Pulsar Modular P821 MDN Tape: The Legendary Stephens 821, Reborn

For the first time, engineers can hear pure tape physics—no artificial coloration, no excessive electronics. Just the unaltered sound of magnetic tape, delivering what was truly captured in the studio.

Now, you can experience that magic with P821 MDN Tape, the definitive emulation of Marc Daniel Nelson’s personal Stephens 821—the very machine used at Producer’s Workshop, Known for albums like The Wall, Aja, Rumours and more.

Why the Stephens 821 Stands Apart

Unlike traditional tape machines laden with transformers and tubes, the Stephens 821 was radically unique:

✔ Transformerless design = massive soundstage, no aggressive compression.

✔ DC bias saturation = musical glue without smeared distortion.

✔ Direct-coupled circuits = tighter lows, extended highs, and pristine clarity

Engineers loved it for its ability to enhance without altering—keeping mixes open and dynamic, even in dense arrangements.

The First Plugin Where You Hear Real Tape

Tape emulations need to go through circuits, transformers, tubes, and noise before they get to the sound of the tape. P821 MDN Tape is different—it captures how tape itself behaves, from subtle harmonic bloom to dynamic response.

Read what the Professionals have to say

The P821 MDN Tape is a collaboration between Pulsar Modular and Marc Daniel Nelson and is available at a lower than expected price of $179.

Visit the P821 MDN Tape webpage for more information and videos.