Introducing
The βVMSβ is a hybrid system that utilizes an extremely transparent condenser microphone, a sonically-neutral preamp, and state-of-the-art digital processing suite that recreates the tone of classic microphones and preamps. The Virtual Microphone System collapses the wall standing between audio engineers and expensive world-class audio tools, allowing them access to the virtual microphone locker of their dreams for under a thousand dollars.
*Requires An iLok 2 or 3.
Meet The Mics
FG-47
The FG-47 recreates the sound of one of the most famous vintage tube microphones in the history of audio. It has a thick and full-bodied low end, rich and present mid-range, and smooth top end. This microphone sounds great on thick lead vocals, but also sounds incredible as a kick drum mic, room mic, guitar mic, and on horns and strings.
FG-800
The FG-800 recreates the sound of one of the most popular modern tube mics, known for being the go-to choice for pop and hip hop vocalists. It’s extremely bright and airy, but with a warm bottom end. Using this mic on vocals will give you an instant polished ‘pop’ sound. However, this mic also sounds great on overheads and acoustic guitar.
FG-251
The FG-251 recreates the sound of one of the most sought-after vintage tube mics in the industry. It’s one of the most in-demand lead vocal mics on the planet, known for being crisp, warm and flattering on a variety of voices. The FG-251 also sounds great on drums, guitars, acoustics, and just about anything else you put it on!
Introducing
Blackbird Mics Expansion Pack
Nashville’sΒ Blackbird Studios wields a staggeringΒ 1,400+ vintage and modern microphones. Last year, Blackbird owner JohnΒ McBride personally hand-picked the fiveΒ best vintage tube mics for the Blackbird VMS expansion pack.Β With the Blackbird VMS Expansion pack, VMS users will gain instant access to the exact tone of five of the very best vintage tube mics in the world!
*Requires the ML-1 microphone.
Introducing
Classic Tubes 3 Expansion Pack
The Classic Tubes 3 Expansion Pack adds five new lush, vintage, and warm tube mics to the Virtual Microphone System mic locker. From German classics to custom hybrid Tube/Ribbon mics, these mics will help give your recordings a classic tone and feel.
*Requires the ML-1 microphone.
FG-67 MKII
The stock 67 in the VMS collection has the low pass filter mod which makes it brighter than a typical 67, so we decided to add a gorgeous sounding stock 67 to Classic Tubes 3. The stock 67 is somewhat dark on the top end with beautiful lush lows. It can be great on vocals, drum rooms, piano, horns, and just about anything that needs a vintage tone!
Meet The Preamps

FG-73
The FG-73 preamp module is modeled after one of the most famous discrete solid state preamps in the industry, made in Britain and used on countless recordings. It has a bold, present and warm sound that works great on any audio source β even full mixes.
FG-76
The FG-76 preamp module is modeled after a vintage German tube preamp that has been used on many classic recordings. It has a thick and colorful tone that can make tracks and mixes sound more βaliveβ. The bottom-end saturates in a very unique and musical way, making it a great module for bass guitar and kick drum tracks.
Meet The Hardware
ML-1
Now Available A La Carte for $799
The ML-1 microphone is the centerpiece of the Virtual Microphone System. This large diaphragm mic has a shock-mounted, gold sputtered, 6-micron capsule and a state of the art FET circuit path that ensures the most linear, flat, and clean βblank canvasβ response. Combined with the Slate Digital tube microphone modeling software, it can sound like some of the most classic microphones in recording history.

Latency Free Processing
The Virtual Microphone System software consists of the Classic Tubes microphone module, which contains eight classic tube microphone models, the FG-73 British discrete preamp module, and the FG-76 German tube preamp module. None of these processing blocks add any latency to the audio signal, so if you use a low latency interface with VMS you can track through the VMS software without any audible monitoring delay.
To accomplish this, we recommend a Thunderbolt or fast USB interface, recording at 96khz with the lowest buffer size possible. The combination of the 96khz sampling rate and low buffer size ensures the lowest possible latency.
The VRS EXPERIENCE
Now you can experience the Slate Virtual Recording Studio including our VMS ML-1 mic models. Click below to go to the VRS Experience page where you can download all the Slate plugins including demos of our VMS microphone plugins, as well as a multitrack session recorded with VMS mics through our VRS8 interface. When you download the plugins and the session, you can load up a track, and experiment with different world-class virtual microphones from the mic locker. You can hear the vocals through the vintage tube 67s, 251s, 47s and more.
System Requirements
macOS
- macOS 10.12, 10.13, 10.14
- Intel Processor, 4GB RAM
- AU, VST2, VST3, or AAX 64-bit host
Windows
- Windows 7,8 or 10
- Intel or AMD Processor, 4GB RAM
- VST2, VST3, or AAX 64-bit host
The ML-1, ML-1V, and ML-2 require an iLok 2/3 dongle.
You do not need an iLok dongle to use All Access Pass, but you do need an internet connection to use Slate Digital plugins with iLok Cloud.
Perpetual users need to have an iLok 2 or an iLok 3 to use Slate Digital plugins.