Waves SSL 4000 VST DX RTAS v1.2-AiR: How to Get the Legendary SSL Sound in Your DAW
Waves SSL 4000 VST DX RTAS v1.2-AiR: A Review
If you are looking for a plugin bundle that can emulate the legendary sound of the Solid State Logic (SSL) consoles, you might want to check out Waves SSL 4000. This is a collection of four plugins that are modeled after the SSL 4000 series, which is widely regarded as one of the most influential mixing consoles in music history. In this article, we will review Waves SSL 4000 and see what it can do for your music production.
Waves SSL 4000 VST DX RTAS v1.2-AiR
Introduction
What is Waves SSL 4000?
Waves SSL 4000 is a plugin bundle that consists of four plugins: SSL E-Channel, SSL G-Channel, SSL G-Equalizer, and SSL G-Master Buss Compressor. These plugins are designed to recreate the sound and features of the SSL 4000 series consoles, which were used by many famous artists and producers such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, Dr. Dre, Nirvana, Metallica, and more.
What are the features of Waves SSL 4000?
Waves SSL 4000 plugins have many features that make them versatile and powerful tools for mixing and mastering. Some of the main features are:
SSL E-Channel: This plugin emulates the channel strip of the SSL E-Series console, which is known for its punchy and warm sound. It has a four-band parametric EQ, a high-pass and low-pass filter, a gate/expander, a compressor/limiter, and a phase inversion switch.
SSL G-Channel: This plugin emulates the channel strip of the SSL G-Series console, which is known for its smooth and transparent sound. It has a four-band parametric EQ with a Q switch, a high-pass and low-pass filter, a gate/expander with an external sidechain option, a compressor/limiter with an external sidechain option, and a phase inversion switch.
SSL G-Equalizer: This plugin emulates the four-band equalizer of the SSL G-Series console, which is one of the most sought-after EQs in the world. It has a high-shelf, a low-shelf, and two bell-shaped bands with adjustable Q. It also has a high-pass filter with an off switch.
SSL G-Master Buss Compressor: This plugin emulates the master buss compressor of the SSL G-Series console, which is famous for its ability to glue together the mix and add punch and cohesion. It has a threshold, ratio, attack, release, and make-up gain controls. It also has an auto-fade feature that can create smooth fades in and out.
What are the benefits of using Waves SSL 4000?
Using Waves SSL 4000 plugins can bring many benefits to your music production. Some of the main benefits are:
You can get the classic sound of the SSL consoles without spending thousands of dollars on hardware units.
You can save CPU resources by using only one plugin instead of multiple plugins to achieve the same results.
You can mix faster and easier by using presets that are based on real-world settings from famous engineers and studios.
You can enhance your creativity by experimenting with different combinations and settings of the plugins.
You can improve your skills by learning from the tips and tutorials that are included in the plugin manuals.
How to install and use Waves SSL 4000?
System requirements and compatibility
To install and use Waves SSL 4000 plugins, you need to have a compatible system that meets the minimum requirements. Here are some of the basic requirements:
Operating systemWindows XP/Vista/7/8/10 or Mac OS X 10.6.8 or higher
CPUIntel Core i3/i5/i7/Xeon or AMD Quad-Core or higher
RAM4 GB or higher
Disk spaceAt least 100 MB
Host applicationVST/AU/RTAS/AAX compatible host application (32-bit or 64-bit)
Internet connectionRequired for installation, activation, updates, and support
You can check the full system requirements and compatibility information on Waves website.
Installation process and activation
To install Waves SSL 4000 plugins, you need to follow these steps:
Download the Waves Central application, which is a tool that manages all your Waves products.
Run Waves Central and log in with your Waves account credentials.
Select "Install Products" from the menu.
Select "Waves SSL 4000" from the list of products and click "Install". You can also choose to install other products if you have them.
Wait for the installation to complete.
Select "Activate Licenses" from the menu.
Select "Waves SSL 4000" from the list of licenses and click "Activate". You can also choose to activate other licenses if you have them.
Select where you want to activate your license: on your computer or on a USB flash drive. You can also choose to activate it online or offline.
Wait for the activation to complete.
Close Waves Central and launch your host application.
Scan for new plugins in your host application settings.
You should be able to find Waves SSL 4000 plugins in your plugin list.
You can check the full installation and activation instructions on Waves website.
