Softube Console 1 Compact: one-to-one workflow on the go

Softube Console 1 Compact – hands-on mixing for small studios is a downsized, ultra-portable version of the Console 1 controller designed for small studios and mobile setups, as reported by MusicTech on June 24, 2026. The unit features 16 touch-sensitive Analogue Feel potentiometers with more than ten times the resolution of the Console 1 Mk II, and it includes a high-resolution smart screen plus RGB LED feedback that adapts as users move between layers.

The Compact is finished in bead-blasted aluminium in a Nordic Night Sky finish, uses USB-C connectivity, and supports VESA mounting as well as Softube’s Single Unit Stand. It uses a layered one-to-one workflow covering input, preamps, tape, filters, shape, EQ, compression and output drive with no mapping required, and it integrates with major DAWs including Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton Live and Pro Tools.

Softube describes the model as a travel companion for Console 1 Channel Mk III users and an upgrade for Console 1 Mk II users, and channel strips can be customized using Softube software alongside plug-ins from FabFilter, Universal Audio and Plugin Alliance.

The Softube Console 1 Compact is an ultra-portable version of the Console 1 controller designed specifically for small studios and mobile setups. A key feature is its 16 touch-sensitive Analogue Feel potentiometers, which offer more than ten times the resolution compared to the earlier Console 1 Mk II. Additionally, the Console 1 Compact is equipped with a high-resolution smart screen and RGB LED feedback that changes adaptively as users navigate through different layers.

Constructed with a bead-blasted aluminium case, it has a distinctive Nordic Night Sky finish. Connectivity is facilitated through USB-C, and it supports VESA mounting and the use of Softube’s Single Unit Stand. The design is aimed at ensuring versatility and ease of integration into various studio setups.

The Console 1 Compact integrates smoothly with major DAWs such as Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton Live, and Pro Tools. It supports a one-to-one workflow for handling audio inputs, preamps, tape, filters, shape, EQ, compression, and output drive without needing any mapping. Users can further customize channel strips through Softube’s software, in combination with plug-ins from companies like FabFilter, Universal Audio, and Plugin Alliance. It is marketed as an optimal travel companion for Console 1 Channel Mk III users and an upgrade opportunity for existing Console 1 Mk II users.

The Console 1 Compact implements a layered one-to-one workflow that provides discrete control layers for input, preamps, tape, filters, shape, EQ, compression and output drive. Control behavior is arranged so that no manual mapping is required to access these layers from the hardware. Users move between layers using the controller’s interface, with on-unit feedback aligning with the active layer. The workflow is structured to cover the full signal chain from input through output drive.

Channel strips on the Console 1 Compact can be customized using Softube software, allowing users to tailor parameters on a per-channel basis. The hardware supports customization alongside plug-ins from FabFilter, Universal Audio and Plugin Alliance. The Console 1 Compact integrates with major DAWs including Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton Live and Pro Tools to enable the hardware workflow and channel strip control. These software and DAW integrations are intended to work together to provide hands-on control of channel strip settings and plug-ins.

“Console 1 Compact is the perfect travel companion for Console 1 Channel Mk III users, the perfect upgrade for Console 1 Mk II users, the perfect way for Flow Studio users to tighten up the final details of a mix, and the perfect way for Flow Suite subscribers to take advantage of their channels strips and take control of their plug-ins in a truly hands-on way,” says the company.

The statement is attributed to Softube.

The quote appears in MusicTech’s report published on June 24, 2026.

I’m unable to create or acquire images directly. However, I can provide guidance on how you could go about sourcing or creating your required product photography for the Softube Console 1 Compact. 1. **Full-Width Contextual Shot**: – **Description**: Capture an image of the Softube Console 1 Compact placed next to a laptop in a small studio setting. – **License**: Ensure you have permission to use the studio as a backdrop, or use a licensed stock photo background that reflects a small studio environment. – **Credit**: Include the photographer’s credit if applicable. – **Optimization**: Aim for a landscape orientation for this shot (preferably 1920×1080 pixels). 2. **Close-Up of Touch-Sensitive Potentiometers**: – **Description**: An up-close image focusing on the row of touch-sensitive Analogue Feel potentiometers, emphasizing the knob texture and spacing. Consider including LED indicator lights if visible. – **License**: Ensure the image is taken by a photographer who allows for commercial use or is created by your team. – **Credit**: Acknowledge the photographer if required. – **Optimization**: Prepare for both square and landscape crops (e.g., 1080×1080 pixels for square and 1920×1080 for landscape). 3. **Smart Screen Display**: – **Description**: A detailed shot of the smart screen while it shows an active layer. – **License**: Capture this image in-house or obtain from Softube’s marketing materials with proper permissions. – **Credit**: Attribute any necessary credits if it originated from another source. – **Optimization**: Resize to ensure it looks good in article layouts (landscape format – 1920×1080 pixels). 4. **Macro Image of Product Finish**: – **Description**: A macro shot showcasing the bead-blasted aluminum surface and the Nordic Night Sky finish to highlight texture and detail. – **License**: Use a professional photographer or your team to ensure quality. – **Credit**: Include photographer credit where applicable. – **Optimization**: A landscape crop at 1920×1080 pixels would work well for this. 5. **Optional USB-C Connectivity Shot**: – **Description**: Demonstrate the USB-C connectivity of the unit, preferably showcasing a cable plugged in. – **License**: This can typically be taken in-house or borrowed from manufacturer assets. – **Credit**: Attribute to your source if necessary. – **Optimization**: Landscape format for inclusion in articles (1920×1080 pixels). 6. **Image of Unit Mounted with Stand**: – **Description**: If possible, capture the unit mounted on Softube’s Single Unit Stand or VESA mount. – **License**: Ensure that proper usage rights are secured from the stand manufacturer. – **Credit**: Provide the photographer’s name if necessary. – **Optimization**: Maintain both landscape and square format (1080×1080 pixels for square). Once you have taken or acquired these photographs according to the descriptions provided, be sure to optimize them for web use to improve loading times without sacrificing quality.

The Console 1 Compact is presented as an ultra-portable, one-to-one workflow controller intended for small studios and mobile setups. It integrates with major DAWs including Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton Live and Pro Tools to enable hands-on channel strip control. Softube described the model as the perfect travel companion for Console 1 Channel Mk III users and the perfect upgrade for Console 1 Mk II users, and stated that it offers Flow Studio users a way to tighten up the final details of a mix and Flow Suite subscribers a way to take advantage of their channel strips and control plug-ins in a truly hands-on way. Channel strips on the Console 1 Compact can be customized using Softube software alongside plug-ins from FabFilter, Universal Audio and Plugin Alliance.