Softube Console 1 Review: Is It Finally Worth It? [Updated 2025]?

🔄 Major Update: Bugs Fixed & Workarounds Found

Since my initial review, Softube has addressed several critical issues that made Logic Pro and Luna frustrating to use with Console 1.

• 🎛 Logic Pro: The fader resetting bug that made it impossible to maintain mix levels has been fixed!
• 🖥 Luna: Console 1 is now fully functional, but you MUST use the VST3 version of the plugin instead of AU for proper integration.
• 🔧 Pro Tools: Still the most stable DAW for Console 1, though some track color and numbering bugs remain.

If you experienced glitches, fader resets, or syncing problems, there are now workarounds to make Console 1 usable in all major DAWs.

👉 Since this review, Softube has continued releasing updates. Check their changelog here:
Softube Console 1 Changelog

🎛 What Is the Softube Console 1 Mixing System?

The Softube Console 1 system consists of two hardware components:

✅ Console 1 Channel Strip – Controls EQ, compression, gating, and saturation for hands-on mixing.
✅ Console 1 Fader – Provides fader-based control for gain staging, volume automation, and overall workflow.

The goal? A fully tactile mixing experience, eliminating the need for constant mouse clicking.

But does it actually improve workflow? And is it worth the cost?

🔎 Console 1 in Logic Pro: Now Usable, But Not Perfect

🎉 Fixes:
✅ Fader reset bug resolved – No more losing levels when paging through tracks.
✅ Session data no longer lingers – Restarting the OSD before opening Logic fixes old session conflicts.

⚠️ Remaining Issues:
❌ Hidden & deleted tracks don’t update – If you remove tracks in Logic, they still appear in Console 1.
❌ New tracks don’t sync – Added tracks don’t show up until you restart the OSD.

💡 Workaround: Restart the Console 1 OSD after modifying tracks to resync everything properly.

🚨 Verdict: Much better than before! Logic users can now use Console 1 effectively, though minor quirks remain.

🎚 Console 1 in Pro Tools: Still the Most Stable DAW

✅ Fully functional integration – Works with Pro Tools HUI for smooth fader control.
✅ No major bugs – Mixing is stable and reliable.

⚠️ Remaining Issues:
❌ Track colors and numbering bugs – Colors don’t always match, causing minor confusion.
❌ Graphical glitches with third-party plugins – Some FabFilter and UAD plugins cause display errors.

🚨 Verdict: Great DAW for Console 1 right now. Some quirks and HUI protocol limitations make it not as fully functional as standard Console 1 mode, but nothing deal-breaking.

⚠️ Console 1 in Luna: FIXED! But Use VST3

✅ Fully functional in Luna – No more syncing or control issues.
✅ Faders and EQ work as expected.

⚠️ Important Fix:
❌ Use VST3 instead of AU plugins – Using the AU version caused all previous issues.

🚨 Verdict: Luna is now a solid DAW choice for Console 1, and the one I’m most excited about (I’m still a UAD fanboy).

🔍 Should You Buy Softube Console 1 Now?

🔴 Initial Verdict: Avoid it—too many bugs.
🟢 Updated Verdict: ✅ NOW Worth Considering (with minor workarounds).

If you’re using Logic Pro, Pro Tools, or Luna, the system is finally stable enough to be a worthwhile investment—especially if you prefer hands-on mixing.

However, if you hate troubleshooting and expect flawless performance, you may want to wait for further updates.

💡 Best Alternatives to Softube Console 1

If Console 1 still feels too risky, here are some alternative control surfaces that may be a better fit:

🔹 SSL UF8 – Pro-grade fader controller with reliable DAW integration.
🔹 Avid S1 – Best choice for Pro Tools users.
🔹 PreSonus FaderPort 16 – Affordable and feature-rich for small studios.

📢 Your Experience? Leave a Comment!

Have you used the Softube Console 1 system? Have these fixes improved your workflow? Let me know in the comments or on YouTube.

📺 Watch the full review update at the top of this post.