Tuğrul Akyüz has released TugPhonon, a free delay and sound transformation plugin inspired by the Poullin and Schaeffer phonogène from 1951. Rather than working as a standard delay, TugPhonon recreates the idea of a rotating magnetic disk with multiple playback heads for more complex echo, texture, and timbral processing.
Inspired by Early Experimental Tape Technology
TugPhonon is based on the rotating magnetic disk delay machines developed by Jacques Poullin and Pierre Schaeffer at GRM Paris in the early 1950s. In this software version, a virtual magnetic disk spins continuously while eight playback heads read from different positions around the loop.
As a result, the plugin produces a layered network of echoes, movement, and tone shaping that goes beyond a conventional tape delay. It sits somewhere between a delay effect, a texture processor, and a spectral-style sound design tool.
Eight Playback Heads With Independent Control
At the center of TugPhonon are eight independent playback heads. Each head has its own delay position, volume, pan, and feedback settings, which gives users detailed control over the movement and balance of the repeats.
In addition, each head includes its own band-pass filter, so users can shape the tonal character of every echo separately. This makes it possible to build more complex delay patterns and evolving textures inside a single plugin.
Resonators, Modulation, and Visual Feedback
TugPhonon also includes physical modelling resonators for each head. Users can choose from eight resonator types, including Karplus-Strong, Comb, Bell, Pipe, Marimba, Beam, and Membrane models. These are based on acoustic principles and give the plugin a broader sound design range than a typical vintage delay emulation.
The plugin also features host sync and free-running loop modes, with timing options ranging from 1/128 triplet to double whole note. For more motion, an LFO modulation section can be applied to the playback head positions. An animated disk visualizer is included as well, so users can see the virtual disk and head movement in real time.
Features
- Rotating magnetic disk delay inspired by the 1951 phonogène concept
- 8 independent playback heads
- Per-head controls for delay position, volume, pan, and feedback
- Per-head band-pass filter
- Physical modelling resonators for each head
- Resonator types including Karplus-Strong, Comb, Bell, Pipe, Marimba, Beam, and Membrane
- Host sync or free-running loop modes
- LFO modulation with multiple waveforms
- Animated disk visualizer
- Built-in preset system
- Apple Silicon native support
- Signed and notarized by Apple
Plugin Formats
TugPhonon is available in AU and VST3 formats for macOS and Windows. On macOS, it supports Apple Silicon natively and requires macOS 12 or later.
Free Download
TugPhonon delay plugin is available now for free from Tuğrul Akyüz’s Gumroad page.
