Hardware vs Plugin is where we put the original studio hardware head-to-head with its software counterpart to find out just how close the plugin really gets. We compare the sound, character and behaviour of both versions using carefully matched settings and high-quality audio examples.

Each comparison includes audio you can switch between, allowing you to hear the differences for yourself rather than simply taking our word for it. The aim is to give producers and engineers a useful real-world comparison and help answer the question: do you still need the hardware, or can the plugin deliver the same results?