Just discovered with the Mk2 version of this unit you can run it in MIDI mode, and mapped via the Midi Remote you actually get full control and LED feedback as well. So it kind of already is a channel strip controller compatible with the Cubase Channel Strip.
@@Gahttz just connect jt, I believe the Softube software may need to be force quit or uninstalled. Then map it like any control surface via midi remote tool. Knobs default to a 3 point increment from 0-127. To get 1 point motion shift needs to be pressed. Or do what I did and put a shim on the button so that it’s always pressed.
After having the Console One for years I've changed to the SSL UC1 and have to say that this is much closer to a real console than the rather generic Console One.
Great points. I really wish that Steinberg would create an updated CC121 that FULLY integrates with the built in channel strip including being able to choose the different compressors etc..
I have the original console one and you'll be amazed how much quicker you will mix a song and be happy with the results. I settled on using the British Class A to mix on with the drive set at 50% on each channel, it gives that nice analogue saturation the best. Shape and eq i used the ssl that was shipped with it. Really is an enjoyable experience and i will get round to upgrade to console 3 some time in the future and yes a 100mm long throw fader would be the icing on the cake.
Me too with C1 MKII. Very useful for mixing vintage styles like Blues, Hard rock, funk. Fast and inspiring. But this Mk III is too pricey, come on Softube the software is the same with some updates, the hardware has some more knobs and 2 useless display (there is already a huge OSD...).
For what you mentioned Dom, adding the fader is already complemented with the console 1 fader , it is incredible how versatile and fast it works with it. Another very good point it has is that it is complemented with the UAD plugin
So I have a mark 2 and bought the software update. I am very happy with the quality of the update and all the changes really make this thing worth its salt. After a few months and me recouping a bunch of investments for my company I will be buying this for myself. since If it goes for the company all my techs can use it., XD
Out of all of the controllers I've ever had nothing touched the Steinberg Houston. I've had mine for over 20 years and it's still going strong and works flawless with cubase 13. When it came out it was unheard off and people couldn't understand why you would need it because computers back then couldn't run plugins like we do now,but it still maps them and as cubase updated the automapping of the controller made sense. I wish they'd do a updated version cubase users would embrace it
That is AMAZING that you’re still using Houston. 😮I owned one once. Sold it and replaced with all the CMC controllers. Still using the CMC’s and love them!!!
Thank you so much for the very detailed review, Dom! I wish there was an additional module with the channel fader and transport controls, including jog wheel, then you won't need anything else. Happy holidays!
Love this video, sounds great! Just curiouus as i heard you say the MK3 sounds good; does sound actually run thru and get's process through this, or is it just a prestige controller for controlling plugins effortlessly?
Ok. a €1000 no DSP no motorized faders midi controller.. for the kind of people who want to feel like a Pro audio engineer! Wow! These companies must have such a great R&D marketing teams! *IMO investing €1000 in a real school will provide you more knowledge and experience that you could even mix great pieces with only 2 tape recorders and a 3-Band EQ.. Great video Dom, as always! 🎦🎶🎵
After years of exploring with various different sorts of controllers, big, small, native and otherwise I think we’ve all become a bit obsessed with this analog feel, which the majority of us have never really mixed on before in any serious way in our lives and it’s taking up so much time, space and money,. I wonder whether it’s really worth it? I’ve tried, bought, sold it all and the only thing I come back to frequently is touch screen stuff mainly being my ipad. Anything else stops the flow or needs mapping or its great but it costs a fortune and doesn’t really do anything apart from make you ‘feel’ like a pro
The ideology behind Console 1 is to enable you to mix with your ears, rather than your mouse and less dependant on the screen. Mixing with a desk, rather than a mouse. Console 1 is basically a mini desk and rather than row upon row of strips, it gives you one to work with which replaces all. You might well be happy mixing with a mouse and or a touch screen, personnally I hate it. It requires almost total use of your eyes, which in turn removes the use of your ears. Mixing by numbers is not for me. I prefer to mix by feel and listening. Obviously old style analogue mixing isn't for everyone in this digital age, but it has been to the detriment of analougue music. It is perfect for todays electrionic music which lacks human feel and vibe, digital is purely clinical. The likes of Console 1 puts some of that back when working with real musicians and instruemnts that are in the real world. The only thing that I miss from the days of analogue is the tape hiss, but even that could be overcome if you laid down the tracks loud enough without killing the dynamic range. As they say, horses for courses and as for cost, considering what Console 1 MKIII offers, it's not that high for what you get and the possibilites that it brings with it. And unlike the constant use of a mouse, it doesn't bring with it fatigure or repeditative syndrome.
