As a music producer with over a decade of experience under my belt, I can confidently say there's never been a better time to be a musician or producer. Despite the challenges we face - like the rise of AI, low streaming payments, and the ever-changing landscape of the music industry that's seemingly impossible to keep up with - the creative side of being an artist is more exciting than ever.

One of the most incredible aspects of modern music production is how accessible it has become. Today, you don't need a million-dollar studio to create professional-sounding tracks. With a laptop, a decent pair of headphones, and some quality software, you can achieve results that were once only possible in high-end studios. Even your most budget-conscious bedroom producer can get the tools to make amazing music.

A significant part of this accessibility comes from the advancements in analog emulation plugins . These plugins help us capture the warmth, depth, and punch that made older records so iconic. Whether you're after the lush sound of vintage tape machines or the unmistakable character of classic hardware compressors, there's a plugin out there that can deliver.

However, with hundreds of plugins on the market claiming to emulate the characteristics of analog gear, not all of them hit the mark. Only a select few that I've tried over the years truly do justice to the analog legends they aim to replicate.

Luckily, throughout my career, I've had the chance to explore a wide range of these plugins, and I'm excited to share my findings with you. So, let's dive in and take a look at the 18 best analog emulation plugins.

1. Audified U78 Saturator

The Audified U78 Saturator is one of those plugins that quickly found a permanent spot in my go-to toolbox. Based on the German U73b, this valve plug-in brings a precise band saturation that’s nothing short of magical.

Putting it on a mix is like adding a warm, resonant blanket over your tracks. Everything just feels inexplicably richer and more cohesive.

One of my favorite features is the calibration knob, which allows you to tweak the headroom and fine-tune the perfect amount of harmonics. This kind of control is great for any producer looking to dial in just the right amount of warmth without going overboard.

It also comes with dry and wet signal controls, high and low-pass filters, and a unique Tone control that lets you adjust the warmth and brilliance of your sound. Whether you’re looking to add a subtle harmonic enhancement or a more aggressive saturation, this plugin has you covered.

And let’s not forget the 60+ included presets with seven different categories to choose from. These presets make it super easy to get started, providing a solid foundation that you can tweak to your heart’s content.

Pros

• Sounds incredible
• Very flexible yet intuitive interface
• Zero-latency for recording

Cons

• Not the best range of filters
• When oversampling is on, it can be hard on CPU
  

2. Softube Tape

When it comes to emulating the authentic sound of tape, Softube Tape is as close to the real deal as you can get. This plugin has changed the game for me in many ways, adding a realistic analog sound that brings cohesion and warmth to my mixes.

Whether you’re looking to add weight and glue to your tracks or seeking that elusive analog 'glue,' Softube Tape delivers.

Beyond what you'd expect from this plugin, it also has a few premium-level features, including a mastering-grade high-shelf filter, a wet/dry mix knob, and stability control. These features give you the kind of control and flexibility that can take your mix to the next level.

Plus, it comes with three different tape types, each offering its own unique character.

One of my favorite ways to use Softube Tape is in parallel processing , especially when driven hard on kicks or bass. It adds a thick and fat sound that can transform the low end of your mix. It also works wonders on the mix bus, adding that final touch of analog magic.

Despite its powerful capabilities, it’s surprisingly CPU-efficient, like most Softube plugins.

And if you’re looking for a quick start, there are tons of presets from Grammy-winning engineers, including Joe Chicarelli and Howard Willing.

Pros

• One of the best-sounding tape plugins out there
• Three beautifully distinct models
• CPU-friendly (which is pretty rare for tape plugins)

Cons

• Interface is not scalable

3. Audified U73b Compressor

Next from Audified is the U73b Compressor, which is a faithful emulation of the classic German broadcast compressor, the U73b. This plugin brings precise loudness and clarity to your mix, all while dripping with vintage character. If you're a fan of compressors that add personality and warmth, this one should be on your radar.

Overall, it's super versatile, offering both Compressor and Limiter modes that deliver that sought-after vintage vibe. Its calibration for headroom is as straightforward and effective as its sibling, the U78 Saturator, making it easy to dial in the perfect settings for your needs.

As many new producers and engineers can attest to, compression can be confusing .

