British Class A channel strip plugin interface by Softube

British Class A: Console-Style Channel Strip Plugin by Softube

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (98 ratings)

British Class A is a channel strip plugin from Softube that emulates the gate, compressor, EQ, filters and drive of classic large-format British consoles from the 1960s and 1970s.

VST3VST2AUAAXRTASWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

British Class A brings the sound of large-format British mixing consoles from the late 1960s and early 1970s into a software channel strip. Softube models the gate, compressor, three-band equalizer, filters and drive section, and the plugin is available in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and RTAS formats for Windows and macOS. The package also includes versions for Console 1, Amp Room and Modular.

Best for

Drum bus processing
Vocal channel coloring
Bass saturation
Guitar and bass effects
Eurorack patching
Console 1 mixing

Developer: Softube
Category: Dynamics Processors
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Channel strip with modeled gate, compressor, EQ, filters and drive
Three-band EQ with two shelving filters and a peaking mid band
Slightly resonant filters with high and low Q settings
Separate compressor and limiter sections
Drive section with adjustable saturation and distortion
Four versions: plugin, Console 1, Amp Room and Modular
Available in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and RTAS formats
64-bit support for Windows and macOS

03In depth

Console Character in a Channel Strip

Softube says the three-band equalizer uses two shelving filters and a peaking mid band with high and low Q settings. The filters are slightly resonant, which adds edge and works with the EQ to recreate the curves associated with these consoles.

The compressor section is based on an early hardware specimen with a fat, round sound. Softube separated the original hybrid compressor and limiter into two independent sections, so each can be set on its own.

The drive section simulates running the channel hot. Lower settings give a darker sound with less mid-range distortion, while higher settings add brighter, clearer distortion in the highs.

Versions for Plugin, Console 1, Amp Room and Modular

The standard British Class A plugin is a complete channel strip. British Class A for Console 1 is designed for Softube's Console 1 hardware controller and its one-to-one tactile control.

British Class A for Amp Room and British Class A for Modular each provide four separate modules: Compressor, Filter, Equalizer and Drive. These can be mixed and matched within their respective platforms.

The Modular version's Compressor module includes an extra input jack for patching.

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	Dynamics Processor
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX, RTAS
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does British Class A support?

British Class A is listed in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and RTAS formats. It is a 64-bit plugin for Windows and macOS.

Which operating systems can run British Class A?

The plugin supports Windows and macOS. Softube lists macOS Big Sur 11 through Ventura 13 and Windows 10 or 11 in 64-bit.

What do I need to use British Class A?

You need a compatible AU, VST or AAX host, a Softube account and an iLok account. Softube recommends the latest iLok License Manager, which is downloaded separately from ilok.com.