@@JohnDeCarteretElvis Exactly. With the Console 1, you don’t need to look at the screen anymore while mixing - and even if you want to, the LCDs are pretty useful. To the OP, have you looked at the Raven? I was thinking about investing in the new one that is coming out, but decided that it would not be as quick and easy as a device with physical knobs. The Console 1 also has excellent software, with a really logical and easy-to-learn UI, which works very well with the button layout on the hardware. These guys really thought of everything.
@@kowboys1180 Hi, Yes, it is really good. I've got one now and I'm about to fit it into my new custom desk, albeit with a few modes as Softube have yet to make available the required fitting. The new desk from CSD has 46 rack spaces in it. I'm really pleased with the design that myself and Lee of CVSD came up with. I've just got the rack fittings and the back to fit. No, I'd not heard of the Raven. I'm now waiting for Softube to release the MKIII fader which will complete my new setup. JDC
@@JohnDeCarteretElvis Hi John, the question the Slate MTi2 Raven was actually for jakelong, since he prefers touchscreens. It is an interesting looking product.
I am using the Mk2 for mixing for over two years now with all its different Mixconsoles in combination with a 55 inch monitor in front of me. The Mk3 is also just a controller. I am still not convinced to upgrade sorry to say (although it looks fantastic)
Already use Softube Console 1 Mk2 in combination with Steinberg CC121, CMC QC and CMC TP, Streamdeck XL and NOBcontrol, and still figuring out the best way to use Novation SL MkII with Steinberg Remote Control when knobs and sliders are often used in a chaotic way inside plugins...and I am beginning to get the native versions for UAD2 which I already own...pfff....For this amateur it's already great to get the best out of that ! Some of us are just simple mortal souls...(with an expensive hobby, but my wife knew that 😎)
Hi. Just wanted to also add that Softube has made this controller accessible for blind users... which means people like myself who is blind can use this device with speech feedback. Check out Softube's tutorials on their RU-vid channel. Can't wait to get this product. The videos were demoed using the MKII version, but the concept is still the same with the MKIII.
At the end it's still digital behind the knobs. That's why I prefer an Equalizer like toneboosters eq 4, where I can change three values at time with my mouse. Can't do it with this kind of controllers and at the end I still use the mouse and not exclusively the console. Tried it, but it wasn't my workflow. Looks nice, but big, no fader. Maybe the new Nektar Panorama cs12 will change my mind, but I don't think so.
get the whole system its a analog setup.. it has channel strip and faders..I have the mk1 system it has upgraded with most of the features of the mk2 system...SOFTUBE IS AMAZING..Sometimes I dont Use My Screens(Monitors)...
It supports UAD native. I had to uninstall console 1 and install it again for it to show up. Also the fader won’t be a thing. Currently it fits in a rack which is a feature, plus they have a fader system coming out for it.
I’d love to own one. I got the mkll, but can’t bring myself to purchase at that price. I hope it will be like the mkll and drop in price like $500 since the original was $1k when it came out.
