Waves SSL E-Channel

Waves SSL E-Channel | Inject the Classic SSL Soul into Your DAW

The Solid State Logic (SSL) SL 4000 series consoles are legends in recording history, being the first to integrate a complete dynamics processor and equalizer (EQ) into every single channel. This revolutionary "Channel Strip" concept completely changed the mixing workflow, giving engineers all the key tools to optimize a track's sound right at their fingertips. Decades later, the classic status of the E-Series console has been reborn in modern hip-hop and pop music, with its smooth yet punchy dynamics and the bright, clear tone from the famous "Black Knob" EQ making it the secret weapon behind countless hit records.

Now, with the meticulously crafted Waves SSL E-Channel channel strip plugin, you can bring this legendary sound directly into your Digital Audio Workstation. We didn't just imitate; we precisely modeled the core circuit behavior of the SSL 4000E console, from its VCA-based gain elements and the warmth of its Class A amplifier circuits to the original design where the filters and dynamics are never out of the signal path. This means that even when you set the gain and dynamics to zero, that unique SSL circuit coloration remains, adding an irreplaceable analog texture to your audio. Whether you're processing vocals, drums, guitars, or synths, this powerful mixing plugin provides everything you need to shape a professional-grade sound.

Key Features & Applications

The Classic SSL Circuit Sound
The Waves SSL E-Channel plugin accurately models the VCA gain elements and Class A amplifier behavior of the SSL 4000E console. More importantly, it recreates the characteristic of the original hardware where the filters and dynamics are never truly bypassed—even with zero gain and no compression, the signal still passes through these circuits, ensuring you always get that warm, full, and cohesive classic SSL coloration.

Legendary SSL EQ: Bright, Bold, and Present
This plugin features the renowned "Black Knob" EQ, developed in collaboration with legendary producer George Martin in 1983. Its Constant Q design creates a bright, bold, and highly present sound character that has become a hallmark of modern pop music. You can select a gentle Shelf curve for the high and low-frequency bands or use a more surgical Bell curve for detailed tonal sculpting.

Sculpt Your Sound with SSL Dynamics
The dynamics section includes a responsive soft-knee compressor/limiter and a separate expander/gate. Just like the original console's design, you can freely switch the dynamics processing to be before or after the EQ/filters to customize the dynamic response. For example, applying a low-cut before compression can effectively tame an overly heavy kick drum. Additionally, the plugin automatically applies makeup gain to maintain a stable output level.

Flexible Sidechain Functionality
SSL took sidechaining to a new level. You can not only switch the EQ or filters into the sidechain signal but also switch both simultaneously, allowing you to "tune" the control signal that triggers the dynamics processor with unprecedented precision. This is crucial for creating pumping effects or handling complex audio dynamics.

Over 130 All-Star Engineer Presets
The plugin includes over 130 presets meticulously crafted by multiple Grammy-winning mixing engineers and producers, including industry giants like Chris Lord-Alge, Steve Lillywhite, Dave Pensado, Dave Darlington, Joe Barresi, Dave Aron, and Thom Russo. These presets cover a wide range of instruments, including vocals, drums, guitars, pianos, keyboards, synths, and strings, providing you with an excellent starting point for your sound.

Tech Specs

• Channel Processing: Mono-to-Mono, Mono-to-Stereo, Stereo
• Sample Rate Support: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
• Latency: 0 samples at 44.1kHz
• Plugin Formats: VST, VST3, Audio Units (AU), AAX Native
• Authorization: Online authorization via the Waves Central application
• System Requirements (Mac): macOS 10.15.7, 11.6.5, 12.4, 13.3 (Intel & Apple Silicon)
• System Requirements (Windows): Windows 10 64-bit (22H2), Windows 11 (22H2)
• Compatibility: Compatible with all major Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton Live, FL Studio, etc.