What sets this plugin apart from other, more in-depth compressors is its ease of use, which is great for anyone just starting out (or those who don't feel like doing a lot of unnecessary tweaking).

The sidechain and high-pass filter options provide additional control, and the intuitive interface means you won't spend hours figuring out how to get the best out of it.

Plus, it comes with a variety of top-notch presets such as “Punchy Drums,” “Warm Vocal,” and “Smooth Bass,” which are excellent starting points for any project.

Pros

• Affordable analog compression plugin
• Simple controls
• Sounds amazing

Cons

• No global oversampling option
• The cosmetic inputs are a little strange

4. u-he Satin

Another one of my favorite luscious tape plugins is u-he Satin.

It delivers all the rich, warm sound of tape to your digital setup. Whether you want to emulate top-of-the-line multi-track consoles or the nostalgic charm of humble cassette decks, Satin does it all with stunning accuracy.

You truly get the entire history of tape technology right at your fingertips.

One unique feature is its ability to manipulate up to eight instances simultaneously with the integrated Group panel, making it incredibly versatile for complex projects. The plugin also includes five noise decoder and reduction encoder models, giving you more control over the tape sound.

As for additional controls, you get hiss, bias, wow and flutter, azimuth, head gap, saturation, and much more. It gives you options for vintage or modern tape (modern is often where I land, just because it provides a cleaner sound overall) and five unique circuit models.

Of course, I couldn't leave this u-he review without talking about the stereo delay, which offers cross, multiple-mono, and ping-pong options, as well as a tape flanger effect. As an effects plugin alone, it's a heavy-hitter.

Top that off with 120+ factory presets, and you always have an excellent starting point with u-he Satin, no matter your project.

Pros

• One of the most flexible tape simulation plugins out there
• Plenty of creative effects
• Tons of great presets

Cons

• It can be quite CPU-heavy when multiple instances are used

5. Black Rooster Audio VLA-2A

There are so many LA-2A plugins out there, it's kind of maddening.

However, if I had to choose my favorite emulation of the iconic 1960s optoelectronic compressor, it'd be the Black Rooster Audio VLA-2A. As someone who owns a real LA-2A, I can tell you that this plugin gets impressively close to the analog unit.

It’s a fantastic choice for drums, but it works equally well on vocals and bass, bringing that classic, clean, and natural compression magic to whatever track it's on.

One of the things that sets the VLA-2A apart from its competitors is its authentic real-time component-based circuit simulation. This approach ensures that all the crucial parts - such as sidechain and audio path tube stages in- and output transformers, filters, and the T4A cell - are faithfully modeled.

In fact, the Black Rooster Audio team matched these components with an original '68 reference unit, and the result is a plugin that captures the essence of the LA-2A with remarkable accuracy.

Despite the fact that it's one of the highest-quality emulations of the LA-2A, this plugin is very inexpensive, making it accessible for producers at all levels.

Pros

• Great for tight low-end
• Clean and transparent sound
• Very affordable

Cons

• No R37 control knob

6. Waves J37

The first tape plugin I ever got my hands on was the Waves J37, and to this day, it's been a mainstay in my mixing template.

Created alongside Abbey Road Studios, it's a remarkable tape emulation plugin that brings the sound of the legendary machine used to record countless '60s and '70s classics from the Beatles and Pink Floyd.

You get this rich, vintage vibe, with three exclusive 60s EMI tape formulas (and yes, these formulas actually sound very different from one another). You can mix and match those formulas with different speeds for unique sounds as well.

I often use the 15 ips when I want a better high-frequency response without much distortion. It's great for bass, as you get a slight bump around 100 Hz. However, when I want a bit more warmth or a lo-fi vibe, I'll go for 7.5 ips, which provides a slight bump at 50 Hz. I love this setting for drums

The J37 also includes controls for wow and flutter, Tape Speed, Bias, and Hiss. Of course, the star of the show is the tape delay, which comes with three distinct delay types. It's an incredibly versatile plugin overall, especially for use in mastering.

Pros

• Flexible tape saturation plugin
• Great for gluing sounds together
• Authentic tape hiss

Cons

• The interface can be a bit overwhelming
• Eats away at CPU

7. Black Rooster Audio VEQ-5 EQ

The VEQ-5 EQ from Black Rooster Audio is a fantastic mid-range equalizer based on one of the most famous pieces of analog EQ hardware in history.

