Access Analog is a cloud-based platform that lets you use real, premium analog outboard gear from anywhere in the world, right inside your favorite DAW or our Standalone Application. The plugin remotely controls the physical knobs and switches on actual analog hardware located in our racks; robotics precisely track every change you make. Audio streams over the internet through the hardware and returns to your DAW in real-time, giving you the authentic sound of high-end analog with the convenience, recall, presets, automation, and mobility of software plugins.

The Analog Matrix is a plugin, but not a typical one. It remotely controls the physical knobs, buttons, and switches on the audio hardware via robotics. Audio streams from the plugin across the internet, through the analog hardware, and back to the plugin in real-time. Meters and indicators in the plugin precisely mirror the hardware in sync with the audio. You can build a hardware signal chain of up to eight devices in any order, add/remove/reorder in real-time, then capture the processed audio in real-time or via offline rendering. Download: accessanalog.com/downloads/

The Standalone Application has the same gear selection, control, and playback features as the plugin, but runs as a native app — no DAW required. It's especially useful when you're only processing files (rather than DAW tracks): more efficient than running through a DAW, and it supports batch file processing so you can load a series of files and bounce all of them through the same chain with the same settings. Download: accessanalog.com/downloads/

When you create a new account, you start with 12 free credits (roughly 1 hour of use on an average device). You also get permanent access to a couple of free devices — the Iron Age / LH95 EQ and the Audioscape Bus Compressor — that don't consume credits. The plugin is also free to download. No credit card required to start.

1. Create a free account at accessanalog.com/my-account/ (you'll get a password-set email)
2. Download the free Analog Matrix plugin (or Standalone App) at accessanalog.com/downloads/
3. Install it like any other plugin — no special drivers needed
4. Insert it on a track in your DAW, log in, and connect
5. Start with the free devices to learn the workflow before spending credits

• If your connection is limited, use a 2500 ms buffer size and compressed 128k transmit format.
• This service uses TCP port 47300. If you can't connect, allow this port in your firewall.
• If you're using Reaper, disable "Anticipative FX processing" under Preferences → Buffering.
• The best way to save final processed audio is to use the source and bounce panels on the left/right of the interface — upload audio to the server first to avoid connection-dropout risk. This process uses lossless, 24-bit audio regardless of your transmit format setting.
• You can reserve specific times on the website, buy and use credits on demand, or buy a subscription for the best value.
• The one-hour reservation rate and the on-demand credit deduction rate are the same.

Use the Source panel tab to upload your audio to the server, then use the Bounce panel to bounce that audio through the analog gear. Together they create your bounce, immune to connection dropouts, and always use lossless 24-bit audio regardless of your transmit format. Tutorial: youtube.com/watch?v=RByXTLicFUY

Yes — the YouTube channel has several videos to help you get going.

• Channel: youtube.com/@accessanalog2534
• How it works: youtube.com/watch?v=tFhvuEFIZ8k
• Cloud storage: youtube.com/watch?v=GDMmrWZbvS0
• Offline bounce: youtube.com/watch?v=NuuHbJPvouI
• Standalone app: youtube.com/watch?v=rhmVIS8JJOc

Yes. The 40-second preview is available for the first 30 days of your account, and for active subscribers. We had to limit it because some users were abusing it with automated cron jobs.

• Access to high-end analog gear — over $350,000 worth of premium hardware, from studio staples to rare classics.
• Wide and growing selection of gear. Over 70 devices to choose from.
• Hybrid solution — the authenticity of outboard analog plus the convenience of an in-the-box plugin.
• Convenience & flexibility — accessible anywhere, anytime; reserve gear or use it on demand; international users can connect via AWS for improved connectivity.
• High-quality audio — pro-grade A/D and D/A conversion at 24-bit / 96 kHz; processors calibrated daily.
• Cost-effectiveness — a fraction of the cost of buying and maintaining comparable analog gear.
• Unmatched sound quality — real hardware, not digital emulations.

