mix a song using only SSL (Solid State Logic) Plugins

How to mix a song using only SSL (Solid State Logic) Plugins?

Mixing with SSL plugins is like taking a step back in time. With its decades of experience in sound engineering, the SSL subscription bundle offers users a chance to experience the renowned analog units through its plugins.

From the classic SSL Channel Strip 2 to the Flex Verb plugin, these plugins provide a comprehensive toolkit for mixing and mastering. Experience the warm, classic sound of analog and create the perfect sound for your songs.

Key Takeaways

  • SSL plugins replicate the sound of their analog consoles, providing a genuine and updated SSL console sound.
  • The SSL Channel Strip 2 includes a side chain section, a drum strip for enhancing the snare drum, and adjustable signal flow between modules.
  • The SSL XEQ is a versatile EQ plugin with a user-friendly interface, various EQ styles, and the ability to EQ one side of a stereo signal.
  • The SSL bundle also includes harmonic distortion plugins such as the X Saturator, Fusion Vintage Drive, and X Valve Comp, offering a wide range of distortion options.

Overview of SSL Plugins

SSL plugins provide analog sound for your songs, allowing you to replicate the sound of classic SSL consoles. Comparing SSL plugins to other analog emulations, they offer a genuine and updated sound.

The channel strip 2 is a classic SSL plugin that models both G and E series EQs. It includes a side chain section, a drum strip for enhancing the snare drum, and a gate with minimal false triggers.

The XEQ is a versatile EQ plugin with a user-friendly interface. It allows for easy and precise adjustments to your audio.

The X Saturator, Fusion Vintage Drive, and X Valve Comp plugins offer a wide range of subtlety or aggressiveness. They allow you to add warmth and character to your tracks.

For vocal processing, the Vocal Strip 2 and X Echo plugins are perfect. They provide a variety of tools and effects to enhance and shape your vocals.

With the Flex Verb plugin, you get customizable reverb algorithms with a built-in EQ and compressor. This allows you to create unique and immersive reverbs tailored to your tracks.

The advantage of using SSL plugins in mixing is the genuine and updated sound they provide. The versatile EQ plugin allows for precise adjustments. Additionally, the powerful all-in-one vocal channel strip simplifies vocal processing and enhances the quality of your vocals.

Features of SSL Channel Strip 2

The Channel Strip 2 provides a genuine and updated console sound. It includes a side chain section, drum strip, and gate. Features like side-chaining from an external bus, EQ, or filter are available. The drum strip has minimal false triggers and adjustable contour. Additionally, manual adjustment of signal flow between modules can be done with the drum strip.

  • Side Chaining in SSL Channel Strip 2: It includes a side chain section to side chain from an external bus, EQ, or filter.
  • Manual Signal Flow Adjustment in Drum Strip: The drum strip allows manual adjustment of signal flow between modules.

The Channel Strip 2 is the perfect plugin to create an authentic SSL sound. It allows for precise control and creative problem-solving, knowledge of recording techniques, and attention to detail. Furthermore, it enables the addition of growling bass or analog richness to the mix with the Fusion Vintage Drive plugin.

Overview of SSL XEQ

XEQ is a versatile EQ plugin with a user-friendly interface. It offers the ability to add bands and select from various EQ styles. Additionally, it provides the option to EQ one side of a stereo signal.

Comparable to other EQ plugins, SSL XEQ offers excellent sound quality. It is equipped with an easy-to-navigate interface, making it a convenient choice for users.

One benefit of using SSL XEQ in a mixing workflow is the lack of a before and after FFT visualization like other plugins. This means less time is spent on analyzing the sound.

The ability to select from various EQ styles is also a great benefit. It allows for more creative control over the sound, enabling users to shape it to their liking.

Another advantage of SSL XEQ is the ability to EQ one side of a stereo signal. This feature allows users to focus on individual elements within the mix, enhancing precision and customization.