It shines in the crucial "power" range from around 200Hz to 7kHz, making it perfect for cleaning up and sweetening vocals, ensuring they sit perfectly in standard mixes or poke out through denser mixes.

What really sets the VEQ-5 apart is its SPICE-type component-based circuit simulation approach. This technique from Black Rooster Audio authentically captures the sound and feel of the analog counterpart in all its nuances, providing a rich and detailed analog emulation.

Additionally, the plugin automatically adjusts its oversampling to match your session's sample rate, saving valuable CPU power while delivering the most transparent sound you could expect. And let’s not forget the aesthetics. Not only does the VEQ-5 sound great, but it also looks stunning when pulled up on the screen, which is always a nice little addition to have.

Pros

• Excellent version of the MEQ-5
• Forward presence is great for vocals and guitars
• Inexpensive plugin

Cons

• Not the most flexible EQ out there

8. Universal Audio Studer A800

The Universal Audio Studer A800 is one of the most legendary tape plugins out there. The actual tape machine itself was used on countless iconic albums by artists like Tom Petty, Stevie Wonder, Metallica, Jeff Buckley, and A Tribe Called Quest.

This exact plugin was modeled off the entire circuit path from Allen Sides' Ocean Way Studios collection, and you get all of the ooey-gooey warmth, glue, presence, and low-end punch that you'd expect from a legit tape machine.

For even greater flexibility, you have the choice between multiple tape formulas, allowing you to choose the best option for your sound, whether you want something more modern or vintage. If you're a LUNA user (which I'd highly recommend trying), the integrated multitrack tape functionality makes this plugin even more versatile.

To my ears, and arguably the ears of many others, this is one of the best and most authentic-sounding tape plugins on the market today.

Pros

• Incredibly authentic tape saturation and compression
• Fat low-end and creamy high-end
• Very flexible integration with LUNA

Cons

• Noise is standard on most presets

9. D16 Group Decimort 2

D16's Group Decimort 2 might just be one of the best bit crusher plugins to ever come out, especially if you're someone like me who loves the classic sounds of old-school hip-hop and lo-fi beats. For those who are unfamiliar, a bit crusher essentially reduces the audio quality of an incoming sound to mimic the gritty texture of older digital gear.

In this case, D16's analog emulation delivers the warmth and coloration of circuits found in iconic samplers from EM-U and Akai. It's one of my favorite plugins for taking clean or sterile digital sounds and turning them into something that feels straight out of an old-school sampler.

What sets Decimort apart further is that it's so much more than a bitcrusher. You get two alternative quantization algorithms, and the addition of dithering and jittering options, allowing for more control over how the degradation impacts the signal. Plus, with the inclusion of an anti-alias filter, you can make sure the entire process is smooth and musical.

There's also an included multi-mode filter, which can be applied pre or post-crushing, adding another layer of flexibility. It's great for shaping the raw crushed signal even further, by tempering some of the harshness before it hits the crusher or by tweaking the output for perfect integration into a mix.

Pros

• Tons of great presets to choose from
• Authentic analog emulation of classic samplers
• Super versatile

Cons

• Can't link input and output gain

10. Kiive Audio ADC1

Until I found ADC1, Kiive Audio was never really on my radar. I truly regret all the time lost, as the developers there delivered a stellar example of modern technology by paying homage to the legendary compressors and limiters of the 50s and 60s.

This plugin breathes all of the classic analog warmth into a mix that you could possibly get from a compressor plugin. Plus, it's wildly versatile.

ADC1 offers four compression modes, each of which tailors the attack and release settings to suit various needs, from gentle leveling to aggressive squashing. It's this level of versatility that makes it invaluable whether you're smoothing out vocals or adding punch to drums. The ability to change the attack and release characteristics with each mode helps dial in the perfect amount of control for any source material.

One of the most helpful aspects of the ADC1 is its wet/dry mix control, which you can find on most modern compression plugins. This allows you to blend the compressed signal with the original, uncompressed signal. For example, you might use a heavy compression setting but mix it lightly with the dry signal, which can be particularly useful for drums and vocals where you want presence without sacrificing dynamic range.

The developers also included a high-pass sidechain, letting you compress the overall signal while ignoring the lower frequencies that can trigger unwanted compression artifacts.

