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Description

The Waves SSL E-Channel plugin is your gateway to the iconic sound of the legendary SSL 4000 console, revered by audio engineers and producers for its unparalleled clarity and punch. This channel strip plugin meticulously models the E-Series channel strip, offering a comprehensive suite of tools to enhance your mixes with precision and finesse. Whether you're sculpting vocals or adding depth to your instrument tracks, the E-Channel provides the flexibility and control you need to achieve a professional sound.

At the heart of this plugin is its expertly crafted combination of filters, equalizers, and dynamics processors, all designed to emulate the classic SSL sound. The intuitive interface ensures that both seasoned professionals and budding producers can easily integrate the E-Channel into their workflow. With its authentic analog warmth and remarkable versatility, this plugin invites you to explore a world of sonic possibilities.

Its powerful dynamics section includes a compressor/limiter and an expander/gate, allowing you to shape your audio with precision. Meanwhile, the four-band parametric equalizer gives you the ability to fine-tune your sound to perfection. Experience the unmatched quality of the SSL 4000 console in a convenient digital format that fits seamlessly into your DAW.

Key Features:

  • Based on the legendary SSL 4000 console
  • Fully modeled E-Series channel strip
  • Filters, equalizers, and dynamics processors included
  • Compressor/limiter and expander/gate for dynamic control
  • Four-band parametric equalizer for detailed sound shaping
  • Intuitive interface suitable for all skill levels

Product specs

Available since June 2017
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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 No
Preamp / Saturation No
Psychoacoustic tool / Enhancer / Exciter No
Restauration No
Reverb No
Special FX No
Summer / Mixing Consoles No
Tape Simulation No
Pitch Shifter / Harmonizer / Timestretching No
Transient Processing No
Vocoder / Vocal effect No
Mastering Tools No
Hardware Controller No
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FAQs

What features does the Waves SSL E-Channel plugin offer?

The Waves SSL E-Channel plugin offers dynamics processing, an equalizer, and a channel strip modeled after the SSL 4000E console, providing the classic SSL sound with VCA-based gain elements and Class A operation.

Is the Waves SSL E-Channel suitable for mixing vocals?

Yes, the Waves SSL E-Channel is well-suited for mixing vocals, offering precise control over dynamics and EQ to help vocals sit well in the mix with the classic SSL console sound.

Can the Waves SSL E-Channel plugin be used in any DAW?

The Waves SSL E-Channel is compatible with most major DAWs that support VST, AU, or AAX plugin formats, allowing for flexible integration into various digital audio workstations.

Does the Waves SSL E-Channel include a built-in delay effect?

No, the Waves SSL E-Channel does not include a delay effect. It focuses on dynamics processing and equalization as part of its channel strip functionality.

How does the Waves SSL E-Channel compare to the SSL G-Channel?

The Waves SSL E-Channel provides the classic SSL console sound with a balanced tonal quality, while the G-Channel offers more midrange punch, making it suitable for elements that need to stand out in the mix.

MixCoach

MixCoach

The SSL E Channel: How I Use It To Make Everything Sound Better

Video thumbnail for The SSL E Channel: How I Use It To Make Everything Sound Better by MixCoach

The SSL E Channel: How I Use It To Make Everything Sound Better

MixCoach

MixCoach

Video thumbnail for How to use Waves SSL E-Channel Strip Plugin by Andrei Martinez Agras

How to use Waves SSL E-Channel Strip Plugin

Andrei Martinez Agras

Andrei Martinez Agras

Reviews

PROS

  • Precise and musical EQ section enhances sound quality

  • Excellent for vocals, providing clarity and presence

  • Versatile, effective on various instruments including bass and drums

  • Easy to use and set up, even for beginners

  • Emulates classic SSL 4000 sound effectively

  • Helps find the sonic space for individual tracks

  • Works well on toms, snares, kicks, and cymbals

  • Combines well with other SSL plugins for a console-like experience

  • Affordable price for the quality offered

  • Dynamic section is effective, particularly on drums

CONS

  • High-pass filter intensity is not adjustable

  • Fixed window size can be inconvenient for some users

  • Auto-gain matching on the compressor can be inaccurate

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Waves SSL E-Channel.

Comparisons

  • Brainworx bx_console N is preferred for ambient/neoclassical and indie/folk/country, but not for rap/electronic due to analog hiss.

    Source
  • SSL Native Channelstrip v6 is noted for being more analog-sounding compared to the older Waves SSL E-Channel.

