Thanks so much for this series! I think it's clear that A) the software sounds great and B) the workflow is much more up my alley than many other controller's on the market. The only thing I think I'd like it to do would be process the Softube plugins so my CPU is free'd up to just crunch the basic audio and DAW software. But I guess we aren't in the days of easily-distributed computing quite yet... [sigh] Anyway thanks again for your time. For $900 this thing seems like a effortlessly viable alternative/companion to the Avid fader banks, which I do not have. I've put up with the mouse and keys for far too long, and I'm ready to loosen up a little bit. This ought to help me get to where I want to go: mixing with my ears.
+mysteryloaf Hey mysteryloaf, I really like the workflow of this more than any other "work surface" I have seen. It will be interesting to see if they can integrate other manufacturers plugins into the workflow. About the CPU hit, not much you can do there unless they decide to integrate a processing system like UA or DigiGrid. Keep an eye on the DigiGrid system. I think that is the closest external processing system I have seen that can integrate other plugin manufactures outside of Waves. Hit me up with a private message if you are going to buy. I may be able to hook you up with a better price. Cheers! Mike
+Michael White Many thanks to you, sir! I need to save for a bit, but I'll definitely keep you in mind when i'm ready to spend the money. Hopefully that would work out. Either way, thanks again!
Michael White I just thought of another question since I'm mostly finding the marketing literature on it: can I ask for your elevator pitch re: the Drive Character knob settings? So I understand that it has a center, an left, and a right position, and the center is rather "SSL" and neutral-ish. As for the other two modes, in your mind are there worthwhile comparisons to make such as "API-ish" or "Neve-ish" to describe those other two modes? Or are they rather their own character? I don't wanna be too simplistic about it, but I'd love some more detail from someone who has encountered it a bunch, for better or worse.
I'm not sure exactly how they created the Drive and Character knobs but would not describe it as API or Neve. I think this is all derived from SSL E console with a bit of their own creative twist. However, they got there, it is a very powerful feature. Cheers! Mike
Hey Mike, thanks for this walk through. I have not even watched this third part yet, but I have a question regarding the Part 2 section: You did your rough balancing with the Console 1 and almost exclusively using the Volume knob on the right and not from your DAW and/or Gain (on the left). I know you mention there that you can of course do the rough mix "normally" from you DAW but what I would like to hear is: is there a difference where and with what you do the balancing? I will now sink into this third part:-). Thanks, M
Technically there is no difference. It's more a matter of what is most convenient. I have an Artist Mix that I run because I like to balance more than one channel at a time. Cheers! Mike
You have recorded all percussion elements in stereo or just changed mono signal to stereo on tracks in order to have a great wide image in a soundspace ?
Hey, nice videos! Can you tell me if there's a way of selecting the Console 1 instance you want to control using the Artist Mix select buttons instead of the 1-20 buttons on the C1 controller? I like choosing the instance to be controlled using the Artist Mix, but most plugin parameters mapping are all over the place! But also the 1-20 buttons aren't ideal either for choosing tracks, I'm quite sure I'll get all confused in the process...
+Tiago Lorena Hi Tiago, As far as I know there is no way to do this more easily with the Artist Mix. You can select the channel, but then you would still have to scroll to the Console 1 plugin on that track to get the Console 1 hardware to follow. I actually found the Console 1 hardware very intuitive in selecting channels. At least you get 24 to select from without having to bank to the next group of 8 like the Artist Mix. Cheers! Mike
Thank you for this fantastic overview. I'm thinking of getting this. I have been trying to find an answer to this question: If I were to have more than just one instance of the plugin in one channel (as for example, if I want to use serial compressors on that track) how can I select them individually from the hardware console? The row of 20 channel buttons at the top will flip from channel to channel, but which instance of the plug will be selected? Thanks again.
+kipling1957 Each instance has a channel number even if it is on the same track. As long as you know the channel number, you can toggle to it on the Console 1 and hack away. Some people do this so they can insert another company's plugin in between the EQ and Compressor emulation of the C1. Cheers! Mike
+Michael White Got it - thanks. I was using "channel" to mean track - my muddled thinking. I guess another option would be using a send/return to an aux containing another instance of the plug.
I think the confusion around the C1 plugin on individual tracks and the C1 hardware selection is where you have the problem. Is that correct? If so, you have to separate what the C1 hardware calls a track and what the DAW calls a track. The track on the C1 hardware is an instance of the C1 plugin. If you have more than one plugin on the same DAW audio track, each instance will show up as a separate "track" on the C1 hardware. Hope that makes sense. Cheers! Mike
+Michael White Thanks Mike - yes, that was my confusion, and I have that clear now. It shows the importance of consistency in naming anything technical. Anyway, yesterday I dropped my deposit and ordered the C1. I think this is going to be a big step up, particularly regarding work-flow (although I think the plugins are excellent in themselves). I do find myself "mixing with my eyes" sometimes, so this will be a good discipline if nothing else. Please keep up your excellent video posts!
Diego Oliveira Hi Diego, I don't think this is a C1 issue. I also have problems with other plugins doing the same thing with the graphics. I think this is a Yosemite issue. Best, Mike
Alright I see. So overall you're liking C1 so far? I gotta say I have kind of a blind faith in Softube, the stuff I use from them sounds so great it's kind hard not staying bias... Keep up the excellent work BTW Mike, your videos are inspiring, even for seasoned professionals.
Diego Oliveira Thanks for the support Diego! I genuinely like the setup and it is very well constructed unlike may worksurfaces. Softube is a very reputable company and they are all in on this one. I only do reviews or demonstrations of gear and plugins that I like and are well conceived. I think the C1 is a very well thought out practical solution for people who don't like mixing with a mouse. It will be interesting to see what other console emulations they come out with. Cheers! Mike
Is there a way to select track to work on with out finding it on one of the circular buttons on the top of hardware? I want to be able to just click on the console 1 plug in in pro tools and start tweaking from the hardware? Is this possible?
Hi Mike, I noticed you said that you also have the Avid Artist Mix (which I have). Do you think that the C1 will be something that you will use more and do you think that it could actually replace your Artist Mix? I battled with which one to choose and ended up purchasing the Artist Mix but I am wondering if I made the wrong decision!
11digiman Hey 11digiman! I'm still feeling out the place for it in my setup and will have to mix a few records on it first. I have no plans to get rid of the Artist Mix unless I upgrade to one of the new Avid interfaces. I don't like writing level automation from a knob.The way the C1 knob writes changes to the emulation software is great for mixing but I don't think it works well for level automation. Staying with the faders for now! Cheers! Mike
I want to get this but I'm kind of scared someone is going to come out with something better or SoftTube is going come out with a console 2 lol. I felt they could of squeeze a reverb and delay knob on there witch would of been awesome for the price. #GoodVideo
Jay Cairo Hi Jay, I understand the feeling and they will probably come out with a new one or bigger one at some point. I would guess you have a couple of years before anything new is released or updated. This is always the dilemma with technology. That said, they seem to be all in on this one and it is getting great reviews all the way around. You can't think that way. I'm sure you can get more than the asking price in value to your work before the next model comes out. Cheers! Mike
Michael White yeah good point, I slept on it I'm going to get it and have it along my CS18AI Studio One Controller when it comes out. So more than likely I'll be focusing around SoftTube plugins afterwards. Thanks Mike!
