Softube keep it analogue
Company releases Eurorack-modelled Modular plugin and expands Console 1’s capabilities
Whether you’re a hardware-head, an occasional patcher or just a computerbound piano-roll clicker, it’s hard to deny that modular gear has seen a resurgence in the music-making scene of late. But while huge custom Eurorack setups are in vogue in the hardware world, the computer-based musician hasn’t had as many options. There are interesting modular and semimodular synths, and there’s always Reaktor, now with its hardware-style Blocks processors, but it’s fair to feel that the virtual modular renaissance is still under way.
Enter Softube’s new plugin. Modular is a circuit-modelled emulation of a Eurorack setup, made in collaboration with Dieter Doepfer himself (inventor of the Eurorack format) and manufacturers Intellijel. The concept is quite literally that of a ‘virtual modular system’, offering a host of modelled Eurorack units (with more forthcoming as add-ons), which can be dropped into your virtual rack and connected together in whatever way you see fit.
Given the pedigree of Softube, we’re expecting great analogue sonics, but that doesn’t mean that the advantages of the digital world have been neglected. Softube’s Performance Panel is set to give simultaneous, macro-style control over multiple parameters, for instance.
Next up, while Softube’s Console 1 system previously focused solely on SSL circuits (bringing them to your desktop, controlled by the Console 1 controller – bit.ly/Con1rev), British Class A brings Neve-esque processors to the setup, offering users a flavoursome 1073-style input stage, along with EQ, compression/limiting and gating inspired by their respective Neve originals. The actual processing magic happens via a single channel-strip plugin, controllable from the Console 1 hardware.
Both Modular and British Class A should be available by the time you read this, priced at $99 and $249 respectively. Expect reviews in future issues.
URL www.softube.com