    Source
  • The SSL Native plugins are developed from the Duende range, originally ported from C200-300 desks, differing from Waves, which emulates the 4000 series consoles.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Waves SSL E-Channel's channel compressor is praised for its unique qualities, setting it apart from competitors.

    Source
  • The Waves SSL E-Channel is noted for its minimal CPU usage, allowing it to be used extensively across multiple channels without performance issues.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Waves plugins are frequently on sale, with perpetual pricing around $30, but they rely heavily on their Upgrade Plan for revenue.

    Source
  • The SSL Native bundle is considered a great deal at $60, often being more expensive at other times, offering significant value.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users appreciate the Chris Lord-Alge presets in Waves SSL E-Channel for learning how a professional approaches mixing different instruments.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Users transitioning to an M1 Mac may face compatibility challenges with Waves plugins, necessitating consideration of upgrade plans for continued functionality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Waves plugins are described as adding color and analog-like noise to sound, making them distinct from the more transparent SSL Native plugins.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 25 Ratings

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4 star
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1 star
liam_phillips

Great for everything!

I mostly use the E-channel for toms, but the E-channel works well with anything. It can help you add some vibrancy to your guitars, give clarity to snares, kicks, or cymbals, you name it. I don't give the SSL E-channel enough use in my mixes, but I am starting to appreciate it for what it is capable of.

andrei_tuduran

Analog vibe

Managed to buy it for 29$. The plugin is top notch and it gives you everything you need for a perfect mix.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Avicii uses Waves SSL E-Channel

Avicii

Music Producer

Jovicii

...
Verified via Facebook

Tim using the plugin in Avicii: True Stories (Working on Sunset Jesus) 40:39

See how Afrojack uses Waves SSL E-Channel

Afrojack

Music Producer

AJXJS

...
Verified via Instagram

Afrojack utilizes the Waves SSL E-Channel plugin, showcased in an Instagram post where he mentions "ghostproducing my own tracks."

See how Mike Shinoda uses Waves SSL E-Channel

Mike Shinoda

Singer, Guitarist

Linkin Park

...
Verified via YouTube

at 1:31:46, he uses this plugin

See how Kendrick Lamar uses Waves SSL E-Channel

Kendrick Lamar

Rapper

Black Hippy

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used on Lamar's vocals for "All the Stars" as stated by producer Matt Schaeffer in this May 2018 Sound on Sound interview.

Kendrick Lamar’s vocal audio tracks, named after his teenage stage name K.Dot, consist of his first verse rap track, ‘VS 1 LD’, and 10 tracks for three moments in the track where he sings the pre-hook in a robotic voice. The verse rap track only has the AIR Flanger on it, and is sent to the ‘Dot VS LD’ aux track, which has eight inserts and five sends. Nine of the 10 pre-hook tracks have Auto?Tune, while the top four have a number of plug-ins on the inserts, including the EQ3 seven-band, Waves RVox, UAD Galaxy Tape Echo, SoundToys Little AlterBoy, SoundToys MicroShift and Valhalla Vintage Verb. These four are sent to a ‘Hook Ref’ aux track higher up in the session with another four plug-ins on the inserts and five sends. The other six are backing vocals to the four other pre-hook tracks and have no other plug-ins, other than a Trim, and are sent to a ‘Hook Background’ aux, just below them, which itself also is sent to the ‘Hoof Ref’ track. It’s a pretty complicated vocal signal chain, as Schaeffer admits.

“The ‘Dot VS LD’ aux indeed has a lot of stuff on it! I did most of the processing on that bus. On the inserts there are the SSL E-Channel, Waves RComp, Waves Q10 EQ, Waves DeEsser, UAD LA2A, UAD Pultec EQP1A, SoundToys Decapitator and Pro?Q2. The SSL channel strip, Q10 and RCompressor remain from the tracking, and maybe the DeEsser as well, but I most likely messed with the settings more during mixing. The Q10 has a high-pass at 50Hz and I notched out a frequency that was bothering me around 8.5kHz with the Q2. I added the other plug-ins during mixing, and they all add something a bit different. I’m boosting 100Hz and 16kHz with the EQP1A. As I said, I like using several EQs on one thing.

