Can the Softube FADER MK3 Replace my Beloved Faderport 16?

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This is the NEW Softube Console 1 Fader mkIII, and its Cubase integration is pretty nice so far.
Will it replace my current Faderport 16? Let's find out...
👉 Check the Console 1 Fader mkIII:
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⏰ Timestamps ⏰
Compare CUBASE Versions: new.steinberg....
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Some of the gear and plugins I use in the studio:
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CUBASE 13 ➜ sweetwater.sjv...
DAW CONTROLLER Presonus Faderport 16 ➜ sweetwater.sjv...
STREAM DECK ➜ amzn.to/3OFVHaO
MONOGRAM CC ➜ monogramcc.com...
SPEAKER CONTROLLER ➜ sweetwater.sjv...
MICROPHONE ➜ sweetwater.sjv...
STUDIO MONITORS:
KALI Audio IN-8 ➜ sweetwater.sjv...
HEADPHONES:
Audeze MM-500 ➜ www.audeze.com...
Austrian Audio Hi-X65 ➜ sweetwater.sjv...
Beyer Dynamics DT770 ➜ sweetwater.sjv...
STUDIO MONITOR CONTROLLER ➜ sweetwater.sjv...
#mixdownonline #chirsselim

[@elpecemusiq6955]

1:38 I love that you zoom when addressing something. Keep it up, Chris.

[@thelightmonkey1970]

Yes please, would love to see another video about your workflow with this. Thinking about getting the Console 1 and Fader, but love my CC121! Thanks Chris

[@BrunodeSouzaLino]

Softube is really aiming to be a SSL UC1/UF8 competitor with this new version, especially when you consider being able to daisy chain up to 4 of these. Going by that logic, the UF8 has more controls. The Console 1 Fader was not really meant to be a standalone unit, but more as something to complement the Console 1 Channel.

[@jeremybalzarini279]

I wasn't that interested in the softube console faders until now. The new version is very interesting. Thank you for the video.

[@TanyaOwens]

Yes please make that video of working with the fader and channel together

[@MoonhareStudio]

I genuinely think this is a GAME CHANGER for Cubase users. I have had my Qcon Pro 16 channel setup for 6 years with a cc121. Very happy BUT Mackie is out of date. Being able to FOLLOW TRACKS when you click inside Cubase is a BIG deal. Twinned with the CC121 for transport controls this will be a dream. Also a very cheap Korg Nano Control would do transport. Now will other manufacturers take note?

[@pgstudio]

Nice to see it's using cubase MIDI Remote instead of Mackie which is WAYYY outdated. Mackie Control was the main reason I sold all my controllers and bought an Avis S1 + Dock which is amazing in cubase. But now this Softtube Fader is a very nice option!

[@bnjmnwst]

I just bought Console 1 channel, & I have Faderport 16. I'm going to be keeping the Faderport, I believe. I haven't actually used them yet, but, if they play well together, I'll be keeping my current setup.

[@mixdownonline]

That's the setup I worked with for the past months!

[@QuaverloveStudio]

I love the Cubase integration, especially as it's not reliant on ny other protocol (i.e. Mackie). I'm still loving my Icon QCon Pro G2 and, after watching your video, I realise there are facilities on it I still haven't tried... like the flip mode, to use the faders instead of the encoders to change parameter values. Thanks, Chris. Another great video. And congratulations! It's a beautiful controller.

[@PuRe_AdDicT]

Nice review Chris, I have a StreamDeck like yourself for my transport controls and a lot of other Cubase features - just using regular StreamDeck MIDI plugin and Cubase MIDI Remote to map the transport controls

[@LonelyRocker]

Very cool looking controller! I've used my share. I like the compact nature of it but seems it has all of the features you need to get it done. Great video!!

[@mixdownonline]

You definitely used your share Lol! Thanks brother!

[@leonardovalvassori]

Softube stuff rocks. The integration looks very compelling. I still have two Houston Mission Controls that are fully functioning in Nuendo for me, but the is coming to replace them.

[@edwardbrands3271]

wow you have a houston expander...I always look for one on reverb or ebay...hard to find I have a houston also...and midex

[@leonardovalvassori]

@@edwardbrands3271 don't know about an expander? I have 2 Houstons.

[@mixdownonline]

Wow, I remember those!

[@rkeyology81]

I wish Steinberg made a 8 fader version of the CC121 that could be extended with other units.

[@HenryMittnacht]

I knew it I knew it I knew it.... Yesterday I purchased the SSL UF8 with it´s so-and-so Cubase integration and now this happens...🤣 Well, I will stick to the SSL stuff anyway and do my work around the flaws with CB then... Hopefully SSL and Steinberg sit down together and work on their tasks!

