# Tactile Hardware Controllers Softubes' Console 1 MKII Mimics a High-End Analog Device By Riley von Niessen | Published 2019-02-19 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/console-1-mkii References: [softube](https://www.softube.com/console1.php) Softube, a leader in the audio industry, created the Console 1 MKII -- a Swedish-designed [hardware controller](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-midi-controller) for tactile use over the industry's growing digital software. The build mimics a premium analog console with a durable steel body, as well as solid knobs and buttons. As the second iteration of this controller, the MKII version provides a few slight updates to the orginal's layout, build and price. Working with every major [digital audio workstation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rde-rdecaster-video-s) on the market, Console 1 controls over 70 different software plugins to expand the tools available and speed up the user's workflow. Retailing for $709 CAD, the Console 1 MKII offers an [affordable hardware alternative](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roland-gomixer-studio) to typical analog audio gear. Participating dealers can be found through Softubes' website. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.3/10 - Popularity: 11% | Activity: 21% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Tactile Hardware Controllers:** The rise of tactile hardware controllers provides an opportunity to bridge the gap between traditional analog equipment and digital software. - **Expansion of Digital Software Tools:** As the industry's major digital audio workstations grow, software plugin developers have an opportunity to stand out and differentiate themselves by working with tactile hardware controllers. - **Affordable Analog Alternatives:** Hardware controllers like Softube's Console 1 MKII offer an alternative to expensive traditional analog equipment and provide an opportunity to disrupt the audio industry's existing pricing models. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Audio:** Hardware controllers like Softube's Console 1 MKII have the potential to disrupt the audio industry by providing an affordable and tactile alternative to traditional analog equipment. - **Software Development:** As software plugins become more integrated with tactile hardware controllers, developers have an opportunity to differentiate themselves and gain a competitive edge in the market. - **Consumer Electronics:** As tactile hardware controllers become more prevalent in the audio industry, consumer electronics companies have the opportunity to expand into this market and offer alternative options to customers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Creative-Centric Control Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creative-console.md) - [Editing-Focused Control Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mx-creative-console.md) - [Modular Digital Creator Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/intact-studio-vsn1.md) - [High-Quality Audio Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/launchkey-mk4.md) - [Creative Professional Workstation Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tourbox-neo-controller.md) - [Workflow-Focused Productivity Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mx-creative-console-1.md) - [Beatmaking Controller Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/slab-controller.md) - [Portable Music Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-midi-controller.md) - [Affordable Audio Engineer Mixers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roland-gomixer-studio.md)