Freaking Out Over Freqport FreqInOut FO1: Why This Box Changed My Workflow
I recently had the chance to try out the Freqport FreqInOut, and to be honest—I was skeptical at first. What I really wanted to try was their upcoming FreqTube, because I had a similar idea myself: a small, affordable box with real tubes to add that analog warmth to your mixes. That’s what I was excited for.
But instead, I started with the FreqInOut—and wow, I did not expect what happened next.
The moment I plugged it in and connected my Neve 88C compressor, I was honestly shocked. This little box didn’t just pass signal—it made my hardware feel like a plugin. Suddenly, processing vocals or synth lines became incredibly easy. Just drop the plugin on a track, route it to the unit, and you’re good to go. And if you’re working in-the-box, you can just print it—no complex routing, no latency issues.
What surprised me the most was how seamless it all felt. The workflow just clicked. It’s a real game-changer if you’ve got hardware and want to integrate it into your DAW setup without the usual headaches.
Why I Really Like This Gear
There are a few things that make FreqInOut stand out for me—and they’re not just technical, they’re practical.
First of all, it’s super portable. If you’re someone who likes to stay in-the-box but still wants analog flavor on the go—this thing is gold. When I travel or record on the fly, I don’t need a big rig. I just take my laptop, headphones, mic, a small interface, the FO1, and maybe a favorite compressor like my Neve 88C. That’s it. No bulky gear—just a couple of small boxes, and I’m ready to mix or record from almost anywhere. No limits.
Another thing I love is the routing flexibility. You can connect four mono channels or two stereo ones, and inside the plugin there’s an analog matrix that makes routing super easy. You don’t need to think too hard—just route and go.
You also get mid-side mode, which is crazy useful. Want to widen a mix or treat just the mids? No problem—you can flip any gear into M/S mode inside the plugin. That gives you a ton of control and creative options without needing to buy more gear.
And the workflow? Smooth. When you want to use your hardware on a channel, just drag and drop the plugin, and boom—it’s ready. Tweak the settings on your actual gear, listen, adjust, move on. No fuss.
Also—only one USB-C cable. No power adapter, no extra drivers. Just plug and play. That’s exactly how I like my gear—simple and instant.
One of the coolest features? You can take a picture of your gear settings, and the plugin remembers them. Let’s say you dial in the perfect mix, but later your client asks for a revision. Just load that photo inside the plugin, and it recalls everything. It’s visual, fast, and makes revisions a breeze. You’ll need an internet connection for that feature, but it’s worth it.
And finally, the dry/wet blend. With this plugin, you can turn any piece of gear into a parallel processor. Want to crush your drums with compression but still keep the punch? Just blend it. Analog warmth meets digital control.
Are There Any Downsides?
Honestly, there are very few—but I’ll be real with you.
I do wish the unit had more I/O. Just a couple more ins and outs would let me hook up more gear simultaneously without re-patching. It’s not a dealbreaker, but when you’re in the flow, every cable matters.
Also, there’s a small thing that bugs me: every time I load the plugin in Ableton, I have to manually activate the preset. It’s just a couple clicks, but I wish there were a way to have it load automatically by default. Maybe there is a way and I just haven’t figured it out yet (if that’s the case—my bad).
That said, these are minor things. I’ve ended up using it in every single session. It’s so smooth and fast that I actually removed a bunch of plugins from my chain. Now I can run just a few trusted pieces of hardware and still hit the sound I want—but with that analog depth and without overthinking.
The best part? When I’m in a creative zone, I just drop in the plugin, commit the sound, and keep moving. No distractions, no second-guessing. Just flow.
Q: Why should I consider using the Freqport FreqInOut FO1 if I already have an audio interface?
A: While your existing audio interface enables you to connect and record audio, the Freqport FreqInOut FO1 offers a specialized solution for seamlessly integrating analog outboard gear into your digital workflow. Here’s how it enhances your setup:
- Seamless DAW Integration: The FO1, with its companion plugin, allows your analog hardware to appear as plugins inside your DAW, simplifying routing and control.
- Latency-Free Analog Matrix: Reconfigure hardware chains without latency or complex setup.
- Advanced Features: M/S processing, parallel dry/wet control, gain staging—all inside the plugin.
- High-Quality Conversion: ESS 32-bit converters up to 192 kHz keep your signal clean and true.
- Session Recall & Custom Skins: Save hardware settings by scanning a QR code or loading a picture—perfect for quick revisions and consistency.
In summary: while your audio interface connects your gear, the FO1 actually brings your analog tools into your digital workflow, with zero hassle and tons of creative flexibility.
Author’s Note
If you’re considering buying this piece of gear, I’d highly recommend checking it out on Sweetwater. It’s listed at $599, and they offer financing—so you can grab it for just $12/month. You can also split it into 3 or 6 easy payments, and sometimes you’ll even get cashback rewards.
I honestly don’t get why more people don’t do this. You could be owning a pro-level piece of gear for less than a coffee each month.
One More Thing…
Also—check out my other blog posts! I recently transcribed a ton of content, so now you can see all my plugin chains and hardware setups with clickable links.
And if you’re looking for pro-level results fast, I’ve got Grammy Award-winning templates and my brand new sample pack ready for you. Don’t miss it.