“The sends go to a ‘FlangeVerb’ track, on which I put the RVerb and the UAD MXR Flanger, then the ‘Huge Verb’ with the [Audio Ease] Altiverb and EQ3, ‘Hook Valhalla’ with the Vintage Verb, and the SoundToys EchoBoy, the ‘EMT250’ aux with the UAD EMT250, Valhalla Plate and MicroShift, and then finally a send to the ‘Dot VS Delay’ track, with the EchoBoy, set to quarter note, the Reel Tape Flanger and the RCompressor. The EchoBoy is the main delay you can hear in the verse. The EMT250 is not set to a reverb, but to a phaser effect, which gives a cool stereo effect. The Valhalla adds a bit of reverb here, though it’s set to -12, so it only gives a tiny bit of ambience, and the MicroShift makes the whole thing a little wider. It probably still sounded a bit dry, which is why I sent the track to the ‘Huge Verb’ aux with the Altiverb, again taking out low end with the EQ3.

See how The Chainsmokers uses Waves SSL E-Channel

The Chainsmokers

Singer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 28:52 in the video, he pulls up the Waves SSL E-channel plugin that he uses for the acoustic guitar record in the song "Roses"

See how Drake uses Waves SSL E-Channel

Drake

Singer, Rapper

Young Money

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Noah Shebib tells that he uses the Waves SSL E-Channel in Drake Lead Vocal on "Headlines"

See how The Glitch Mob uses Waves SSL E-Channel

The Glitch Mob

Music Producer

...
Verified via waves.com

On the EQ side of things, we will lean heavily on both the Waves SSL E-Channel and G-Channel to help give our kicks and snares the correct tone.

See how Jason Richardson uses Waves SSL E-Channel

Jason Richardson

Guitarist

Chelsea Grin

...
Verified via Photo

He said this plugin is his new favorite.

See how Beyoncé uses Waves SSL E-Channel

Beyoncé

Singer

Destiny’s Child

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used on "Apeshit", as stated by producer Stuart White in this September 2018 Sound on Sound interview. An image of the settings can be found here.

The first four aux tracks feature SoundToys effects, namely Little Microshift, two EchoBoy delays, and a delay from the Little PrimalTap. Next are a Hall Reverb aux and a Church Reverb aux, both using Waves’ RVerb, an EMT plate from Audio Ease’s Altiverb, four aux tracks with the Waves H-Delay and various other plug-ins on them as well, and four more reverb auxes with the Avid Revibe II, two Avid D-Verbs and another RVerb.

White: “I use the Little Microshift in pretty much every mix, with the left-right micro pitch-shift effect that’s similar to the classic effect in the Eventide H3000 shift where you pitch one side down six cents and one side up six cents to create width. It’s a good way to get your vocals wider without them being out of phase. It thickens up vocals, and is kind of like a doubler. I do quite a lot of filtering on some of the EchoBoy delays, for example with the Waves REQ, and I am adding colour with the SoundToys Devil-Loc, which is great if you want to colour the delay so it is separate from the main vocal, and compress it with the UAD LA3A and mix that in to taste.”

(...) Beyoncé’s lead vocal tracks consist of three aux tracks, four ‘dirty’ and eight ‘clean’ audio tracks. The audio tracks only have the EQ3 on the inserts and a few of them have a send to the Church Reverb. All White’s processing is done on the three aux tracks. “All lead vocals are sent to the ‘B Aux’ track and the ‘B Parra Aux’ tracks. On the former I have the McDSP DS [sic] 555 de-esser. I use the Waves de-esser the most, but in this particular track, because I wanted to compress her voice really hard, I felt that the 555 would work the best. I am rolling off until 6144Hz into what it is detecting; it’s like a side-chain filter. The FabFilter Pro-DS is doing a little more gentle look-ahead de-essing.

“After that there’s some pretty heavy EQ from the EQ3, with a high-pass at 142Hz, a 9dB cut at 244Hz and a 2dB cut at 3kHz. My cut at 244Hz is because she is singing in this husky, low voice, so there’s not a lot of energy in that. I get the energy from the RComp compression, and the EQs, including from the SSL E-Channel, are there to make her sit in the track, rather than making it sound filtered. I love the RComp, mainly because it doesn’t sound like compression to me. The SSL E-Channel adds a bit more compression, and the [Crane Song] Phoenix II Tape Emulation is really cool because while it doesn’t actually sound like tape, it smoothes out transients in a signal just like much analogue equipment does. It enables me to get a fatter vocal sound that again makes the vocal sit in the mix. The final EQ3 has a notch at 3.2kHz to take out some harshness. I also have sends to the Verb aux track, which are the D-Verb and [Waves] H-Reverb, and the Delay 1-4 aux, with the EchoBoy.

