Which SSL Channel Strip is THE BEST?
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- Опубліковано 5 чер 2024
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INDEX:
00:00 Intro
00:25 Story time
02:05 Comparing the U.I.
02:59 About the test
03:49 Full Comparisson
05:41 EQ Only comparison
07:11 My thoughts
08:04 Drums Comparison
09:12 Which one to pick?
09:46 Disclosure
10:06 Thanks! - Навчання та стиль
SSL are hands down the best channel strips
the ssl channel 2 is just the old duende 2006 with the EQ rework when you touch the nquyst. the comp ratio 1.3 is 2 in real, ratio 2 is 4 in real.......after the comp is ok with fast release not ultra slow
the buss 30ms attack is 3 ms in real, 10ms is 1 ms in real , completely different of what you get in cytomic, ik, overloud, waves,......
So no ssl duende isn't the best hands down. so no interrest to spend dollar for 4k as long the rest isn't fix, good hardware average soft
true that
4K E sounds the most direct to me, with the B sounding a bit more mellow and "warm", and the 9K sounding very similar to 4K but maybe a bit more euphonic with more high end. Interesting! Never really been into SSL stuff, but this was a cool comparison.
Thank you so much for this comparison, you really took the time to bring us a real and high quality comparison. I´m in love with the Channel Strip native 2, I put it on everything, but now due to your video I totally wanna check the other two.
I love the SSL 4K B plugin and use it on every track. It sounds great and I can dial in what I need really fast.
I have just bought the entire ssl digital console hardware and trying to understand all this, and Goldmember here is really helping me. Fantastic
I always love your song selection...always so good music!
I compared the SSL native channel strip (in E mode) to the Waves SSL E channel and the EQ curves are completely different. It's wild! The SSL native is SO broad and the Q control does almost nothing. But the Waves E channel acts exactly how I'd expect. You can't match settings on these at all. I don't know what's more "authentic" but the Waves one is way more useable and versatile to me.
Very cool and useful test! The " 4000 E" definitely reminds me of the classic SSL sound. I'm thinking about something like Bob Clearmountain's incredible mixes, Roxy Music's Avalon for example. The modern "Native" one sounds great through the UA-cam CODEC, too, and I too found it to be what I'd call clean.
I've been using the SSL Channel Strip 2 across my mix channels for a little while now and, while it's somewhat limited compared to something like the AMEK 9099, I find it gives the most honest and controllable signal of all my channel strip plugins. Great video!
Me too. It just works for me. Specifically on drums and guitars
I got got the ssl 2 channel strip and your video really helps show what's going on with all three. thanks!
In this test, I really liked the sound of analog gear that is right behind you
Fantastic comparison, White Sea!
Have to say I bought the SSL UF1 and UC1 after watching your videos. I'm a songwriter self-producer who writes in the style of The Cure, Bowie, Buckley, Bunnymen etc... I've been trying to capture that 80s shiny sound and finally, thanks to your videos I'm starting to get it and my mixing is improving 500% a month. Love your honesty, nerdiness and transparency. I've now got 3 different templates for 4KB 4KE and 9K, mainly because I use Cubase I have to have an SSL plugin in every channel to get the UF1 to follow properly anyway. Our latest project is to write a whole album of original songs in the style of The Cure, to celebrate our 34th anniversary, the 4KB seems to nail that sound from Disintegration and Wish.
I love the B sound - fell in love with it when I got the townhouse compressor from PA - which is based on the b console !
Townhouse is so dope
Great video! Thank you for this. Going in I didn’t expect much difference but man was I wrong, especially on that 4KB.
Very comprehensive, thank you. Greetings from Hamburg in Germany, Mario.
SSL 4K E rocks, great job guys!
Great comparison. Thank you for this video.
The 4kB sounded great on the drums and the Native channel strip 2 sounded super open and on the instruments. Very interesting. This gives me ideas, thanks!
⭐️⭐️ Bringing back the rare Townhouse “B” series console was the smartest move SSL’s plugin division has made in a long time. Think XTC’s Black Sea and the early Phil Collins stuff at the VERY LEAST.
Yes, I understand exactly where the technical “shortcomings” of the console are, but the sound is always going to be subjective AND relative to the material. So there will always be some things upon which the “B” series is going to just flat out sound better on.
Philosophically, you could perhaps compare this to the design journey that Rupert Neve took from his original 70/80 series series up through the Focusrite console.
