13 Best Softube Plugins For Mixing, Mastering & Production

Let’s discuss some of the best Softube plugins available. As one of the most famous names in the audio production world, Softube has established itself as a powerhouse, blending innovative design with impeccable sound quality. Especially for those who like the warmth and character of analog gear, this is a special plugin provider as it brilliantly combines vintage authenticity with modern flexibility.

The roots of Softube go back to Sweden in 2003 when they started as a small team with a big vision: to bring the analog experience into the digital world. Through the years, they created collaborations with many iconic names like Solid State Logic (SSL), Marshall, and Tube-Tech to make sure their plugins truly captured the spirit of the classic hardware, which ultimately became the pillars of their success. Their reputation grew each day, reaching a point that made them one of the most trusted names in studios worldwide.

Today, Softube offers many plugins, from amp simulations to tape emulations, giving you the sweet spot between authenticity and versatility. With intuitive interfaces and a focus on sonic quality, they attract both beginners and experienced producers alike. So, today, I welcome you to the Softube world, where we will fly through some of the best Softube plugins to help you with your projects. Let’s dive in!

1. Atlantis Dual Chambers

Home to legendary bands like ABBA and Green Day, Atlantis Studios in Stockholm is known for its world-class reverb chambers, and Softube brings that iconic sound to your DAW with the Atlantis Dual Chamerbs plugin.

When I saw the plugin, its interface got me from the first moment as it has retro studio vibes with an intuitive layout. You can easily dial in the essential controls like spatialization, resonance control, drive, EQ, compression, and reverb time. At the same time, the unit also offers different mic, decay time, pre-delay, and damping choices for tonal color.

I think my favorite controls are the mic distance and resonance controls, as these adjustments set the unit apart from the rest. Mic distance is for adding early reflections versus room character, while the resonance control helps you when taming problematic frequencies. These additions increase the versatility, making the vintage chamber sound more suitable for modern projects.

In the collection, the VST has 2 chambers and 4 mic options with different tonal flavors. I also appreciated that you can customize right and left channels individually for more tonal combinations by blending mic types or adjusting mic positions.

On the bottom, you have even more controls (good news for control freaks like me) with a dynamic EQ for compression, gating, and ducking, while the advanced stereo controls are there for nuanced placement and adjusting the spatial feel with stereo width options. This is a smart addition that fits the plugin for different mixing scenarios.

I tried the unit with many projects and sources, from vocals to instruments, and never got disappointed. I think Atlantis Dual Chambers enhances the original effect with its modern touch, and with so many controls like tailor damping, tweak mic setups, and a dynamic EQ, it provides you with a rich, organic mix experience.

Atlantis Dual Chambers comes in VST, VST3, AAX, and AU(Mac only) formats for macOS Monterey 12 or newer and Windows 10 or newer.

2. Model 77 Dual Layer Synth

With great attention to detail in emulating the analog warmth and dynamic expressiveness of the Yamaha CS series, the Model 77 Dual Layer Synth provides a rich, layered sound that feels alive from the first note. It truly captures the unique character of the CS-80’s polyphonic aftertouch and lush tones with its powerful yet inviting design, making it a joy to explore even for someone who isn’t a synth guru.

To be honest, what I really loved about Model 77 Dual Layer Synth was its dual-layer interface, making the controls and sound programming pretty simple. As I’m not much of a synth guy, I sometimes feel overwhelmed with too many controls and features in complex synth interfaces, but with color-coded layers and an organized GUI, this unit gets you going easy with a sound design workflow that could easily be overwhelming. I can even take it one step further, saying that using this unit is even fun.

The Unison mode and the Age slider are some modern touches I really enjoyed, which elevated my workflow experience. The Age slider adds the aged sound with vintage vibes, which the unit is famous for, from the likes of Blade Runner, Chariots of Fire, Billie Jean, and Africa.

The reverb is also pretty good, although it is controlled by a single slider, which adds a lush, professional finish to any sound. Another important feature is the ring modulator, which thrives in injecting a retro sci-fi feel that can be ideal for atmospheric tracks.

The unit is pretty CPU-light, which is another plus. However, one thing to be improved is the preset library, which only comes with 110 sounds, far fewer than competitors, so I found myself tweaking many settings sooner than I would have liked. That said, I also must add a quality MIDI keyboard, which is like meat and potatoes for this plugin, as it is the way to unlock the full expressive potential.

If you like synths and are looking for a fun and easy plugin to experiment with, and if you want that Rock and Roll-type of analog sound in your tracks, this can be your new best friend.

