In this review, Paul Drew takes a look at the Softube Console 1 British Class A Channel Strip using Presonus Studio One.

You can add body and character to your tracks with this Softube Console 1 strip inspired by classic British units from the 60s and early 70s. Paired with the workflow and hands-on control of Console 1, British Class A has been designed to give you the perfect mix solution for the DAW-based studio.

You can watch me use the Console 1 control surface with the British Class A plugin. Watch the video and hear as I use the British Class A EQ on a vocal, and then add the Drive and compression to add even more to the vocal before adding the track for final tweaking. I love that I can get hold of real knobs to adjust the plugin settings. Next I use the plugin on a snare track, before adding it into the track and then use it on an acoustic guitar track, you will have to listen and watch the video to hear how brilliant it all sounds in isolation and in the track.  

Finally back on the Snare track I show the difference in sound between the SSL 4000 plugin and the British Class A and you can hear the difference between the two emulations.

Final Thoughts

This is probably the best control surface That I have ever used. The only thing that is missing for me is a motorised fader on the right hand side. But it isn't the end of the world for me as I have a Presonus Studio Live console which does have motorised faders so I can use those for controlling the faders.

If you are thinking about getting one, I wouldn't hesitate, this is one of the best things I have tried in a long time. I have to say that when it was first released I was quite sceptical about it but how I have used it I have completely changed my mind, it's absolutely amazing. So I have no hesitation in awarding the Softube British Class A for Console One Editors Choice.