The latest plug-in to be added to the Fuse Audio Labs line-up emulates a selection of vintage hardware units, combining characterful preamp, EQ and compression sections that have been designed to be driven hard for effect.
Tube Lab features a preamp section that reproduces a selection of classic valve types (12AT7, 12AU7, 12AX7, 6DJ8 and 12DW7), each of which are said to offer their own unique balance of density and grit. The options cover a wide tonal range, and offer characters ranging from “restrained colouration to fat, dirty and aggressively driven sounds”. a Baxandall-style module follows, delivering three bands of EQ that each offer a choice of five centre frequencies and ±15dB of gain.
The next section houses an optical-inspired dynamics processor that provides users with the choice of Classic and Modern operating modes, and can be made to function either as a compressor or limiter. Threshold, Mix and HF (side-chain) parameters are joined by a Gain control, which features an optional automatic gain-compensation feature. Helpfully, the plug-in allows users to reverse the order of its dynamics and EQ sections.
Compatibility
Tube Lab is supported on PCs running Windows 7 or above, and Macs running macOS 10.12 and later. VST2, VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available.
Pricing & Availability
Tube Lab is available now, and is being offered at an introductory price of $29£21 until 2 May 2026, when it will increase to its full cost of $69£59. Prices include VAT.