Model 77 Dual Layer Synth comes in VST, VST3, AAX, and AU(Mac only) formats for macOS Monterey 12 or newer and Windows 10 or newer.

3. Drawmer 1973 Multi-Band Compressor

Multi-band compressors in analog format are one of the rarities of the music production world, but what is rarer is finding a good emulation plugin for these units. But Softube nailed it with Drawmer 1973, as they modeled the versatile multi-band mastering processor brilliantly into the digital world while creating easy-to-use presets to keep things less complicated.

What really caught my attention here was how well the plugin handles the dynamic control without adding pumping or dulling changes. It maintains a polished and warm sound while adding nuanced dynamic adjustments.

The original Drawmer 1973 was a legend as it was one of the few multi-band analog compressors that allowed for precise compression controls over 3 frequency bands and frequencies of the band-split filters, which was great for experienced users to finetune their tones but was highly overwhelming for beginner producers. The plugin version offers all the same controls but with some modern tricks added for beginners to navigate in this complex world.

I especially love the M-S processing feature, which increases the creative possibilities for stereo enhancement and spatial effects, which is one of the modern tricks that has been added. On the faithful side, we have the crossover controls and range of attack and release options for low, mid, and high bands. But what is amazing is that Softube added some great presets, which simplifies everything for novice users or quick fixes.

The more I used the VST, the more I liked it. It is a great tool for home mastering for those who don’t know where to start. But I recommend using a limiter after this one in the signal chain to catch the errant peaks. You can use this as a mix or bus compressor without a doubt. It delivers professional results with added clarity and depth without compromising anything.

Drawmer 1973 Multi-Band Compressor comes in VST, VST3, AAX, and AU(Mac only) formats for macOS Monterey 12 or newer and Windows 10 or newer.

4. SSL SL 4000 E-Series

Designed exclusively for Console 1 with inspiration from one of the most famous mixing consoles of all time, the SSL SL 4000 E-Series provides aggressive, punchy character and tonal versatility that made the original hardware a part of countless platinum-selling records.

The reason why the original SSL 4000 E console was an industry standard was its analog warmth, grit, and flexibility that made it suitable for all genres and all tasks, from shaping drums and vocals to entire mixes. The presence the unit brought was second to none. And I can say all the same for the plugin version as well.

For me, where this VST really shines is the EQ section, as it is aggressive when you need it to be and subtle when you want. Its capacity to cut or boost with high precision and character sets it apart, which is great for creating impactful kicks or carving out space in a dense mix. It has the famous black knob E242 EQ, offering up to 18 dB cut or boost as well as tighter control over the lower end.

The high and low pass filters are basic, but they get the job done: cleaning up unwanted frequencies without losing the soul of the sound. I also like the compressor, which adds good punch and glue to drums and mixes without sacrificing the character. Finally, I gotta mention the Drive feature, which is great for having that unique harmonic distortion that emulates the saturation of a driven analog gear.

Well, my biggest complaint (as you may guess) is that this is a Console 1 exclusive plugin, which means you will need the MIDI controller to use it. Also, I must say this is not for those who are after a transparent sound, as this unit adds that SSL color to the fullest. One warning is to use the EQ with caution, as the aggressiveness might be too much for some delicate genres.

In short, if you are looking for a powerful channel strip that gives the SSL punch and flavor as well as controls, this is a great unit to have in your collection. You need Console 1 for the tasks, but the good news is if you purchase the MIDI hardware, you get the plugin with it for free.

SSL SL 4000 E-Series comes in VST, VST3, AAX, and AU(Mac only) formats for macOS Monterey 12 or newer and Windows 10 or newer.

5. OPTO Compressor

Known for its smooth and warm character, Softube’s Opto Compressor brings back the tube-based optical compressors of the 1960s with some modern touches for increased versatility. As a successful emulation, the unit thrives on enhancing even the little details of vocals, guitars, or bass with a subtle elegance. Creamy tone, slow attack, vintage vibes, and updated controls make this VST hard to beat.

What really makes the Opto Compressor unit stand out is the addition of features like the High-Frequency Make-Up, which compensates for any loss in high-end sparkle during compression. The Drive control is another highlight, as it lets you adjust the tube-like distortion and gain reduction individually.

I found the Stereo Link switch really handy for precise control over left and right channels as it can switch between Dual Mono and Stereo Linked modes. Finally, the Dry-Wet Mix knob and sidechain section increase the flexibility even higher for different mixing scenarios to finetune the compression amount in the signal.

