In a move that’s sure to excite music producers and audio engineers, Fuse Audio Labs has launched the VPRE-72 plugin, a free offering that emulates the classic V72 tube preamp design from the 1950s. This plugin is a testament to Fuse Audio Labs’ knack for creating truly analog-sounding plugins, capturing the subtle yet divine spirit of its inspirational model namesake.
The VPRE-72: A Nod to the Past
The V72 tube preamp is an analog milestone dating back to the early Fifties. It secured its place as a standout piece of recorded history through to the present day, acting as the blueprint for the later V76 and also the classic REDD.47 preamps, which played a part in making numerous Beatles sessions sound so fab. You can read more about the V72 here.
The VPRE-72 plugin faithfully emulates the input and output transformers, the dual EF804s pentode circuit with its peculiar feedback structure, as well as the heavy output choke that brings a subtle touch of air to the preamp proceedings.
User-Friendly Features
Using the VPRE-72 is a straightforward process. The drive control generates as much tube vibe as is needed, while pushing further progresses through to gentle- and musical-sounding saturation. Gain is compensated for convenience, and added V76-style low- and high-cut filters allow for quickly shaping the results to taste. The integrated grouping feature makes the plugin particularly suited to multi-channel applications.
Availability and Pricing
The VPRE-72 plugin is offered for free, without any temporal or functional restrictions. Anyone is invited to create a free account on the Fuse Audio Labs website to find their download waiting for them.
Conclusion
In the words of Fuse Audio Labs CEO Reimund Dratwa (who has worked for ACME, Black Box Analog Design, Black Rooster Audio, Elysia, Millennia, Neold, Vertigo, and many others products on Plugin Alliance and the UAD-2 platform), “The V72 will always remain a benchmark in preamp design in terms of excellent engineering and pristine sound characteristics, but getting hold of one these days will likely set you back a small fortune. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way… which is why we are especially delighted to make its epic tube tone available for anyone’s DAW absolutely for free”.
So, whether you’re a seasoned producer or a budding audio engineer, the VPRE-72 offers a chance to experience the magic of vintage studio equipment without spending a single dime!
