P821 MDN Tape
“… No other tape plugin has come close to this. The P821 MDN TAPE is really remarkable”
DALE BECKER
Grammy Winning Producer/Mastering Engineer (Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, Katy Perry, Kayne west)
Overview
The 821A is the first multitrack tape machine that doesn’t use a transformer. It doesn’t have a capstan or a pinch roller, so the tape path is free to move without any resistance or audio signal degradation.
For the first time, engineers and producers could hear the physics of the recording process without interference from excessive electronics. They experienced the unaltered sound of tape and could present their clients with a clearer representation of what was captured on the studio floor.
P821 MDN Tape is based on Marc Daniel Nelson’s personal Stephens 821 2” tape machine, which was utilized at the Producer’s Workshop, renowned for producing iconic albums such as The Wall, Aja, Rumours, and others.
The P821 signature sound is very open and has a large sonic character, as there is very little electronics and zero transformers in the tape machine, making the sound stage massive and no aggressive compression or clamping down. This is the first plugin of its type where you’re actually hearing TAPE and how it reacts.
Now, hearing the P821 MDN Tape plugin recreates that same experience. It’s truly incredible and unlike anything else out there.
Features
- Zero samples delay compensation when modulation is off or 1.1 ms when on.
- Two legendary tape formulas: 900 & 456.
- Speed: 15 and 30 ips.
- True tape-hiss generator (not noise).
- Pre/Post shelving EQ.
- Low and High Bias controls.
- VU meter with dual input/output needles.
- Tape delay circuit with feedback and filtering.
- Modulation circuit—Wow & Flutter (Slow/Fast) with tape flanging.
“I know this machine well as I used it to record and mix Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours album on it at the old Producer’s Workshop. Finally a tape emulation that doesn't sound like a mess. Reminds me of that beautiful sound of the original Stephens tape machine. That thing made me sound like a genius and the plugin is just incredible.”
KEN CAILLATMulti-Grammy Winning Record Producer (Fleetwood Mac, Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd, Joni Mitchell, Colbie Caillat) 
“I know this machine well as I used it to record and mix Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours
album on it at the old Producer’s Workshop. Finally a tape emulation that doesn't sound
like a mess. Reminds me of that beautiful sound of the original Stephens tape machine.
That thing made me sound like a genius and the plugin is just incredible.”
KEN CAILLATMulti-Grammy Winning Record Producer (Fleetwood Mac, Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd, Joni Mitchell, Colbie Caillat)
“I had a chance to try out the P821 plugin and it was fantastic! It really opened up the
mix in a crazy way. I was expecting your standard "tape plugin" thing but it is totally its
own thing. My mix sounds bigger and with more depth than before but without any tonal
change. I'm not sure exactly what you're looking for in terms of an endorsement or
testimonial, but I've used my fair share of tape emulations in my day. The P821 MDN
Tape plugin really blew me away. It feels like you’re actually working with tape—huge
sound, tons of depth, and it reacts to input in a way that’s super organic. It’s really
impressive how accurate this emulation is; it’s the closest I’ve heard. It’s now a go-to in
my mixes, and I can already tell it’ll be a part of my sound moving forward."
ALEX PASCOGrammy Winning Producer/Engineer (Paul McCartney, Adele, Beck, Foo Fighters) 
“Wow! Pro Tools at 96k, it sounds as transparent and huge as I remember hearing from the wonderful Stephens in Armin Steiner's Sound Labs mix room. It is utterly amazing to hear a plugin take me back to that experience.”
BOB OLHSSONLegendary Motown Producer/Engineer 
“I know this machine well as I used it to record and mix Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours
album on it at the old Producer’s Workshop. Finally a tape emulation that doesn't sound
like a mess. Reminds me of that beautiful sound of the original Stephens tape machine.
That thing made me sound like a genius and the plugin is just incredible.”
KEN CAILLATMULTI-GRAMMY WINNING RECORD PRODUCER (Fleetwood Mac, Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd, Joni Mitchell, Colbie Caillat)
“Not only is the P821 MDN my new favorite analog tape plug-in, it's also my new
favorite lo-fi, flange, and slap delay effect - all with an intuitive user interface and great
graphical feedback. I find myself using it as much for the lo-fi, flange, and delay as I do
for the tape saturation which itself adds a wonderful, glued finish to my mix and gives
me that glorious 15ips low end bump if I need it. Marc has done it again giving us
engineers another great tool to elevate our mixes and our creativity.”
RYAN FREELANDMulti Grammy Winning Producer/Engineer (Ray Lamontagne, Aimee Mann, Bonnie Raitt, Morrissey) 
“This sounds F**** insane! If you want to make a sound come to life, use the P821 MDN
plugin. Effortless Magic. Marc did it again!”
