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Description

Transform your digital studio with the Tube-Tech CL 1B Plugin, a masterful emulation crafted by the experts at Softube. This plugin brings the legendary analog warmth and smoothness of the original CL 1B compressor/limiter directly to your computer. Designed with patented component emulation technology, it ensures that every nuance of the original hardware is captured with breathtaking accuracy. Whether you're looking to add subtle compression to your vocals or create a punchy drum bus, the CL 1B Plugin delivers with its continuously variable threshold and up to 30dB of gain.

The Softube Tube-Tech CL 1B Plugin is renowned for its detailed VU meter behavior, which precisely mirrors the hardware version, allowing you to make informed mixing decisions. Its innovative attack/release controls offer three distinct settings, making it versatile enough to serve as either an insert or bus compressor. The plugin also features a Sidechain/Link button for stereo instances, emulating the dynamic interaction between channels found in its hardware counterpart. With an intuitive and visually appealing GUI, this plugin is both user-friendly and a pleasure to work with.

For producers and musicians seeking that classic Tube-Tech sound without the need for DSP hardware, the CL 1B Plugin is the go-to choice. Its CPU-friendly design ensures efficient performance, letting you focus on what truly matters: your music.

Key Features:

  • Authentic emulation of the CL 1B compressor/limiter
  • Up to 30dB of gain with a variable threshold
  • Detailed VU meter behavior
  • Three attack/release settings for versatile compression
  • Sidechain/Link button for stereo instances
  • Fully endorsed by Tube-Tech
  • CPU-friendly design for efficient performance

Product specs

Mac Intel or PowerPC processor (G3 or higher), Windows: PIII or higher

FAQs

What makes the Tube-Tech CL 1B Plugin unique compared to other compressor plugins?

The Tube-Tech CL 1B Plugin offers a unique combination of vintage opto compression with modern controls, including adjustable attack and release settings, making it versatile for various genres. Its ability to provide transparent compression without unwanted artifacts is a key reason for its popularity in professional studios.

Can the Tube-Tech CL 1B Plugin be used for sidechain compression?

Yes, the Tube-Tech CL 1B Plugin features an external sidechain input, allowing you to use sidechain compression by routing an external signal to control the compression behavior, which is useful for creating dynamic mixes.

Is the Tube-Tech CL 1B Plugin suitable for vocal processing?

Absolutely, the Tube-Tech CL 1B Plugin is renowned for its ability to handle vocals with smooth, transparent compression, making it a popular choice for achieving consistent vocal tracks without harshness.

What are the attack and release options on the Tube-Tech CL 1B Plugin?

The plugin offers a range of attack times from 0.5 to 300 milliseconds and release times from 0.05 to 10 seconds, with modes for fixed, manual, and a combined fixed/manual control for versatile compression shaping.

Does the Tube-Tech CL 1B Plugin offer visual feedback for compression levels?

Yes, the plugin includes a VU meter that can display input level, gain reduction, and output level, providing visual feedback to help you fine-tune the compression settings effectively.

George T Music

Why Every Rapper Uses This Compressor

Video thumbnail for Why Every Rapper Uses This Compressor by George T Music

Why Every Rapper Uses This Compressor

George T Music

Video thumbnail for Tubetech CL1B vs UA PLUGIN | Plugin vs Hardware by Thomas van Opstal

Tubetech CL1B vs UA PLUGIN | Plugin vs Hardware

Thomas van Opstal

Thomas van Opstal

Video thumbnail for UAD Tube-Tech CL 1B Compressor Plug-In by Softube Trailer by Universal Audio

UAD Tube-Tech CL 1B Compressor Plug-In by Softube Trailer

Universal Audio

Universal Audio

Video thumbnail for Softube Tube-Tech CL 1B (native) by SoftubeStudios

Softube Tube-Tech CL 1B (native)

SoftubeStudios

SoftubeStudios

Video thumbnail for Tube Tech CL1B Compressor Plugin Comparison / Plugin Shootout - Uad vs Softube | VST Plugins by Hasan Delen Home Studio

Tube Tech CL1B Compressor Plugin Comparison / Plugin Shootout - Uad vs Softube | VST Plugins

Hasan Delen Home Studio

Hasan Delen Home Studio

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Tube-Tech CL 1B Plugin.

