View other reviews for this product:
moosers
Published on 10/17/10 at 17:03
The Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C is an equalizer plug-in that is a software version of the Tube Tech PE1C Pultec style EQ. I've used both this software version and the original hardware EQ, as we have the hardware version at the studio I'm working at now and I've used this plug-in in the past at one of the other studios that I used to work at. Since I don't own it, I didn't have anything to do with installing it and can't speak about what this process entails with this particular plug-in, although it's probably safe to assume it's much like installing any piece of software. Moving onto the interface of the plug-in itself, it's exactly like the hardware Tube-Tech PE1C, and when I say exactly, I mean exactly! It's got a stellar 3D interface that literally looks like a picture of the original. Since the PE1C is modeled after the classic Pultec EQ's, you'll certainly recognize this configuration if you're familiar with the Pultec make up. It's got two bands that each have both boost and attenuation leveling knobs, as well as a set of fixed frequencies to choose from on each. It also has a bandwidth parameter that applies to both of the bands in addition to it's overall output gain knob and it's attenuation selection knob. A manual isn't totally necessary here, as I have a feeling most users won't need it.
SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE
Although I haven't used the Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C since the studio that I was working at closed down, when we were running this it was in a Pro Tools HD setting, so very rarely did we have performance issues with plug-ins. The computer was an Apple G5, and although I can't remember the exact specs, it was very quick for a G5. Even though the interface is 3D and all that, it still doesn't seem like it takes up too much processing power. However, it's definitely hard for me to say how it might react in an LE sort of setting...
OVERALL OPINION
Although the Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C doesn't have the same, warm tube driven sound that the original Tube-Tech PE 1C, it still sounds awesome and is great for use across the board, whether it be for mixing or not. I love the Pultec style EQ configuration, so I always found this plug-in easy to use. It's been a while since I used this in the old studio that I work at, but I'm lucky enough that the studio that I now work at has a real Tube-Tech PE 1C, which I have to say definitely sounds better when compared to my recollection of this plug-in. It's worth mentioning however that this plug-in was indeed developed in tandem with Tube-Tech, so they had a say in this thing and certainly thought it was a good enough emulation to put out under their name, and I'd definitely agree that it's as close as you're going to get sound wise. The plug-in is inexpensive enough where it's definitely worth checking out regardless of if you're a home or professional studio owner. I love Softube's line of plug-ins that emulate and are endorsed by their original manufacturers, and their Tube-Tech stuff is some of their best...
SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE
Although I haven't used the Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C since the studio that I was working at closed down, when we were running this it was in a Pro Tools HD setting, so very rarely did we have performance issues with plug-ins. The computer was an Apple G5, and although I can't remember the exact specs, it was very quick for a G5. Even though the interface is 3D and all that, it still doesn't seem like it takes up too much processing power. However, it's definitely hard for me to say how it might react in an LE sort of setting...
OVERALL OPINION
Although the Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C doesn't have the same, warm tube driven sound that the original Tube-Tech PE 1C, it still sounds awesome and is great for use across the board, whether it be for mixing or not. I love the Pultec style EQ configuration, so I always found this plug-in easy to use. It's been a while since I used this in the old studio that I work at, but I'm lucky enough that the studio that I now work at has a real Tube-Tech PE 1C, which I have to say definitely sounds better when compared to my recollection of this plug-in. It's worth mentioning however that this plug-in was indeed developed in tandem with Tube-Tech, so they had a say in this thing and certainly thought it was a good enough emulation to put out under their name, and I'd definitely agree that it's as close as you're going to get sound wise. The plug-in is inexpensive enough where it's definitely worth checking out regardless of if you're a home or professional studio owner. I love Softube's line of plug-ins that emulate and are endorsed by their original manufacturers, and their Tube-Tech stuff is some of their best...