We have over 70 devices to choose from. A wide variety of outboard gear: compressors, equalizers, saturators, limiters, reverb, tape, and more. New gear is added regularly. Full current list: accessanalog.com/reserve/

Three ways to access the gear:

• Subscription plans: see accessanalog.com/subscriptions/
• Credit bundles: one-time purchase, with bulk discounts. See accessanalog.com/credits/
• Reservations: book a specific device for a set price per 30 minutes. See accessanalog.com/access-analog/

One user per device at a time. We keep duplicates of many popular units and have a large overall selection, so wait time is rarely long. When average utilization for any device exceeds 30% in a month, we add a duplicate unit. You can reserve in advance or use on-demand.

On-demand lets you use any available device instantly without a prior reservation — just drag it into the routing panel of the plugin. You get a free 40-second preview to test, after which your credit balance is reduced periodically at the same hourly rate as a reservation.

Yes. Use the "+" button at the top right of each individual equipment panel to save a preset for that device. To save a whole signal chain (multiple devices + their settings), use the chains preset button.

Yes. Every knob, switch, and selector on each device has an independent control that is saved. You can recall an entire signal chain later via the chain preset menu.

• 1 credit = $1 when purchased one at a time. Bundles/subscriptions reduce the rate.
• 1 credit = 4–12 minutes on a device, depending on which device you choose.
• 12 credits ≈ 1 hour on an average device.
• Per-device pricing: accessanalog.com/gear-prices/

Credits never expire. Unused credits roll over month to month.

Check at accessanalog.com/my-account/, or look at the bottom-right corner of the plugin once connected.

Typically within 30 minutes. If they haven't arrived after that, ping support on our website chat system.

• Bundles are one-time purchases — no recurring charges.
• Subscriptions recur monthly (or 3/12 month cycles), and they're generally better value over time.
• Subscription types and options: accessanalog.com/subscriptions/

• Just exploring? Start with the Starter Credit Subscription: Earn up to 14 credits/month at a 29% discount with unlimited accrual and receive unlimited access to the Tegeler Creme. Learn more here: accessanalog.com/product/starter-credit-subscription/
• If you want something you can customize try one of our Access Analog Subscriptions: accessanalog.com/product/aa-subscription/. Pick Essential, Pro, or Elite. Pick your Analog Chain Size. Your plan, Your Way.

From: $14.98 / month.

• Mastering chains (Magic Garden / Infrasonic) are sold separately: accessanalog.com/subscriptions/

Yes — use the "Change Subscription" flow:

1. Go to My Account - accessanalog.com/my-account/ → Subscriptions
2. Pick your current subscription
3. Click Change Subscription
4. Re-select the subscription (same or different) and pick your options

Upgrades take effect immediately. Downgrades take effect at the next renewal date.

Yes — support can pause it for you for up to 30 days, once per year as a courtesy. While paused you don't get unlimited access, but when reactivated your accrued subscription time is preserved. If you cancel and resubscribe instead, your time resets to zero.

If you cancel, your accumulated subscription time resets — you start over from month 1 if you resubscribe. This is intentional to discourage "jump on / jump off" behavior. To preserve your time during a break, ask support to pause instead.

Go to My Account - accessanalog.com/my-account/ → Subscriptions, click on the subscription, and use the Cancel button. If you are on the Starter Subscription plan, you'll keep all unused credits.

Yes — multiple subscriptions can be active simultaneously.

You don't have to reserve. On-demand is the recommended default — connect with the plugin, insert the device, and you only pay for the time you actually use. If someone else is currently using it, the device shows as "unavailable" and you can wait or watch for it.

Reservations are useful when you need a guaranteed slot:

• Minimum 15-minute increments
• Bookable on the website calendar or in the plugin's Scheduling tab
• You can pay for reservations with credits or money

Yes — if someone has a reservation starting soon, you'll get a notice 5 minutes before their reservation starts.

Yes — contact support and they can cancel or move it for you.

We look at what our current customers would like to have in the rack as well as devices that fill a certain need or duplicates of highly utilized devices. Contact customer support at [email protected] or use our online chat system to let us know of any new devices you may be interested in.

No — the SSL Bus+ has been removed from service. It was fragile and SSL doesn't have a workable repair process. It has been replaced with the Wes Audio ngBusComp.