Overall, ADC1 is both nostalgic and supremely usable for today’s modern sound, great for anyone looking to explore the sounds of vintage-inspired compression.

Pros

• Awesome Chandler-like compressor
• Very flexible with four modes
• Tons of spank for drums and vocals

Cons

• Attack can be difficult to get right

11. Klanghelm MJUC jr

The Klanghelm MJUCjr is a wonderful little take on the variable-mu compressor design, which is a classic, trademarked Manley Labs technique where the compression ratio increases with the signal level, allowing for exceptionally musical dynamic control.

This compression was heard a lot in vintage gear and became loved for its smooth, organic response, great for when you don't want something to sound overly processed.

The great thing about MJUCjr is that it can do much more than subtlety. Depending on how you want to dial it in, it can pack a serious punch. The magic lies in its two gain stages coupled with an interstage transformer simulation, which collectively create a deep, vibrant soundstage. You get that undeniable 'vibe,' which is perfect for breathing life into even the most sterile mixes.

One of my favorite features of the MJUCjr is its innovative three-position timing switch, which adjusts the slew rate and saturation dynamics by influencing how transformers and other circuit components respond to the signal. This means you can tailor the textural response and saturation to suit the mood of your track, whether you need understated warmth or full-on sonic coloring.

Best of all? You can get the plugin for free! It's definitely worth having in your arsenal.

Pros

• Authentic tube sound
• Great-looking interface
• Totally free!

Cons

• Honestly, can't think of one

12. Kiive Audio Complexx

If I don't give love to one more of Kiive Audio's compressor plugins in this article, I'll regret it.

Complexx is a formidable force in the modern plugin game. It draws inspiration from the iconic British FET compressors of the late '60s. However, what's unique about it is that it allows both compression and expansion to occur simultaneously, providing a level of control and detail rarely seen in digital analog emulation plugins.

I love it for managing tracks with heavy transients, as it tightens things up without squashing the life out of them, making it especially useful for drums and guitars.

The mix knob located on the top bar is another thoughtful addition, allowing you to blend the processed signal with the original in parallel.

Overall, it's a killer compressor for when you want that distinctive vintage warmth, whether you're using it on individual tracks or on your mix bus.

Pros

• Great for bringing sounds to life
• Awesome for smashing drums
• Plenty of modernized parameters and features

Cons

• Controls can be overwhelming for newbies

13. Pulsar Audio Pulsar Massive

Pulsar Audio is another one of my favorite plugin developers that popped onto my radar in the past year or so. The Pulsar Massive, in particular, is an extraordinary analog emulation of the renowned Manley Massive Passive EQ, which has become somewhat of a staple in mastering studios all over the world.

Uniquely enough, however, Pulsar Massive isn't just a clone, as there are tons of unique features that set it apart.

For starters, it uses fully parallel topology. Unlike traditional digital EQs that alter the signal flow sequentially, a parallel topology processes multiple frequency bands simultaneously, independent of each other. This method results in a smoother, more natural EQ curve.

They also emulated the passive equalization circuit of the original hardware, giving the EQ its creamy, non-linear, and organic sound. As the cherry on top, the input, output, and internal gain stages of Pulsar Massive are operated entirely by emulated tubes and transformers.

Wrap everything up in an ergonomic interface, and it's both intuitive for those who've used the Manley Massive Passive before and great for pro mastering.

Pros

• Top-notch, tube-y sound
• Variable saturation gives you plenty of unique tonal options
• Lovely interface

Cons

• The learning curve can be a bit steep for new users

14. Tone Empire Goliath V2

Tone Empire is another of those secret weapon developers that came out of the woodwork for me in the past year or so, and I've absolutely fallen in love with the company's Goliath V2. This powerful plugin combines saturation, dynamics processing, and EQ into a single, streamlined package, and does an excellent job at mimicking old-school analog sounds from tape, tubes, and transformers.

At the heart of Goliath are four analog modeled processing chains that include ALLOY, TUBE, TAPE, and VINYL. Each chain offers a unique flavor of saturation that can be tailored with a simple drive control, allowing you to infuse your tracks with everything from the warmth of a tube amplifier to the nostalgic hiss and pop of vinyl.