I don’t mean that the two companies made consoles that sounded alike, I mean that they each seem to have made consoles that reflected the times in similar ways - the older ones sounding fatter and more aggressive, and the newer ones sounding progressively cleaner, more transparent, more refined.
I think that what stands out here the most is that SSL has done a great job getting these new channel strips to actually sound like their respective real-world counterparts.
To all those who were not working on these consoles during the 1980’s and the 1990’s when they were essentially everywhere: You have NO IDEA what a gift these plugins are! The actual sound.. and arguably the functionality.. with instantaneous recall.. at a price so low comparatively that it’s perfectly reasonable to consider it very darn near FREE.
… you just have no idea.
😎👍👍
Nice review 🎉🎉 please do a comparison of the brainworx ssl 4000E, G and the 9000j
Though I rarely comment, I really enjoy your channel a lot. And this particular comparison helped myself quite a bit!!! Thanks for that.
I only own the native channel so far, but that might have to change. I really do love the workflow of the 360° software, even without the controller - especially since I mix atmos in Reaper using Fiedlers Atmos Composer, and the SSL Channel replaces my DAW-Faders.
Just from listening to this video, I feel like a lot of the differences come down to saturation and maybe some kind of pre-emphasis?!? There's a big change in transient response and low level sustain. Did you try dialing back the inputs of the 4000 E & B and than compensating with the channel out?
Keep up the great work and spirit! 🤗
Great review and pretty spot on in terms of the differences, I heard the same thing.
Good thing I came here I didn't realize this was out now we all had a gut feeling it was coming.
I'm a long time Reason user, so I use and appreciate the built-in mixer that is modeled after the SSL 9000K console. Of course it doesn't claim to be a perfect replica, but it does a quite nice job, I would say.
WOAH. That B strip is intense on drums!
From what I could gather from their site the compressor in that particular strip is closer to the bus comp than what they used in the E/G/K and so on?
Appreciate your comparison. They all sound good. The Native Channel Strip 2 has a certain wideness to it. The 4KB has attitude. The 4KE is really focused. I will definitely be using a combination of them based on what the song needs. The addition of these plugins along with the SSL UF1 and UC1 have made the mixing process faster and much more enjoyable..Great stuff?
To make it even worse, I sometimes use different channel strips, like the SSL 9000J (for the great bottom end, and sparkling highs) and for another zone, the API with the 550A (B) EQs and if it really has to be clean, the Focusrite channel strip on some channels, just be creative with all the possibilities. But before you can do this, you have to know the plugins very very well. Because differences can be very subtle. The E is known for rock/ pop and to get that SSL sound, you have to drive it a bit harder than the others, the G has a better expander/ gate/ compressor to my ears. But you are right, it can be overwhelming to see all these channel strips. To my knowledge, there are 20 different types. But maybe I didn't find them all. :)
Man that 4K B sounds so nice depth / width wise.
its funny the 4ke has that grit to me but also the point that hits me in the forehead. Maybe im used to that sound but im so happy they made this!!!! As an old 4ke user i feel left out with my ssl controller not anymore.
Really interesting video, thanks! :)
Merci beaucoup pour cette comparaison
Looks like the E series has the least headroom. Great video. Thanks for always putting out good content!
I love it, the comparison! What DAW you using, I want it to look that way (in the drum comparison section) Just like dat, SSL, nothing else, no other plugin, no visual editing :)
Thanks for this video, Do you use the UF8 and the UC1 in your daily work?Thank you once again
Hey kind thanks for making this video, I smile with the 4K B, things just sound nice to me. they are flavors for sure, I really like the compression and gates in general, I am lucky, having time with the real world console the SSL 4024G which was in Peter Gabriel's Real world studio, but now in NZ with my good friend at his studio, but I got the feeling emotionally, a reference point, and that really helps for sure! nice to hear the differences quickly, the new 4k E seems like it has slightly less lower mids in someway I don't have words for to describe, Tighter lower mids? but it's not as pushy sounding as the 4k B, which is what I really like, but hey, SSL is a really nice restaurant and there is lots on the menu! LOL, Thanks again.
The Native Channel is really the most transparent, it has no (or rather little) non-linear distortion. I like it best because it sounds so direct without feeling like it's adding anything to the signal. If I want color I can add a tape, Pultec etc. or one of the many other (analog) emulations... Thanks for the video ;)
They all sound really good for different reasons.
