When we reviewed Slate Digital's Virtual Console Collection, they mentioned that there was a vintage tube desk in the pipeline. And here it is!
Available as a plug-in in its own right (which we're reviewing here), and also as an additional desk option within the full VCC package (a freebie in v1.5), RC-Tube models a classic all-tube RCA broadcast desk from the '50s.
As in the main VCC, you get two plug-ins - Channel and Mixbuss - with drive level on each (+/-6dB) and input level on the channel (+/-6dB).
The graphics are identical to VCC (the other desks appear as greyed-out options). However, grouping between channels and busses is limited to one group, and you get no further calibration or setup options.
Sonically, RC-Tube is subtle. There's some high-mid enhancement, and as you drive it, transients are gently saturated.
It works best used as intended: on multiple channels, with the buss processor for final glue. RC-Tube is simpler than VCC, and its competitive price may well draw more users closer to the full VCC.