• We make frequent announcements through our mailing list as well as on social media.
• For the most current list, check the reserve page: accessanalog.com/reserve/

• Always check accessanalog.com/reserve/ for current inventory.
• Linux/Bitwig — not supported.
• macOS — requires 10.12 or later (preferably 10.13+).
• Windows 7 — recent plugin versions may not support it; consider updating.
• Specific vintage units (1073, 1084, Fairchild, etc.) are evaluated based on demand and availability — feedback is always passed to the team.

You build your own chain from the available gear — insert multiple devices in the plugin in whatever order you want, save the whole thing as a chain preset, and recall it anytime.

We do have Mix/Mastering chains personally curated by Brian Lucey and Pete Lyman:

Magic Garden - accessanalog.com/product/magic_garden_chain/

Infrasonic Mastering - accessanalog.com/product/infrasonic-mastering-chain/

Not yet available - we are working on it. But, it is a rackmount unit with mechanical relays connecting up to 8 devices, so audio can pass between them without digital conversion at every step.

Yes — email [email protected] with what you'd like to see. We genuinely want to hear what you're interested in.

It's 100% real analog hardware — not emulations. The plugin in your DAW streams your audio over the internet to our racks in Longmont, Colorado, where it passes through real analog gear that's controlled via robotics matching your plugin knob settings. The processed audio is streamed back to you. We have over 70 devices, all running 24/7.

Never. We use cutting-edge robotics on the external front panel of each unit — just like you would interact with it manually. The enclosure is never opened for modification unless a repair is needed. All meters in the plugin reflect the actual physical needles and LEDs of the hardware.

Longmont, Colorado, USA.

• Latency: roughly 340ms to 1.5 seconds depending on buffer size and your connection.
• Your DAW's Plugin Delay Compensation handles it automatically for playback/mixing.
• Not recommended for tracking (vocals, live instruments) — latency is too high. Our service is for mixing, mastering, and post-processing.

You can insert the plugin on as many tracks as your internet bandwidth supports — each instance is a separate audio stream. The same physical device can only be used in one plugin instance at a time, but you can insert different devices on different tracks.

We target full 24×7 access. Every individual piece of gear has 99% uptime. Gear is calibrated and tested daily to keep it ready.

No. Your audio is never routed anywhere on our server except through the analog unit you're using — we can't hear it. It's no more vulnerable to theft than any other unencrypted data on the internet. Encryption would add load to your connection, so we don't offer it currently, but it may be added in the future.

You may need to set the Audio Pre-Record Time to 0. (Steinberg docs: steinberg.help/cubase_pro_artist/v9/en/cubase_nuendo/topics/recording/recording_audio_specifying_an_audio_prerecord_time_t.html)

Live's warp feature can cause timing issues with bounced audio. After capturing your final bounce in a wav file, if you drag it back into Live on a new track to line up with the original, you'll need to manually disable Warp on the bounced clip.

Yes — disable "Anticipative FX processing" under Preferences → Buffering.

Logic has a max plugin delay compensation of 1000 ms. For individual tracks with parallel-track synchronization, use a buffer size ≤ 1000 ms. For mix/master bus processing (no parallel tracks), larger buffers are fine.

If you must use a larger buffer (1200/1800/2500 ms) on individual tracks, starting with plugin v8.1.8:

1. Pick a buffer size that streams reliably (e.g., 2500 ms).
2. Add an instance of the Access Analog plugin on every parallel track — even if those tracks don't need analog processing.
3. Set every Access Analog plugin to the same buffer size. You don't need to connect those extra instances to the server; they just need to share the buffer setting to stay in sync.

Pro Tools has a max plugin delay compensation of 340 ms. For individual tracks with parallel sync requirements, ideally use a 340 ms buffer (requires a strong internet connection). For mix/master bus processing, any buffer is fine.

If you must use a larger buffer on individual tracks, two options:

1. Manually shift the audio. Example: with a 2500 ms buffer, select all audio on the plugin track and use Edit → Shift to move it earlier by 2160 ms (= 2500 − 340).
2. Use plugin v8.11.8+ matching-buffer technique. Add an Access Analog plugin instance on every parallel track and set the buffer size identically. Those parallel instances don't need to be connected to the server — they just need to share the buffer setting so all tracks stay in sync.

