Applies to: ML-1 (original/legacy microphone)
Quick Answer
If you own an original ML-1 microphone, the Virtual Microphone System (VMS) plugin will show as unlicensed by default — even if you already have a valid, active ML-1 license. That's expected. Your ML-1 license unlocks content inside the Virtual Mix Rack (VMR) plugin, not VMS. Getting VMS working with an ML-1 requires either an active Complete Access subscription or a separate VMS license purchase.
Why This Happens
There have been two versions of this microphone, and each defaults to a different plugin:
- ML-1 (original, legacy): No longer sold through Slate Digital or authorized resellers. Existing units now circulate secondhand between end users. It works with the Virtual Mix Rack (VMR) plugin out of the box; VMS is available, but as an additional purchase.
- ML-1A/ML-2A (current models): The only version currently sold by authorized resellers. Includes a perpetual VMS license automatically — no extra purchase or subscription needed.
Because the two mics look similar and both use Slate Digital's microphone-modeling technology, this is a common mix-up. It comes up in two scenarios most often:
- You purchased a used ML-1 secondhand, and a license came with it (transferred from the previous owner or newly issued).
- You purchased a new ML-1 license directly from Slate Digital Support.
In both cases, the license itself works the same way — it activates content in VMR, not VMS.
Don't have a working ML-1 license yet? This article assumes you already have one active on your account. If you bought an ML-1 secondhand and haven't been able to register or transfer the license, see How Do I Sell or Transfer My ML-1 License to Another User? first.
What Your ML-1 License Includes by Default
An ML-1 license activates the following inside Virtual Mix Rack:
- Classic Tubes (8 microphone models)
- Virtual Preamp Collection (FG-76, FG-73)
- Free Rack modules: Monster, Revival, Trimmer
Open Virtual Mix Rack and confirm these modules show as licensed. If VMS is what's installed instead of (or alongside) VMR, that mismatch is the likely source of a "unlicensed" message.
How to Get Virtual Microphone System Working with Your ML-1
You have two options:
- Subscribe to Complete Access — includes VMS access along with every mic model and plugin Slate Digital offers, for as long as the subscription stays active. 👉 Slate Digital | Complete Access Sign-Up Page
- Purchase a VMS perpetual license separately — a one-time purchase that unlocks VMS for your ML-1, including all current ML-1 expansions (Strongroom London, Radio France, Classic 87 FET, Blackbird Mics, Classic Tubes 3) plus any future ML-1-specific releases. 👉 Purchase Virtual Microphone System
Once purchased or subscribed, relaunch the plugin and select ML-1 as your source microphone.
If You'd Rather Not Purchase VMS
Your ML-1 works fully with Virtual Mix Rack at no extra cost — nothing further to buy. If VMS is installed but you don't plan to use it, you can uninstall it via the Complete Access Hub app (click the three dots next to the plugin and choose Uninstall) to avoid the confusion going forward.
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