The SSL compressors-both the channel strip dynamics sections and the G-series Master Buss Compressor-helped to define the sound of the modern drum kit, with punchy compression on both individual drums, and on stereo overheads and drum masters.įor that kind of push, instantiating one of these channel strips on each track-kick, snare, toms-and possibly a G-series Buss Compressor on the Drum Master, can take a more traditional, laid-back drum sound, and both tighten it up and add a little bloom (ambient tail).
With dynamics on every channel of the classic SSL 4000-series consoles, compression really came into its own in that era, where it was used liberally on any channel that needed a little extra push. But talented and creative engineers started to use it as an effect, even as far back as the Beatles and other ’60s recordings. While there may be situations where you just need the most neutral, transparent response possible, the point of collections like this is not neutrality, but color! Making sure this switch is on (it should be by default, but you never know) will insure that you’re getting all the analog “character” that makes these processors so distinctive, and so like the originals they’re based on.Ĭompression has always been used in recording-originally it was meant to simply contain the dynamic range of music to fit into the limitations of traditional analog media (tape & vinyl). The original analog components had a unique way of breaking up when driven, and those non-linearities (distortions to the layman) are a major contributor to the classic “sound” so sought after in models like these. While duplicating the curves of a particular EQ and the response of a specific compression circuit (like the ones in the original 4000 consoles) can go a long way to emulating the sound of the original gear, there’s more to it than that. This may seem like a throwaway-an extra effect on top of the modeled character-but it is, in fact, part of the key to that character. If you’re having trouble honing in on the best EQ settings, trying the same settings with both the E and G channel strips can offer a subtle but distinctly different tonal imprint, which can sometimes help nudge you in the right direction.įig 4 The “Analog” switch in the various SSL 4000 Collection plug-ins. The E-series channels strip’s EQ was developed with the input of George Martin (how’s that for a pedigree) while similar in layout, the G-series channel strip EQ has a slight pre-boost dip and pre-cut rise-a response characteristic prized in the classic tube-era Pultec EQs-that distinguish it slightly from the E-series curves. Each has its own slightly different response. There are no less then three variations of the classic SSL EQ on tap here-the ones in the E-series and G-series channel strips, and the separate G-series EQ, which is based on a different circuit than either of the two versions included in the channel strips. Alphabet soup: A/B E & Gīut the 4000 Collection doesn’t just provide one sound. And the included dynamics section, with its variable attack and soft-knee response, provides a compression characteristic between the sound of vintage tube and FET units and the squash of modern devices.
Sharper curves and a wider “Q” (bandwidth) range let you dial up a bit more of the distinctive ’80s crispness and punch that characterizes the sound of so many recordings from that era. Compared with the relatively broad, smooth curves of many competing products (like the classic Neve EQs), the SSL’s EQ-captured faithfully here-offers up the potential for an edgier response. What gives both the originals and these models their particular quality? Most people would attribute the characteristic “SSL sound” to the EQ sections, primarily. In this case, that’s the sound of the console(s) probably used on more recordings throughout the ’80s and ’90s than any other single piece of gear. Obviously, one of the reasons for going with a set of processors like this is their ability to emulate the sound of the vintage gear they’re modeled on. But-vintage pedigree aside-what do these processors offer over and above the many other EQ and dynamics plug-ins out there, including the ones that come with every DAW? Here are a few tips and suggestions for getting the most out of the SSL 4000 Collection.
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