Looking to seamlessly integrate your analog gear into your DAW — without the latency, mess, or complex routing?
German tech review powerhouse bonedo.de put the FreqInOut FO1 to the test… and came away convinced.
Here’s what they had to say, translated for our English-speaking community:
By Nick Mavridis, March 12, 2025
4.5/5
The Freqport FreqInOut FO1 is truly a new type of device: It provides DAWs with hardware insert points for integrating analog effects. Control is via plug-in.
Hardware I/O is hardware I/O; in principle, something like this can also be done with a standard audio interface and insert plug-ins like the “External Audio Effect” in Ableton Live or “Pipeline” in Presonus Studio One. However, the fact that there’s a special hardware interface that operates as an insert send-return in addition to the actual audio interface is new.
Who’s going to freak out?
The FreqInOut (pronounced “freakin’ out”) is the latest product from Freqport. The company, Freqport Pty. Ltd., is based in Victoria, Australia, with another office in Copenhagen, Denmark.
FreqInOut hardware has a display
When a Freqport FreqInOut FO1 is placed on the table, all you really see is the shiny front panel with ventilation slots and the logo on the right side. When in use, an LED lights up on the far left. There’s no display. Wait a minute: on the back! The small OLED there only shows some basic information, such as a device ID. Connecting an external power supply is explicitly optional, because the FO1 not only manages data traffic via USB-C, but also receives its power from it.
Four analog connections
For connecting external devices, there are four TRS connectors. Four inputs, four outputs. XLR is usually the better solution in the studio, but many users will likely want to connect devices that rely on jack connectors anyway. So, that’s perfectly fine. Some knowledge of connection formats is essential if you plan to connect unbalanced devices to the Freqport FreqInOut FO1.
FO1 is cascadable. A little bit.
Four ways and channels aren’t enough? Two units can be cascaded, allowing eight I/Os. Unfortunately, that’s the limit. Perhaps someday there will be a 19″ device with many I/Os. That would also compensate for the fact that there isn’t even a rackmount kit for the Freqport FreqInOut FO1.
[Freqport note:] Regarding rack mounting — while the FO1 doesn’t include a rack kit by default, we’ve tested and listed several third-party rackmount solutions on our website. You can find the most stable and clean-fitting options there. A 19” version? Never say never. 👀
What is the Freqport FreqInOut FO1 not?
USB, analog inputs and outputs: Isn’t the FO1 simply an audio interface? Definitely not. However, it appears under inputs and outputs on the test computer. In a pinch, it can of course be used as an I/O, but without any of the features we’re used to from almost all interfaces today—including output level and headphone outputs.
Control via plug-in window
Freqport’s hardware ISR is used via a plug-in (VST, AU, AAX) from a DAW. The interface is simple, as is its range of functions. In the global settings, names (i.e., device names) are assigned, as is whether the processor is mono or stereo. In the window below, you select which of the analog I/Os you want to use at that point in the DAW channel. Of course, multiple instances can be opened in different channels, but a hardware I/O can only be used once.
There are a few clever features: they allow you to create processing chains, for example, with both an EQ and a compressor. The order in which the two are used ultimately makes a difference. The highlight: In the Freqport FreqInOut F01, this happens on the analog level thanks to a matrix, so conversion only occurs once. Another plus point: stereo processing is possible in M/S mode if necessary. However, it would have been easy to offer additional processing options in the plug-in itself.
Can this be removed? So, somewhere at the back of the rack?
Before the actual test of the Freqport FreqInOut F01 begins, I can confirm that the device is well-made. But, of course, there’s not much to say about it. Because there’s no front-facing display or controls, the status indicator isn’t essential for operation, and the device isn’t particularly attractive, it doesn’t require a place on a producer’s desk or anything similar. So, off it goes to the back of the rack, perhaps secured somewhere with Velcro or cable ties.
Very easy to use
Installing the Freqport software is a breeze, as is initial configuration and use in the project. Configurations can be saved and recalled in the hardware. This is handy if you want to take the FreqInOut somewhere else.
Using the photo function is also really simple:
- Take a photo of the hardware with your smartphone
- Go to the photo icon in the plug-in
- Scan QR code with your smartphone
- Browser opens
- Upload current photo
- Photo appears immediately in the plug-in and can be cropped there
Latency compensation
The key advantage of the FreqInOut system is that the plug-in is aware of the hardware and can therefore report the actual delay caused by the conversion processes to the DAW. Thanks to latency compensation, synchronization is fully guaranteed when bypassing the plug-in window.
The general loss of sound due to the double conversion is almost insignificant thanks to modern converter technology.
Adjustment for in-the-boxers
Anyone who has previously worked primarily in-the-box and decides to use FreqInOut will, of course, have to get used to the fact that integrating hardware means always rendering in real time. Furthermore, it will no longer be possible to simply start a new project if the hardware settings are different.
Who is Freqport FreqInOut suitable for?
Anyone who owns one or two outboard processors will certainly appreciate their convenient integration. Especially the little extras like the photo function. The purchase seems particularly worthwhile if you’ve previously worked with an audio interface with few I/Os, as you can continue to use it.
I find the following areas of application exciting:
- Single signal processing with external processors, for example EQs, compressors, channel strips
- Integration of master processors such as SSL Fusion or RND MBC in the sum.
- Simple reamping in the channel strip (requires preamp before the FO1 input!) or use of guitar effects devices as DAW effects
Test of the Freqport FreqInOut FO1: Conclusion
You always think you already have everything. And I’ll admit: While I initially frowned when the Freqport FreqInOut F01 was announced and briefly thought, “Do we really need this?”, I’m now convinced by the concept and its implementation. Especially those with a manageable number of outboard devices and not exactly a glut of I/Os will find the FreqInOut an exciting system. But more than that: The latency compensation and analog matrix, the plug-in functionality, photo options, and MS matrix are clear advantages over conventional hardware I/O.
- Hardware ISR system
- 4 x TRS In, 4 x TRS Out
- USB-C, two units cascadable
- Control via plug-in (VST, AU, AAX)
- analog matrix for changing the effect sequence on the analog level
- Made in: China
- Website: freqport.com
- Price: € 589 (street price on March 12, 2025)
You can access the original article — available only in German — at bonedo.de.