You should compare the UAD SSL 4000 channel strip.
this
I absolutely love the UAD 4K strip and hope that it will be native soon. But I have to say the UI on these is much better. It still looks SSL but they aren't married to mimicking the hardware.
the difference in many circuits of those consoles is massive...that new SSL 4 E has a simulation of 3 EQ types that existed on the SSL 4000E consoles...Brown eq.Black eq and a very rare Orange eq"pultec style"...then the dynamic section is a classic E comp. while on 4 KB is a B comp and on native channel aka 9000k it is mostly closer to G comp style...I could list the differences for hours....
Very good comparison. Could you share the music used. Even from UA-cam the recording quality was evident and present. What was the medium and the artist. Thanks
The Channel strip2 Has a open top end n soft low end.. 4kb Sounds darker on top, restricted with a punchy low end, 4KE Sounds natural well rounded
WOW THE DARK ONE SOUNDS AMAZING
Great video!!! THX a lot for putting the work in this comparison!!! It helps me a lot! Now I see things clearer..I mean ähm....I HEAR things clearer.... :-). THX
Thanks for the video! For info: I use Waves NLS (saturation) + Channel Strip 2, it sounds really close to SSL 4K E. So 300$ for that: NO WAY.
Thank You for this thotough test. Yes, they are different, before Slate/SSL subscription merge i had only Native.... Now when I heard the other 2 , i'll use it rarely... 9000 is for my production still the best. "B" will be used to archieve more 1970s sound.
no mention of Brainworks version? i have their 4000E channel strip and have fallen in love with all 72 different channels
The new e sounds more open in the mid range but i really like the 9000 over all.the the b sounds more appropriate for this genre. I also heard it on my on system and still have the same feel.
4K B for me, Ch 2 if something is already a little colored before today. That snare on the E channel though....... New contender for sure
The 4000 E is very nice sounding
I like the waves SSL G because there's this thing I can do with the low end EQ that you can't on other chan strips. I have been experimenting with using dif chan strips on dif sources though with in a mix, but I've not refined it that much and am just playing about atm with that. Other than the low end from the waves G and omni 2 for some background elements (as it's very versatile, but has no OS on the saturation) I've not found any specific benefits of any others sonically (for specific sound sources), but only workflow wise, in which case I'd just be using my normal strip.
I haven't by any stretch tried all there is to offer on the market though, and there's a very noticeable difference between the first two you demoed! One seemed much nicer in the lows (B), silky almost, and the other really made the high end shine and more present mids (E) (could just be down to the settings not doing the exact same thing though, but even with the compression off it was still very noticeable).
what exactly are you doing with the low end on the G?
@@howir0n1c2 LMF/3 , so I can use the lmf and the lf pots to shape the low end better.
4kB sounds AWESOME
Great vid. The CS2 sounds more 3D across the mix.
For me it's which ever one you have. I got all the channel strips for console1 and use console1. So for me, that's the best.
Curious to know if you compared the Channel Strip 2’s ‘E’ mode (which has its own button on the UC1) to the new ‘E’ channel strip. Received the email about the new plugin from SSL and thought “Don’t I already have that?”
This is a good question and you got me to look at the manual for the SSL Channel Strip 2 where it says:
E Button
The CS 2 EQ Curves can be switched between G-Series and E-Series curves using the E button. When in G-Series mode (default), the shelving curves have a degree of overshoot/undershoot (depending on whether you are boosting or cutting) below the selected HF frequency or above the selected LF frequency. Selecting the E button removes the overshoot/undershoot effect and provides a slightly gentler slope to the shelving curves.
I liked the E the most on the complete mix. And the B the most on drøms.
I prefer the sound from NATIVE. It is so clean and round...
Honestly I think the SSL native plug-ins are the best bundle on the market. The X-Comp is amazing, it has very analog attack behavior, my favorite digital basic VCA style compressor. The Flexverb is also weirdly amazing. I’ve been abusing the E channel lately too
4k b sounds best to me for drums, however I'm used to a 9000j(real console not artificial), and I don't have my cans so IMO the results are subject to change.
as your test, for Drums by far the 4K-B is the best. Maybe for all other the Native and last the E..... imho.
The E I didn't like much because precisele the "Ringingness", the 9K sounds Super clean, and the B, man!!!! that really adds character and for the Drums, it makes them super rich.
Did you mach EQ curves using plugin doctor?
Well, I'd argue that SSL have simply gone a long way to replicate the harmonics of the different 4000 series models. Just like the 4000G was _the_ legend of the early '80s for it's brighter top end harmonics (not unlike Rupert Neve's trickery), and that's as critical a feature to emulating a 4000G as the compressor is. There's an irony that SSL later engineered that particular sonic detail *out* of the 6000 series consoles, while substantially improving sub-60Hz performance. But, there's the possibility that they felt it was no longer necessary to boost high frequencies/harmonics with modern input (i.e. digital) devices.