It looks fantastic and real pro but what i strongly dislike is that it is a closed system. On the other hand Nektrar Panorama CS12 does not have the pro feel of this but it is an open system
really a bad experience! I bought one and it had a faulty key, I received another which had some hard keys that were uncomfortable and defective... I received a third with keys similar to the second but even harder and more uncomfortable! I contacted support and they replied that hard keys are normal and thanked me for the feedback I feel cheated
Dom, how can you think can have integration with cubase? just by the standpoint of the layout and parameters of cubase channelstrip would not be all perfect, possibly you can use Console 1 MK3 as a Midi Controller but not as a softube console 1 plugin controller
Softube can't fix the elephant in the room, which is that Avid (the gatekeeper) won't let any 3rd party hardware manufacturer properly integrate with Pro Tools, since that would directly compete with Avid's hardware (even though Avid doesn't make anything like this). So when I asked Softube if this could do what I needed it to do, they confirmed that it could not since it's an Avid limitation.
F*ck Pro Tools. Lol.. I know…”It’s the industry standard.” I have the Console one mK3 and it’s amazing! But a pain to use with PT indeed. 😡 …Spectacular with Logic and Studio one. Smh
70 UAD and Softube plugins are supported. Should I refuse the iZotope, Fabfilter, NI, Waves plugins and plug in Console 1 on each channel to use Softube and UA products only? I don't think so.
FYI, When the original Console 1 came out there were no native UAD plugins so it supported original UAD plugins. Since the native plugin is a separate file from the original plugins I am not sure if that makes it difficult to support both or not.
I love how it looks and I believe the quality is top notch, but I have my own set of plugins that I use all the time and there are only 5 Softube plugins that belong to that set, so without extra compatibility for other brands or Cubase, I would never buy this incredible peace of hardware.
My experience: Unfortunately, the people at Softube do not listen to clients or their potential clients, I asked them and suggested a long time ago, their Console One will be valuable only when they allow the owners of a Console One to choose which plugin to use in it (from the brand whatever, there is no technological impediment to it, I told you and I demonstrated). In my case, since I did not like the "monopoly" that SSL also intended, I also told them about it, and they were more receptive to the opinions of their clients, they recently opened their UC1 so that each one can choose which plugin they like best; They understood that what they are selling is a mere controller, and not a monopoly/slavery as Softube intends with Console One. Luckily I did not buy either of the two before; Now yes, I'm going to buy the SSL UC1, because it gives me freedom, I can even load some Softube plugins if I like one.... For me, that's what it is, a mere controller, not a Trojan horse. ..
Still, there are many controllers that offer control for plugins from different manufacturers. I tried many. The problem with all: you never get a what you see is what you get with these. You have to know for each plugin which knob or button does what. With the console 1, every knob has the same function for each of the channel strips Softube offers. Also, the Softube plugins are very good, and they offer plenty variety. You can even control two eq’s and compressors on one channel with the c1. Really, I have never mixed so fast and with so much pleasure than with the console 1 and this mk3 is a great update. If you want generic control over a lot of plugins, there are other options (even though Softube just released an update that includes fabfilter control), if you want a tight, focused system: this is it.
Great video as always Dom. Softube makes great products but there refusal to add ONE fader to any of there Console versions is mind numbingly frustrating. I would have long since bought one, and especially mkIII if it had one. The mkIII seems like such a good product so the lack of a faded seems like a huge omission.
Agreed. No easy way I can think of to use a third party fader that will follow the Softube’s channel selection. I would not be a customer for 1 fader but I get it for those who are.
@@artysanmobile You might be able to using the Midi Remote feature in Cubase. I have an Icon Nano and it follows any track I select in Cubase. So, if I select a track on the mkIII, it selects and highlights the track in Cubase which may in turn send the message to the third part controller? Only one way to find out. Someone has to try it.
I would absolutely love this too (as I said on the video). I guess the inclusion of a fader would bring the price point to a higher “psychological” threshold. I would be more than happy to pay more for a fader but maybe other people wouldn’t. I suppose this and the larger desk real estate drove this decision (just speculating here). I will definitely look into solutions of adding a fader because the MK3 is a freaking amazing piece of gear- I will of course post a video if I succeed ;) at the same time, it’s been already leaked that Softube are working on a new fader controller so I’m very interested in checking this out too !
