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Waves SSL E-Channel

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Overview

The Waves SSL E-Channel is a plugin emulating the channel strip of the SSL 4000 E Series console, featuring a 4-band parametric EQ based on the Black Knob design and a dynamics section with compressor/limiter, expander/gate. It processes audio signals for mixing and mastering, targeted at music producers and audio engineers seeking the console's analog sound characteristics in digital workflows.458

Key Features

  • 4-Band Parametric EQ - Black Knob EQ with high/low pass filters, developed with George Martin in 1983.45
  • Compressor/Limiter - Soft-knee dynamics processing from SSL 4000 E Series console.57
  • Expander/Gate - Noise reduction and transient control in the dynamics section.45
  • Automatic Makeup Gain - Maintains consistent output levels after compression.7
  • High Pass/Low Pass Filters - Integrated filters in the EQ section for frequency control.8
  • Side-by-Side Layout - EQ and dynamics sections arranged for screen visibility, differing from hardware.5
  • Presets - Includes presets from engineer Chris Lord-Alge for drums and mixing.9

Pricing

PlanPriceIncludes
StandardVaries, often $29 on saleFull SSL E-Channel plugin with EQ, dynamics, presets.89
Waves BundlesIncluded in plugin bundlesSSL E-Channel as part of larger audio plugin collections.1

Platforms & Requirements

Runs as a plugin on macOS and Windows in DAWs like Pro Tools, Logic, Ableton via VST, AU, AAX formats. Minimum requirements align with host DAW; no notable platform-specific limitations mentioned.1

Integrations & Ecosystem

  • VST hosts
  • AU (macOS)
  • AAX (Pro Tools)
  • Pro Tools
  • Logic Pro
  • Ableton Live
  • FL Studio

Alternatives

AppDifference
Universal Audio SSL 4000 E-ChannelHardware-accelerated UAD version versus Waves software emulation.1
Waves SSL G-ChannelUses 383 G EQ instead of Black Knob EQ on same dynamics.57
SSL EV2 ChannelRe-imagined modern version with updated analog modeling.3
FabFilter Pro-Q 3Modern parametric EQ without bundled SSL-style dynamics.[general knowledge]

Reputation

Perceived as a reliable emulation of the SSL 4000 E console sound, used for vocals, drums, keyboards, and mastering with positive results reported.168 Users praise its sound quality and value during sales, comparing favorably to hardware origins.189 Some note it as a staple channel strip, though alternatives like UAD exist for different processing needs.1

Sources (9)
  1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-ERW9PAE-k
  2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xt4IBH0FGjw
  3. https://www.waves.com/ssl-ev2-channel-whats-inside-new-features
  4. https://www.waves.com/plugins/ssl-e-channel
  5. https://assets.wavescdn.com/pdf/plugins/ssl-e-channel.pdf
  6. https://www.waves.com/adding-presence-to-keyboards-with-ssl-e-channel
  7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4p07-3FKF3Q
  8. https://equipboard.com/items/waves-ssl-e-channel
  9. https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SSLEChannel--waves-ssl-e-channel-plug-in-download