Waves SSL G-Channel

Waves SSL G-Channel - Console Emulation Plugin | Inject the Classic G-Series Soul into Your Mix

Building on the glorious history of the legendary SSL E-Series, the SSL G-Series console redefined the benchmark for recording engineering with its more modern feel and powerful punch. This Waves SSL G-Channel plugin, meticulously modeled by the Waves team under official license from Solid State Logic (SSL), is designed to perfectly recreate the sound of the console that defined countless golden eras of rock and pop music, right in your digital audio workstation. From its redesigned EQ curves to its unique dynamic response, the G-Channel captures every subtle analog characteristic of the original hardware, allowing you to easily achieve the same sound found on chart-topping hits worldwide.

This powerful console emulation plugin is more than just a simple copy; it deeply analyzes and reproduces the G-Series console's updated VCA design, Class A amplifier operation, and program-dependent dynamic behavior. Whether you need subtle tonal shaping or a powerful mixing plugin, the G-Channel offers unparalleled flexibility. We've even modeled the inherent noise floor and Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of the analog circuitry, with a switch option that lets you freely toggle between a clean digital environment and warm analog texture. This plugin is your ultimate tool for achieving professional-grade dynamics processing and classic SSL G-Series EQ shaping, adding an irreplaceable legendary character to your productions.

Key Features & Applications

Unique Adaptive-Q EQ Design
The core of the SSL G-Channel's EQ lies in its unique Adaptive-Q design. For small amounts of gain or cut, the EQ's bandwidth becomes wider, allowing for smooth, musical tonal adjustments. When you need a more aggressive, punchy sound, larger boosts automatically narrow the Q, making the sound focused and powerful. This intelligent design ensures you get the ideal result whether you're making subtle tweaks or radical shaping.

Warm and Clear Shelving EQ
Unlike traditional shelving EQs, the G-Channel's high and low-frequency shelving EQs feature slight overshoot bumps at the corner frequencies. This subtle design adds more warmth to the low end while giving the high frequencies superior clarity and air by providing a slight boost just above the mid-high range, making your tracks stand out in the mix.

Flexible Dynamics Processing Chain
The built-in Compressor/Limiter and Expander/Gate provide smooth and natural dynamic control. More importantly, you can freely change the position of the dynamics module in the signal chain—placing it before, after, or even between the filter and EQ sections to implement different sound processing strategies, allowing you to precisely shape the audio's dynamics and tone.

Next-Generation Sidechain Functionality
The SSL G-Channel takes sidechaining to a whole new level. You can apply the Filters, the EQ, or both to the sidechain trigger signal. This powerful feature opens up endless possibilities, such as precisely taming resonances in specific frequency bands, creating a frequency-dependent de-esser, preserving the sparkle of high frequencies during compression, or maintaining the full low-end energy when processing bass.

Legendary Engineer Preset Library
To help you get started quickly, Waves has invited top industry producers and mixing engineers, including Chris Lord-Alge, Greg Wells, and Steve Lillywhite, to create over 115 professional presets. These presets cover a wide range of applications from drums, bass, and guitars to vocals, serving as the perfect starting point for exploring the G-Channel's powerful potential.

Tech Specs

• Plugin Formats: VST, VST3, AU, AAX Native
• Sample Rate Support: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
• Channel Modes: Mono, Stereo
• Latency: 0 samples
• Activation: Online activation via Waves Central (internet connection required)
• macOS Requirements: macOS Catalina 10.15, Big Sur 11, Monterey 12, Ventura 13, Sonoma 14 (Please refer to the latest official Waves announcement)
• Windows Requirements: Windows 10 64-bit (22H2), Windows 11 (22H2) (Please refer to the latest official Waves announcement)
• CPU Requirements: Intel Core i5 / i7 / i9 / Xeon / Apple M1, M2, M3 (or equivalent CPU)
• RAM: 8 GB minimum, 16 GB or more recommended
• Screen Resolution: 1024x768 minimum, 1280x1024 / 1600x1024 recommended