![softube plugin gates softube plugin gates](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bfmw4cjCRmE/maxresdefault.jpg)
While modular synthesis can be highly intimidating at first, Softube Modular is a truly deep plugin capable of just about any sound you can imagine-it's well worth the learning curve. Additionally, users can (at extra cost) purchase add-ons from a who's who of modular synthesis, including the famous Buchla 259e Twisted Waveform Generator. Adding to the sense of realism are digital recreations of many real-life Eurorack modules the basic system includes digital versions of six Doepfer units (A-110-1 VCO, A-108 VCF, A-132-3 Dual VCA, A-140 ADSR, A-118 Noise/Random, A-147 VCLFO), as well as a host of utility modules, including MIDI to CV/gate, sequencers, and more. Modular, which Softube says was developed in close collaboration with Doepfer, is the company's take on modular Eurorack-style synthesis any cable goes just about anywhere, and Modular accommodates everything from the most basic to most advanced Modular routings you can dream up. There's no question Modular synthesis has taken the electronic production world by storm over the past several decades, largely thanks to Doepfer's revolutionary Eurorack standard while Moog and other manufacturers had created brilliant modular synths long before Eurorack existed, Doepfer enabled it to spread to the masses at an affordable price point. While the MM-1 isn't the only limiter/maximizer you'll want in your arsenal, it's a seriously handy tool for all kinds of mixing and production scenarios.
![softube plugin gates softube plugin gates](https://dt7v1i9vyp3mf.cloudfront.net/styles/news_large/s3/imagelibrary/C/C1_06_14_05-XyEHkjMZZm6yfVIty8toQaXfLMxwiTwE.jpg)
Punch and Loud have been getting a ton of use in recent sessions of mine, and the Wide setting was a surprise hit for me I'm not sure exactly what's going on under the hood, but it has a way of organically enhancing and amplifying the side signal of a buss or stereo mix in a really unique way. The MM-1 offers five different Style modes-Transparent, Loud, Punch, Wide, and Deess-each of which applies the (very transparent) sound of the DS1 in different ways to source material. It's one of the most impressive 'one-knob' plugins we've ever come across, and it does a brilliant job of punching up and enhancing masters, stems, and individual tracks. In our testing, the MM-1 didn't disappoint. Whereas the DS1 offers a plethora of in-depth controls, the MM-1 distills much of the advanced functionality which made the DS1 a staple of high-end mastering houses for the past several decades into a radically simplified interface. The headline release in Softube Volume 2 is undoubtedly the Weiss MM-1 Mastering Maximizer, which offers a simplified take on the legendary Weiss DS1-MK3 dynamics processor. Other standouts include two superb synthesis options-Modular, Softube's take on Eurorack modular synths, and Heartbeat, a stellar drum machine-as well as the TSAR-1 and TSAR1-R reverbs, and two of Softube's most recent standout releases, the Weiss MM-1 Mastering Maximizer and Drawmer S73 Intelligent Master Processor. For those after amps and tone, Volume 2 includes the superb Tube Delay, Vintage Amp Room, Bass Amp Room, as well as a range of modulation options including Fix Flanger, Fix Doubler, and Fix Phaser.
SOFTUBE PLUGIN GATES FULL
If you're after vintage processing, you'll find the Summit Audio plugins (including the Grand Channel, EQF-100 Full Range Equalizer, and TLA-100A Compressor), Tape (which we previously reviewed), FET Compressor, and Trident A-Range to be supremely useful. Softube Volume 2 includes 19 plugins, including several of Softube's greatest hits and a number of promising new releases, spanning a wide range of sounds and mixing/production needs. Softube Volume 2 requires iLok authorization (either dongle or machine based), so once you've deposited the iLok licenses you'll be up and running in no time. Once you get the plugins installed-either via Gobbler or manually-things get quite a bit smoother. While this is a good step, it's also a bit frustrating that the company hasn't built a more robust plugin authorization manager and updater app themselves, especially once you're trying to manage a dozen or more plugin installations with a bundle package.
SOFTUBE PLUGIN GATES UPDATE
To their credit, while Gobbler is the recommended installation and update application, Softube does provide single installers for users who don't want to use Gobbler to manage their Softube plugins. I've written about my issues with Gobbler in past reviews, so there's not much point in rehashing here. There are many things to love about Softube Volume 2, but Gobbler-the installation manager app Softube now uses-most certainly isn't one of them.