Softube Console 1 + Fader 1 Mk 2 | Mk 3

saw a used Console 1 on Reverb and figured it may be a good way to cut down my overall mouse usage.

My experience with controllers has been mixed at best . I wanted something more than just a Midi controller for my DAW

The Console 1 is amazing because of the dedicated knobs for each task that works across tracks seamlessly. Not only am I mixing faster and more confidently but I am also happier with the results. My ears are less fatigued and my arm gets a much needed break.

Here’s what’s interesting: if I do look at my monitor and examine the choices I’ve made with the Console 1, they look nothing like the choices I make when I’m using my eyes and a mouse to navigate user interfaces.

A pretty obvious example is that I find myself taking dull, lifeless tracks and boosting a bunch in the EQ while adding targeted saturation to nearly every track.

Even more interesting is that with this new knowledge I find myself making similar moves when I am using a mouse.

In summation, I highly recommend that people who have never used a console consider renting/buying a similar controller solution to test out mixing without the typical visual cues. You may find that it gives you a psychological license to be bolder with your individual tracks when you inevitably have to use your eyes to navigate a UI again.

Bonus points if you are in the Universal Audio ecosystem because many of their plug-ins can be used to swap out individual pieces of the stock SSL channel strip.

Hope this helps someone!