snare

Adding a delay to the snare that's short enough not to be perceived as two separate sounds can create a rich thickness by blending the tape delay sound with the snare's sustain.

Using as a Unique Effect

While I prefer using tape delay as a delay itself, plugins like K7D can also be used for unique special effects that deviate slightly from the original intention. Try using some presets to create interesting sounds using LFO and lots of FEEDBACK.