Softube Console 1 Mk 2

This is a sensational product. If you can't mix "in the box" with this then you're in the wrong game. This controller gives you precision control for mixing - packaged with the best SSL 4000 emulation I've heard. The sounds and processing all come from the computer through your DSP, but the Console 1 makes the sound crystal clear and warm and you can change the character completely by swapping out the software expander, EQ or compressor sections with other kit. I use Universal Audio plugins already and now Console 1 gives me immediate, real-time hands on control of all the faders and knobs for most of my UAD favourites.

Even if you don't have acces to UA stuff, Softube has a whole bunch of other software processors and other channel strips available. But, as packaged, this gives awesome control and makes huge difference to any mix. It's so quick to use. I loaded it onto a 31-track song (and I'm only using a Mac Mini) and the processors ran fine.

I always wondered about the Console 1 - what is it really for? But when the price came down for the launch of the Mk 2 I thought, what the heck. I've been running a home studio for a couple of decades and I used to work in a music store, here in Edinburgh and so I thought I knew all there was to mixing on proper analogue desks. But I am blown away by this controller. I can't bring myself to tell you how much I've spent on other kit recently which this controller just replaces the need for!

The "Pros" are that: it speeds up workflow immensely cos all the controls for all your tracks are right there - no more squinting at the screen and trying to move the G/E knob with a mouse; everything you're doing is shown on screen right in front of you - you can see the compression shape and EQ cuts happen; it can be used to control UA plug ins; the SSL mixer emulation it comes with is a brilliant emulation of probably the best desk ever built; it males good mixes easy to get to, store and copy. It's really well built but does not take up too much desk space.

The only "Con" I've heard is that some people would have preferred to have a couple of faders on there two - but I got used to the knob straight away (especially with the fine-adjust function) so I don't miss a fader.

All DAWs will come loaded with EQ and compression plug-ins and maybe even an expander/gate. Some DAWs even have really good presets for individual drums, instruments and mixes. But getting hands-on control of all these things across all my tracks and the busses and Mix tracks has just shortened the time it takes to record, mix and pre-master my stuff by half. Plus - the controller gives me unbelievable sound sculpting opportunities. None of my DAWs have put all this together like this - the Console 1 lay-out even makes me think about using "drive" and "character" and "sustain" controls on everything!

I guess it's just a lot of fun to use. I should probably get back to it.

Softube Console 1 made the process of mixing very fun and exciting, you build muscle memory with it and feel more physically connected to the music if that makes sense. I'm very happy with this purchase when it comes to the meat and potatoes of the mix.

Pros:
- Compact form factor.
- Console 1 software works pretty smooth, always there when you need it and non-intrusive when you don't need it.
- Low CPU load.
Cons:
- Integration with UAD console is a disaster, don't fall in that marketing trap.
- Some UAD plugins loaded into console seem to use more DSP as opposed to running outside of console.
- It's easy to overprocess tracks by having console loaded into your whole session.

I nearly sent this back, but after some help over at Gearslutz i got the unit working with Logic X. Yes Logic X supports track numbers & names with Console 1, which is important for workflow reasons. The key is to get all your tracks and Aux's in the right order (a multi output plugin needs to have all the aux's on the arrange page and in the correct order, as an example). If not tracks and Console 1 get out of sync. It would be so much easier if Softube detailed these setup steps for each DAW. Presets are missing (depite the SSL having them), and they are refusing to comment on the full Apple integration. Maybe they have given up on it ? Anyway once working its a great sounding product, with quality hardware. Shame Softube support is so layed back.