VariSpeed
Key Features
- Authentic emulation of the WEM Copicat IC-400 Belt Drive tape echo with simulated tape hum, hiss, and speed fluctuations
- Variable motor speed control that smoothly changes delay time, recreating the original DC capstan motor behavior
- Three independent delay pickup heads (green, white, red) that can be toggled for different delay patterns and rhythmic textures
- Self-oscillation capability at high feedback settings, producing transistor-style distortion for creative sound design
- Separate left and right input level controls with stereo insert or send bus operation
- Resizable GUI (70-130%) with animated tape loop visualization and built-in help overlay describing each control
- Full MIDI control over all parameters for real-time performance and automation
Description
GSi VariSpeed is a faithful emulation of the WEM Copicat IC-400 Belt Drive VariSpeed, a tape echo machine from the 1970s built by Charlie Watkins. The IC-400 was notable for being the first WEM Copicat model fitted with a DC capstan motor, allowing the delay time to be varied by adjusting motor speed.
The plugin recreates the original hardware with all its quirks and character, including tape hum, hiss, and speed instability as the tape passes around the capstan. GSi deliberately preserved these imperfections rather than cleaning them up, giving the delays an authentically lo-fi, organic feel.
VariSpeed offers independent left and right input level controls, a motor speed knob that varies delay time, repeat and swell knobs for feedback and wet level, and a tone control that works in reverse (clockwise darkens the sound). Three color-coded buttons toggle separate delay pickup heads for different delay patterns.
At high feedback settings, the plugin easily enters self-oscillation, producing swirling, transistor-flavored distortion that makes it useful as a sound design tool beyond conventional delay effects. It handles everything from tight slapback delays and groovy off-beat rhythms to sprawling echo swells that take on a life of their own.
VariSpeed supports sample rates from 44,100 Hz up to 384,000 Hz, runs as an insert or send effect, and includes a resizable GUI with a built-in help overlay. There is no host tempo sync, which mirrors the original hardware's free-running motor behavior.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does VariSpeed sync to the host DAW tempo?
No, VariSpeed does not offer host tempo sync. The delay time is controlled entirely by the motor speed knob, faithfully replicating the original hardware's free-running DC capstan motor. You can dial in tempo-approximate delays by ear or use MIDI automation for real-time speed adjustments.
Can the tape noise and hiss be turned off?
No, the tape hum and hiss are baked into the emulation and cannot be disabled. GSi designed VariSpeed to replicate the original Copicat IC-400 exactly as it was, including all its analog imperfections. This is intentional and contributes to the plugin's vintage character.
What happens at extreme feedback settings?
When the repeat (feedback) knob is pushed high, VariSpeed enters self-oscillation and produces swirling, transistor-flavored distortion. This makes it useful as a creative sound design tool for generating drones, textures, and evolving ambient washes beyond standard delay effects.
