4Pockets HeadStack is a modern delay playground plugin (iOS/macOS) built around and inspired by vintage magnetic echo machines
With the absurd number of new apps from new developers, it’s always nice to see established ones releasing new apps as well. However, long queues on the App Store are causing delays.
Paul from 4Pockets has released HeadStack today, a new AUv3 FX processor that explores the fantastic world of multi-head tape delay.
4Pockets HeadStack
HeadStack is a new multi-head tape delay plugin for iOS and macOS, inspired by the character, movement, and musicality of classic magnetic echo machines, reimagined for modern production.
When I first saw the plugin, it immediately reminded me of the free tugrulakyuz TugPhonon plugin, which is inspired by the legendary Phonogène. Yes, but there are differences.
At its core is a virtual tape loop with eight independently configurable playback heads. Each can have a custom position, level, and panning to create a wide range of effects.
This goes from vintage slap-back echoes and rhythmic repeats to vast stereo soundscapes and evolving ambient textures.
HeadStack offers adjustable tape loss, filtering, and feedback behavior, capturing the warmth and unpredictability of classic tape machines.
It’s not limited by the original mechanical constraints and takes the concept further into the era of modern music production. This makes the effect more like an instrument, since each head is highly adaptable.
Paul from 4Pockets supercharges the multi-head tape delay with colorful sound design features, transforming it into a true modern workstation.
Multi-Head Tape Delay Taking Further
4Pockets HeadStack goes even further. You can modulate, filter, diffuse, and pitch-shift individual heads using dedicated controls. Modulation is, for example, possible on the playback position, spacing, tremolo, and stereo placement.
Paul also incorporated a granular harmony engine that turns individual heads into pitch-shifted granular voices. You get new harmonies, octave layers, and shimmering textures from the tape loop.
Also neat is the ability to customize the feedback routing. You can use the traditional multi-head feedback, or go more advanced by taking feedback from a specific playhead and routing it elsewhere in the signal path.
HeadStack offers unique rotate and stretch modes that allow you to continuously morph the spacing and timing between playback heads, transforming static echoes into living, breathing rhythmic textures.
Furthermore, you can experiment in 4Pockets HeadStack with the buffer and its freeze function, playable with a foot pedal. You can capture ideas and play on top of them on the fly.
First Impression
I was disappointed that tugrulakyuz didn’t port the TugPhonon plugin to iOS. The HeadStock app/plugin now fills this gap. And it does so in a very impressive way.
HeadStack gives the user both a vintage feel and a futuristic take on multi-head tape delays in one processor. It’s like you are sitting in a playground full of playheads, and you can experiment with them in different ways. A very fascinating AUv3 FX plugin and pretty sure without an overdose of AI.
4Pockets has released HeadStack, available at an intro price of $9.99, which increases to $12.99 after the promotion. It runs as an AUv3 FX plugin on iOS (iPad and iPhone) and macOS (native Apple Silicon).
More information here: App Store
What a nice looking plugin