[@Chaos-Dynamics]

Work with what you have and make great music, the newest stuff doesn’t make you a better engineer. In two years from now a newer better unit will be the next game changer, I use gear that’s over 20 years old and it still does the job fine 😊

[@HenryMittnacht]

@@Chaos-Dynamics Absolutely! I was just kidding. I had the Icon Qcon pro for several years but I felt I need a change, wrapping my brain around new stuff and such.👍

[@Chaos-Dynamics]

@@HenryMittnacht I’m mixing on an analog console but if I was mixing totally in the box I would definitely want faders. I had a Digi002 years ago and really liked that one. Avid chose to stop supporting the unit so I couldn’t update the OS nor Protools. For myself I think that the Nektar Panorama CS12 would be nice, it looks promising for a decent price but it only supports Logic integration for now.

[@mixdownonline]

The SSL UF8 is a good controller, you will enjoy working with it

[@nothingchannel111]

You and Dom are both trying to make me buy this and I already shelled out 2k for Tonemaster Pro and FR-10 lol.

[@TheMixClub]

Softube has the best integration hands down. Im sure you know this but i use my stream deck and a remote. I cant wait to pick one up.. Im lost without a controller. I spent my life at FOH position. For me Chris when im getting levels on drums its a must. There is just something that clicks in my head when i move faders. its like in one with the music.. lol

[@svenisaksson3970]

EUCON can control a type of channel. Audio, MDI, VCA, etc. As long as it has a fader, it can control it. Can the Softube Fader? This s a severe limitation with any controller that relies on an audio plugin to be inserted. They won't work on MIDI, VCA, or any type of channels that doesn't pass audio. The SSL-360-Link system is a good example of this. Another important thing that you (and every other reviewer of fader control surfaces) constantly neglects to mention is: Does it follow the visibility settings of the channels in the DAW. This has been a feature of EUCON, for a long long time. It took Stenberg about 6 years of nagging (from me and others) to finally implement this important part of EUCON, but they finally did. I always hide channels in the Cubase MixConsole, that I don't need to see at the moment. Having all of these (could amount to hundreds) clogging up the controller, quickly becomes unmanageable! Perhaps you could check how the Softube handles this. Does it follow the visibility setting in the DAW? These two things: Controlling (and following) any channel type, and following the visibility setting in Cubase, are the reasons that I still rely on my aging Avid Artist Mix controller. I should replace it, but I simply haven't found anything to replace it with! I'm not prepared to sacrifice these vital abilities!

[@ChrrZ]

good points and i have the same questions about channel types and visabillites status. i´m also using an old avid artist mix and i´m so happy with it, but did not find any controller to potentially replace it in the future 🙂 Chris also said that the console plugin is not needed though, because of the indepth use of the cubase midi remote API, which sounds promising because i also would not want to use the console plugin on every channel :D

[@SonicStates]

Thanks for the video, Chris. The 100 count limit is a bit of a bummer (hopefully a firmware fix). I'm usually working with 300 plus. I'd love to get this and the Console. Using faders and knobs would certainly make automation a lot more enjoyable and save time in redrawing my screw ups.

[@Featherlightstudio]

Love the integration with Cubase and the screens but No Transport Controls, for a grand?!! Yikes! Good to see some SSL competition though.

[@rolandgerard6064]

Thanks Chris, great demo.

[@mixdownonline]

My pleasure!

[@EricHicks]

The timing of this is perfect as I was looking at the Avid S1 but I think I would get better use out of the Fader 1 and Console 1 combo.

[@mixdownonline]

It's a great combo

[@JulianFernandez]

seems like a cool piece of gear!

[@MrCraigSayer]

Great video! I have the Faderport 8 and Console 1 mk2 and want to upgrade. Would love a video on your Console 1 system workflow! Also, is there any way to set up Cubase to open new audio or instrument track with the console 1 plugin already inserted? That would make life a lot easier!

[@Vegard_Of-Norway]

I have the mk2 faders, like them alot. Do you know if the direct integration will work with mk2 as well? Thanks for the update :)

[@mixdownonline]

Glad you like the Fader mk2. Not sure about expending the Cubase integration to the mk2, I doubt they will.

[@Vegard_Of-Norway]

​@mixdownonline been looking at the channel mk3 as well. Gonna be expensive in the end. Great video as always! Thanks :)

[@iamlionelmusic]

Is there a “clear solo” shortcut in the fader hidden somewhere perhaps?

[@mixdownonline]

Not that I know off

[@ErixSamson]

That's promising, but can you control automation with it?