The new iteration of Goliath introduces an improved FET compressor, which provides that classic sharp, punchy response. The low-cut filter sounds great as well, and it's perfect for cleaning up the mud in the lower frequencies to keep even the warmest and most vibey sounds from getting in the way.

Pros

• Four different flavors to choose from
• Analog-style EQ controls
• Beautiful interface

Cons

• Some users have complained of low-end rumble

15. Caelum Audio Tape Cassette 2

There's something undeniably magical about the sound of tape, and Caelum Audio's Tape Cassette 2 taps into this vintage charm like no other plugin I've used. You get all the beloved characteristics of tape, including warmth, modulation, and noise, with a modern twist.

The plugin offers a dynamic saturation curve algorithm that incorporates hysteresis, a technique that's often used in magnetic tape technology to reduce noise and distortion. This sophisticated approach not only emulates the colorful character of vintage tape but also adds a lively, dynamic quality to the sound.

The plugin also features real sample type 1 tape noise, providing an authentic tape hiss that can add a desirable layer of texture to any track, and wow and flutter controls, which can be pushed far beyond what traditional hardware offers, opening up an array of creative possibilities.

Pros

• Beautiful saturation sound
• Great interface
• Wow and flutter controls can get experimental

Cons

• I wish there were a few more presets

16. Tone Empire Loc-Ness

Loc-Ness is Tone Empire's proprietary "Smash Box," designed specifically to enhance drum and percussion tracks to mythical levels. With an intuitive blend of EQ and compression algorithms, it's great for bringing out the punch, power, and color necessary to make drums stand out.

There are four meticulously modeled analog signal paths, ranging from light to crunchy saturation, providing a spectrum of tonal flavors that can enhance any drum track. However, the standout feature of Loc-Ness for me is the "Smash" function, which, to my ears, mirrors the legendary Devil-Loc compressor's ability to offer a tightly limited and sustained sound. Overall, this plugin is perfect for achieving those heavy-handed acoustic drum tones in a matter of seconds.

Pros

• Very crunchy and texturized sound
• Intuitive interface
• Love a drum-specific saturation plugin

Cons

• Easy to go overboard with

17. Mellowmuse EQ1A Equalizer

If you're on the hunt for a robust, free analog EQ plugin, look no further than the Mellowmuse EQ1A Equalizer. It’s a beautifully smooth, analog-modeled equalizer that stays true to its analog roots while minimizing phase coloration.

The feature set of EQ1A is thoughtfully curated to provide versatile control over your mix. It includes a high pass filter with an adjustable Q, giving you precise control over low-end cleanup, and both low and high frequencies can be shaped with sweepable shelf filters, offering broad tonal shaping capabilities. Of course, you also get sweepable low and high peak filters with variable Q, perfect for targeted frequency boosts or cuts.

Everything is wrapped up in a user-friendly interface and it's very CPU efficient, making it a joy to use even in complex sessions.

Pros

• Free analog EQ
• Interface is easy to navigate
• CPU-efficient

Cons

• Not the most exciting plugin out there

18. Soundtoys Decapitator

You've likely heard Decapitator in many of your favorite mixes, as it's slowly become a not-so-secret weapon for some of the top engineers in the game. This plugin emulates numerous pieces of old-school studio hardware, delivering the distinct sound of distortion to your recordings.

There are five unique modes built into Decapitator, so whether you want old-school, preamp-style saturation, or stompbox-style fuzz, you can get it. Plus, each of the five modes can be shaped using the Tone knob, high- and low-pass knobs, and the almighty "Punish" button, which injects heavy-handed harmonics into the incoming signal.

I often find myself using it on the drum bus, vocals, and bass, though its functionality makes it useful just about anywhere.

Pros

• Works on just about anything
• Very easy to dial-in
• Super shapeable

Cons

• The aliasing can be a bit problematic sometimes

Final Thoughts

There you have it - the best analog emulation plugins on the market.

Of course, we're only hitting the tip of the iceberg here, and there are so many other types of plugins, such as channel strip plugins, that I didn't touch on, as well as plugins from developers like Analog Obsession and Baby Audio that didn't quite make the cut for me.

Even so, these analog emulation plugins above should give you more than you need for a jumping-off point if you're looking to get the vibe of analog distortion and saturation in your recordings.