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Pricing and availability
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Description
The Softube Tube-Tech CL 1B Compressor Plugin is a digital recreation of the legendary Tube-Tech CL 1B hardware, renowned for its smooth and musical compression. Designed for modern producers who crave the warmth and character of analog sound, this plugin brings the revered CL 1B's sonic signature into your digital audio workstation. Built with advanced component emulation, it offers an authentic replication of the original's distinctive tube-driven dynamics.
With its intuitive user interface, the CL 1B plugin allows for precise control over your sound. The variable attack and release settings provide versatility, making it suitable for both individual tracks and bus compression. Whether you're looking to enhance vocals, drums, or any instrument, the Tube-Tech CL 1B delivers unparalleled clarity and depth. Its sidechain/link capabilities further expand its flexibility, enabling dynamic control over stereo channels—a feature cherished by audio engineers.
This plugin doesn't just mimic the hardware—it captures its essence, bringing the classic Tube-Tech sound into your projects without the need for additional DSP hardware. Endorsed by Tube-Tech themselves, this plugin is a testament to Softube's dedication to quality and authenticity, offering a timeless sound that has shaped countless hit records.
Key Features:
- Faithful emulation of the classic Tube-Tech CL 1B compressor
- Advanced component modeling for true analog character
- Variable attack and release settings for versatile application
- Sidechain/link functionality for dynamic stereo control
- VU meter emulation for precise monitoring
- CPU-friendly design for efficient processing
- Fully endorsed by Tube-Tech for authentic sound quality
Owner's manual
Softube Tube-Tech CL 1B User ManualProduct specs
| Mac | Intel or PowerPC processor (G3 or higher), Windows: PIII or higher |
FAQs
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What makes the Softube Tube-Tech CL 1B compressor unique compared to other plugins?
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The Softube Tube-Tech CL 1B stands out for its warm, analog-style opto compression with flexible controls including selectable attack and release times, making it versatile for vocals, drums, and guitars.
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Can the Softube Tube-Tech CL 1B be used with external sidechain inputs?
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Yes, the CL 1B allows for external sidechain input, providing more advanced compression techniques and creative control in your mix.
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Is the Softube Tube-Tech CL 1B compressor plugin suitable for both beginners and advanced users?
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The CL 1B is designed for both beginners and advanced users, offering intuitive controls for newcomers and detailed settings for experienced producers seeking precise compression.
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What are the attack and release time settings on the Softube Tube-Tech CL 1B?
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The CL 1B offers attack times from 0.5 to 300 milliseconds and release times from 0.05 to 10 seconds, with a unique attack/release switch for Fixed, Manual, and Fix./Man. modes.
Videos
SoftubeStudios
Softube Tube-Tech CL 1B (native)
Softube Tube-Tech CL 1B (native)
SoftubeStudios
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Softube Tube-Tech CL 1B.
Comparisons
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The Softube Tube-Tech CL 1B plugin is noted as the closest emulation to the hardware, with Universal Audio using Softube's version.
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Some users find that plugin compressors often require multiple processors in series to achieve a similar effect to hardware units.
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The Softube version includes both the original and MKII, whereas UAD offers only the MKII.
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Features and functionality
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The CL 1B is appreciated for its transparency, even under heavy compression.
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The Softube version offers dual plugin packaging, potentially including an EQ, enhancing value compared to the standalone UAD offering.
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The MKII version's steep knee makes it finicky, but it can add desired weight to sounds.
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User experience
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Variations are common in analog gear, particularly tube-based, leading to differing user experiences between hardware units.
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Owners note the UAD version experienced a prolonged period of issues following updates, leading some to prefer the Softube native version.
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Tinkering with the MKI version is easier to get into the sweet spot due to its less aggressive knee.
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Software and compatibility
Use cases and applications
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 7 Ratings
Artist usage
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In a screenshot of Travis Scott recording "Butterfly Effect," an instance of the Softube Tube-Tech CL 1B plugin is visible. The plugin is identified as the Softube version by the distinct orange/light brown tinge in the bottom left corner, which is part of the Softube logo.
In this video at 11:54 we can see Softube Tube-Tech CL 1B
Used for vocals on "Sum 2 Prove", as stated by mix engineer Tillie in this June 2020 Sound on Sound interview.
"All Lil Baby's vocals go through an aux track," says Tillie, "on which I have the Waves DeEsser, Avid EQ3 7-band, Waves SSL Channel and Compressor, Waves RCompressor, UAD J37 and the FabFilter Pro‑DS de-esser. There are two sends to reverb aux tracks and one to a half–note delay. The Waves DeEsser is there because I felt the vocal was too bright. The EQ3 has a pretty involved curve, with a low cut at 69.8Hz, notches at 184.7Hz and 425.2Hz, and me adding at 2kHz and high end at 5.37kHz, because I wanted some more presence. The SSL Compressor is not doing much, it's just there for vibe. I do the actual compression with the RCompressor.
"The J37 adds analogue vibe — it's one of my favourite plug–ins on vocals. It really brings them to life. I did all the heavy lifting with the first de-esser, and the Pro‑DS is just to catch anything that's the result of the EQ curve that I added. There's also a Vocal Parallel aux with the Softube Tube‑Tech CL‑1B to add more body and a bit of beef. I think that compressor just makes everything sound better. It gives you a different tonal character.
"The first send goes to the Verb aux track, which has the DVerb, set to a Large Hall, and an EQ3 7-band, taking out low end below 100Hz. The second send goes to the Verb 2 aux, with the Waves RVerb, the Waves REQ, again rolling off low end, and the Waves S1 Stereo Imager. I use the Imager on my reverbs probably 75 percent of the time. My style of mixing is very wide, so I tend to spread out my instruments and my effects, and I place things in different places in the stereo mix. I always like to add width and depth, so you can feel things and they are not necessarily right up in your face. But I leave the vocals to be the centre point of the mix."
In this video at 21:08 we can see Softube Tube Tech Compressor on vocals
Album Usage
The Softube Tube-Tech CL 1B has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Softube Tube-Tech CL 1B, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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