User interface and workflow
The user interface of Waves SSL 4000 plugins is simple and intuitive. It resembles the original hardware units with realistic knobs, switches, meters, and LEDs. You can adjust the parameters by clicking and dragging on them or by using your mouse wheel. You can also use keyboard shortcuts to control some functions such as bypassing or undoing changes.
The workflow of using Waves SSL 4000 plugins is similar to using any other plugin in your host application. You can insert them on any track or buss that you want to process. You can also use them in parallel or series depending on your preference. You can save your own presets or load presets from other users or engineers. You can also compare different settings by using the A/B function or by copying settings from one plugin instance to another.
How to get the best results with Waves SSL 4000?
Tips and tricks for mixing and mastering with Waves SSL 4000
To get the best results with Waves SSL 4000 plugins, you need to know how to use them effectively in different situations. Here are some tips and tricks that can help you improve your mixes and masters:
vocals, or any other instrument that needs some character and presence. Use the EQ to shape the tone and the dynamics section to control the level and transients. You can also use the phase inversion switch to fix any phase issues.
Use SSL G-Channel for adding clarity and detail to synths, pianos, strings, or any other instrument that needs some polish and refinement. Use the EQ to enhance the frequencies and the dynamics section to smooth out the peaks and valleys. You can also use the external sidechain option to create ducking or de-essing effects.
Use SSL G-Equalizer for fine-tuning the overall balance and tone of your mix or master. Use the high-shelf and low-shelf bands to adjust the brightness and warmth of your sound. Use the bell-shaped bands to boost or cut specific frequencies that need attention. You can also use the high-pass filter to remove any unwanted low-end rumble.
Use SSL G-Master Buss Compressor for adding glue and punch to your mix or master. Use the threshold and ratio controls to set the amount of compression and the attack and release controls to set the speed of compression. Use the make-up gain control to compensate for any level reduction. You can also use the auto-fade feature to create smooth fades in and out.
Examples of using Waves SSL 4000 on different types of tracks
To give you some ideas of how to use Waves SSL 4000 plugins on different types of tracks, here are some examples of common scenarios:
Drum buss: Insert SSL E-Channel on your drum buss and use the EQ to boost some low-end and high-end frequencies to make your drums sound fuller and brighter. Use the compressor/limiter to tame any loud peaks and add some punch and snap to your drums. Use the gate/expander to reduce any unwanted noise or bleed from other sources.
Bass: Insert SSL G-Channel on your bass track and use the EQ to cut some low-mid frequencies to avoid muddiness and boost some high-mid frequencies to add some definition and presence. Use the compressor/limiter to even out the level and add some sustain and groove to your bass. Use the external sidechain option to trigger the compressor from your kick drum track to create a tight and rhythmic bass sound.
Vocals: Insert SSL E-Channel on your vocal track and use the EQ to cut some low-end frequencies to remove any boominess and boost some high-end frequencies to add some airiness and sparkle. Use the compressor/limiter to smooth out the dynamics and add some consistency and energy to your vocals. Use the gate/expander to reduce any background noise or breath sounds.
Synth: Insert SSL G-Channel on your synth track and use the EQ to enhance the harmonic content and richness of your synth sound. Use the compressor/limiter to add some movement and modulation to your synth sound. Use the external sidechain option to trigger the compressor from another track such as a drum loop or a vocal chop to create a pumping or pulsing effect.
Master buss: Insert SSL G-Equalizer on your master buss and use it as a final touch-up tool for your mix or master. Use it to correct any frequency imbalances or resonances that might occur in your mix or master. Use it sparingly and subtly, as a little goes a long way.
to your mix or master. Use it to create a loud and balanced sound that can compete with other commercial releases. Use it moderately and carefully, as too much can make your mix or master sound squashed and lifeless.
Comparing Waves SSL 4000 with other plugins and hardware units
Waves SSL 4000 plugins are not the only plugins that can emulate the sound of the SSL consoles. There are other plugins from different developers that can also achieve similar results. Some of the popular ones are:
SSL Native: This is a plugin bundle from SSL itself that includes six plugins: SSL Channel Strip, SSL Bus Compressor, SSL X-EQ, SSL X-Comp, SSL X-Phase, and SSL X-ValveComp. These plugins are based on the SSL 9000 series consoles and offer more features and flexibility than Waves SSL 4000.
Brainworx bx_console: This is a plugin from Brainworx that emulates the channel strip of the SSL 4000 E console. It has a four-band EQ, a high-pass and low-pass filter, a gate/expander, a compressor/limiter, and a phase inversion switch. It also has some unique features such as Tolerance Modeling Technology (TMT), which simulates the subtle differences between each channel of the console.