Regardless, you demonstrated the differences between them very well. And, for what little I know about the 4000B and E units, it's all pretty damned accurate.
Possible explanation for the difference-I noticed that you had the output trim at different levels for all 3, my guess, that was to level match for comparison-but why would you need different output trim levels if the settings are all matched on similar gear from the same manufacturer all on the same channel (thereby receiving the same input level)… is it possible that these three channel strips all feed the eq/compression circuits inside the plugin at different compensated input levels? That one (likely the B) feeds its compressor a hotter signal, meaning that you would get more compression at the same threshold? If so, this would explain why there is so much character difference between them, it’s not that they are actually doing different things from each other, it’s just that it’s the same as comparing the native strip with neutral input and output to the native with a raised input and lowered output? Thereby just getting more of the same processing, and being fooled into thinking it’s a difference between the actual strips?
I've been using the Native Channel Strip 2 for months now and I think I have some insight on what sets it apart from the 4K versions.
The E switch on the EQ makes a HUGE difference. Then engaged, the shelving curves are really gentle, probably very similar to the 4K E. When disengaged, they have a more aggressive G-style curve with a cut or boost on the opposite side of the shelf. The bigger the shelf, the bigger the pre-boost/cut is. Since the other EQ bands are really wide, the G-style shelves can have a huge impact on how the other EQ settings behave.
I'm not sure how/if the saturation differs between the 4K E and 9K E - the latter is probably cleaner - but the 9K's compressor and filters are much more versatile. The compressor's auto makeup gain is really aggressive by default, but you can turn it off or add an offset value in the settings menu on the bottom right, then save that as the default.
Some replies from SSL engineers on forums and some analysis on plugin doctor I did about a year ago confirm what you’re saying about the EQ. About the saturation and non-linear behaviour in general, the 9000 K plugin has literally NONE. Clean as a Pro-Q. Which made me rethink a lot of analogue emulation, since it sounded so good and I was wondering why.. it’s because it’s clean 😂. The 4K B and E emulate the non-linearities of the channel path and the input and output sections, hence some of the “dynamic” difference when you push them!
@@alessandrofavero8356 Thank you for your reply! Since Dan Worrall proved that the SSL Fusion Violet plugin was completely clean, I suspected that the 9K was too. I was actually planning on buying plugin doctor just to check this, so you saved me the effort. It's just the extremely gentle curves and slopes making it seem like it's adding more than you'd expect.
I compared Native Channelstrip 2 to the Waves EV2 and I noticed a clear difference, suspecting that the EV2 was saturating much more than the Native. The Native's filters appear to be way more accurate though, and it's compressor is much more versatile than the EV2. Would've been neat to have the option for 4K style saturation in the Native, but that seems unlikely now when they're pushing for us to buy multiple channelstrips.
thank you
what i hear is that the 4k b is like darker, the 4k e is brighter, and channel strip 2 is in the middle of two
For EDM/Hiphop, the Native 2 is the best choice as its the most transparent and with the best bass extension over the 4000 series.. Use things like P42 Climax before SSL Native 2 & Wavesfactory SPECTRE directly after it.. This way you can saturate where and when needed and to what degree and on exactly which frequencies where it sounds best.. P42 Climax > SSL Native 2 > SPECTRE is unstoppable for EDM.
E definitely has deeper kick. Native clean. Good snare pop. B in between to me
I really much preffer the style you'r using in the last videos. Much more informative than the SnakeOil series (althought they were super fun).
how did you do that bucket thing? @8:04
That is so bizarre! It’s almost like one is pushing things closer in the mix and one is pushing things back in the mix. The native sounds more spacious while the other sound a little bit again closer in the mix.
I have one theory: When you always use the same plugins, like hardware, you get better mixes. Like u use always the same channel strip on every track, compressors etc.. Maybe you can limit yourself to 24 tracks. Just like in the old days.
gonna approach this method. Good stuff
thats what i do, been using the native ssl plugins for years
Ok, my first request can look plugin alliance Amek console 200 it sounds pristine, but what is it
oh yeah, thats the best eq's ever)) I using SSL UV module, and i like it more, than API 560... That plug-ins are very good! But 9k sounds more warm, than other, i think. And it sounds like UV for me... About comps... I more like API compressors, and maybe klark technics 1176...)))
