Guide: choosing your first Softube plug-in

Step into the world of the Rock & Roll Scientists with these suggestions

 

With so many Softube plug-ins to choose from, which one should be your first? Fret not, we've put together this handy guide to help you answer exactly that question. Let us introduce you to four plug-ins we think would make for an excellent first step into the world of Softube.

 

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Industry-standard compression and EQ

The Tube-Tech Complete Collection combines three fabled units: the passive tube-driven PE 1C and ME 1B ‘Pultec’-style equalizers, and the world-famous CL 1B optical compressor. This trio offers great all-round usability, and an unrivaled level of component modeling that guarantees you get the same, satisfying, analog tube character of the original hardware – straight in your DAW. If a staple of high-end mixing is on your wish list, the Tube-Tech Complete Collection might just be the perfect place to start.

Learn more: Tube-Tech Complete Collection

Authentic '80s polyphony

From true '80s pop to contemporary synthwave, you'll be hard-pressed to find more appropriate instrument than our Model 84 Polyphonic Synthesizer. We applied our award-winning modeling expertise to a fully-serviced and calibrated 1984 unit. The result is a perfect facsimile of the original hardware. A plug-in that has all the quirks and non-linearities of that 1980s-era idol. And while the sound is spot-on, we've included some contemporary features and a heap of presets, allowing Model 84 to slot seamlessly into your work.

Learn more: Model 84 Polyphonic Synthesizer

Analog warmth and glue

Recording digitally doesn't mean your tracks have to sound sterile, and our Tape plug-in offers you some quick and compelling ways to infuse your projects with warm, magnetic saturation. Use it, for example, to add a rich harmonic tone to electric guitars, or go more subtle with a single instance on your master bus, for a bit of organic mojo on the way out. Whatever the application, Tape will help you raise your tracks to be the best they can be.

Learn more: Tape

Professional guitar & bass sounds

If your work involves a lot of guitar and bass, look no further than Amp Room. It's a platform that allows you to create authentic guitar and bass signal chains, like you would in a professional studio – including a careful selection of amps, cabinets, pedals, and the unique ability to load high-end mixing plug-ins from Tube-Tech, Empirical Labs, and more. Pair that all that gear with an incredibly flexible workflow, and Softube's signature high sound quality – and Amp Room will have you producing mix-ready guitar and bass sounds in no time.

Learn more: Amp Room