On Mac, Mixbus does not allow our plugin to access our website, which is fundamental to the service — so the Analog Matrix plugin is not compatible with Mixbus on Mac (the only DAW with this limitation). Workaround: some users have hosted our plugin inside Kushview's Element, then routed audio from Mixbus into Element with Blackhole. The Windows version of Mixbus works normally.

Plugin Doctor's speed setting defaults to "Ultra" — it tries to send audio through the plugin much faster than real time, which our analog hardware can't do. Change Plugin Doctor's speed setting to "Real Time" and it will work normally.

This means your DAW or another plugin is sending samples to our server faster than real time (e.g., due to oversampling or a plugin like Plugin Doctor). The analog hardware can only process at real time. Look for DAW settings or plugin effects on the same track/buss that are oversampling or trying to process faster than real time, and turn them off.

• The hardware converters are fixed at 96 kHz / 24-bit.
• For zero sample-rate conversion, use a 96 kHz project and a 24-bit transmit format that matches.
• 44.1k / 48k files work fine — the plugin converts. Quality loss is in frequencies so high they're negligible in practice.
• If real-time streaming is intermittent, try AWS routing, drop sample rate, use 16-bit, or use a compressed transmit format.
• When you're ready to capture final audio, use the offline processor for full-resolution lossless 24-bit / 96 kHz.

1. Use an uncompressed transmit format when sending audio to the server.
2. Match the transmit format sample rate to your DAW sample rate to eliminate conversion.
3. For maximum cleanliness, set both DAW and transmit format to 96 kHz to match the hardware converters.

The Infrasonic and Magic Garden mastering rigs automatically change their system sample rate to match your DAW, so no conversions occur in those chains.

Real-time A/D and D/A conversion at the server using Lynx Aurora(n) and Antelope Audio Galaxy 64 converters. Different devices are wired to specific converters. The converter in use for any device is shown at the bottom-left corner of the device panel in the plugin.

• Main Access Analog rack — Antelope Galaxy 64 and Lynx Aurora(n) series. Input trim levels at 22 dBu, output at 0 dB gain through the converter.
• Magic Garden mastering chain — Mytek D/A and Pacific Microsonics A/D.
• Infrasonic chain — Prism Sound Lyra 2 D/A and Rupert Neve Designs Master Bus Converter A/D.

We call this Dual Mono, and we keep two of most mono units for this reason. In the equipment popup menu, use the "Dual Mono" submenu. If you're reserving, you'll need to reserve both devices for the same time slot on the website. Once inserted, the L/R button at the bottom switches between left and right control. Set Link to "Absolute" to robotically link the two — control the left unit and the right will follow.

A pair of loopback XLR cables we have permanently connecting two outputs back into two inputs on each converter. They're free to use. Reserve them like any other device, drag them into the plugin rack, and you'll stream audio through the cables as if they were a hardware unit. Useful for learning the system, tuning streaming parameters without spending credits, or analyzing conversion quality.

• Real-time bounce — play your DAW back through the plugin and record it to another track. Works if your connection is solid, but a dropout can ruin the bounce. Set DAW bounce/export to "real time" speed — analog can't go faster.
• Offline bounce (recommended) — upload your file to the Source panel in the plugin, then bounce. Immune to connection dropouts. Video: youtube.com/watch?v=NuuHbJPvouI

Yes — bounce time counts as usage time (about 1 credit per 5–6 minutes on one piece of gear, varies by device). If you run out of credits mid-bounce, the bounce stops.

• Real-time DAW streaming = stereo only through the 5059.
• For full 3–16 channel summing, use offline mode: upload up to 16 stems to the Source panel, then bounce through the 5059. Video: youtu.be/bsvp1WdAmhM

Between devices on the Analog Switch, yes — select "Analog" on the routing dropdown above the input meters. Otherwise, audio is digitally routed between devices (D/A → device → A/D each time). The Bricasti can also use AES in/out to skip a conversion stage.

Above the Connect button in the plugin/Standalone App, you can pick the internet path:

1. Standard Routing (default) — audio packets travel over the public internet between you and our racks.
2. AWS Routing — packets travel from your nearest Amazon AWS access point over Amazon's private high-speed network to an endpoint near Access Analog.

Which is best depends on your location:

• Outside the US — AWS Routing usually performs better.
• Inside the US — Standard Routing is usually better, because our offices are centrally located and AWS access points are on the coasts (a longer path).

