In a world where digital tools dominate music production, the allure of hardware gear hasn’t faded—it has evolved. The FreqInOut FO1 is leading this evolution, and Sound On Sound has taken notice, describing it as:
“A clever new USB-powered unit [that] aims to make it easier to access hardware in the box.”
For many producers and engineers, hardware integration remains a challenge. Routing outboard gear into a DAW can be cumbersome, time-consuming, and restrictive, often requiring complex setups that steal focus from creativity. The FO1 changes that. By appearing as a VST, AU, or AAX plug-in, it offers the convenience of software while preserving the warmth and depth of analog processing—without consuming your main interface’s I/O.
Revolutionizing Hybrid Studio Workflows
The rise of hybrid studios is undeniable. While modern computers and plug-ins offer limitless possibilities, there’s still an undeniable character and feel that outboard gear brings to the table. As Sound On Sound explains:
“Computers are now so powerful, and plug-ins so sophisticated, that there are no real limitations on what we can do with them. Yet hybrid setups combining software and hardware are growing in popularity.”
The FO1 enables this hybrid approach without the usual trade-offs. It allows you to add compressors, EQs, reverbs, or any other external hardware to your DAW session just like a plug-in but with the sonic integrity of real analog hardware.
The Analog Matrix – A True Analog Signal Path Without Extra Conversions
Traditional hardware inserts introduce multiple conversion stages that can degrade signal quality. The FO1 eliminates this issue with its Analog Matrix, allowing multiple processors to be chained together in the analog domain, preserving every nuance of your outboard gear.
As Sound On Sound highlights:
“The Analog Matrix allows multiple hardware processors to be chained without multiple conversion stages.”
This means you can craft complex, multi-stage signal chains with your favorite analog gear while keeping your workflow inside the DAW—no messy patch bays, no wasted I/O.
Instant Recall – Never Lose a Hardware Setting Again
One of the biggest frustrations of working with outboard gear is recalling settings. Unlike plug-ins, hardware units don’t save parameters, making it difficult to pick up where you left off in a session. The FO1 solves this problem by allowing users to store and recall photos of hardware settings directly within the plug-in interface.
“The plug-in can store photos of your hardware settings for recall,” Sound On Sound notes, making session management significantly easier.
This feature alone revolutionizes hybrid workflows, allowing producers and engineers to maintain consistency between sessions without the usual guesswork.
A Scalable System for Any Studio Setup
Need more connectivity? The FO1 is fully expandable! “Up to two FO1 and two FT1 units can be used together,” unlocking an even larger hybrid processing setup.
And unlike many USB audio devices, Freqport’s technology is designed to work with powered USB and Thunderbolt hubs, so you’re not locked into a single-unit setup. Whether you’re a small studio looking for seamless integration or a larger facility seeking modular flexibility, the FO1 scales to fit your needs.
Why This Matters for Today’s Producers
The FO1 isn’t just another hardware insert solution—it redefines how producers and engineers use outboard gear in a digital environment. With 32-bit ESS converters, ±12dB analog trim, and a +18dBu max output, it delivers a true hybrid experience—without the complexity.
Sound On Sound puts it best:
“The FreqInOut FO1 does exactly what it sets out to do, rebalancing the
gain-versus-pain equation and turning what was, for many of us, a theoretical possibility into a practical reality.”
Read the full review in Sound On Sound and see how the FO1 is changing the way hybrid studios work:
- Buy the digital version of FreqInOut FO1 article on Sound On Sound FO1
- Buy the SOS March 2025 issue on Sound On Sound Magazine