DAVE PENSADOMulti Grammy Winning Producer/Engineer (Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Mariah Carey, Shakira) 
"There's a lot of plugins that come close. There's alot of things that get us nearly there but this is the first time that I feel like the soul of tape is represented in a plugin. No other tape plugin has come close to this. The P821 MDN TAPE is really remarkable."
DALE BECKERGrammy Winning Producer/Mastering Engineer (Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, Katy Perry, Kayne west)
“I put this on a Kick drum and instantly was like, what the hell! The low end dropped
way lower but got way more clear. How on earth did you do this??? This on
background vocals too is just dope. This plugin sounds incredible.”
ROC.amProducer/Engineer (Rihanna, H.E.R, Mariah Carey, Erykah, Badu, The Roots) 
“The Stephens 821 is the best sounding tape machine ever made and the P821 MDN
Tape is the best tape machine in a plugin and unlike anything out there by far. It was a
joy to hear this plugin doing the scientific process as it was designed. What more is
there to say? It's that good. No need to hype with silly marketing, just listen to it.”
CLAY BLAIRProducer/Engineer (The War on Drugs, Counting Crows,The Redwalls, Andrew Bird) 
"When I tell you that the P821 MDN tape machine plug-in offers the very best 456
emulation in the game and instant access to authentic creamy tape flange, it's because I
heard it for myself in the first 5 minutes. We all know that tape machine plug-ins offer
the illusion of access to the imperfect world of analog colors that paint the audio pictures
we love but some are better than others and this one rises above. You will see for
yourself that the P821 MDN delivers on everything we all love about tape, transient
control, saturation, modulation, delays and tonal character. Run to test it on individual
tracks, groups and your final master."
DWEEZIL ZAPPAMusician, Producer/Engineer 
“I used to own the actual Stephens 821 deck used to create the P821 MDN Tape plugin and agree it was the best-sounding tape machine ever made. The P821 sounds amazing and adds an analog quality I have never gotten with any other plugin."
MARK LINETT(Record Producer/Audio Engineer) Brian Wilson, Randy Newman, The Beach Boys, Rickie Lee Jones 
"This new pulsar modular P821 TAPE plugin is absolutely MAGIC.
I have had the pleasure and privilege working on several Stephens Tape Machines and
the 821 MDN is the best representation of TAPE I have ever HEARD."
DARRELL THORP(Multi Grammy Winning Producer/Mixer/Engineer) Radiohead, Beck, Paul McCartney, Foo Fighters 
“I had a chance to try out the P821 plugin and it was fantastic! It really opened up the
mix in a crazy way. I was expecting your standard "tape plugin" thing but it is totally its
own thing. My mix sounds bigger and with more depth than before but without any tonal
change. I'm not sure exactly what you're looking for in terms of an endorsement or
testimonial, but I've used my fair share of tape emulations in my day. The P821 MDN
Tape plugin really blew me away. It feels like you’re actually working with tape—huge
sound, tons of depth, and it reacts to input in a way that’s super organic. It’s really
impressive how accurate this emulation is; it’s the closest I’ve heard. It’s now a go-to in
my mixes, and I can already tell it’ll be a part of my sound moving forward."
ALEX PASCOGrammy Winning Producer/Engineer (Paul McCartney, Adele, Beck, Foo Fighters)
“Wow! Pro Tools at 96k, it sounds as transparent and huge as I remember hearing
from the wonderful Stephens in Armin Steiner's Sound Labs mix room.”
BOB OLHSSONLegendary Motown Producer/Engineer
“I know this machine well as I used it to record and mix Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours
album on it at the old Producer’s Workshop. Finally a tape emulation that doesn't sound
like a mess. Reminds me of that beautiful sound of the original Stephens tape machine.
That thing made me sound like a genius and the plugin is just incredible.”
KEN CAILLATMULTI-GRAMMY WINNING RECORD PRODUCER (Fleetwood Mac, Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd, Joni Mitchell, Colbie Caillat)
“Not only is the P821 MDN my new favorite analog tape plug-in, it's also my new
favorite lo-fi, flange, and slap delay effect - all with an intuitive user interface and great
graphical feedback. I find myself using it as much for the lo-fi, flange, and delay as I do
for the tape saturation which itself adds a wonderful, glued finish to my mix and gives
me that glorious 15ips low end bump if I need it. Marc has done it again giving us
engineers another great tool to elevate our mixes and our creativity.”
RYAN FREELANDMulti Grammy Winning Producer/Engineer (Ray Lamontagne, Aimee Mann, Bonnie Raitt, Morrissey)
“This sounds F**** insane! If you want to make a sound come to life, use the P821 MDN
plugin. Effortless Magic. Marc did it again!”
