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Price History

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Description

Transform your DAW into a legendary mixing powerhouse with the Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E. This plugin captures the essence of the classic SSL 4000 E series, a console that has etched its name into the annals of music production history. Known for its tight, assertive tone and musical EQ, this iconic console has been the backbone of countless chart-topping hits, preferred by industry titans like Chris Lord-Alge and Tony Maserati.

Harness the magic of the original hardware with a precise digital emulation that even the most discerning audio engineers would applaud. At the heart of this plugin is Brainworx’s patented Tolerance Modeling Technology (TMT), ensuring each channel strip delivers a unique character. This means your mix will not only sound authentic but possess the depth and realism of its analog predecessor.

Experience the full range of the SSL 4000 E’s capabilities with a complete channel strip that includes everything from a clear, powerful preamp to a versatile dynamics section. The plugin also offers the flexibility of switching between the "black knob" for precision and the "brown knob" for a smoother, more musical EQ slope. Plus, with independent V-Gain and THD controls, you can infuse your tracks with the perfect amount of saturation and analog warmth without disturbing your mix balance.

Key Features:

  • Brainworx TMT for authentic analog character
  • 72 unique channel emulations
  • Switchable EQ modes: "black knob" and "brown knob"
  • Complete dynamics section: E and G modes
  • Continuously variable THD and Virtual Gain controls
  • Scalable user interface
  • Loaded with useful presets for quick sound crafting

System Requirements:

  • Mac: macOS 13 to macOS 10.11, Intel or Apple Silicon
  • PC: Windows 11 to Windows 8, x64-compatible CPU
  • Display resolution: 1440 × 900px or 1280 × 960px or higher
  • Memory: 2 GB RAM
  • Available formats: AAX DSP, AAX Native, AU, AAX Audiosuite, VST2, VST3

Product specs

Available since November 2023
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Delay No
Dynamics Yes
Effect Filter No
Encoder/Decoder No
Equalizer Yes
Guitar amps/-effects No
Channel Strip Yes
Metering / Analysis / Correction No
Modulation Effects No
Multieffect / Plugin-Host No
Overdrive/Distortion Yes
Preamp / Saturation No
Psychoacoustic tool / Enhancer / Exciter No
Restauration No
Reverb No
Special FX No
Summer / Mixing Consoles Yes
Tape Simulation No
Pitch Shifter / Harmonizer / Timestretching No
Transient Processing No
Vocoder / Vocal effect No
Mastering Tools No
Hardware Controller No
Download 1

FAQs

What makes the Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E unique compared to other channel strip plugins?

The Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E is modeled after the iconic SSL 4000 E console, featuring both Black and Brown knob EQ modes for aggressive or smoother vintage tones, along with dynamics processing for authentic SSL sound.

Does the Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E plugin include an equalizer?

Yes, the Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E includes an equalizer that emulates the classic SSL 4000 E console EQ, providing precise tonal shaping options.

Is the Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E suitable for use in mixing and mastering?

The Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E is ideal for mixing, thanks to its dynamics and EQ features, but it's primarily designed as a channel strip plugin rather than a mastering tool.

Can the Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E be used for distortion effects?

Yes, the Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E includes overdrive/distortion capabilities, allowing you to add warmth and character to your tracks.

Is the Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E compatible with all DAWs?

The Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E is compatible with most major DAWs that support VST, AU, or AAX plugin formats, making it versatile for various digital audio workstations.

Brainworx Audio

Brainworx Audio

Solid State Logic - History of the SSL 4000 (Segway to Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E)

Video thumbnail for Solid State Logic - History of the SSL 4000 (Segway to Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E) by Brainworx Audio

Solid State Logic - History of the SSL 4000 (Segway to Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E)

Brainworx Audio

Brainworx Audio

Video thumbnail for Deep dive guide to BX SSL 4000 E by Plugin Alliance  - tutorial by XNB

Deep dive guide to BX SSL 4000 E by Plugin Alliance - tutorial

XNB

XNB

Video thumbnail for Crazy Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E Mistakes - Best BX SSL 4000 E Tutorial by Andrew Zeleno

Crazy Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E Mistakes - Best BX SSL 4000 E Tutorial

Andrew Zeleno

Andrew Zeleno

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E.

Comparisons

  • The Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E is favored over Waves due to easier licensing and less frequent costly updates.

    Source
  • Users note that Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E has more knobs, like Mix on compression and THD gain, compared to the Waves version.

    Source
  • The Waves SSL EV2 is preferred by some for its compressor and low-end sound, despite Brainworx being favored for its emulation technology.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The bx_console SSL 4000 E is considered a bargain at $29.99 during sales, making it an attractive purchase compared to its typical pricing.

    Source

User experience

  • Users find the Brainworx version easier to achieve better results with compared to the Waves equivalent.

    Source
  • Some owners wish the Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E included general presets and different routing options as starting points, unlike the SSL version.

    Source
  • Some owners prefer not to use the console emulation on every track due to high CPU usage, opting for selective use on tracks needing the console strip style compressor.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Plugin Alliance version is praised for its silky highs and better compression, closely resembling the actual SSL console sound.

    Source
  • The TMT technology in Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E introduces subtle analog imperfections, differing the signal between L and R channels for a deeper, wider mix.

    Source
  • Brainworx's "Random Channel" technology means EQ frequency selection may vary slightly, potentially boosting different frequencies than labeled.

    Source
  • The automatic gain compensation is noted for its transparency, with a single attack adjustment option (the F button) to speed up the attack.

    Source
  • Users recommend turning down or off the "V gain" when using the plugin on every track to avoid excessive console hiss accumulation.