UAD SSL 4000 E Channel Strip: This is a plugin from Universal Audio that emulates the channel strip of the SSL 4000 E console. It has a four-band EQ, a high-pass and low-pass filter, a gate/expander, a compressor/limiter, and a phase inversion switch. It also has some additional features such as preamp modeling, noise modeling, and input/output metering.
Waves SSL 4000 plugins are also not the only way to get the sound of the SSL consoles. You can also use hardware units that are either original or clones of the SSL consoles. Some of the famous ones are:
SSL 4000 G+: This is an original console from SSL that was released in 1987. It is considered as one of the most iconic mixing consoles ever made and has been used by countless artists and producers. It has a modular design that allows for customization and expansion.
SSL AWS: This is a modern console from SSL that combines analog and digital technologies. It has an analog signal path that is based on the SSL 9000 series consoles and a digital control surface that integrates with DAWs. It offers high-quality sound and flexible workflow.
SSL Sigma: This is a hardware unit from SSL that acts as a remote-controlled analog summing mixer. It has 16 stereo channels that can be controlled via MIDI or Ethernet from any DAW. It uses the same analog circuitry as the SSL Duality console and offers transparent and dynamic sound.
Conclusion
Summary of the main points
In this article, we have reviewed Waves SSL 4000 plugins and seen what they can do for your music production. We have covered:
What Waves SSL 4000 plugins are and what they consist of.
What are the features and benefits of Waves SSL 4000 plugins.
How to install and use Waves SSL 4000 plugins.
How to get the best results with Waves SSL 4000 plugins.
How to compare Waves SSL 4000 plugins with other plugins and hardware units.
Pros and cons of Waves SSL 4000
Waves SSL 4000 plugins have many pros and cons that you should consider before buying them. Here are some of them:
ProsCons
You can get the classic sound of the SSL consoles in your DAW.You need to have a compatible system and host application to run them.
You can save CPU resources by using only one plugin instead of multiple plugins.You need to have an internet connection for installation, activation, updates, and support.
You can mix faster and easier by using presets that are based on real-world settings.You might not get the exact same sound as the original hardware units due to modeling limitations.
You can enhance your creativity by experimenting with different combinations and settings of the plugins.You might get overwhelmed by the number of options and features available in the plugins.
You can improve your skills by learning from the tips and tutorials that are included in the plugin manuals.You might need to spend some time and money to learn how to use them effectively.
Final verdict and recommendation
and use, and affordable price. They are suitable for any genre and style of music production and can enhance your mixes and masters. However, Waves SSL 4000 plugins are not perfect and have some drawbacks that you should be aware of. They require a compatible system and host application to run them, an internet connection for installation, activation, updates, and support, and some learning curve to master them. They might also not sound exactly like the original hardware units due to modeling limitations. Therefore, we recommend Waves SSL 4000 plugins to anyone who wants to get a taste of the SSL sound without breaking the bank. They are a great addition to your plugin collection and can help you achieve professional results. However, if you are looking for a more authentic and realistic emulation of the SSL consoles, you might want to look for other options or invest in hardware units. FAQs
Q: How much do Waves SSL 4000 plugins cost?
A: Waves SSL 4000 plugins cost $299 for the bundle or $99 for each individual plugin. However, Waves often offers discounts and deals on their products, so you might be able to get them for a lower price.
Q: How can I get a free trial of Waves SSL 4000 plugins?
A: You can get a free trial of Waves SSL 4000 plugins by visiting Waves website and clicking on "Try Free Demo". You will need to create a Waves account and download Waves Central to access the trial.
Q: How can I get support for Waves SSL 4000 plugins?
A: You can get support for Waves SSL 4000 plugins by visiting Waves website and clicking on "Support". You will find various resources such as manuals, videos, tutorials, forums, and contact information.
Q: How can I update Waves SSL 4000 plugins?
A: You can update Waves SSL 4000 plugins by running Waves Central and selecting "Update Products" from the menu. You will see a list of products that have available updates and you can choose which ones to update.
Q: How can I uninstall Waves SSL 4000 plugins?
A: You can uninstall Waves SSL 4000 plugins by running Waves Central and selecting "Uninstall Products" from the menu. You will see a list of products that are installed on your system and you can choose which ones to uninstall.