[@mixdownonline]

Yes, volume, pan, send, solo, mute automation

[@supareelsmusic9415]

Wonderfully explained, So informative ..I have been using the Behinger control surface ( X Touch ) for many years now with a Komplete S88 mk2, so I feel the transport issue would not create a problem to my workflow .. I am interested if this fader would show channel colours for the individual chosen inputs .. In windows ... as I know you have now moved to MAC ? .... Great vid my friend

[@waltertill1388]

That sounds amazing, as i have the SSLUF8 which still does not follow the channels (only with plugin) - i am looking forward to it, but as i have around 250 tracks in the audiodramas i do, i hope there soon will be an update of the beta version! - thanks for the video!

[@mixdownonline]

I definately hope they lift that limit out

[@johnmcvicker6728]

I have a Behringer X32 that I am about half way setup as a DAW control - I did find a couple online videos in doing that setup for Cubase and it takes some time to manually build the layout. It's a big unit though - not easily put on a desk. I would like to know if you have ever setup any digital mixer as a DAW controller versus the units like this one, an Icon or Faderport which are nice desktop units. Channel "Lonely Rocker" did a review of the latest Icon and that looks quite nice (more features than this one and about the same price).

[@DerekPower]

I missed out Steinberg's own controllers, which were modular in design. =[

[@edwardbrands3271]

Get a cc121 or the ssl for transport and metronome functions

[@mixdownonline]

It would be cool if Softube design a similar unit

[@GuitarJUNO]

"Console1 Mk1 fader users need cubase integration too :( " (Can you hear SOFTUBE?) But i really Thanks to Chris for Good review :)

[@mixdownonline]

It would be nice for sure! Thanks for watching :-)

[@jeremythornton433]

So does the Presonus StudioLive series 3 mixer!

[@suitcaselounge]

What about handling input and output channels in cubase? And also is there any control room integration actually? Thanks in advance.

[@dkkrecords]

Anything that natively maps is a real plus, but in my case with cubase 3 controllers all offering different possibilities . Maschine Mk3 Push 2 and Mackie MCU pro. When confronted with a session without a controller there’s an Audi le whimper

[@dkkrecords]

audible

[@gertkeunen2720]

I also bought one today! To join my Console 1 Channel. Looks great!

[@JayKayProductions]

Where did you buy it? It's not selling anywhere yet.

[@gertkeunen2720]

@@JayKayProductions Earlybird selling at Softube; and you get 200 off if you bought a Channel 3 at Softube.

[@mixdownonline]

I didn't know about the early bird thing! Cool!

[@togspots]

I just got a Faderport 16 two weeks ago, I wish I had waited. So sad.

[@mixdownonline]

My Faderport 16 served me well for the past 5 years, it's a good controller, I am keeping it for on and set it up on my second station. I you like faders, you will like working with it

[@togspots]

@@mixdownonline Not really that sad, I'm sure I will enjoy for a long time. I have to let you know I really like your videos , thanks for making them.

[@SoniclayersMusic]

Chris, have you tested whether this Fader Mk3 will mirror tracks in Cubase that you show/hide? In Cubase console i might create a preset that only displays drum tracks, and at least in Mackie Mode my SSL UF8 will only show the drum tracks showing in Cubase console. Just wondering if in native mode it does the same thing. Thanks!

[@chrisharrison809]

Does it allow us to control quick controls somehow?

[@ToroneMusic]

It lacks only a way to control CC. With this feature it would be perfect.

[@mixdownonline]

Totally agree, I hope it will be integrated at some point!

[@eddynaim6082]

Thx Chris for the informative video, I will certainly look this product up. Curious to know if you have looked into Icon V1M or P1M series at all? Would love to know what you think of those control surfaces from Icon Pro Audio.

[@FilmCompos3r]

@@eddynaim6082 they’re nice but have the same limitations of any setup using Mackie control protocol.

[@mixdownonline]

I never tried them, but if they're still using Mackie Control, I'm not going back there

[@massimocherubin107]

Hi Crhis, is this working in the same way also in Nuendo? Question 2: actually I use S1 and I usually lock VCA faders in the first 5 faders. Is it possible to achieve this also on Softube? Thanx for your time

[@sethwhite3424]

Do you think your opinion would be different if you were an S1 user?

[@radwoc]

WOW! They decided to use MIDI remote instead of MADI. Great. Thats how I use my Faderport v2.

[@mixdownonline]

MIDI Remote is great!

[@jeremythornton433]

i have no intention at all about replacing my Presonus StudioLive 32SC mixer. It's my input interface because I really hate plugging and unplugging cables. I want to be able to turn my gear on and it all works and I can see it in my Cubase. I have a small bunch of keyboards, 3 Microphones, and an input for guitars and bass. I find that having it this way makes my workflow faster and easier. Now the big question. Can you do a simple video on how to get an outboard stereo compressor to work in my Cubase 13 Pro DAW on my master buss? I just can't seem to get it to work at all. I'm getting signal to my compressor but even though it looks like everything is connected properly, there is no audio coming out of the speakers. Love youir show and I've been subbed for a long time now.

