Softube Essentials Collection

• A hand-picked collection of Softube essentials created to complement modern mixing and production workflows
• Grants access to industry-standard, state-of-the-art tools used by professionals for a fraction of the price when purchased separately
• Includes five plug-ins: Tape, Model 84 Polyphonic Synthesizer, British Class A, FET Compressor Mk II, and Wasted Space

Featuring meticulous models and superior sound quality, this quintessential Softube Collection delivers industry-standard, state-of-the-art tools at an exceptional value.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or expanding your existing toolkit, you don’t want to miss out on this time-limited, one-off anthology. So, buy now. Thank us later.

Tape

Time to get reel! Softube's Tape plug-in adds cohesion and weight to your mixes. But Tape goes far beyond your average tape machine emulation. It includes three distinctly different tape machine types, and it offers the ease of use and low CPU strain that today's music creators rightfully expect. 

Even in this day and age, it's common practice for computer based professional studios to run their mixes through at least one generation of analog tape. Why? Because even when used subtly, analog tape has a smoothing effect and adds cohesion and weight to a mix—it takes the recording from a collection of individual tracks into a song where everything is connected and works together. With Softube's Tape plug-in, you can have all that and more.

Three Machines in One 

Tape includes three different tape machine types in one plug-in. Type A is based on a classic Swiss high end reel-to-reel machine, known and loved for its precision and linearity. Type B is much more colorful—it's a transformer based machine which adds extra weight and cream to the low end. Lastly, Type C is based on a British tape machine with a distinct vintage vibe.

Ease of Use 

Select your favorite tape machine Type, and adjust the Amount knob to taste. In most cases, that's all you need to do to soak your tracks in analog tape sweetness. Easier still, load up one of the included presets, made by award winning engineers such as Joe Chiccarelli (Beck, U2, Strokes) and Howard Willing (Smashing Pumpkins, Sheryl Crow, Kris Kristofferson).

Feeling tweaky? Why not start by trying the different tape speed settings—you'll find that the slower the tape speed, the more pronounced is the so-called tape head bump, which adds low end to the mix. Or open the Remote Control panel where you can control the selected tape machine's speed stability, crosstalk amount and several other tape-a-liscious features.

Dense Sound, Light on CPU 

Add a single instance of Tape on your master bus to emulate what most computer based studios do today—mix in the computer, then mix down to a stereo tape machine—or go vintage style by adding Tape to every single track in your mix. Yes, your computer will be able to handle it. As most Softube plug-ins, Tape is uniquely light on your computer's processor.

Extras for Studio One Users 

If you run Presonus Studio One, you can not only use Tape as a standard plug-in. Adding Tape to your MixFX slot gives you Tape Multitrack. Tape Multitrack includes all the goodies of Tape, but in addition, you get selectable crosstalk between each individual track—and you can easily control the Tape Multitrack settings from a single interface. The Tape and Tape Multitrack license is one and the same. This means that if you're not a Studio One user but at some future point decide to switch to that DAW, you will already have Tape Multitrack installed, licensed and ready to go.

In Short

• Realistic analog tape sound
• Three tape machine types included
• Easy to use
• Low CPU usage
• Includes Tape Multitrack which can be used in the MixFX slot of Presonus Studio One—adding individual channel crosstalk and single interface control of all tracks

Learn more about Tape.

British Class A

Classic British sound, unbuttoned

The British Console Sound is famous. You can hear its sweet and musical quality on hit records spanning more than five decades from artists such as Queen, Nirvana, David Bowie, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. When mix engineers need this unmistakable body, depth, and silky sweet top-end on individual tracks and busses, the British Class A channel strip is the one to grab.

• Authentic, unmistakable British console character
• A precisely emulated channel strip with added flexibility
• Four versions included: British Class A plug-in, British Class A for Console 1, British Class A for Amp Room, and British Class A for Modular

Softube modeled Gate, Compressor, EQ, Filters, and Drive on some of the most sought-after and costly console modules in existence using Softube's renowned emulation methodology. The result is the authentic tone and character of the classic British consoles with superb sound quality and four flexible formats: native plug-in, Console 1 channel strip, and Amp Room- and Modular modules. Jammy you.

Designed by Experts, Built on Legacy

Softube has a long history of emulating professional audio gear. After nearly two decades collaborating with premium brands like Weiss Engineering, Tube-Tech, Solid State Logic, Chandler Limited®, and Trident, their track record of recreating classics in software form that sound exactly like their hardware counterparts is rock solid.

British Class A is built on this legacy. With Softube's meticulous approach to modeling, British Class A captures the sweet, musical character of some of the most valuable and coveted British console modules in history. All in stunning Softube sound quality. Nothing less.

Features

• The true color and character of the famous large-format British consoles of the ‘60s and ‘70s
• A channel strip with carefully modeled Gate, Compressor, Filters, EQ, and Drive
• Includes four multi-platform versions: British Class A plug-in, British Class A for Console 1, British Class A for Amp Room (4 Modules), and British Class A for Modular (4 Modules)
• Featuring the famous 3-band equalizer with two silky smooth shelving filters and a peaking mid-band with high and low Q settings
• Slightly resonant filters that bring a unique character, added edge, and work perfectly with the EQ to recreate the famous curves this gear is known for
• Easily dial in the settings used to record and mix countless hit albums and songs
• Softube-quality emulation and sound

Learn more about British Class A.

