# Free tape stop sound effects

> Free tape stop and record stop effects: the slowing, falling pitch of a stopping deck, used before drops and at song ends, with a licence verdict.

5 samples from 2 sources (Openverse 4, Orange Free Sounds 1), updated 2026-10-23. Picked from a live search and refreshed daily.

- Same search in the browser: https://sound.shep.bot/search?q=tape+stop&category=fx
- Same search over the API: `curl "https://sound.shep.bot/v1/search?q=tape+stop&category=fx"`
- Details, files and the credit line: `GET https://sound.shep.bot/v1/samples/{id}` with an id from the table below.
- Licence verdicts: "Commercial use OK" (with or without credit) is cleared for a release; anything else must be checked or is non-commercial. See https://sound.shep.bot/docs/licences.md

## The sound of a deck losing power

When a tape machine or turntable stops, the playback slows down and the pitch falls with it, ending in a low groan. DJs and producers use that sound to stop a track dead before a drop, to end a song, or as a joke in the middle of a build. It works because the listener expects the beat to continue.

## Using tape stops

There are two ways in. A plugin or your DAW's own pitch envelope applies a tape stop to your actual mix, which is the most convincing. A sample adds a ready-made stop, or the mechanical clunk and whine of a real deck, as a layer on top. Line the end of the stop up with the beat where the music returns, and leave a moment of silence before the drop for the most impact.

Free tape and record stops come from sound effect libraries and producer packs, with the licence on every card.

## Samples

| Sample | id | What | Source | Licence | Commercial use | Direct download |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Train passby (tape stop)](https://freesound.org/people/Metzik/sounds/387878) | `openverse:300ad502-04fa-4a9c-af56-7eb754bef820` | Transition, 15 s | Openverse | CC BY 4.0 | Commercial use OK with credit | yes |
| [Deep Sound, Tape Stop](https://orangefreesounds.com/deep-sound-tape-stop/) | `orangefreesounds:9338` | Transition, One-shot, 4.0 s | Orange Free Sounds | CC BY-NC 4.0 | Non-commercial only | yes |
| [Tape stop effect](https://freesound.org/people/not_yr/sounds/680836) | `openverse:4eecc821-21f5-473d-8291-3d784eb2d1b5` | Transition, 19 s | Openverse | CC0 1.0 | Commercial use OK | yes |
| [Keyfall + Tape stop effect](https://freesound.org/people/trader_one/sounds/685354) | `openverse:2de384cb-4097-4fd2-86b4-b35d493337b6` | FX, 4.6 s | Openverse | CC0 1.0 | Commercial use OK | yes |
| [Audio Cassette Tape Open Close Play Stop](https://freesound.org/people/Bertrof/sounds/351567) | `openverse:5bae3d1f-cf70-4096-a730-098b1532f680` | Zap, One-shot, 8.1 s | Openverse | CC BY 3.0 | Commercial use OK with credit | yes |

## Questions

**Is a tape stop sample better than a plugin?**

A plugin applies the effect to your own audio, which is usually what you want for a drop. A sample is useful as a layer or a quick transition, and recorded deck stops have mechanical noise that plugins don't add.

**How long should a tape stop take?**

Usually between a quarter and a full bar. Faster stops sound like a scratch; slower ones sound like a power cut. Match it to the tempo so the silence lands on a beat.

## Related collections

- [Free vinyl crackle samples](https://sound.shep.bot/samples/free-vinyl-crackle.md): Free vinyl crackle, record noise and tape hiss samples for lo-fi beats and warm, worn mixes, as loops and long takes, each with a preview and licence verdict.
- [Free glitch sound effects](https://sound.shep.bot/samples/free-glitch-sound-effects.md): Free glitch effects: stutters, digital errors, buffer repeats, bit-crushed bursts and data noise for electronic music, UI and video, with licences.
- [Free downlifter sound effects](https://sound.shep.bot/samples/free-downlifter-sound-effects.md): Free downlifters and falling sweeps that release tension after a drop or lead out of a section, for EDM, trap and film edits, each with a licence verdict.
- [Free transition sound effects](https://sound.shep.bot/samples/free-transition-sound-effects.md): Free transition effects for music and video: swells, reverse hits, sweeps and stingers that bridge two sections or shots, with a licence verdict on each.
- [Free impact sound effects](https://sound.shep.bot/samples/free-impact-sound-effects.md): Free impact and hit sound effects: cinematic booms, sub drops, braams and slams for drops, trailers and transitions, each with a preview and licence verdict.
- [Free laser and zap sound effects](https://sound.shep.bot/samples/free-laser-zap-sound-effects.md): Free laser, zap and blaster sound effects: retro sci-fi pews, synth zaps and glitchy shots for music, games and video, with a licence verdict on each.

---
Source: https://sound.shep.bot/samples/free-tape-stop-effects