[@FilmCompos3r]

Some questions about midi remote - Does it respect mix configurations? Does it see VCAs?

[@mixdownonline]

Yes, you see VCAs, which is great! I talk about the 100 tracks at a time limit in the video :)

[@FilmCompos3r]

@@mixdownonline yes sorry saw that you addressed the 100 track thing and was editing my question 😂 I’ve heard that the midi remote api doesn’t work with mix/visibility configs though.

[@Chaos-Dynamics]

The possibility to have the send levels on the faders. Is really useful imo. However I think that almost all daw controllers are way overpriced. The combo of the two Softube units have a good integration but 2000 bucks for something that doesn’t even has audio running through it is a lot. If you’re working with it on a daily basis and you make money using it it’s probably worth investing but for a hobby I would spend my money on monitoring or room acoustics first 😊

[@trmusic4035]

whats the use - mouse ?

[@stevedoesnt]

I still don’t see almost any advantages of these new controllers over the original Mackie MCU Pro. Probably a better feeling on the faders? (I’d give the MCU 6/10 with my real console being a 10/10) Colors and more detailed screen, great. The big problem to solve though, is LESS MOVES to get from one operation to the next. 16 faders and pad that has a really great screen that helps reflect a solid GUI for every plug-in, with real knobs laid out within the screen would be a great invention for somebody. GUI wouldn’t have to exactly reflect the plugin, but would have to operate as if it’s a real piece of hardware, visually and tactiley.

[@Fusionjams]

I haven't used a DAW controller but I'm dreaming of owning one,Since my main DAW is Mixcraft 10.5 I always wonder if these controllers work well with Mixcraft

[@mixdownonline]

By using the Console 1 Plugin it should work, but I would check with Softube Support first

[@danyavilaoficial]

Is the integration working with the original Fader ? I e purchased one recently

[@mixdownonline]

Not at this time, and I don't know about their plans on this

[@D76-z2h]

For me the Faderport is still much better having the integrated transport knobs and expecially the jog controller whuich for me would be a massive loss. There are obviously some gains to be had on the Fader Mk3 for example the channel screens are a real step forwards. To be expected on a product that is released much later. But nowhere near enough to compensate for the total loss of the right hand side of the faderport.

[@mixdownonline]

It's always about the net/benefit and tradeoffs

[@QuantizStudioRecords]

I love my mouse!

[@mixdownonline]

It's a good one kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6GbZ3hooLKbd5osi=mmOiiq6sqIjjzAvv

[@seok84]

I wosh presonus made one of theirs in a thinner version... faderports are too... square... awkward to put on a small desk

[@hashangunarathne]

Can you give me your old Daw console? ❤️

[@oscaralonsorojas]

I have a fader mkII and it changes my levels all the time. I don't know what is the problem, but levels and panning settings changes for no reason in the middle of the session. A friend of mine has the same problem. Anyone dealing with this in the mkIII?

[@libtekk]

All they had to do was put transport controls, plenty space. At least stop/start one button, rec, scroll wheel

[@mixdownonline]

They could've tweaked something up to make it work

[@charley2070]

Still not a replacement for the good old cc121

[@mixdownonline]

The cc121 was quite unique

[@MoonhareStudio]

I love my cc121 but I want more faders and this could be the perfect accompaniment.

[@ronfrancois]

No transport controls... no use to me. 2 faders on the Consoke Mklll would also have been perfect. The trouble with ecosystems is that they are usually deadend alleys, where you get trapped and mugged. This sleight of hand product intentionally misdirects by limiting features - crippling its utility. All in hopes of a second purchase. It is tiring and annoying. 😒 They still haven't made a killer argument that will prise the mouse and keyboard from my cold, dead hands.

[@hihasg99]

ok tu peux m'envoyer ton vieux faderport 16 :) j'ai un faderport 8

[@mixdownonline]

Lol! Je vais le garder pour l'instant :-)

[@stephenyeboah7430]

bring back the good old analogue desk

[@mixdownonline]

I like the compact format ;)

[@alphalyr_ae6990]

i have been a softube software customer in the past which is precisely why i would never buy anything made by them again. not the sound, but business model/approach that i find repulsive

[@russisaac813]

Absolutely stupid price, I don't see these leaping off the shelves anytime soon!

[@henrykdandyk6164]

Yes please make that video of working with the fader and channel together

[@mixdownonline]

Noted