Model 84 Polyphonic Synthesizer

The Resurrection of a Polyphonic Icon

• An 80s-era icon of polyphonic synthesizing faithfully emulated through circuit modelling on a component level.
• The true-to-the-original sound and unique features of the revered hardware—such as two poly modes with proper voice allocation—plus fresh innovations.
• Three versions included: instrument, a chorus for Amp Room, and seven modules for Modular.

The year is 1984. Splashing down is a majorly righteous polyphonic synthesizer that will go on to outrun its era. Thirty-odd years later, Softube are still vibing on the gnarly Synthwave reverberations this paragon can produce. Used on countless records by innumerable artists, it’s a six-voice synth that set a standard and established a sound. Now it’s time to discover what it can do in the DAW.

Softube applied their award-winning modelling expertise to a fully-serviced and calibrated 1984 unit and the result is a perfect facsimile of the original hardware. Using rock & roll science, Softube have created a plugin that has all the quirks and non-linearities of the 1980s-era idol. Even the clutch factory presets with easy recall of the '80s sounds heard on copious number-one hits. Added features and flexibility bring the prototype’s influential and unmistakable sound motoring into modern production environs: from Softube's official Eurorack platform, Modular, to Softube's pro audio guitar & bass platform, Amp Room—and beyond.

Introducing the most excellent Model 84 Polyphonic Synthesizer. The retro-future is here.

Designed by Experts, Built on Legacy

Softube has a decades-long history of modelling premium audio gear in concert with professional audio brands like Tube-Tech, Solid State Logic, Chandler Limited®, Weiss Engineering, and Trident. Softube's track record of flawlessly recreating hardware classics in software form is well-established. It's an expertise that extends to synthesizer plugins like Modular and Model 72.

Model 84 is built on this legacy. Softube used the same exacting standards and skills—precise testing and experienced fine-tuning—and the outcome is sound quality that equals the hardware. Or, in terms of clarity, surpasses it. Always more, nothing less.

The Model: An Authentic Emulation

Softube poured the same fastidious modelling energy into Model 84 Polyphonic Synthesizer that goes into every piece of their gear. The result is voice allocation modes and an EQ—with bass boost for extra oomph on basslines—that mirror the iconic hardware.

Softube's meticulous recreation of the unison phase allows you to assign all six voices to one note and to achieve the sounds of the synth that became an industry touchstone.

Control: Added Features

Model 84 is about control. Extended unison mode gives authority over sync and enables a more pronounced attack to the start of a note. Velocity and aftertouch support promote enhanced dynamic performance with command over the amp, as well as the filter and PW. And the expanded control panel, with added velocity and aftertouch parameters, makes it easier to fine-tune sound and behaviour. Get ‘80s mojo in the digital domain—your way.

The Presets: Original & Contemporary

Get the authentic sound of the Decade of Greed without spending a  second fussing with knobs. Model 84 comes packed with both the original presets as well as striking new artist presets. Quickly recall classic sounds, original patches, distorted bass sounds, and the Synthwave heard on so many classic and contemporary albums. Or set it to stun with incredible artist presets that range from retro sounds to modern-day fat- and wide-sounding crispy leads.

Sweet Synthesis: The Modular Modules

The synth sound made classic in the 1980s is now available in Modular. Seven fully integrated modules allow you to easily combine pieces of the Model 84 Polyphonic Synthesizer in a modular workflow. Artistically patch Model 84 modules with other Modular-ready gear like the monophonic legend, Model 72—a feat previously impossible in both digital and analogue realms. Model 84 delivers universe-expanding capabilities and mind-blowing creative possibilities to the Modular ecosystem.

Electric Friends: The Amp Room Module

Model 84's Chorus is a totally unique and brand-new module for Amp Room. Previously unavailable on the pro audio guitar and bass platform, you can now create bodacious guitar or bass sounds with the chorus used in the original keyboard synthesizer and as a design inspiration on a famous guitar stompbox from the Decade of Decadence and big hair. Powerfully dirty and fat, Chorus produces a distinct sound that adds mega wattage to your creativity.

Features

• The authentic sound of the 1980s in plug-in and module form
• Meticulously modelled on a pristine 1984 polyphonic synthesizer
• Three versions included: Model 84 Instrument, Model 84 Chorus module for Softube Amp Room, and seven Model 84 modules for Softube Modular.
• The unison phase sounds of the original
• Factory presets for easy recall of classic sounds
• Stunning artist presets—from classic sounds to contemporary, crispy leads
• Increased velocity and aftertouch support for added control over the amp, filter, and PW
• The addition of extended unison mode for higher control over sync
• An expanded control panel with added parameters for finetuning
• Pitch and mod wheel assignment, glide, and voice allocation for creative playing

Learn more about Model 84 Polyphonic Synthesizer.