    Source
  • The LPF/HPF filters on the bx_console SSL 4000 E are highlighted as being particularly easy to dial in, streamlining workflow.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Waves plugins require interaction with "waves shell," leading to more CPU usage and potential digital aliasing issues.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Users suggest setting the plugin input level to around -18 dB RMS for optimal performance, aligning with analog hardware sweet spots.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review: bx_console SSL 4000E by Brainworx | Audio Plugin Guy

audiopluginguy.com

The bx_console SSL 4000 E is a powerful channel strip plugin that brings the legendary sound of SSL's 4000 series consoles to your DAW. With its intuitive interface and versatile features like TMT and dynamic control, users can achieve polished mixes with ease. However, its fixed attack settings on the compressor might frustrate those wanting more customization. While it excels in delivering vibrant sound and rich tonal options, new users may need to invest time in the manual to fully grasp its capabilities. Overall, it's a fantastic choice for mix engineers looking for a reliable and effective tool in their arsenal.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 9 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how The Midnight uses Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E

The Midnight

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

From The Midnight's March 3rd, 2021 Twitch.tv Stream ''Tim is breaking down Neon Medusa'' we can see Tim using Brainworx/Plugin Alliance's bx_ciomsole SSL 4000 E Solid State Logic Plugin. He says he is just using the EQ from the plugin to turn up some high-mids for drums on Neon Medusa.

See how Lenno uses Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E

Lenno

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

This Snapshot was taken from 13/02/2021 Twitch Stream (https://www.twitch.tv/helloimlenno), proving that Lenno is using this Plugin.

See how John Cunningham (Producer) uses Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E

John Cunningham (Producer)

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via reddit

Brainwork SSL compressor! It’s made by plugin alliance. Also OTT also Maserati DRM plug-in. The last two I can get for free or crack I believe but the brainwork one u gotta buy. It’s worth it though I use it on like 80% of tracks. Parallel compression not so much but I know it’s useful on vocals I’m just not great with vocals

See how Burna Boy uses Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E

Burna Boy

Singer

...
Verified via MusicTech

Used for vocals on "Gum Body", as stated by mix engineer Jesse Ray Ernster in this June 12, 2020 MusicTech interview. An image of the settings for the "Lead Vox" channel can be found here.

BURNA’S VOCAL: “A big part of the job of a mixer is knowing when not to change things,” insists Ernster, “Burna’s vocal usually doesn’t require much work, and this song was no exception! His vocal stem arrived with all processing and effects printed into the track, and it sounded identical to the approved reference mix that he had grown accustomed to hearing, so my job was to enhance subtly, without changing the vibe too much!”

The first plug-in on the vocal chain was the Metric Halo Transient Control, with the sustain knob turned down to tame some of the effects and cut down room reverberation that had bled into the microphone, for a closer, more up-front vocal. Next, Ernster deployed the trusty bx_SSL E channel plug-in to boost 4.3khz and 13.5khz to help emphasize some of the consonants of Burna’s vocal, for better intelligibility.

Not one to believe in magic frequencies, Ernster’s technique is to “sweep around until the sound feels better to my ears.” Liking where the vocal was sitting against the track, but with certain phrases poking out unevenly, Ernster reached for a compressor. But his favourites – Rev E 1176, CLA-76 – all altered the ratio between vocals and effects too much, making the voice sound washed out. “I ended up rolling with a combo of clip-gain automation and some subtle compression on the Metric Halo Channel Strip. That glued the vocal into place without changing the character that we all loved from the reference mix.”

“After that, I used an instance of Soothe to tame a few whistley resonances that were poking through and causing harshness at 2.9khz and 5.3khz. The final step in the vocal processing sees the Acustica Amber3 (which emulates the Avalon AD2055) boosted at 25khz for some “silky air”. “I usually reach for the Crane Song Phoenix as a final touch to pull a bit of grit forward, and in this scenario, I used the Luster/Sapphire setting with a 68% mix. Finally, I used a FabFilter ProQ3 to cut 0.73dB at 490hz to dial back a resonance.”

VOCAL FX & DEPTH: “Lately, I’ve been focusing on depth within my mixes,” says Ernster. “It’s crucial to me that the singer is glued into a similar sonic environment as the rest of the arrangement.”

“I sent Burna’s vocal to a series of effects busses that I used to fuse the vocal into the metaphorical space of the song. On this song, I used a few different simple Waves H-Delay tracks set at 1/2, 1/4, 1/8th, 1/16th note, and a quick slap setting. All of these fed into reverb tracks with Revibe II, Valhalla VintageVerb (Dirty Plate), and Lexicon Medium Hall. I adjusted the blend of these multiple effects auxes until the blend felt glued, but also still similar enough to the reference mix – just better and deeper.”

See how Alawn uses Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E

Alawn

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by alawnmusic, Alawn is seen using the Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E plugin, visible on the right monitor.

See how Se.Ra.Phic uses Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E

Se.Ra.Phic

Music Producer

...
Verified via Facebook

Se.Ra.Phic uses the Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E plugin, as highlighted in their Facebook post discussing the impressive sound quality of Plugin Alliance tools.

Album Usage

The Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

2 alternative and related items for Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E, curated by the Equipboard community.

Waves SSL E-Channel

$34.99 - $149.00

similar sound

Recreation of the same hardware, the Solid State Logic 4000-Series Console.

Universal Audio SSL E Channel Strip Plug-In

$63.00 - $69.00

similar sound high-end alternative

Recreation of the same hardware. The Solid State Logic 4000 E. High-end alternate mostly because the hardware UAD DSP requered to run is quite expensive.

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