DAVE PENSADOMulti Grammy Winning Producer/Engineer (Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Mariah Carey, Shakira)
"There's a lot of plugins that come close. There's alot of things that get us nearly there but this is the first time that I feel like the soul of tape is represented in a plugin. No other tape plugin has come close to this. The P821 MDN TAPE is really remarkable"
DALE BECKERGrammy Winning Producer/Mastering Engineer (Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, Katy Perry, Kayne west)
“I put this on a Kick drum and instantly was like, what the hell! The low end dropped
way lower but got way more clear. How on earth did you do this??? This on
background vocals too is just dope. This plugin sounds incredible.”
ROC.amProducer/Engineer (Rihanna, H.E.R, Mariah Carey, Erykah, Badu, The Roots)
“The Stephens 821 is the best sounding tape machine ever made and the P821 MDN
Tape is the best tape machine in a plugin and unlike anything out there by far. It was a
joy to hear this plugin doing the scientific process as it was designed. What more is
there to say? It's that good. No need to hype with silly marketing, just listen to it.”
CLAY BLAIRProducer/Engineer (The War on Drugs, Counting Crows,The Redwalls, Andrew Bird)
"When I tell you that the P821 MDN tape machine plug-in offers the very best 456
emulation in the game and instant access to authentic creamy tape flange, it's because I
heard it for myself in the first 5 minutes. We all know that tape machine plug-ins offer
the illusion of access to the imperfect world of analog colors that paint the audio pictures
we love but some are better than others and this one rises above. You will see for
yourself that the P821 MDN delivers on everything we all love about tape, transient
control, saturation, modulation, delays and tonal character. Run to test it on individual
tracks, groups and your final master."
DWEEZIL ZAPPAMusician, Producer/Engineer
“I used to own the actual Stephens 821 deck used to create the P821 MDN Tape plugin and agree it was the best-sounding tape machine ever made. The P821 sounds amazing and adds an analog quality I have never gotten with any other plugin."
MARK LINETT(Record Producer/Audio Engineer) Brian Wilson, Randy Newman, The Beach Boys, Rickie Lee Jones
"This new pulsar modular P821 TAPE plugin is absolutely MAGIC.
I have had the pleasure and privilege working on several Stephens Tape Machines and
the 821 MDN is the best representation of TAPE I have ever HEARD."
DARRELL THORP(Multi Grammy Winning Producer/Mixer/Engineer) Radiohead, Beck, Paul McCartney, Foo Fighters
Videos
Audio Examples
Specification
Supported Plugin Formats
AU, VST3, AAX (Apple Silicon ready).
Supported Operating Systems
Minimum MacOS 10.15.4 (Catalina) for Intel Macs or macOS 11.0 (Big Sur) for Apple Silicon.
Windows 10+ x64-compatible CPU
Copy Protection
A one-time challenge & response over the internet. License works on up two separate machines.
Downloads
User Guides- Dark Mode
User Guides- Print Mode
For previously authorized computers
- Analog VU Meter with PEAK LED and Sensitivity adjustment screw.
- Updated user guides.
- CENTER icon to deliver a solid center within the stereo image.
- Bug fix of the A/B preset holder.
- Updated user guides.
- Global option to switch to colour blind compatible LEDs.
- Delay compensation update to bypass and Flange buttons.
- VU needles update to display correctly at any DAW’s buffer size.
- Stage Focus disabled when inserting P821 on a mono track.
- Click-drag switching for Slow/Fast switch.
- Official Release.
DISCLAIMER: The intellectual property rights, including names, logos, and trademarks associated with studio equipment and accessory brands, including Stephens, belong to their respective owners and are not affiliated with Pulsar Modular or Marc Daniel Nelson. This plugin is designed to replicate the unique audio equalization, compression, and summing envisioned by Pulsar Modular and Marc Daniel Nelson. Any use of names, logos, or trademarks is solely for identification purposes to illustrate the hardware chain and audio workflow that inspired this product.
26 reviews for P821 MDN Tape
I put this on a piano track and got a really sweet lo-fi nostalgic retro feel. Give it a try!
I’ve owned nearly every tape plugin on the market—tape emulations were my main obsession for years. By 2022, I finally gave in and went fully analog, and for the first time, that craving felt satisfied. Since then, I haven’t touched a new tape plugin… until now.
I can’t fully explain what MDN Tape is doing under the hood—just like I’ve never completely understood what makes analog tape sims tick—but this one feels right. It has that elusive quality that works on almost anything you throw at it. Also… How the hell does it sound this good AND be so CPU friendly.
Honestly not just “another tape” plug-in at all… a great emulation of a unique machine that really gets to the essence of what tape does and isn’t just a glorified pre-amp emulation. Also. a wildly under appreciated FX/vibe box with its creative controls at the bottom. My favorite thing might be what it does to bass/sub energy, placing it “outside” or “around” the speaker while keeping it punching like no other ruin of the mill stereo image tool does, sometimes I use it just for that aspect. If you think you already have this in your arsenal, you don’t.
Excellent for a digital summing effect and excitement.
It’s become my new favorite tape flavor. It’s getting used all over my projects.