ML-1 vs ML-1A: Which Plugin Do I Use?

If you're unsure whether you should have access to the new Virtual Microphone System plugin, you're not alone. This guide will help clarify plugin access based on your microphone model and subscription status.

🎤 Who Has Access to the Virtual Microphone System Plugin?

ML-1A and ML-2A owners: Access to the new Virtual Microphone System plugin is included automatically; no subscription required
ML-1 and ML-2 owners: The Virtual Microphone System plugin is available with an active Complete Access subscription or by purchasing the plugin license separately from our website.
No subscription? ML-1 and ML-2 owners can purchase the license directly or use included Virtual Mix Rack emulations in Classic Tubes and Classic Instruments modules instead.

🔍 Common Mistake: Confusing the ML-1 for the ML-1A

Here’s a quick visual reference:

ML-1A: Newer version, Virtual Microphone System included by default 🎙️ 👇

ML-1: Older model that uses Virtual Mix Rack. The Virtual Microphone System plugin is an additional purchase with for ML-1 owners who aren't Complete Access subscribers 🎙️ 👇

⚙️ What To Do If You're Seeing "License Not Found"

If you see a message like "License Virtual Microphone System Not Found", it likely means you're trying to use the wrong plugin for your license or microphone model.

Here's what you should do:

If you have an ML-1 and no subscription, uninstall the Virtual Microphone System plugin. You should be using Virtual Mix Rack instead.
You can uninstall the incorrect plugin using the Complete Access Hub app. Click the three vertical dots next to the plugin and choose Uninstall.

Uninstalling via Complete Access:

Uninstall Plugin GIF

✅ What Should ML-1 and ML-2 Users Install Instead?

You’ll want to install Virtual Mix Rack (VMR), which includes the following licensed content for ML-1 and owners:

🎙️ Classic Tubes – 8 microphone models (ML-1 only)
🎤 Classic Instruments - 19 microphone models (ML-2 only)
🔊 Virtual Preamp Collection – FG-76 & FG-73 (ML-2 only)
🆓 Free Rack Modules – Monster, Revival, Trimmer (both ML-1 and ML-2)

👉 Download Virtual Mix Rack

Note: Your DAW (e.g., Logic Pro/Pro Tools/etc.) must be closed during installation.

If unlicensed modules appear in VMR, you can remove them by following this guide:
Removing VMR Modules

🧪 Want to Try the Virtual Microphone System?

If you're curious about the new plugin and currently own an ML-1 or ML-2, you can try it by starting a free trial of the Complete Access Bundle:

👉 Start Your Free Complete Access Bundle Trial Here

👉 Start 15 Day Trial for Virtual Microphone System Here

Still have questions?

If you’re unsure about your plugin access or need help getting started, contact us here. We’re happy to help!