I would recommend using this tool for vocals and melodic instruments in more delicate genres instead of more aggressive projects cause the warmth it adds is unmatched. You can also pair it with a FET compressor for a two-stage vocal chain, which serves great.

If you want to add richness and smoothness to any mix combined with modern controls, this is a great optical compressor.

OPTO Compressor comes in VST, VST3, AAX, and AU(Mac only) formats for macOS Monterey 12 or newer and Windows 10 or newer.

6. VCA Compressor

The snappy and hard-knee compression of the legendary hardware came to your DAW with modern versatility, as the VCA Compressor by Softube delivers the punch and precision to enhance the attack and texture of snare drums, guitars, and basses.

For me, the authentic emulation of the original VCA Compressors is secondary as the modern additions take the unit to a whole new level. With those, the flexibility increases significantly, making the unit ideal for any contemporary workflow with features like the Sidechain section with Punch and High-Pass Filter controls, along with Drive control for harmonic warmth, as well as High-Frequency Make-Up for compensation of the subtle high-end loss, Stereo Link for processing tracks in stereo independently and Dual Mono for detailed adjustments.

My complaint here is about the monitoring options, as I would have liked to see monitoring for sidechain signals. Although I think this is a very small drawback, it can be a pain for seasoned producers.

In my opinion, the ability to glue low-end tracks together while adding crispiness to high-end like snares makes this unit a pretty handy tool for any project with dynamic mixes.

VCA Compressor comes in VST, VST3, AAX, and AU(Mac only) formats for macOS Monterey 12 or newer and Windows 10 or newer.

7. FET Compressor MK II

The last plugin of the Compressor collection of Softube is the FET Compressor MK II, which can recreate the aggressive, lightning-fast compression of the famous analog FET compressors. They stayed loyal to the original design with great features like the iconic All-buttons-in mode, also known as British Mode, which brings that in-your-face style punch for drums, vocals, and guitars.

I must say I respect how Softube delivered the original’s Class A amplifiers and FET gain reduction so accurately, making it a joy to work with this plugin. It does a great job with projects that demand energy, aggression, and punch cause the unit brilliantly adds a bold, upfront character to the tracks.

The modern enhancements to FET Compressor Mk II are another smart touch for me as the unit comes with 2 separate drive options with FET and transformer modes to craft the harmonic saturation, and the ability to use them together increases the versatility even more.

I also appreciated the High-Frequency Make-Up, which comes in pretty handy to protect the clarity of the compressed signal.

Also, the Sidechain section and Dry-Wet knob give you even more control for parallel processing and dynamic sculpting, which is good for seasoned producers. Plus, just like the other compressors in the collection, you have the Stereo Link and Dual Mono modes for stereo imaging adjustments.

The negative point here is again the same as the rest: the lack of external sidechain monitoring.

For me, the ability here to add grit and presence to anything from kicks to full mixes is what makes this unit pretty important. I think it is a valuable tool as it not only emulates the original but enhances it.

FET Compressor MK II comes in VST, VST3, AAX, and AU(Mac only) formats for macOS Monterey 12 or newer and Windows 10 or newer.

8. Tape

Simple yet powerful. These are the two words that summarize Softube VST Tape plugin perfectly, as it effectively delivers the authentic warmth, saturation, and vintage character of the classic tape machines with its highly intuitive and nice-looking interface.

The moment I started trying out this plugin, I was surprised by how brilliantly it replicates the sonic signature of analog tape machines. It features 3 tape types with different tonal colors, including Type A for a balanced and versatile tone, Type B for emphasizing weight on lows and highs, and Type C for a brighter color. I love these types as they are really distinct from each other, taking your mix or track to different realms when you switch between them.

One thing that got my attention was the Remote Control panel, which allows you to decide the machine’s stability, crosstalk amount, and other aspects of your tone. Speed Stability control gives you a chance to add the beautiful wow and flutter, which adds anything from subtle movements to wild effects like flanging and chorusing.

Crosstalk, on the other side, is more like a pleasing central weight effect, and the adjustable Tape Speed allows you to choose between smooth and pristine sound with 30ips or delightfully crunchy and lo-fi with 1⅞ips settings.

The controls do not end there, as the unit also has High-Frequency Trim, tape noise, and start/stop effects for even more finetuning. But don’t let these many controls overwhelm you, as the layout is really simple, and there are many great presets to start tweaking from. I think it is a great plugin for beginner producers to get used to tape emulation plugins.

