The Freqport FT-1 Freqtube is a USB-C multi-instance analog hardware processor that combines with the Freqtube plug-in to give you the Holy Grail of modern music production: analog processing and sound married with digital workflow and convenience. It features four tubes — two E83CC/12AX7 high-gain tubes and two 12AT7 mid-gain tubes — housed in a rugged all-metal enclosure. Offering ultra-low jitter 32bit digital audio conversion (DAC) and sporting support for sample rates up to 192kHz, the Freqport FT-1 Freqtube also features eight assignable hardware potentiometers, selectable overdrive with clipping protection, selectable even/odd-order harmonics behavior, and an optional rackmount kit.
Note: The FT-1 Freqtube is officially tested and supported for Pro Tools, Cubase 11+, Logic Pro X+, Ableton Live 10+, and Bitwig Studio 4+. Other DAWs may work, but they have not been tested and are not officially supported.
Analog and digital together in harmony
While many studio engineers love analog processing, we tend not to love the “cable pasta” that comes along with routing analog gear correctly. That’s why the Freqport FT-1 Freqtube presents such an amazing solution. Used in conjunction with the Freqtube plug-in, you can select two stereo instances or four mono instances of the Freqtube anywhere in your workflow. Plus, its eight customizable hardware knobs let you select and adjust gain, drive, cutoffs, harmonic behavior, and much more. And the Freqtube can process multiple signals simultaneously — something that simply isn’t possible with conventional single-circuit analog processing.
Easy to use
The Freqtube couldn’t be easier to use. Connect it to your host computer with a single USB-C cable, power it up, open the plug-in interface, and get to work. Featuring true digital recall, your saved parameters will remain between sessions, so you can ditch the labeling tape. And, in true analog fashion, Freqtube’s eight assignable potentiometers let you work and mix with a hands-on approach that offers much more satisfaction than clicking and dragging on a computer screen.
Powerhouse plug-in
Freqtube’s companion plug-in features an identical visual representation of the hardware processor, and it can operate with up to two stereo or four mono plug-in instances. It’s also the place you’ll go to for assignable customizable parameters to each of the processor’s eight hardware knobs. While Freqtube uses a companion plug-in, it’s a true analog hardware-based processor, which means offline rendering isn’t available. So, here’s a Sweetwater tip: make sure your Core Audio or AISO-based audio interface can smoothly run your DAW’s sessions with a buffer rate of 512 (or lower) before using the Freqport FT-1 Freqtube.
Features:
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Tube-based hardware processor plus plug-in for a seamless blend of analog sound with digital recall and workflow
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Rugged, all-metal enclosure with distinct analog tube circuitry plus internal low-noise, high-voltage generation that stabilizes each tube’s ideal operating range
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2 x E83CC/12AX7 high-gain tubes that are perfect for adding some attitude
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2 x 12AT7 mid-gain tubes that offer a gentler, mix-ready sound to vocals and more
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Top-quality 32bit DAC and support for sample rates up to 192kHz
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8 customizable hardware potentiometers with assignable filters, gain, harmonics, and more via the Freqtube plug-in
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Multi-instance plug-in offers 2 stereo instances or 4 mono instances anywhere in your workflow
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Individual channel wet/dry mixing and adjustable even/odd-order harmonic behavior on each tube
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Adjustable overdrive with clipping detection
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Colorful, easy-to-read displays on both hardware and plug-in interface
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Connects to your host computer via USB-C cable
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Usable as a desktop accessory; an optional rackmount kit is also available