Console 1 Compact

Console 1 Compact is a hardware control surface for Softube's Console 1 mixing system, pairing 16 touch-sensitive Analog Feel potentiometers and a high-resolution screen with companion software that maps the knobs directly to channel-strip parameters. It covers input, preamps, tape, filters, shape, EQ, compression, and output drive in a smaller footprint than the full-size Console 1 Channel Mk III.

The unit is aimed at engineers who want physical, knob-per-function control over their mix without the desk space or cost of the larger Console 1 hardware. Control is layered: a single button switches the surface between full EQ control and full Dynamics control, so the 16 knobs serve different sections rather than spreading across one fixed panel. It connects over USB-C, works with major DAWs including Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton Live, and Pro Tools, and runs without a subscription. The hardware is modular and can be expanded with Console 1 Fader units and Flow Studio hardware.

The sound comes from the bundled Core Mixing Suite software, which includes a Softube Tape and preamp section, a Shape transient shaper, two equalizers (a passive vintage type and a precise modern type), three compressors based on FET Compressor Mk II, Bus Processor, and an OPTO design, and a drive section. Channel strips can be assembled from Softube's own modeled processors, including Chandler Limited, Solid State Logic, and Tube-Tech emulations, and from third-party plugins by FabFilter, Universal Audio, and Plugin Alliance. Each Shape, EQ, and Compressor section supports two instances.

Features

• 16 Analog Feel touch-sensitive potentiometers with RGB LED feedback.
• High-resolution smart screen.
• Layered knob-per-function control with one-button EQ/Dynamics switching.
• Core Mixing Suite: Softube Tape and preamp, Shape transient shaper, two EQs, three compressors, and a drive section.
• Compressors based on FET Compressor Mk II, Bus Processor, and OPTO Compressor.
• Custom channel strips using Softube and third-party plugins (FabFilter, UAD, Plugin Alliance).
• Two instances per Shape, EQ, and Compressor section.
• Compatible with all major DAWs; no subscription required.
• Bead-blasted aluminum panel in Nordic Night Sky finish.
• VESA and Softube Single Unit Stand mounting; USB-C connection.
• Expandable with Console 1 Fader units and Flow Studio hardware.