Tape Loader

8-bit Tape Loader plugin thumbnail

Tape Loader

After Effects 8bit tape loader raster effect.


Tape Loader reproduces the 8-bit era tape loaders of the ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64 and other classic 8-bit computers.

It is audio-reactive, and samples an audio input to produce its effect. For realistic results this would be a .wav of an 8-bit tape, but it can respond to any audio input such as voice or music.

£24.99 per seat.

Overview

Tape Loader samples an audio source and reproduces the classic 8-bit tape loader raster effect. For realistic results the audio source should be audio of an 8 bit game tape or other similar audio data stream, but it will respond to other audio sources.

It can be configured to produce most 8-bit tape loader looks, with settings for paper and border, sample and raster scaling, and custom colors.


Usage

  • Create a new comp.
     
  • Add your audio source as a new layer.
     
  • Create a new solid layer.
     
  • Add the TapeLoader effect to the solid layer.
     
  • In the TapeLoader parameters, set the Audio Layer parameter to your audio source layer.
     
  • Scrub the timeline to see how it looks.


Parameters

Tape Loader Parameters
Tape Loader Parameters
  • Audio Layer
    The source audio layer that will be sampled to generate the effect.
     
  • Preset
    The preset to use. See below for more info.
     
  • Show Paper
    If on, this will display the appropriate paper color for ZX Spectrum or Commodore 64 presets. If off, it will be transparent.
     
  • Show Border
    This limits the effect to the border area.
     
  • Border Size
    The size of the border as a percentage of width.
     
  • Sample Scaling
    Scales the length of the color bars. This allows the effect to work at all resolutions.
     
  • Raster Scaling
    Scales the pixel size of the color bars. Useful for a more pixelated effect.
     
  • Custom Colors
    These colors are used for the 'Custom' preset.

All parameters can be keyframed.


Presets

The presets allow quick configuration, and also include some smart options that can reproduce computer-specific behaviours.
 

ZX Spectrum Auto Preset
ZX Spectrum Auto Preset​​​​​​
Commodore 64 Rainbow Preset 1
Commodore 64 Rainbow Preset
Commodore 64 Block Preset
Commodore 64 Block Preset
Commodore 64 Rainbow Preset 2
Commodore 64 Rainbow Preset (alt)
Custom Color Preset
Custom Color Preset

 

  • ZX Spectrum (Auto)
    This uses the ZX Spectrum color palette, and can automatically detect and switch between the pilot tone and data.
     
  • ZX Pilot
    This uses the ZX Spectrum default pilot tone colors.
     
  • ZX Data
    This uses the ZX Spectrum default data stream colors.
     
  • C64 Rainbow
    This cycles through the Commodore 64 color palette.
     
  • C64 Block
    This uses pairs of colors from the Commodore 64 color palette, and automatically switches color pair every second.
     
  • Custom
    This allows you to use a custom color pair.