Softube’s Console 1 gets an upgrade to MKII!

Softube is kicking off winter NAMM 2017 in a big way, with the announcement of the Console 1 MKII. As they put it:

"Three years after the original Console 1 release, it is time to introduce the Mk II version. It has the same build quality as the original units, with some minor layout changes such as more visible LED markers. More importantly, efficient manufacturing processes have made the system much more affordable."

The hardware itself looks to remain familiar, boasting "the same build quality as the original units, with some minor layout changes such as more visible LED markers." So needless to say, from that aspect - there won't be any learning curves, maintaining it's intuitive nature.

The big surprise behind the new Console 1 MKII (two big features that knocks this up to the top of my studio rebuild list) are:

1. A new lower price. Making it much easier for folks to get into. And, with the power and workflow it offers - that is a huge welcoming point.
2. The Console 1 MKII, is now compatible with UAD plug-ins!

Which ones specifically has not been clarified - but that info should be coming soon, and in any case is a big deal. Softube stated in the announcement: "Now you can not only expand your options with Softube equalizers, compressors, gates and channel strips—Console 1 integrates seamlessly with select UAD Powered Plug-Ins by Universal Audio. In total, over 60 plug-ins are now pre-mapped and ready to use with Console 1, including top-tier brands such as Chandler Limited, Fairchild, Teletronix, Tube-Tech and Abbey Road Studios."

Another added bonus comes for that use Presonus Studio One (V3), or Cakewalk's Sonar. While you can use the Console 1 MKII with any DAW (such as Cubase, Pro Tools, or Samplitude), "Presonus Studio One and Cakewalk SONAR—feature additional integration, meaning you can use the Console 1 hardware to control vital DAW functions such as track selection, volume, send levels, pan and solo/mute. We aim to have this functionality added for all DAWs."

Have to give a big smile to this evolution of an already great product. Way to go Softube!