What's Included in the Combo Pack
The Kobra S1 Max Combo is essentially the multicolor-capable version of the standard Kobra S1 Max. Anycubic has bundled their large-format printer with the ACE 2 Pro multi-filament system, delivering a package that promises high-volume multicolor printing without the extra hassle.
Here's what you get with the combo:
- The complete Kobra S1 Max printer (350×350×350mm build volume)
- One ACE 2 Pro unit with support for 4 base colors
- Integrated filament drying system built into the ACE
- Two nozzles: a pre-installed 0.4mm and an additional 0.6mm
- All cables and connectivity needed for seamless integration
- Pre-configured software for multicolor management
The included ACE 2 Pro is the exact same unit Anycubic sells separately, complete with its 50mm/s filament feeding system and automatic filament switching. The difference here is that everything comes factory-integrated and tested — a real plus if you'd rather skip the technical setup.
Real-World Differences vs. the Standard Kobra S1 Max
The base Kobra S1 Max is already a capable machine on its own. Same CoreXY structure, same actively heated chamber reaching 65°C, same hotend rated to 350°C. The physical footprint (502.7×483×584mm) and power consumption (2200W at 220V) remain identical.
Where the combo makes a difference is in what you can actually do with it:
| Feature | S1 Max Standard | S1 Max Combo |
|---|---|---|
| Simultaneous colors | 1 | Up to 16 (with additional ACE units) |
| Material changes | Manual | Automatic (~56s) |
| Filament drying | Not included | Built into ACE 2 Pro |
| Purge management | N/A | Automated |
| Price | Lower | Higher (ACE included) |
The 350×350×350mm build volume stays untouched — which, as most makers will agree, is exactly how it should be.
ACE Pro and Large-Format Multicolor: What Anycubic Promises on Paper
From what I've seen, this combo is more than 2x the price of the S1 combo — but you're getting multicolor printing at a genuinely large scale, not on the typical 220×220mm beds where you can barely fit a decent prototype.
The spec sheet promises are bold. The 600mm/s top speed is, to be honest, more of a marketing headline than a practical print speed — in multicolor mode you'll realistically be running closer to 150–200mm/s if you want quality results. The 20,000mm/s² acceleration is where you'll actually feel the difference in real use, especially during purge sequences and filament changes.
The integrated ACE 2 Pro system can handle up to 16 colors when you daisy-chain additional units — though realistically, most users will stick with the 4-color base setup. For standard multicolor filaments, that's more than enough, and the built-in drying system is a real bonus when working with hygroscopic materials like PVA for soluble supports.
What stands out to me in the announcement is the emphasis on the active heated chamber reaching 65°C combined with multicolor printing. In theory, this should make it possible to print multicolor ABS or ASA without warping — something that until now was exclusive territory for machines costing significantly more. If it delivers on that promise, we're talking about the ability to produce large technical parts with color-coding, free from the typical delamination issues.
The bundle dilemma: buy now vs. get the base and add the ACE Pro later
Here's the big question: do you buy the full bundle, or go piece by piece? It's not a straightforward decision, and it really depends on your specific situation.
Reasons to go straight for the bundle:
- Everything comes factory-integrated and tested
- Bundle pricing is typically lower than buying separately
- No firmware compatibility headaches
- Single unified warranty for the whole system
Reasons to start with the S1 Max base first:
- Lower upfront investment
- Time to get comfortable with the machine before diving into multicolor
- Option to wait for standalone ACE 2 Pro reviews
- Flexibility to switch to a different multicolor system if something better comes along
If your budget allows and you already know you want multicolor, the bundle makes sense. The savings over buying separately typically lands around 10–15%, and you avoid the headaches of integrating components yourself. But if you're new to 3D printing or working with a tighter budget, starting with the base and expanding later is a perfectly valid approach.
What wins me over — and what raises red flags
Starting with the positives: multicolor printing at large format and at this price point is genuinely disruptive. Until now, printing multicolor parts over 300mm meant either going industrial or getting creative with DIY workarounds. The combination of active heated chamber, XXL build volume, and integrated multicolor is something the market has been waiting for.
A noise level of 55dB with active heating is reasonable for a machine this size. It's not silent, but it's not the kind of jet-engine racket that makes it impossible to work in the same room. And the 350°C hotend opens the door to technical materials in multicolor — not just colorful PLA.
Now for the concerns. First, Anycubic doesn't have the strongest track record with first-run versions of new and complex products. I've already heard reports of loose MCU connections during shipping — and on a machine that's supposed to arrive ready to print out of the box, that's not exactly confidence-inspiring.
Second, the ACE 2 Pro system is relatively new. We have no long-term data on reliability, component wear, or ease of maintenance. On a machine of this size and price point, a failure in the multi-color system can be extremely frustrating.
Third, real-world multi-color print speeds. Those advertised 600mm/s are pure marketing when you're printing in multiple colors. Between purges, filament changes, and the need to slow down to avoid stringing during color transitions, your effective print speed will be significantly lower. If you're expecting Bambu-level speeds in multi-color mode, it's time to recalibrate your expectations.
Who should buy the combo pack — and who shouldn't
The Kobra S1 Max Combo makes sense for a very specific type of user. If you're a small business that needs large color-coded prototypes, or an experienced maker who already has a solid grip on 3D printing and wants to tackle ambitious multi-color projects, this bundle could be exactly what you're looking for.
It also makes sense if you're upgrading from a smaller machine and want to go straight to large-format printing. Jumping from an Ender 3 to this is a quantum leap — but at least you arrive on day one with everything you need.
I wouldn't recommend it if:
- This is your first 3D printer (too much complexity all at once)
- Your space is limited (it's about the size of a compact washing machine)
- Speed is your main priority (there are faster options for less money)
- Your budget is tight (multi-color consumables will eat into any initial savings)
The main direct competitor is the Creality K2 Plus Combo, with similar specs but an official price of $1,499 USD. The K2 Plus boasts 30,000mm/s² of acceleration versus the Kobra's 20,000mm/s², though in multi-color printing that difference is more theoretical than practical. Where Creality does have an edge is in its support ecosystem and community — something worth considering if you value quick troubleshooting when things go wrong.
The Bambu Lab P1S Combo plays in a different league with its more closed ecosystem and a build volume of just 256×256×256mm, but its software/hardware integration is superior. If you don't need XXL build volume and you prioritize a "just works out of the box" experience, Bambu remains the benchmark.
In summary, the Kobra S1 Max Combo is Anycubic's bold push to bring large-format multi-color printing to the masses. If it delivers on its promises, it could be a game-changer for small businesses and ambitious makers — and it looks like it could genuinely fill a gap in the market. If it turns out to be another case of solid Anycubic hardware let down by immature firmware, you'll need patience and a willingness to wait for updates. The real question now is whether Anycubic can execute on that vision without the growing pains that have plagued their first-generation releases.
Let those layers roll 😎
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If you've decided to go with the Kobra S1 Max Combo, you'll need quality filament to get the most out of it. Anycubic PLA delivers clean, tangle-free spooling to prevent clogs and vibrant colors that bring your prints to life — perfect whether you're just starting out or you're an experienced maker.