The phrase refers to the acquisition, potentially unauthorized, of software emulations of analog tape recording technology developed by Slate Digital, specifically tailored for the macOS operating system, utilizing a torrent file-sharing network. This implies obtaining a digital copy of the Virtual Tape Machines (VTM) plugin suite without adhering to the software license agreement and potentially through copyright infringement.
The appeal of such acquisition methods often stems from the perceived high cost of professional audio production software. Analog tape emulations are valued for their ability to impart warmth, saturation, and other desirable sonic characteristics to digital audio recordings, mimicking the sound of classic tape machines. The historical significance of analog tape in music production contributes to the continued demand for accurate digital recreations.