American Class A channel strip plugin interface by Softube

American Class A: Channel Strip Plugin by Softube

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (100 ratings)

American Class A is a channel strip plugin by Softube, modeled on American mixing console hardware. It combines a shape section, a four-band EQ, a switchable compressor and an output drive stage.

VST3VST2AUAAXRTASWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

American Class A is a channel strip plugin from Softube, based on classic American mixing console designs. Its signal chain includes a shape section with gate and transient shaping, a four-band EQ with proportional Q and range control, a compressor that can switch between feedback and feedforward operation, and an output drive section with adjustable crunch. Softube also notes that the plugin integrates with Console 1 as a channel strip, so Console 1 users can use it within that analog-style workflow.

Best for

Drum bus processing
Vocal channel processing
Guitar tone shaping
Bass processing
Mastering with range limits
Synth channel coloration

Developer: Softube
Category: Channel Strips
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

American mixing console-inspired channel strip design
Shape section with gate and transient shaper
Four-band EQ with proportional Q and range control
Compressor switchable between feedback and feedforward
Output drive stage with adjustable crunch character
Waveform visualizations and graphical metering
Works with Console 1 or as a standalone plugin
One license for Console 1 and native versions

03In depth

Sound and Character of the American Class A Channel Strip

Softube describes the strip's sound as built around the power and energy associated with American consoles used on modern rock recordings. The developer says the plugin can make drums hit harder and give vocals and guitars a more forward presence.

The four-band EQ uses a stepped design with proportional Q values, which the developer presents as suited to bold boosts and clean cuts. Range controls can limit gain boosting and cutting to half or a quarter of the starting values, which Softube suggests makes the strip usable for more precise, high-resolution work, including mastering.

Controls, Dynamics and Workflow

The shape section combines a gate and a transient shaper in one module. The compressor offers feedback and feedforward topologies, so you can choose the behavior that suits the source. The output stage adds warm, crunchy drive, and its character is adjustable.

The interface includes waveform visualizations and graphics that show the processing in progress. If you own Console 1, the plugin works with it as a channel strip, and one license covers both the Console 1 version and the native plug-in.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Softube
Type	Plugin
Category	Channel Strip
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX, RTAS
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does American Class A support?

American Class A is available in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and RTAS formats. Softube notes that TDM, VENUE and RTAS are no longer supported, and that VST3 is recommended because some features are not present in the older VST format.

What operating systems does American Class A run on?

It runs on Windows 10 (64-bit) and Windows 11, and on macOS Big Sur 11, Monterey 12 and Ventura 13. Apple silicon (M1 or newer) is supported natively.

What do I need to use American Class A?

You need a computer that meets the system requirements, an AU, VST, VST3 or AAX-compatible DAW, a Softube account and an iLok account. Internet access is required to download installers and manage licenses, and the latest iLok License Manager is recommended.

Can I use American Class A with Console 1?

Yes. Softube states that the plugin integrates with Console 1 as a channel strip, and one license covers both the Console 1 version and the native plug-in.