To me it sounds like the Pink panther theme on all three
Now you've said that, I can't unhear it LOL!
They sound different because they have a very different saturation, that's one thing at least. The native strip actually has no saturation at all which is a bit weird to me.
differences are probably EQ points - I'm sure they aren't exactly what is represented on the plugin GUI, except for the 9000 most likely. That variation is enough to create a huge difference. The 4KB likely has a lower frequency response selection than is indicated visually on the plugin, leading to a more tubby mid range sound. Also, undoubtably both 4KB and E have saturation, which the 9000 does not - but different saturation models. If we are to believe SSL, they claim to have modelled the different transformers in each of the two consoles. Judging from the SSL Fusion Transformer plugin - which is ones of those things you would imagine to be snake oil but in actuality is really very good, similar quality (if not better) than True Iron from Kazrog - then they do know how to model transformers very well. I would wager that the biggest difference however is likely related to EQ points. Plugin doctor can confirm this rather easily.
Little diferent characters, slight differences at all, and all depend on the music style, instruments, and so on... Thank you
Interesting - I like B most (but I don´t need more channelstrips...)
could maybe consider 4k b at some poing, maybe. nice sound. but it's not that important; i got some transformers and saturation plugins anyway..
Question: do these plugins also colour the sound in INIT mode? (just by loading the plugin, and all settings neutral/twelve o clock)?
Maybe you've already found out by the time I respond, but yes they do.
CS2 is clean until you push the fader past zero. the compressor on the 4kB is much more like a SSL Bus compressor. The 4KB and its compressor works wonders on drums IMO.
Just output some more high frequencies in a new version and say its better ? worth to buy ? And i dont want that colouration in the first place from any channel strip ! It just sounds better without this vst on the masterbus, even this kind of compressor sucks. Go for a pro limiter instead on a master, or and a multiband compressor if you really want to distroy any reverb and dynamics on a recording.
look at all of us wasting our time here
@me with my DAW open in the background, already perfectly content with my BX SSL strips......but ya know.....gotta see this.....just in case...😅
exactly, who gives a damn about these subtleties except us procrastinators
I set a rule a long time ago I wouldn't be on youtube unless it's during a time I can't be productive.. driving, pooping, work, Dr appt .. it really helps
@@triplebeam23you might have just changed my life with this comment if this works cuz I’m gonna try this
Hahahahahhaha. SSL channel strips are pretty nice. Nuro Audio VXox Pro is pretty sick too. Does a lot of good and works for more than vocals.
Would have been useful to compare overdriving the preamps.
My personal favorite has always been the SSL E-Channel from waves when it comes to vst's I found that it adds more clarity than G strip, also heard that G has been used a lot more on rock type of records since has more warmth to it unlike E, but I think it's all personal preferences at the end the choice is yours! Great video glad that came across your channel again after long time.
I've been experiencing some issues with my Waves SSL EV2 plugin, particularly concerning CPU usage. It seems to be consuming a significant amount of processing power, causing performance problems. Has anyone else encountered a similar issue or found a solution to optimize CPU usage? And how is the CPU usage on these plugins?
The ssl native plugins are better on cpu usage, waves dsp is getting old!
I've signed up to the slate all access pass with SSL channel strips and suffering from plugin choice. overwhelm
4KE instantly reminds me of the PostModernJukebox-Sound
The black one sounds best to me.
You should compare this to 9k and 4k from Console 1
I hope it’s free for UC1 owners. Come on SSL 😊
Seems like they color the sound exactly by the color of the plug-in interface.
One saturates the top end more, the other bottoms out the low frequencies faster. Other than that it’s different ballistics per different eras. I highly doubt a best matters here
Just put all 3 on every Channel. You just gotta decide in which order 🤔
B sounds mono in Drum-Test? E and 9000K are the best!
Actually rather than creating E-waste you can consider doing a giveaway once in a while. Most people in the audience are not running Lennart's with state of the art converters and the best analog gear you can find, so some gear would still be a big plus whether it's better than average or not.
Unless the piece of gear literally makes your audio sound worse no matter what you do, then sledgehammer it I guess!
That's only if you don't like the gear tho, imo it's fully fair to keep it as we all know you've limited space hence your choice of gear to keep in the studio is actually some kind of seal of approval.
Cheers!
4K E is the best för darude!
You forgot to mention the name of the song: Sandstorm by Darude in case anyone is wondering.
Thank you...
But thats not the song.. Dang...