User experience

  • Analog gear, especially tube-based like the CL1B, can exhibit significant sound variations between units, making personal experience with a specific unit crucial.

    Source
  • Users often need to tweak the attack and release times significantly during tracking, as small adjustments can have a big impact on the sound.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The Kiive KC1 plugin is recommended by some as a better emulation of the CL 1B than Softube's version.

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  • It's been noted that UA plugins may not function without internet access due to licensing checks, causing frustration for users working offline.

    Source
  • Users have reported issues with UA Connect, mentioning that it auto-updates without permission, potentially rendering plugins inoperable if they conflict with the OS.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite its versatility, some owners feel the CL 1B is overpriced compared to alternatives like the mono Heritage 660 or Magic Death Eye.

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Comparisons

  • Some users find the CL 1B gets muffled when pushed hard, preferring its use on bass rather than vocals, where it might need more careful handling.

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  • The CL 1B is noted for being faster than the LA2A, making it particularly well-suited for rap vocals requiring quick transient handling.

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  • The UAD CL-1B is essentially a repackaged Softube CL-1B, running on UAD DSP but not yet available natively on the UAD platform.

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  • The Softube CL1B v1 is often considered the closest plugin to the hardware, but not a perfect match, especially in saturation and transient handling.

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  • Users mention the unique "lift" and stronger saturation of the hardware CL1B compared to plugins, noting difficulty in replicating this with software.

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  • Softube MKII native version is praised for its quality and often compared favorably to hardware, though some users find variations in sound between different units.

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  • Some users prefer the Kiive CL-1B emulation, stating it sounds closer to the real hardware compared to other emulations.

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Use cases and applications

  • Owners often use the CL 1B plugin for smooth, transparent compression on vocals and bass, but it also performs well on acoustic guitar, piano, and drums.

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  • The Softube MKII is frequently used on the road, appreciated for its portability and sound quality, making it suitable for travel setups.

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  • The UAD CL-1B plugin is praised for its smooth sound, particularly effective on vocal tracks, providing an impressive compression quality.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Tube-Tech CL 1B plugin is praised for its ability to provide fast release times without adding coloration, making it suitable for efficient recording sessions.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Recording Magazine Reviews: Softube Tube-Tech CL 1B Mk II Plug-in

recordingmag.com

Softube's Tube-Tech CL 1B Mk II plugin impresses as a faithful emulation of the revered hardware compressor, offering a cleaner, modern sound with advanced analog circuit modeling. Its photorealistic interface and additional features like internal sidechain and wet/dry mix controls enhance its versatility for diverse audio applications. While the plugin comes close to the hardware's legendary sonic richness, it falls slightly short in headroom and analog warmth. Nevertheless, for those unable to afford the hardware, the plugin stands as a stellar alternative, maintaining Softube's reputation for high-quality analog modeling.

positive

Softube Tube-Tech CL 1B review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Tube-Tech CL 1B Plugin by Softube delivers a superb emulation of the classic CL 1B hardware compressor, offering genuine analogue sound and impressive sonic flexibility. Praised for its realistic controls and minimal CPU impact, the CL 1B excels across a range of instruments, from acoustic guitar to vocals. With attack/release modes and external sidechaining, it offers versatile compression options. However, the high price point may be a barrier for some. Overall, it’s a fantastic compressor plugin that achieves both subtle and vibrant sonic coloration, making it worth the investment for those who can afford it.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 7 Ratings

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1 star
T

Helps a lot on vocal chain

Never used the hardware verson, this is pretty decent on vocals. More neutral than la2a or la3a, but never sterile.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how J. Cole uses Tube-Tech CL 1B Plugin

J. Cole

Rapper, Music Producer

All City Chess Club

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used for J. Cole's feature on 21 Savage's "A Lot", as is visible in track "CILdVrDIRTY" in a downloadable photo of the "A Lot" Pro Tools session (available in this .zip file) from this March 2019 Sound on Sound interview with producer Maddmix.

See how Chris Lake uses Tube-Tech CL 1B Plugin

Chris Lake

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

0:46 into this Future Music video of "Chris Lake In The Studio explaining how to create vocal riser FX", he can be be seen using the Tube-Tech CL 1B Opto Compressor plugin. He has it open in a Logic session, along with Logic's Linear Phase EQ stock plugin.

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 Tube-Tech CL 1B Plugin, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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