Cubase and Softube Console 1 Fader MK3

Cubase
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1

Hi everyone,

I’m looking at getting a multi-fader controller for Cubase and I’m currently torn between the SSL UF8 and the Softube Console 1 Fader Mk III.

At the moment I’m leaning more towards the Softube. I already have a Nektar CS12 for transport, automation and plugin control, plus a Stream Deck, so a lot of the extra controls on the UF8 would probably be redundant for me. What I mainly want is something simple and immediate: multiple motorized faders, good Cubase integration, easy banking and track selection. The 10 faders on the Softube are also a big plus.

My main concern is track visibility. I often work with large templates where I disable and/or hide unused tracks and collapse folders. Ideally, I’d like the controller to only show the tracks I’m actually working with, without having to bank through hidden or disabled tracks.

I also sometimes use one MixConsole for the whole project and another one mostly for groups/stems when doing final adjustments, so I’m curious how the Fader Mk III behaves in that kind of setup.

I’m also interested in how it works with the new “Folder Tracks with Group Channel” feature in Cubase 15. If I use those for my stems and collapse the folders, does the Fader Mk III follow that properly and give me the group channels rather than all the tracks inside them?

And more generally, how does it behave with Folder Tracks when they’re collapsed, or when tracks/folders are hidden in the main Project window and/or in the MixConsole? Does the hardware reliably reflect what is actually visible, or can hidden tracks still end up occupying fader positions?

Thanks!

2

A downside of the SSL UF8 is that it requires you to install the SSL 360° plugin mixer system. On the plus side, the SSL 360 Link software supports virtually any VST3, AU, or AAX plugin provider via custom mapping.

The Softube Console 1 Fader Mk3 takes more of a closed-ecosystem approach, supporting selected partner plugins such as those from Softube (Flow), UAD, FabFilter, and Plugin Alliance.

There is a detailed, up-to-date discussion on this topic over at “Vi Controll.” Search for: “Anybody compared Softube’s Console 1 Fader MK3 and SSL UF8?”