I wish they had stopped with the 20 track buttons and gone for 10 and maybe some type of counter of the banks or digital display that tells you which track each button is. Much easier to keep track of with 10.
It doesn’t sound like anything…..it’s a controller for plugins that are exactly the same as the old one. It’s got a few extra LEDs and a couple of $2 screens
I love Softube but lack of support for third party plugs and Native Logic/ Cubase channels together with very high price of controller puts me off. Amazing equipment but this days I'm leaning toward Sonible for mixing. And old school guys would probably choose SSL controller over Console 1.
I’ve given my own thoughts about this on the video but, honestly, this thing sounds amazing. The plugins included are worth the price of admission along with the hardware- but yes, more plugin support would be more than welcome. Softube is historically a company that really listens though so I am very optimistic :) Sonible is amazing too, I agree, imagine if you could control them with the Console 1 :)
Not sure they will ever accept other plugins, they want to sell Softube plugins. Even the UAD ones they block the Native version, you need UAD hardware.Same for the fader, they want to sell the fader version .. so no fader.
@@DomSigalas it’s because you are a “new” user, that’s why you still believe ! :) Owner here since years, even using it as a normal midi controller they made it difficult. There could be a simple switch shortcut to be able to control any other plugin via midi. When you see this isn’t done , you know it’s on purpose.
@@carlosp.1846 I am an old user too. I bought the MK2 (with my own money by the way, it wasn’t sent to me for free- not that it would make a difference) aaages ago- I have it in the other room along with the Fader. I still feel they have invested a lot of RND for refinements on this one and it could happen. Let’s see :)
Dedeep Walk- throgh please😊 Have nothing to play on but that won't stop me... as long as i can stay awake. Hope this is savable for later.. 😉🤔 Thanks for great sy thynth? - show/mi'🤗 😘
@@ralphchimera5010 It really is ridiculous, like they rushed out this one-off for a review. In Dom’s demo, I note each section is highlited by a false-color border. Well no kidding! Softube: pay attention.
@@JozefHollyPiano Definitely good for the knobs. My daughter left behind a great assortment when she left for college. I use them to ID gear. I just might do my nails some day. 🤣
Why would Softube intragrate 3rd Party plugins, it would undermine it's own plugins. And again, why bypass the Console 1 onboard plugins to give you native control of your DAW, it is not what Console 1 is all about. You have controllers for that which don't require plugins. And one fader, when Softube have a complete fader controller available which works in conjunction with Console 1. The new MKIII fader is due for release towards the end of the year. There are reasons that none of your requests have been implemented, it's called sales. Each would remove potential sales of Softubes other products, each of which add something of their own to Console 1 MKII/MKIII and the new Console 1 Fader will also bring it's own unique capabilities to the table. As for Console 1 MKIII matching Cubase setup, the same could be said for multiple other DAWs. Studio One for instance with which it works perfectly and is fully intergrated. In fact Studio One was the first DAW to be fully intergrated with Console 1. I don't think you are going to find any of those particular requests implemented in this or any future upgrade of Console 1 hardware.
This is the best midi console strip ! The problem is the GUI of the hardware device is awful in my opinion and not beautiful at all, make a console strip GUI ! Just for that I won't be drive to buy this unit even if Its 100% what I want
The Hardware is the UI. I have been using Console 1 with Fader 1 for over 3 years, I thought the GUI was ugly but I changed my mind to "not distracting", and the best experience and work flow is to not look at it at all.
@@Justanothermusicproducer True, Thanks I was searching the word. This is a great insight, still Im not comfortable and inspire with things that I don't enjoy the design, like I would work on windows Its cheaper and upgradable but I find the GUI awful as well as the workflow. Hope Im clear I have trouble explaining myself, tho It's just how I experience things, your point of view is more interesting in practice. I would just get a UC1 when I have the money to put on that.