Yes — switch to the AWS Routing option in the Connection tab. Most international users get good results that way. Try our free gear to test your connection quality before subscribing.

• Check that TCP port 47300 is allowed in your firewall.
• Use a larger buffer size (2500 ms) and a compressed 128k transmit format for limited connections.
• If you're using Reaper, disable "Anticipative FX processing" under Preferences → Buffering.

• Use a wired Ethernet connection where possible.
• Close unnecessary programs and background processes.
• Tune the buffer size in the plugin to compensate for latency.
• For limited connections, use a 2500 ms buffer with a compressed 128k transmit format.

Access Analog buffers audio to absorb internet inconsistencies. The total system buffer is adjustable between 340 ms and 2500 ms in the plugin, and a buffer graph helps you monitor it. For DAWs with limited delay compensation (Logic, Pro Tools), use a smaller buffer for individual tracks needing parallel-track sync; larger buffers are fine for the mix/master bus.

Visit the Support Page at accessanalog.com/support/ and click the "Buffering/Latency" tab for a full discussion. Quick guide: 340 ms for low-latency / Pro Tools individual tracks (requires strong connection); 1000 ms for Logic individual tracks; 2500 ms for mix bus or weaker connections.

A checklist, roughly in order:

• Get an accurate bandwidth reading — use speedtest.net and change the server to "NextLight Longmont, CO" (unbiased baseline from our location).
• If outside the USA, use AWS routing before connecting.
• If bandwidth < ~5 Mbit, set transmit format to compressed and buffer size to 2500 ms.
• Even with adequate bandwidth, some ISPs time-slice your connection — try a different time of day or different network.
• Use Ethernet, or sit close to the Wi-Fi router. Packet errors cause dropouts and most are Wi-Fi.
• Other plugins before/after Analog Matrix may try to run faster than real time — remove them to test.
• Our buffering "learns" your connection. Start/stop playback a few times to help it adapt.
• Click the Reset button at the bottom of the Connection tab after starting playback to restart streaming.
• Disable any VPN — most aren't optimized for low-latency bi-directional streaming.
• In rare cases, the plugin has an outdated DAW sample rate (orange buffer graph ramps up/down linearly). In your DAW, set the session sample rate to a different value and back to the original to refresh the plugin.

Common causes: Cloudflare flagging you as a bot, an in-progress data migration, or an account/email issue. First troubleshooting steps:

1. Restart the plugin
2. Try the AWS routing option
3. Confirm your account email/password on the website
4. If still stuck, contact support with your account email

Yes — both individual device presets and full chain presets (saving the whole chain + all knob settings). Several mastering engineers have contributed factory chains. Browse the chain preset menu in the plugin.

Presets are stored in a local file (cloud sync is on the roadmap). To copy them manually:

• Mac: ~/Library/Application Support/Access Analog/Analog Matrix/presets.xml
• Windows: C:\Users\<your username>\AppData\Roaming\Application Support\Access Analog\Analog Matrix\presets.xml

Copy presets.xml to the same location on the other computer.

Yes — subscriptions auto-renew on the renewal date until cancelled.

You can update payment details in your account. Your subscription continues unchanged.

Refunds for service disruptions are evaluated case by case, based on the nature and duration of the disruption.

Refunds for equipment malfunctions are also evaluated case by case and may require that the user supply the source audio, the bounced audio, and general device(s) settings so that the issue may be evaluated.

Since we provide non-subscription pay-as-you-go credits specifically so people can try anything before committing, full refunds on used subscriptions usually aren't issued — but a partial refund for unused time may be possible.

Contact [email protected] or use our online chat system.

Yes — accessanalog.com/affiliate-home/affiliate-register/ (also linked in the website footer).

Generally no — we don't give out random coupons. Best value comes from credit bundles or longer subscription cycles (3-month / 12-month). Newsletter subscribers occasionally get promo offers like "free 48 hours on [device]".

Yes — accessanalog.com/product/gift-cards/

• Live chat — the chat widget at the bottom of accessanalog.com pages.
• Email — [email protected]
• Contact form — accessanalog.com/contact/
• Support Page with videos, user manual, equipment guides, and more — accessanalog.com/support/