The other aux track, ‘B Parra Aux’, is a parallel compression track, with the RCompressor and the CLA 76, which I mixed in low. Both these aux tracks then go to the ‘LD ALL Aux’, on which I’m doing some more surgery with the McDSP AE400 [dynamic EQ], which allows you to set a threshold, just like on a compressor. It’s like turning a volume knob down on a frequency the moment it gets out of control. Finally, there’s the Waves C4, for some control, to keep the vocal even. This track has a lot of energy, so this is an example of using compression for energy, mood and attitude. I also worked a long time to get the compression on Bey’s breaths to pump on the beat. I wanted her breaths to be another percussive element in the track, and getting the attack and release on the compressor right was key to getting that feel and pumping effect.”

Five of the 22 Beyoncé ad lib, backing and harmony vocals below her lead vocals also go to the above-mentioned aux tracks, while the rest have their own signal chains. These audio tracks are sent to several aux tracks, often with tons of plug-ins, and all aux vocal tracks in the end get sent to the ‘Voc All’ group aux right at the top of the session, which has an RCompressor, with ratio at 10:1. There are more group aux tracks, like ‘TrackAux’, ‘FX Voc Aux’, ‘FX’ and ‘Music Aux’, which all get sent to the ‘All Aux’. This in turn gets sent to the ‘no limiter’ mix print track, and finally there’s a Stereo Master track.

See how Jay-Z uses Waves SSL E-Channel

Jay-Z

Rapper, Music Producer

Roc-A-Fella Family

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used on "APESHIT", as stated by producer Stuart White in this September 2018 Sound on Sound interview.

The first four aux tracks feature SoundToys effects, namely Little Microshift, two EchoBoy delays, and a delay from the Little PrimalTap. Next are a Hall Reverb aux and a Church Reverb aux, both using Waves’ RVerb, an EMT plate from Audio Ease’s Altiverb, four aux tracks with the Waves H-Delay and various other plug-ins on them as well, and four more reverb auxes with the Avid Revibe II, two Avid D-Verbs and another RVerb.

White: “I use the Little Microshift in pretty much every mix, with the left-right micro pitch-shift effect that’s similar to the classic effect in the Eventide H3000 shift where you pitch one side down six cents and one side up six cents to create width. It’s a good way to get your vocals wider without them being out of phase. It thickens up vocals, and is kind of like a doubler. I do quite a lot of filtering on some of the EchoBoy delays, for example with the Waves REQ, and I am adding colour with the SoundToys Devil-Loc, which is great if you want to colour the delay so it is separate from the main vocal, and compress it with the UAD LA3A and mix that in to taste.”

(...) Jay-Z’s part consists of just two tracks, one lead, and one ad-lib, with an additional ‘reverse’ track, and a ‘jay clean’ track. White: “The main lead vocal track has the SSL E0-channel, Waves C4 multiband compressor for some control, FabFilter Pro-Q2 EQ, with a few notches, and McDSP AE400. Where Jay raps ‘Tell the Grammy’s fuck that 0 for 8 shit / have you ever seen a crowd goin’ apeshit?’, you can hear some stuff in the background, which is another example of me adding flair and energy. That actually comes from the third ‘Voice Sample’ track further up the session, on which I have some automated plug-ins, the ReVibe, Waves S1 Imager, and filter sweep from the EQ3. It’s subtle, but it gives you a little ear candy.”

See how Paris Blohm uses Waves SSL E-Channel

Paris Blohm

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo we can see SSL E-Channel from Waves.

See how Rihanna uses Waves SSL E-Channel

Rihanna

Singer

Artists Stand Up to Cancer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used on Rihanna's backing vocals for "Unfaithful", as stated by mix engineer Phil Tan in this February 2007 Sound on Sound interview. An image of the settings can be found here.

Backing vocals: Waves SSL E-Channel

"With backing vocals, once you have them blended, a lot of times you have to remove stuff you don't want and accentuate stuff you do want. Particularly with stacked backing vocals, clarity and definition are important, which is what I tried to achieve here. There's a decent amount of compression, with the ratio at 8, and I added some high end. I guess I'm drawn to the SSL sound, since I've worked on them for so many years, and the SSL bundle is essentially three different plug-ins: EQ, compressor and channel strip. There's an analogue switch that adds harmonic distortion to give it a certain SSL character."

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Waves SSL E-Channel, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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