FET Compressor Mk II

A Ground-Up Remake Of An Eternal Favorite

Launched as the "fastest compressor in the world" with a 20-microsecond attack time, the classic hardware Softube modeled FET Compressor Mk II on is exceedingly popular and heard on countless hit recordings. With a FET gain reduction stage, Class A solid-state amplifiers, input and output transformers, beloved aggression, and tasty distortion, it's easy to see why. The FET Compressor Mk II keeps that original sound and character while supporting a DAW-based workflow. There may be more than 1176 emulations of this compressor on the market, but only their meticulously remodeled FET Compressor Mk II features Softube sound quality, extra features, and added control.

 Designed by Experts, Built on Legacy

Softube have been emulating professional audio gear for two decades. With partnerships with premium brands like Tube-Tech, Solid State Logic, Chandler Limited, and Marshall Amplification, they have a strong record of accurately recreating analog standards in software form. FET Compressor Mk II builds on this legacy, delivering nothing less than the same classic character as the original hardware, superior sound quality, and added modern features.    

The Glow Up

 FET Compressor Mk II gives you the lightning-quick, in-your-face character of the hardware, plus more modern features for a DAW-based workflow. You can use the two different drives, FET and transformer, together or separately. Dry/Wet, and a Sidechain section deliver more control and increased usability for mixing and mastering. With Stereo Link, you can toggle from Stereo Linked mode, with linked Left and Right gain reduction, to Unlinked Dual Mono for independent gain reduction for Left and Right channels. The High Frequency Make-up feature allows you to offset the minor loss of higher frequencies when compressing sound sources as varied as vocals, snares, kick drums, guitars, and more.  

In Short

• A complete and expertly executed remodel of one of the most popular analog compressors in the world
• Perfect for vocals, drums, and other sources that require considerable compression
• Added modern features, such as Drive, Stereo Link, a Sidechain section, a High Frequency Make-up feature, and Dry/Wet
• Authentically modeled All-buttons-in mode, or British mode

Learn more about FET Compressor Mk II.

Wasted Space

Perfectly Imperfect lo-fi Reverb

• Instant, extreme lo-fi digital reverb for creative production and sound design
• Authentic aliasing artifacts and distortion with Softube-quality sound and workflow
• Three versions included: the native plug-in, the Modular module, and the Amp Room module

When you need extreme digital lo-fi character quickly, the reverb to reach for is Wasted Space. Wasted Space gives you the retro ’80s aliasing artifacts currently in vogue in pop and electronic genres and takes them to eleven.

Put Wasted Space straight on a track to bring elements to the front of the mix or get a full low-fidelity sound by using it on a bus. With Wasted Space, you can go from lackluster to out-of-this-world in a flash.

The Art of Rock & Roll Science

When it comes to creating plug-ins that improve workflow and offer the highest quality sound, Softube's reputation is rock solid—and long. Their partnerships with premium brands like Marshall, Tube-Tech, Chandler Limited®, and Weiss Engineering go back nearly twenty years. Softube develop every product with creativity, passion, and attention to detail. Because to create tools that innovate, you have to have heart, soul, and Rock & Roll Science.

The features are with you

With an inspiring retro-futuristic interface and essential features, Wasted Space is the perfect tool for innovative sound design.

Wasted Space’s variable sample rate lets you quickly find your lo-fi sweet spot. You can use the filter options to sculpt the distortion with 12, 24, and 48 dB/octave types. Off gives you the most aggressively distorted sound, with 48 dB offering the smoothest of the types. The high pass slider lets you reduce the distortion in the high frequencies while keeping the distorted low frequencies, thereby removing the rumble often caused by low-frequency buildup.

In short

• Intentional exaggeration of aliasing artifacts that were present in early digital reverbs
• From the makers of TSAR-1 Reverb, TSAR-1R Reverb, Spring Reverb, Atlantis Dual Chambers, and more
• Variable sample rate and selectable aliasing filter types let you quickly find your ideal lo-fi vibe
• High pass filter to reduce low-end rumble
• Predelay and time sliders to effortlessly adjust traditional reverb parameters
• Dry/wet slider for finding the perfect balance on a track or going completely wet on a bus
• Featuring Softube Extended Features for even more control

Features

• Adjustable Sample Rate from 2400 Hz-24000 Hz
• Selectable Aliasing Filter Types (12, 24, 48 dB/octave, and Off)
• Variable High Pass Filter from 20 Hz-2 kHz
• Predelay from 0-60 milliseconds
• Reverb Time from 0-4.5 seconds
• Wet/Dry blend slider
• Includes 1 module for Softube Modular in addition to the native plug-in 

Learn more about Wasted Space.

System Requirements

• macOS Big Sur 11, Monterey 12, Ventura 13
• Windows 10 (64-bit), Windows 11
• Softube account
• iLok account
• Computer with AU, VST, VST3, and/or AAX-compatible DAW host software
• Internet access (for downloading installers and managing licenses)