What's actually included in the Combo pack
The Kobra S1 Max Combo is essentially the multicolor upgrade of the standard Kobra S1 Max. Anycubic has bundled their large-format printer with the ACE 2 Pro multi-filament system, and the result is a package that promises XXL-scale 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 0.4mm pre-installed and an additional 0.6mm
- All necessary cabling and connectivity for seamless integration
- Pre-configured software for multicolor management
The ACE 2 Pro included here is the exact same unit Anycubic sells separately, complete with its 50mm/s filament feed system and automatic filament switching. The difference is that everything comes already integrated and factory-tested — something you'll appreciate if you're not keen on technical tinkering.
Real 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 up to 65°C, same hotend reaching 350°C. The physical footprint (502.7×483×584mm) and power draw (2200W at 220V) remain identical.
What the combo changes is your workflow capability:
| 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 |
| Approximate price | Lower | Higher (includes ACE) |
The 350×350×350mm build volume stays untouched — which, in my opinion and that of plenty of makers, is exactly how it should be.
ACE Pro and large-format multicolor: what Anycubic promises on paper
From what I've read, this combo is more than 2x the price of the S1 Combo. But what you're getting in return is genuine large-format multicolor — not the typical 220×220mm beds where you can barely fit a decent prototype.
The system's claims are ambitious. On one hand, the 600mm/s top speed is — let's be honest — more of a spec sheet talking point than a real working speed. In multicolor mode you'll realistically be running closer to 150–200mm/s if you want decent results. The 20,000mm/s² acceleration is where you'll actually feel the difference in practice, especially during purge moves and filament changes.
The built-in ACE 2 Pro system can reportedly handle up to 16 colors when you daisy-chain additional units — though realistically, most users will stick with the base 4-color setup. For standard multicolor filaments, that's more than enough, and the integrated drying system is a genuine bonus when working with hygroscopic materials like PVA for soluble supports.
What really catches my eye in the announcement is the emphasis on active chamber heating at 65°C combined with multicolor printing. In theory, this should allow you to print ABS or ASA in multiple colors without warping — something that until now was firmly in the territory of much more expensive machines. If it delivers on that promise, we're looking at the ability to produce large technical parts with color-coded sections, free from the delamination issues that have plagued this space.
The bundle dilemma: buy now vs. start with the base and add the ACE Pro later
Here's the big question: do you go for the full bundle, or piece it together? It's not a straightforward call, and the right answer really depends on your situation.
Reasons to go straight for the bundle:
- Everything arrives integrated and factory-tested
- Bundle pricing is typically cheaper than buying separately
- No firmware compatibility headaches
- Unified warranty across the whole system
Reasons to start with the base S1 Max:
- Lower upfront investment
- Time to get comfortable with the machine before diving into multicolor
- Opportunity 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 multicolor is what you want, the bundle makes sense. The savings versus buying separately typically sit around 10–15%, and you sidestep the integration headaches. But if you're new to 3D printing or working with tighter finances, starting with the base machine and expanding later is a perfectly reasonable approach.
What's got me excited — and what's got me cautious
Starting with the positives: multicolor printing at this scale and price point is genuinely disruptive. Up until now, if you wanted to print multicolor parts larger than 300mm, you were looking at industrial solutions or some serious DIY hacking. The combination of active heated chamber + XXL build volume + integrated multicolor is something the market has been crying out for.
A noise level of 55dB with active heating running is reasonable for a machine of this size. It's not whisper-quiet, but it's not the kind of racket that makes sharing a workspace impossible. And with a hotend rated to 350°C, the door is open to technical materials in multicolor — not just color-swapped PLA.
Now, the part that gives me pause. Anycubic doesn't have the strongest track record with first-run versions of complex new products. I've already seen 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 this size and price point, a failure in the multicolor system can be incredibly frustrating.
Third, real-world multicolor print speeds. Those advertised 600mm/s are pure marketing when you're printing with multiple colors. Between purges, filament changes, and the need to slow down to avoid stringing during transitions, your effective speed will be significantly lower. If you're expecting Bambu-level multicolor speeds, it's time to recalibrate your expectations.
Who should buy the combo — 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 handle on 3D printing and wants to tackle ambitious multicolor 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 big right away. Jumping from an Ender 3 to this is a quantum leap — but at least you'll have all the tools you need from day one.
I wouldn't recommend it if:
- This is your first 3D printer (too much complexity all at once)
- You're short on space (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 (multicolor consumables will eat into any upfront savings)
The main competition comes from the Creality K2 Plus Combo, with similar specs but an official price of $1,499 USD. The K2 Plus boasts 30,000mm/s² acceleration versus the Kobra's 20,000, but in multicolor printing that difference is more theoretical than practical. Where Creality does have an edge is in its support ecosystem and community — worth considering if you value being able to find solutions quickly when something goes 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 simply better. If you don't need the XXL build volume and you prioritize a "just works out of the box" experience, Bambu is still the benchmark.
Bottom line: the Kobra S1 Max Combo is Anycubic's aggressive push to bring large-format multicolor 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 half-baked firmware, expect to need some patience while you wait for updates. Now we just need to see whether Anycubic can execute on that vision without the growing pains that have haunted their first-generation releases.
Let those layers roll 😎
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