Tube-Tech CL 1B Mk II

The (by Softube ) is a legendary optical tube compressor emulation. While the full version is a paid product, Softube and Universal Audio offer free trials (demos) that allow you to download and test its performance before buying. Performance Review

Tube Warmth:

It adds subtle harmonic distortion that makes thin vocals sound expensive.

I can recommend the best settings to mimic that Tube-Tech "sheen" using stock plugins.

  1. Download Analog Obsession LALA immediately (this solves 80% of your needs).
  2. Download Softube Saturation Knob to add the "tube" harmonic distortion.
  3. Sign up for the Softube trial if you need the official sound for a final master.

To get started, follow these steps:

Tube-Tech CL 1B

The is a staple in modern pop, hip-hop, and R&B because of its unique "opto" gain reduction. Unlike aggressive FET compressors, the CL 1B is known for:

Universal Audio (UAD) Tube-Tech CL 1B MkII

: You can download a free trial of the UAD version through the UA Connect app . This version is highly regarded for its "warm opto sound" and added features like parallel compression and a low-cut sidechain. Top Free Alternatives (Opto-Style Compressors)

"Group Buy"

IK Multimedia frequently runs promotions where buying a cheap interface (like the iRig or AXE I/O) gives you credits. In 2024, users reported getting the IK version of the Tube-Tech CL 1B for free by bundling it with hardware purchases.