You can use this unit on the master bus for subtle effects or gluing mixes together, while on individual tracks, it works even better, adding subtle colorations or bold distortion. With the authentic sound it adds and ease of use, Tape is a must-have for anyone seeking to have analog warmth in their mixes.

Tape comes in VST, VST3, AAX, and AU(Mac only) formats for macOS Monterey 12 or newer and Windows 10 or newer.

9. Empirical Labs Mike-E Comp

Featuring a preamp, saturator, and compressor in one seamless versatile tool, Empirical Labs Mike-E Comp is a great preamp plugin that is modeled after the original hardware with the same name by Empirical Labs and Dave Derr. The unit truly conquers the spirit and feel of the analog hardware, from rich harmonic distortion to flexible compression settings with stunning authenticity.

At the heart of this preamp lies the CompSat section, giving you the multi-stage soft-clipping circuit inspired by the legendary Distressor, which is famous for its big control range, novel feature set, and longer attack times. From subtle saturation to aggressive compression, you can craft anything from here. The Nuke mode is the highlight for me as it has a limiter-like response, making it ideal for smashing drum room mics or adding more punch to dense tracks.

The preamp section of Empirical Labs Mike-E Comp is also powerful, as it can add up to 18 dB of gain. It also has the Emphasis, a multi-stage circuit to deliver custom compression and saturation in specific frequency ranges for tonal control and flexibility. It emphasizes the frequencies before the ComSat circuit, and afterward, it cuts them to enhance the tone.

Well, I would be surprised not to see the usual modern enhancements that are now Softube classics, like the Wet-Dry Mix knob and the external sidechain input, for parallel processing and advanced dynamic shaping.

I believe what makes this unit so popular and unique is its ability to shine with many different sources. It can deliver pretty impressive results with any project, from adding bite to electric guitar or punchy decay to drums to smoothening and warming vocal tracks. Also, I think the user interface is slightly intuitive, especially when a large number of controls are considered.

In my opinion, this unit sits on the sweet spot of analog authenticity and digital versatility, which Softube is an expert on, making it a highly valuable tool for dynamic shaping and tonal enhancement.

Empirical Labs Mike-E Comp comes in VST, VST3, AAX, and AU(Mac only) formats for macOS Monterey 12 or newer and Windows 10 or newer.

10. Statement Lead

As a powerhouse polyphonic synthesizer, Softube VST Statement Lead blends modern lead sounds to the forefront, crafted from faithfully recorded rare hardware synths. It is the ideal tool for genres like EDM, drum and bass, house, and beyond, with its fantastic presets and intuitive interface.

Well, numbers talk here as this software instrument comes with 90 waveforms across 11 categories that provide a wide range of sonic textures from gritty, layered tones by the Analog Dirt function that adds noise and transients to rich analog-inspired leads.

One feature I really liked was the 16-step modulation sequencer, which makes writing, creating rhythmic variations, and evolving patterns really easy with the DAW sync. It also has the Auto-Glide function to introduce dynamic pitch bends for a more natural analog sound and feel.

I like the unit’s versatility with the low-pass filter with three slope types, including 6, 12, and 24 dB/octave for beautiful sweeps. My favorite side of the plugin is the effects section, which gives you so much control over reverb, delay, multi-band compression, and spatialization, enhancing your tone. But, the show’s stars are the Punch and Aging controls, adding even more character with high flexibility from clean to analog-style saturation.

But this is not the best plugin for you if you are after extensive modulation or want many different filter types in your workflow. But I can honestly say that it thrives in creating polished leads and complex textures.

So, I think it is a well-suited software instrument for producers looking for a reliable synth with great sound design capabilities. It has some great presets, too, making it easy to start playing, but the interface can be a bit complex, especially if you are not familiar with synths. In short, I recommend Statement Lead to anyone looking for modern leads that shine in the mix.

Statement Lead comes in VST, VST3, AAX, and AU(Mac only) formats for macOS Monterey 12 or newer and Windows 10 or newer.

11. Amp Room ENGL Savage Mark II Suite

With meticulously modeled 120 and 60-watt amp heads, 5 ENGL cabs, 4 pedals, and various studio effects, Mark II Suite is an officially licensed suite that offers an all-in-one solution for modern guitarists and producers. Bringing the ferocious tones of the ENGL Savage Mark II amp to life with immense accuracy, you can craft anything from bone-crushing rhythms to soaring leads for hard rock, metal, and any high-gain genre.

