New Music Gear Monday: Softube Console 1 Channel Mk III Controller

While we all love the convenience of a DAW, when it comes down to it, most engineers would rather sit behind a console. There’s something about the tactile nature of real knobs and faders that draws people to it. If you can’t afford a console, the next best thing is a controller and one of the best for that kind of feel is the new Softube Console 1 Mk III.

Console 1 Mk III combines a software full-function channel strip with a complete set of analog-like controls to give you the best of both analog and digital worlds. The Core Mixing Suite software gives you versatile preamp, shape, equalization, and compression sections along with buss processing and saturation, all with precision control thanks to 27 touch sensitive high-resolution Analog Feel potentiometers.

Console 1 Core Mixing Suite includes Tape/Preamp and selectable tape drive model; Filters selectable at 6, 12, 18, 24, 48 dB per octave; Dynamic Shaper, Panner, Dual Dynamics; 2 EQs: Modern precise and vintage passive parallel; and 3 Compressors: FET Mk II, Opto and Bus Compressor.

The controller is spilt into 5 sections: input, Shape, Equalizer, Compressor and Drive, each controlling a related section of the Core Mixing Suite. Add to that 2 high resolution screens showing EQ and compressor curves, VU meter, and track information, and a group of buttons across the top for instant access to channel and group selection, display, settings, bypass, presets, assignments and favorites.

The connection to your computer is via USB-C, plus there’s an extra USB-C connector for stacking units or connection to other peripherals. Power is either via USB-C or with a supplied power supply.

Console 1 Mk III works with any DAW, many plugins from other manufacturers, and in both PC and Mac environments. It’s priced at $899, plus there are plans for an associated fader bank section to be released soon as well.

You can find out more here, or check out the walkthrough video below.

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