Overlap between Luna and Softube Console 1 MkIII

[sjgam]

As I acclimate to the new Console 1 MkIII, I am thinking about the overlap between its expanded strip layers and Luna extensions.

I am all in with Luna and UAD/UADx plugins, but the workflow and enjoyment improvements with the new Console 1 are making me think of reducing extension/plugin use within Luna and utilizing the tactile workflow of Console 1.

Specifically, I would transition from Luna to Console 1 the following:

1. Tape - removing Luna Tape extensions and just using the new Tape Preamp stage on Console 1.
2. Luna Console - had API Console extension across my Luna template but again thinking of using all the Console Strips on offer with Console 1 - I really like the new core Mixing suite.
3. Drive/Saturation - there is not Luna extension but instead of UAD plugin with saturation/drive capabilities using the extensive options for drive/character with new Console 1 strip stage.
4. Eq/Compressor/Gate - in this case, I can leverage the dual stages for each, and I can use UAD plugins for these as well. So no real tradeoff - just the benefit of tactile and one knob per function control on Console 1.
5. Tracking - I would continue with UAD Unison and recording inserts and two aux's but with the huge benefit of Apollo Central. This is probably my favorite feature as it displays all of the parameters on a single page (except for some of the larger plugins) which is great with guitar in hand and voice on mic for tactile control.
6. Summing - I think I will keep the Luna summing plugins on sends and buses as there is no equivalent in Console 1 that I understand.

I REALLY like the whole analog nature of Luna with tape and console etc. and have invested fully into it so its with a bit of remorse I am moving that to Console 1 but the tactile workflow and enjoyment of one knob per function and not opening and closing plugins is pulling me to Softube's version of tape and console.

Or do some use a minimal level of Luna tape, console, summing etc - basically set and forget and then mix with Console 1 mixing suites on top of it?

Realize there is the subjective nature of which sounds better/more authentic, etc., but any thoughts on plus/minus here?

 

[Eric Dahlberg]

Yes, Luna tape, console, and summing are pretty much set and forget. I just mix into them without thinking about it. Since Luna adds them to new tracks automatically, it would actually be more work to NOT add them. The API Console processors are all bypassed by default, too, so no worries about using Console 1 on top of them.

 

[chrisso]

I am a Console 1 mk 1 user.
I still use and value the tape machines in Luna, also the summing.

 

[hotspot]

and have invested fully into it so its with a bit of remorse I am moving that to Console 1 but the tactile workflow and enjoyment of one knob per function and not opening and closing plugins is pulling me to Softube's version of tape and console.

I'm at the same point. I'm using the previous version of ST Console, but it's basically the same.
I work with templates that contain summing and a few tape instances. I do everything else exclusively in Console 1 and use the options there almost exclusively.
Simply because I appreciate the uninterrupted workflow and don't want to put my fingers on the mouse.

It's a pity that UA is not considering implementing full integration, which automatically reduces my urgency to buy further extensions (if there are any new ones).

 

[chrisso]

I never touch the summing. I just load it and leave it. Similar with the Ampex. I have a favourite preset, I load it and leave it.
I use ST Console on individual tracks, but never on the busses or master out.

 

[sjgam]

I never touch the summing. I just load it and leave it. Similar with the Ampex. I have a favourite preset, I load it and leave it.
I use ST Console on individual tracks, but never on the busses or master out.

Curious on your rationale not to enjoy the ST Console workflow benefits for busses and master out as it allows you to use ST bus processor and UAD as well, including UAD SSL G Bus, Manley Master eq and Manley compressor and Weiss for example. The ST bus compressor also allows you to use the Drive module in the Drive Stage on Console 1 MkIII.

Side point but recent article on production expert - author considers ST Bus Compressor as a must have 2024 plugin - here is link

Production Expert Article

 

[sjgam]

I'm at the same point. I'm using the previous version of ST Console, but it's basically the same.
I work with templates that contain summing and a few tape instances. I do everything else exclusively in Console 1 and use the options there almost exclusively.
Simply because I appreciate the uninterrupted workflow and don't want to put my fingers on the mouse.

It's a pity that UA is not considering implementing full integration, which automatically reduces my urgency to buy further extensions (if there are any new ones).

Yeah perhaps the UAD tape emulations will find its way into the new Tape section of Console 1 MKIII so best of both worlds.

 

[sjgam]

Yes, Luna tape, console, and summing are pretty much set and forget. I just mix into them without thinking about it. Since Luna adds them to new tracks automatically, it would actually be more work to NOT add them. The API Console processors are all bypassed by default, too, so no worries about using Console 1 on top of them.

Good points - so would you use new Console 1 MkIII tape stage on top of Luna Tape extensions?

 

[chrisso]

Because I don't trust myself not to over egg my music with additional plug-ins
I only ever have Fabfilter Pro L or UAD Shadow Hills on my master mix. The effect of UAD summing and ATR tape is subtle, so I know I'm not going to ruin my audio by being heavy handed.
I drive my audio when I record, using vintage mic-pres. I rarely need extra colour.
I own the ST Chandler Zener Bender, and the SSL 4000 and 9000, but I often end up using the UAD 1073 on various parts of the drums.
I recently sold an original hardware SSL G384 grey compressor which I loved, but hadn't turned on for a couple of years since working in Luna.

 

[Eric Dahlberg]

Good points - so would you use new Console 1 MkIII tape stage on top of Luna Tape extensions?

I would try it if I owned a MkIII. As long as you're running everything pretty subtly (which is the best way to use Softube Tape, IME), you probably don't need to be concerned about layering tape plugins.

 

[sjgam]

Because I don't trust myself not to over egg my music with additional plug-ins
I only ever have Fabfilter Pro L or UAD Shadow Hills on my master mix. The effect of UAD summing and ATR tape is subtle, so I know I'm not going to ruin my audio by being heavy handed.
I drive my audio when I record, using vintage mic-pres. I rarely need extra colour.
I own the ST Chandler Zener Bender, and the SSL 4000 and 9000, but I often end up using the UAD 1073 on various parts of the drums.
I recently sold an original hardware SSL G384 grey compressor which I loved, but hadn't turned on for a couple of years since working in Luna.

Ahh I see - get it right at the source sort of thing.

 

[sjgam]

I would try it if I owned a MkIII. As long as you're running everything pretty subtly (which is the best way to use Softube Tape, IME), you probably don't need to be concerned about layering tape plugins.

Hey maybe stacking tape will be a new classic - like guitar gain pedals

 

[sjgam]

The API Console processors are all bypassed by default, too, so no worries about using Console 1 on top of them.

The API Console is enabled when you create a track (its automatically placed in one of the first four inserts) and it monitors when tracking and then on playback the Console extension is enabled. Its one of the cool things about Luna that it seamlessly bounces between the extension and the insert plugin with playback/record button. So you would have to disable it if you don't want to layer two consoles (Luna Console and ST Console).

 

[Eric Dahlberg]

True. The processors (filters, eq's, and dynamics) are bypassed.

 

[earthtrip]

I’m just getting into MKIII lately as well and found this thread. My question on the Luna Tape extension vs using tape from within MKIII (i can select any of the UAD Tape options now), is there any sort of technical/routing difference to the way it’s being handled as a Luna Extension vs an insert? I’m reading here that the consensus is that the API Vision is the same sound as the API Console where it’s benefit is that it can support auto-switching of using DSP while tracking and then CPU for playback which is nice but I do have quite a bit of DSP I’ve collected over the years so I’m more interested in the sonic aspect of the way extensions work vs insert plugins.