If you are into rock music, you probably know about the famous ENGL Mark series, as they are seen behind many rock legends like Ritchie Blackmore, Steve Morse, Marty Friedman, and more. Softube’s digital version created with the ENGL collaboration truly achieves the same remarkable dynamics and versatility as the original hardware.

Featuring a 3-band EQ, Gain Lo-Hi circuits, and Lean-Bold midrange shaping, the collection is highly versatile with 2 amp choices: a 120 W powered by 6550 tubes for powerful low-end and shimmering highs, as well as a 60W version with EL34 tubes for a warmer vintage vibe. Plus, it has ENGL cabinets, with choices of a compact 2×12 to the thunderous XXL 4×12 for sonic variety and movable mics for even more versatility and tonal control.

I also loved the effect section with 4 pedals, which includes a versatile boost, low-end compressor, stereo delay, and reverb, which are more than enough to create a killer hard rock tone.

The collection comes on the Amp Room platform, which is included in the price. It is a nice platform that provides seamless integration with handy features like customizable signal chains, RoomIR, and American Class A EQ and compression modules, which you can experiment with.

With the reasonable price considered, I think this suite is a must for any rock guitarist as ENGL experience can’t get any closer without the original hardware.

Amp Room comes in VST, VST3, AAX, and AU(Mac only) formats for macOS Monterey 12 or newer and Windows 10 or newer.

12. Tape Echoes

Tape Echoes brilliantly brings back the unique effect of the classic tape echo machines with a combination of elements from 2 iconic gears, the Roland Space Echo and Echoplex. As a great unit to saturate, wobble, and slur with analog flair, it stands out for creating pristine echoes and chaotic, dirt-laden textures.

I think the simplicity and number of controls are the key point of Tape Echoes as they come with smart controls like Just Dirt, Tape Glitch, Tap Tempo, Spring Reverb, Imaging, and Loop Filter in an intuitively designed interface. The Delay Time slider gives the versatility to craft anything from tight slapback delays to 1-second delays, while the Tape Gitch is great for adding those pitch slurs and motor dropouts for a more authentic sound.

The Dirt is another favorite control of mine, as it adds the tape noise, flutter, and dropouts, which increases the realism. The Reverb knob is good and gives spring reverb to the sound, and the Drive control is for the saturation, as you guessed.

If you want to experiment, you can try the multi-tap delay for a lush, diffused sound that goes well with non-percussive sources. I think the Just Dirt mode is ok, as it delivers vintage tape saturation without delay, but I didn’t like the sonic color that much.

The unit is also compatible with Softube Amp Room and Modular plugins, so you can integrate it into larger setups. Whether you need clean echoes or filthy dub-style mayhem, it can provide the character, making it a great addition to any producer’s toolkit.

Tape Echoes comes in VST, VST3, AAX, and AU(Mac only) formats for macOS Monterey 12 or newer and Windows 10 or newer.

13. Tube-Tech Equalizers Mk II

As an update to the legendary suite of vintage-inspired processors, Tube-Tech Equalizers Mk II replicates the warmth and musicality of the original hardware, including the PE 1C Pultec and ME 1B EQs and the iconic CL 1B compressor, with some useful new features.

Softube puts the 2 EQs and the compressor into a single plugin to offer the same smooth tonal shaping, which is great for adding depth to vocals, drums, and basses. The PE 1C is the highlight with its unique low-end cut-and-boost trick. The Pultec-style tube-driven passive equalizer is celebrated with its huge bass and silky high-end.

The other EQ is ME 1B, which has midrange sculpting with high precision with its bell-shaped filter and is designed to accompany the first EQ so that the unprocessed frequencies (mid-range bands) do not slip away.

While I like the EQs, and they are the center of the unit, I think the standout feature here is the CL 1B compressor, with its fast attack and smooth release, making it ideal for vocals and melodic instruments. I like the smooth and punchy response of the compressor, accompanied by a sidechain filter and parallel processing, for adding rich musical character to vocals, bass, and melodic instruments.

The unit also has an added Classic Channel to mix all three processors with mid-side and stereo unlinking options for having an all-in-one mixing tool.

I won’t lie as I think the upgrade fee is a bit too much, but the collection and the upgrades do have value to offer. For new buyers, I think the price is okay when you consider this is a Softube plugin. I think it would be a good addition to the arsenal if you had the budget.

Tube-Tech Equalizers Mk II comes in VST, VST3, AAX, and AU(Mac only) formats for macOS Monterey 12 or newer and Windows 10 or newer.