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Softube Weiss DS1-MK3
What Softube Weiss DS1-MK3 is
Softube Weiss DS1-MK3 is a mastering plug-in for compression, limiting, and de-essing based on Weiss DS1-MK3 hardware. Softube describes a line-by-line code port developed with Weiss Engineering and says it is licensed and endorsed by Daniel Weiss. Limiter choices include the original DS1, Type 1 for high RMS values, and Type 2 for true-peak limiting. A waveform view shows compression effects over time. The collection includes DS1-MK3, MM-1 Mastering Maximizer, Compressor/Limiter, and Deess, with presets from mastering engineer Bob Katz and support for multiple instances on one mix. It requires a DAW compatible with AU, VST, VST3, and/or AAX on listed macOS or Windows versions. The one-time plan is €549, paid once, with a 20-day trial and three activations. Softube and iLok accounts plus internet access are required.
Who it suits
This plug-in suits mastering users with a compatible DAW who need compression, limiting, and de-essing on macOS or Windows.
What it does well
- Includes three limiter modes
- Provides waveform compression viewing
- Supports AU, VST, VST3, and AAX
- Includes multiple mastering plug-ins
- Offers a 20-day trial
What to know first
- Requires Softube and iLok accounts
- Needs compatible DAW host
- No free plan
- Costs 549.00 EUR as listed
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Weiss DS1-MK3 | One-time purchase; page also lists upgrade pricing after sign-in. · Three activations · Requires Softube and iLok accounts · Compatible DAW host required | €549, paid once |
As softube.com lists them, read 9 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
Weiss DS1-MK3 provides a licensed software version of the named hardware with several limiter modes and additional mastering plug-ins. Buyers need compatible host software, accounts, internet access, and the one-time purchase.
Facts from Softube Weiss DS1-MK3's own pages
- Accounts and internet
- Installation and licensing require a Softube account, an iLok account, and internet access for downloading installers and managing licenses. · softube.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Code port
- Softube says the plug-in is a line-by-line code port of the original hardware, developed with Weiss Engineering. · softube.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Company
- Softube says it is based in Linköping, Sweden, and traces its start to 2003. · softube.com, 9 Oct 2026
- DAW formats
- It requires a DAW host compatible with AU, VST, VST3, and/or AAX plug-in formats. · softube.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Headquarters
- Linköping, Sweden · softube.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Included plug-ins
- The DS1-MK3 collection includes DS1-MK3, MM-1 Mastering Maximizer, Compressor/Limiter, and Deess. · softube.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Licensing
- The product is officially licensed and endorsed by Daniel Weiss. · softube.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Limiter modes
- It includes the original DS1 limiter plus Type 1 for high RMS values and Type 2 for true-peak limiting. · softube.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Platform requirements
- The product page lists macOS Sonoma 14, Sequoia 15, Tahoe 26, Windows 10 (64-bit), and Windows 11. · softube.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Presets and instances
- The product page lists presets from mastering engineer Bob Katz and says users can run multiple instances on the same mix. · softube.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- A mastering plug-in for compression, limiting, and de-essing, based on the Weiss DS1-MK3 hardware. · softube.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Support and returns
- Softube lists tech support and states that web-store software is covered by a 14-day no-questions-asked refund policy. · softube.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Trial and activations
- The product page lists a 20-day trial and three activations. · softube.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Waveform view
- Waveform view displays how compression levels affect the waveform over time. · softube.com, 9 Oct 2026
Where Softube Weiss DS1-MK3 stands on Freedom251
- Audio Mastering Software#25 of 33