Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Softube Console 1 Compact Review: Big Sound, Small Desk
Softube Console 1 Compact brings the full Console 1 Channel workflow to a smaller footprint. This video puts it through its paces and shows how the two-layer design works in a real mixing session.
If you've looked at the Console 1 Channel Mk III and wished it took up less space, Console 1 Compact is the answer Softube built. Rather than cutting features, it uses two layers to pack EQ on the first, and Filters, Drive, Shape, and Compressor on the second, into a shorter enclosure. The core processing is the same: you get the full Console 1 Core Mixing Suite including Tape/Preamp, two EQ options, dynamic shaping, two slots for compression, and the Drive section with multiple saturation flavours.
In this video we test Console 1 Compact from the desktop, dialling in sounds across a mix session to see how the layered workflow holds up under session pressure. We also look at how it sits alongside the Softube Flow Studio controller, which launched earlier in 2026, and how the two can complement each other within the same session depending on what your DAW supports.
If you are researching a Softube Console 1 Compact review, weighing it against the full Console 1 Channel Mk III, or deciding whether the compact form factor suits your setup, this is a practical look rather than a spec rundown.
Gear / products mentioned:
▶ Softube Console 1 Compact - softube.com/uk/console-1/console-1-compact
▶ Softube Flow Studio -production-expert.com/production-expert-1/softube-flow-studio-review-a-compact-control-surface-worth-buying
Related videos / further reading:
▶ Production Expert article - production-expert.com/production-expert-1/softube-console-1-compact-does-going-smaller-cost-you-control
Subscribe for weekly studio gear reviews, DAW controller tests, and practical mixing workflow videos.
#SoftubeConsole1Compact #Console1Compact #DAWController #MixingController
Softube Console 1 Compact Review: Big Sound, Small Desk
Softube Console 1 Compact brings the full Console 1 Channel workflow to a smaller footprint. This video puts it through its paces and shows how the two-layer design works in a real mixing session.
If you've looked at the Console 1 Channel Mk III and wished it took up less space, Console 1 Compact is the answer Softube built. Rather than cutting features, it uses two layers to pack EQ on the first, and Filters, Drive, Shape, and Compressor on the second, into a shorter enclosure. The core processing is the same: you get the full Console 1 Core Mixing Suite including Tape/Preamp, two EQ options, dynamic shaping, two slots for compression, and the Drive section with multiple saturation flavours.
In this video we test Console 1 Compact from the desktop, dialling in sounds across a mix session to see how the layered workflow holds up under session pressure. We also look at how it sits alongside the Softube Flow Studio controller, which launched earlier in 2026, and how the two can complement each other within the same session depending on what your DAW supports.
If you are researching a Softube Console 1 Compact review, weighing it against the full Console 1 Channel Mk III, or deciding whether the compact form factor suits your setup, this is a practical look rather than a spec rundown.
Gear / products mentioned:
▶ Softube Console 1 Compact - softube.com/uk/console-1/console-1-compact
▶ Softube Flow Studio -production-expert.com/production-expert-1/softube-flow-studio-review-a-compact-control-surface-worth-buying
Related videos / further reading:
▶ Production Expert article - production-expert.com/production-expert-1/softube-console-1-compact-does-going-smaller-cost-you-control
Subscribe for weekly studio gear reviews, DAW controller tests, and practical mixing workflow videos.
#SoftubeConsole1Compact #Console1Compact #DAWController #MixingController









![No More Labels. Grammy Winning Mixer & Producer Matt Lawrence On The Music Industry For Studios, ...
In this podcast episode Ashea is joined by Matt Lawrence, a Grammy Award-winning mixer, producer, and engineer who has worked on some of the most influential records of the past 20 years. In this first part of a two-part conversation, Matt discusses his journey into the audio industry, his perspective on the current state of the music industry in 2026, and how the landscape has changed for studios, artists, and record labels over his career.
Matt brings invaluable insights from two decades of working at the highest levels of music production, having mixed and produced records that have shaped contemporary music across multiple genres. Whether youre an aspiring audio engineer, a music producer, an artist navigating the modern music industry, or a label executive seeking perspective on industry dynamics, this conversation provides honest, experienced insights into how the music business is evolving and what it takes to build a sustainable career in professional audio production. This is Part 1 of a two-part episode exploring the past, present, and future of the music industry.
In This Episode:
• Career Journey into Audio Production - How Matt Lawrence got started in the audio industry, the path that led to Grammy recognition, and the formative experiences that shaped his career as a mixer and producer
• Work on Influential Records - Overview of Matts extensive discography and the iconic projects hes contributed to over the past 20 years in mixing and production
• The Evolution of the Music Industry (2006-2026) - How the music industry has transformed over the past two decades, changes in recording technology, distribution, and the business model for artists and labels
• The Role of Studios in Modern Music Production - What studios look like in 2026, how the role of physical recording spaces has changed, and why certain aspects of professional studios remain invaluable
• Artists Navigating the Current Landscape - The challenges and opportunities for musicians and artists in 2026, from recording and production to promotion and distribution
• Record Labels and Industry Structure - How record labels are adapting to the modern music ecosystem, their changing role, and what sustainable relationships look like between labels, artists, and production professionals
• Technology and Production Innovation - Advancements in recording technology, production tools, and mixing techniques that have emerged over Matts 20-year career
• Professional Insights from Industry Veterans - Lessons learned, perspectives on what it takes to succeed in professional audio, and honest assessment of the current state of music production
About Our Guest:
Matt Lawrence:
Matt Lawrence is a Grammy Award-winning mixer, producer, and engineer with an extensive career spanning over two decades in professional music production. His work has touched some of the most influential records released over the past 20 years, earning him recognition and respect throughout the music industry. With deep experience working across multiple genres and with diverse artists and labels, Lawrence brings authentic perspective on how the music industry operates and the evolution of music production in the modern era.
About Our Host:
Ashea is a platinum-selling songwriter, music producer, and audio engineer from the UK. With credits spanning notable artists, major labels, and prestigious broadcasters, Ashea brings authentic conversations between industry professionals to the Production Expert Podcast. Credits & Placements Include… Alan Walker, Holy Goof, TS7, Billy Da Kid (Kiss FM), Steve Smart (Kiss FM), The Wideboys, MER, Sony Music, 2Tone Records, BBC, SVT1 (Sweden).
Resources & Links Mentioned
• Matt Lawrence - Grammy Award-winning mixer, producer, and engineer
• Genelec UniO Monitoring Ecosystem - Professional audio monitoring solution providing seamless bridge between loudspeaker and headphone monitoring for consistent mix translation. Visit: genelec.com/unio (https://www.genelec.com/unio)
Subscribe & Follow
Subscribe to the Production Expert Podcast on:
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube
• All major podcast platforms
Follow us:
• Instagram: [@production_expert_podcast]
• Website: [productionexpertpodcast.com]
Sponsorship
This episode is brought to you by Genelec. If youve ever been disappointed with the way your mixes sound on other playback systems, check out Genelecs UniO monitoring ecosystem. By providing a seamless bridge between loudspeaker and headphone monitoring, UniO allows you to quickly create great sounding mixes that translate consistently wherever you choose to work. No more guesswork, no more surprises — just truthful, accurate audio monitoring from stereo to immersive. Visit genelec.com/unio to learn more.
Note: This is Part 1 of a two-part episode with Matt Lawrence exploring the music industry landscape of 2026 and his insights on studios, artists, and ... No More Labels. Grammy Winning Mixer & Producer Matt Lawrence On The Music Industry For Studios, ...](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/kiQSz13yMzM/mqdefault.jpg)
