Fuse Audio Labs has launched Tube Lab, a retro-inspired tube channel strip plugin for Windows and macOS. The new plugin combines tube preamplification, equalisation, and optical compression within a configurable channel strip environment.
Tube Lab is designed as a character-focused processing tool built around a multi-tube preamp stage, a Baxandall-style three-band EQ, and an optical leveler. The plugin allows users to adjust internal routing, enabling different module orders to suit specific workflows. According to Fuse Audio Labs, this approach is intended to provide flexibility in shaping tone and gain structure rather than adhering to a fixed signal path.
At the core of Tube Lab is a selectable tube preamp section offering several classic tube types:
Each tube model is presented as offering a distinct balance of headroom, density, and harmonic character. Users can choose between more restrained coloration or more heavily driven responses, depending on gain staging and source material.
The equaliser section is based on a three-band Baxandall design, intended for broad tonal shaping. This style of EQ is typically associated with smooth, wide adjustments across the frequency spectrum, supporting general tone contouring rather than surgical correction.
Dynamics control is handled by an optical compressor featuring classic and modern modes. An optional automatic gain control function is included to assist with level balancing during compression. The internal routing system allows users to change the order of the EQ and compression modules, offering additional flexibility when shaping signals.
Fuse Audio Labs describes Tube Lab as a hands-on channel strip suited to a range of sources, including vocals, bass, guitars, drums, keyboards, and full stems. The workflow integrates gain staging, tone shaping, and dynamics processing within a single interface, with an emphasis on tube-based coloration and controllable drive.
Tube Lab is available for Windows and macOS in standard plugin formats.
Tube Lab is currently available at an introductory discount of 58% off until May 2nd.
Click here to find out more about Tube Lab, a retro tube channel strip plugin developed by Fuse Audio Labs.
Find out more about Fuse Audio Labs and set deal alerts.
Do you have an opinion?
Let us know what you think about this news in the comments section below.
