Freqport has released FreqTube FT1-EMU, a tube saturation and harmonics plugin built on a SPICE (Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis) reference model derived from the company’s FreqTube FT1 hardware unit. The plugin runs as a standalone software emulation and can switch to real analogue processing when the FT1 hardware is connected.
The SPICE-based approach models circuit behaviour at the component level, capturing tube saturation, harmonic generation, and dynamic response — an alternative to the impulse response and transfer function methods more commonly used in analogue-modelling plugins. The software uses a dual-tube architecture with E83CC and 12AT7 models: the E83CC is aimed at bold saturation character, the 12AT7 at smoother harmonic content. Each tube can be independently enabled or disabled; two active for stereo operation, one for mono. A Tilt control adjusts the balance between the two tube paths.
Tone-shaping is handled by dual filter sets — WET FILTER and DRY FILTER — each with Freq, Q, and Gain parameters. Filter modes include low-pass, high-pass, peaking, and bandpass at 12 dB/Oct or 24 dB/Oct slopes. Additional controls include Drive (tube drive level), a proprietary Harmonics parameter with auto-gain compensation, Analog Mix (blend between primary and parallel paths), and a 180-degree phase Invert on the parallel path.
The hardware integration path is the key differentiator. When the physical FreqTube FT1 is connected, the plugin switches from software emulation to real analogue tube processing via an onscreen Analog toggle — carrying over the same session settings, automation, and controls.
Key Features
- SPICE-based, component-level tube circuit modelling.
- Dual-tube architecture: E83CC and 12AT7, each independently switchable.
- Tilt control for balance between tube paths; stereo (two tubes) or mono (one tube) operation.
- Dual WET FILTER and DRY FILTER sets with Freq, Q, and Gain controls.
- Filter modes: low-pass, high-pass, peaking, bandpass (12 dB/Oct or 24 dB/Oct).
- Drive, Harmonics (auto-gain compensated), Analog Mix, and parallel path phase Invert controls.
- One-click toggle between software emulation and real analogue hardware (requires FreqTube FT1).
- Full parameter automation support.
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Pricing & Availability
Available now for €99.00 / $99.00 (introductory price of €74.25 / $74.25 until May 1, 2026).
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