Overall, SSL XEQ is an excellent choice for mixing, thanks to its great sound quality and user-friendly interface.

Harmonic Distortion Plugins in SSL Bundle

The SSL bundle offers a variety of harmonic distortion plugins, such as the X Saturator, Fusion Vintage Drive, and X Valve Comp, to give tracks an aggressive or subtle character.

Using SSL harmonic distortion plugins for guitar solos can add growling bass and analog richness. The X Saturator plugin models tube or transistor-style distortion, providing a wide range of subtlety or aggressiveness. The Fusion Vintage Drive plugin can be set to low distortion for a smooth tube tone or cranked up to get a more aggressive and saturated sound.

Applying SSL harmonic distortion plugins to drums can enhance their sound. The X Valve Comp plugin offers valve or tube compression with a warm sound. It has a unique hold button similar to a gate’s hold button for further sound shaping. The X Saturator also adds a unique character to drums, acting as a powerful tone-shaping tool.

Overview of SSL Vocal Strip 2 and Flex Verb Plugins

Vocal Strip 2 and Flex Verb plugins offer powerful and customizable sound processing for vocal tracks.

The Vocal Strip 2 is a comprehensive channel strip with a compressor, expander, de-esser, and de-popper. Although it lacks a fully parametric EQ band, an XEQ can be used as a workaround.

The Vocal Strip 2 also has a magic button for adding harmonic distortion to vocals.

The Flex Verb plugin is great for reverb, with customizable algorithms, an integrated EQ, and a compressor.

Benefits of using Flex Verb include great sound quality and the ability to shape the reverb to fit your track.

Tips for Mixing With SSL Plugins

Mixing with SSL plugins can be a great way to add an analog sound to your songs. When utilizing the SSL plugins, it’s important to understand the side chaining techniques and how to use the drum strip.

Here are some tips for mixing with SSL plugins:

Utilize Side Chaining:

  • Use the side chain section to side chain from an external bus, EQ, or filter.
  • Take advantage of the side chain to help create separation between instruments.

Utilize the Drum Strip:

  • Use the gate in the drum strip to achieve minimal false triggers.
  • Manually adjust the signal flow between modules for greater control.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Other Plugins Are Included in the SSL Plugin Subscription Bundle?

The SSL plugin subscription bundle includes the Channel Strip 2, XEQ, X Saturator, Fusion Vintage Drive, X Valve Comp, Vocal Strip 2, X Echo, and Flex Verb plugins. These provide transducer design, automation control, attention to detail, creative problem-solving, and knowledge of recording techniques.

What Are the Differences Between the SSL Channel Strip 2 and XEQ Plugins?

Ironically, the SSL Channel Strip 2 and XEQ plugins are two sides of the same coin; one provides a classic analog character for mixing workflow, and the other offers creative sound design and effects. Both are ideal for detail-oriented engineers who need creative problem-solving and knowledge of recording techniques.

Does the X Valve Comp Plugin Provide the Same Sound as a Real-World Valve Compressor?

The X Valve Comp plugin is designed to offer the same processing workflow and sound of a real-world valve compressor. It features a unique hold button and adjustable contour, allowing for creative problem-solving and knowledge of recording techniques.

Does the Vocal Strip 2 Have a Noise Gate or De-Clicker?

Yes, the Vocal Strip 2 has a noise gate and de-clicker. It helps mix engineer’s shapes and control sound, with features like a sidechain input to help with mixing techniques. It’s an excellent plugin for comparison to real-world valve compressors, offering detailed sound sculpting options and creative problem-solving.

More about the differences between noise gates and compressors read here.

How Does the X Echo Plugin Compare to Other Delay Plugins?

The X Echo plugin is an excellent delay plugin that offers vintage-style multi-tap delays and side-chain delay switching. It also has advanced features like a delay modulation section and delay time synchronization. With its flexibility and attention to detail, it’s a great choice for creative problem-solving and recording techniques.

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