FT1-EMU plug-in from Freqport

Published 19/3/26

Acclaimed saturation unit goes virtual

Freqport’s Freqtube FT1 (reviewed here in SOS February 2023) offers a convenient way to integrate real valve-based saturation into a DAW session, pairing a compact desktop hardware unit with a DAW plug-in that offers remote control and recall. Now, the company have announced the launch of FT1-EMU, a modelling plug-in that replicates the behaviour of the hardware and offers optional integration with the Freqtube FT1.

The new plug-in has been created using component-level modelling, and is based on a SPICE reference model of the original FreqTube FT1 hardware. Freqport say that the resulting emulation goes beyond what’s possible with conventional digital emulation methods, and captures the true tube saturation, rich harmonics and natural dynamic behaviour of the physical unit.

FT1-EMU can be run in the same way as any other plug-in, and compared to the hardware version, offers the obvious benefit of being able to run multiple instances. And if users decide to add a Freqtube FT1 to their setup further down the line, the plug-in will detect the connected unit and automatically switch from emulation to running on the actual hardware, with all settings transferred seamlessly to the device.

Key Features

Component-Level Modelling: Component-level modelling based on a SPICE reference model delivers authentic tube saturation and natural dynamic behaviour.
Quad Tube Engine: Multi-stage tube architecture with 2× E83CC (bold saturation) and 2× 12AT7 (smooth harmonic warmth).
Deep Tone Control: Precise control over drive, harmonics, filtering,= and signal flow for detailed tone shaping.
Real Hardware Integration: Optional one-click switching between software emulation and real FreqTube FT1 hardware.
Analogue-Style Filters: Primary and parallel multi-mode filters inspired by real analog hardware topology.