Core Mixing Suite for Console 1 channel strip plugin interface by Softube

Core Mixing Suite for Console 1: Channel Strip Plugin by Softube

Rated 4.9/5 on Plugin Boutique (18 ratings)

Core Mixing Suite for Console 1 is a channel strip plugin from Softube, built exclusively for the Console 1 hardware controller. It combines tape, filter, shape, equalizer, compressor and drive sections in one processing chain.

VST3VST2AUAAXRTASWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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01Overview

Core Mixing Suite for Console 1 is Softube's channel strip, designed to work with Console 1 hardware. It brings together a tape and preamp section, filters, shaping tools, two equalizers, three compressors and a newly designed drive algorithm. The developer says the suite draws on the sound of its Tape, FET Compressor Mk II and Bus Processor plug-ins. It is included with Console 1 Channel Mk III and is also sold separately for Console 1 Mk I and Mk II users.

Best for

Vocal chain processing
Mix bus balancing
Drum transient shaping
Corrective EQ work
Binaural panning
Console 1 hardware workflow

Developer: Softube
Category: Channel Strips
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Channel strip built exclusively for Console 1 hardware
Tape/Preamp section modeled on the Tape plug-in
Low-pass and high-pass Butterworth filters with selectable slopes
Shape tools: gate, dual dynamics and binaural panner
Passive vintage EQ and precise modern EQ
Three compressors based on FET, Bus and OPTO designs
New drive algorithm with a Character control
Supports VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and RTAS formats

03In depth

Sound and Character of the Channel Strip

The suite gathers several processors into one channel strip. The Tape/Preamp section adds softened transients and tape-style cohesion. Its algorithm matches the developer's Tape plug-in at the default setting, Type A with 15 IPS.

The filter section offers low-pass and high-pass Butterworth filters with selectable slopes of 6, 12, 18, 24 and 48 dB per octave. Softube says these filters are designed to be maximally flat with a more linear phase in the passband.

A separate Drive section is new to this suite. It is meant to add energy and push the mids forward, with a Character control that emphasizes either high or low frequencies depending on the direction you turn it.

Equalizers, Compressors and Shaping Tools

Two equalizers serve different jobs. The Vintage Equalizer is a passive design suited to broad, musical moves when balancing a mix. The Modern Equalizer is more precise and flexible, aimed at corrective work.

Three compressors are based on the FET Compressor Mk II, Bus Processor and OPTO Compressor. Console 1 Channel Mk III has dual compressor slots, so you can run FET and Opto together in a vocal chain or use the second slot on other tracks.

The Shape section includes Gate & Shape, Dual Dynamics and Core Panner. These cover gating, expansion, compression, transient shaping and mono-compatible binaural panning.

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 do I need to use Core Mixing Suite for Console 1?

The plugin requires Softube Console 1, the hardware controller it was made for. You also need a Softube account and an iLok account, plus an AU, VST, VST3 or AAX compatible DAW.

Which formats and operating systems does it support?

It is available in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and RTAS formats, for macOS and Windows. Softube recommends using the VST3 format because some features are not available in VST2.

Is Core Mixing Suite included with Console 1?

The suite is included with Console 1 Channel Mk III. Owners of Mk I and Mk II hardware can purchase it separately.

Which DAWs are officially tested?

Softube officially tests its plug-ins in the most recent versions of Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton Live, Studio One and Reaper. Other 64-bit compatible hosts should work but are not regularly tested.