APX 351 by Tone Empire preamp plugin interface

APX 351: Tube Preamp Emulation Plugin by Tone Empire Free Download

Rated 4.6/5 on Plugin Boutique (35 ratings)

APX 351 is a preamp effects plugin by Tone Empire that emulates a vintage tube front end. It is available in VST3, AU and AAX formats for Windows and macOS.

VST3AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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Free trial available from the developer

01Overview

APX 351 is a preamp plugin from Tone Empire, listed in the Effects category under Preamp. The developer describes it as a neural network-based emulation of an American vintage recording amplifier front end, the kind used ahead of a tape machine. Tone Empire says it aims to reproduce the warm, harmonically rich character of that preamp. The plugin ships in VST3, AU and AAX formats and runs on 64-bit Windows and macOS hosts. A trial is available.

Best for

Vocal coloration
Tracking and tape-style input
Guitar and bass warmth
Mix bus saturation
Vintage analog tone

Developer: Tone Empire
Category: Preamps
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Neural network-based emulation of a vintage tube preamp front end
Modeled after an American vintage recording amplifier front end
Warm, harmonically rich coloration described by the developer
Available in VST3, AU and AAX formats
64-bit support on Windows 10 and macOS Mojave or later
Apple silicon (M1/M2) native support on macOS
Free trial available with online license registration

03In depth

Sound and character of the APX 351 preamp

Tone Empire positions APX 351 as a model of a classic tube preamp front end, focused on warmth and harmonic richness rather than clean transparency. The developer says the neural network approach is meant to capture the behavior of the original hardware, so the plugin can be used where a colored, vintage input stage is wanted.

Because the plugin is built around a specific front end, it suits sources that benefit from added harmonic content and a smooth, analog-style color, such as vocals, guitars or full mix buses, depending on how you drive it.

Compatibility and licensing

APX 351 is available in VST3, AU and AAX, so it can be loaded in most common digital audio workstations on 64-bit Windows 10 or later and macOS Mojave or later, including Intel and Apple silicon Macs. Tone Empire's system requirements list a VST3, AU or AAX compatible host and an Intel i3 or AMD Ryzen class processor or equivalent.

The plugin uses an online license registration system. A trial needs an internet connection, and once the plugin is registered, it no longer needs to be online to run.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Tone Empire
Type	Plugin
Category	Preamp
Formats	VST3, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit
Free trial	Yes

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does APX 351 come in?

APX 351 is available in VST3, AU and AAX formats.

Which operating systems does APX 351 support?

APX 351 runs on 64-bit Windows and macOS. The listed requirements are Windows 10 or later and macOS Mojave or later, with Intel and Apple silicon Macs both supported.

What do I need to run APX 351?

You need a VST3, AU or AAX compatible host, an Intel i3 or AMD Ryzen class processor or equivalent, and an internet connection for licensing. Once registered, the plugin no longer requires an internet connection.