Waves SSL 4000 Channel Strip Plugin CollectionThe Waves SSL 4000 Channel Strip Plugins faithfully recreate the extraordinary SSL sound!
Thanks to more than a year of Waves engineers analyzing and modeling the distinctive sonic characteristics of SL 4000 factory reference consoles and components provided by Solid State Logic. Extensive testing reveals that the Waves SSL 4000 plug-ins sound virtually identical to their hardware counterparts. Now, the classic sound of the SSL 4000 Series can be your sound.
Developed under license from Solid State Logic, The Waves SSL 4000 Collection includes three meticulously modeled plug-ins based on the legendary SSL 4000 Series:
- SSL E-Channel
- SSL G-Master Buss Compressor
- SSL G-Equalizer
iLOK key is required for activation and must be purchased separately.
SSL G-Equalizer
This four-band equalizer, modeled on the SSL G Series EQ292, offers greater gain change than the E-Series EQ, and a slightly different curve. The SSL G-Equalizer includes a slight dip before a boost as well as a slight rise before a cut, which contribute to its incomparable sound, and its broader Q allows for more extreme equalization. That’s why many leading engineers use the E Channel’s equalization for detailed problem-solving and mixing, and the SSL G-Equalizer to shape and give character to the sound.
SSL G-Equalizer Features
- High Pass Filter: 18dB/octave, 16Hz – 350Hz. Filter on/off switch.
- Low Frequency EQ: Shelving. Range 30Hz – 450Hz. Gain range ±17dB.
- Low Medium Frequency EQ): Range 200Hz – 2.5kHz. Q is continuously adjustable from 0.1 to 3.5. Gain varies from ±20dB when Q is set to 3.5 to ±15dB when Q is set to 0.1. The ÷3 button divides the selected frequency by three.
- High Medium Frequency EQ: Range 600Hz – 7kHz. As in the LMF EQ section, Q is continuously adjustable from 0.1 to 3.5. Gain varies from ±20dB when Q is set to 3.5 to ±15dB when Q is set to 0.1. The x3 button allows you to multiply the selected frequency by three.
- High Frequency EQ: Range 1.5kHz – 16kHz. Gain range ±17dB, shelving.
- EQ In: bypasses the EQ section but leaves the filter in if engaged.
- Phase Reverse: Reverses the phase of the input signal.
- Master Output: Fader controls overall output of the processor.
- Trim button (12.0): Indicates how much headroom remains before digital clipping
SSL G-Master Buss Compressor
Based on the renowned master buss center compressor of the SL 4000 G console, the Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor captures the unique sound of its IC input and twin VCA gain-reduction amplifier design. This compressor has long been prized by top engineers for its ability to
glue together tracks, and is considered by many to be the ultimate finalizer that transforms a mix into a finished record. It’s also ideal for taming piano dynamics or adding punch to drums and percussion.
With gain reduction meters that mirror the originals, the SSL G-Master Buss Compressor displays levels in dBu rather than in dBFS and includes SSL’s coveted Autofade feature, with an adjustable fade rate from one to sixty seconds. You can even switch the Analog modeling feature on or off to suit your needs.
SSL G-Master Buss Controls
- Threshold sets the operating level for the knee of the compressor. Threshold is continuously adjustable from -15dB to +15dB.
- Make Up Gain compensates for a change of signal level due to compressor activity. Continuously variable from -5dB to +15dB.
- Attack controls the quickness of the compressor to respond to changes. Six switchable attack rates: 0.1; 0.3; 1; 3; 10 and 30 ms.
- Release time of the master compressor is switchable between 0.1, 0.3, 0.6 and 1.2 seconds or to automatic.
- Ratio sets the ratio of signal level to signal gain, i.e., the compression ratio. Ratio can be switched between 2:1, 4:1 and 10:1.
- Rate-S sets the Autofade duration, from 1 to 60 seconds.
- Analog By default, all components of the SSL4000 Collection operate in Analog modeling mode. De-selecting Analog disables analog emulation.
- In serves as a bypass button. When In is selected, the compressor is active
SSL E-Channel
The SSL E-Channel delivers the characteristic sound of the original’s all-discrete design and its Class A, VCA chip.
Equalization
The equalization section of the SSL E-Channel is based on the renowned Black Knob equalizer, developed in 1983 by SSL in association with legendary producer George Martin. The Black Knob equalizer featured enhanced cut and boost ranges and a steeper 18dB/octave high pass filter for tighter control of low frequencies, as well as a smoother curve. Features a High Pass Filter, Low Pass Filter, and a four-band parametric equalizer. The Split feature lets you position the Low Pass and/or High Pass filters before the dynamics processors and put the filters in a dynamics sidechain for simple de-essing.
Dynamics
The dynamics section features a soft-knee compressor/limiter and an expander/gate modeled on the SSL LS611E. Like the original, it can be placed before or after the equalization section, and makeup gain is automatically applied to maintain a steady output level. The compressor’s adjustable attack lets you choose between the default auto-sensing function which responds to your source material or a fixed 1 ms. attack time.
SSL E-Channel Controls
Equalization
- Low Pass Filter: 18dB/octave slope, adjustable from 20kHz to 3kHz.
- High Pass Filter: 18dB/octave slope, adjustable from15Hz to 350Hz.
- High (HF) : Choose from shelf (16.5dB/octave boost or cut) or bell shape (18dB/octave boost or cut with a fixed Q of 2.5). Range is from 1.5kHz to 16kHz.
- High Mid (HMF): Range is from 600Hz to 7kHz, with an adjustable Q from 0.1 to 3.5. Gain varies from ±15dB when Q is set to 0.1 to ±18dB when Q is set to 3.5.
- Low Mid (LMF): Range is from 200Hz to 2.5kHz, with an adjustable Q from 0.1 to 3.5. Gain varies from ±15dB when Q is set to 0.5 to ±18dB when Q is set to 3.0.
- Low (LF): Choose from shelf (16.5dB/octave boost or cut) or bell shape (18dB/octave boost or cut with a fixed Q of 2.5). Range is from 30 Hz to 400 Hz.
Compressor/Limiter
- Ratio/Slope: Variable from 1 to infinity (limiting).
- Threshold: Variable from +10dB to -20dB
- Attack: Normally auto-sensing (Slow), switchable to 1ms (Fast)
- Release: Variable from 0.1 to 4 seconds
Expander/Gate
- Range: Variable from 0 to 40dB
- Threshold: Variable from -30dB to +10dB
- Attack: Normally auto-sensing (Slow), switchable to 1ms (Fast)
- Release: Variable from 0.1 to 4 seconds
- Gate: Toggles from Expander function (default) to Gate function