SSL 4000 Virtual Console layout

Author
Post
Essentials Only Full Version
relpomiraculous
Max Output Level: -80 dBFS
  • Total Posts : 525
  • Joined: 2004/10/05 07:56:01
  • Status: offline
2011/06/16 23:40:47 (permalink)

SSL 4000 Virtual Console layout

I'm thinking about how to assemble the various parts of the Waves SSL 4000 bundle into the channel strips, busses and master fader of Sonar X1b's console view.  My goal is to see what all the hype is about - that this groups of plugins emulates the SSL physical console.  But I'm not sure how to go about this...

I started by inserting an FX chain containing all 4 plugs into an already existing project filled with different sounds covering a large range of types - synths, pads, piano, strings, prophet 5, buchla, drones, bells, drums, etc.  The chain went like this:

EChannel>Gchannel>EQ>MasBusComp

All 4 of those plugs are engaged on each track (signal passing through them) and set to their default settings (flat?).  My big question is - is that all I need to do to have the distinctive sound of an SSL board - or do I need to start turning knobs and flipping switches?  I ask because after testing each set it appears that the compressor is the only thing coloring the sound.  But the theory is - running signals through anything - even if set to flat settings, gives you the color of that thing - however subtle...or whatnot.

Just trying to understand the SSL 4000 hype - and take advantage of it.

Sonar X2 64 bit - Win 7 Pro 64 bit - Intel Core i7 870 - 8 gigs of ram - HP 3130 desktop
#1

3 Replies Related Threads
    relpomiraculous
    Max Output Level: -80 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 525
    • Joined: 2004/10/05 07:56:01
    • Status: offline
    Re:SSL 4000 Virtual Console layout 2011/06/17 05:00:11 (permalink)
    I've refined this a bit:

    I'm just putting the E channel and the compressor on each track.

    Currently playing a BFD1 Tama kit in one stereo track and setting up the two compressors in the Pro Channel and the SSL compressor to settings I like and then comparing them.  I think this is better than loading all the SSL stuff in, since the G channel and the SSL eq are somewhat redundant to the E channel and its onboard EQ section

    The E channel has the black nob so that is why I chose it.  Not sure yet how the G channel differs from the E channel - but that will come later.

    I have the E channel tweaked just a bit - and now to see what else the Pro channel has that is roughly analogous to the E channel.

    Oh - I like the results of all three compressors...so I figure I can keep all of them at hand and see how well each sits in a full mix - choices - that's what the goal is - but choices that are somewhat simple to implement.

    Sonar X2 64 bit - Win 7 Pro 64 bit - Intel Core i7 870 - 8 gigs of ram - HP 3130 desktop
    #2
    relpomiraculous
    Max Output Level: -80 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 525
    • Joined: 2004/10/05 07:56:01
    • Status: offline
    Re:SSL 4000 Virtual Console layout 2011/06/17 05:43:53 (permalink)
    more...

    There is already a compressor in the E channel so having that Master Bus compressor in the channel strip may be too much - the E channel compressor is very subtle - which may be advantageous - I don't want to start over compressing right off the bat.

    I have 4 drum tracks set up testing the drums in 4 programs:

    BFD 1.5
    BFD 2
    Session Drummer 3
    SI drums

    The reason I am doing this is because with the seemingly simple SI drum module I got a killer sounding drum sound using just the build in reverb and compressor and a dash of the Lexicon reverb.  I want to see how these other more expansive and expensive drum modules stand up to such this surprising discovery...and so far just the BFD 1 tamas sound pretty darn good.

    Please forgive my naivete in all this.  I'm not really an engineer...

    Sonar X2 64 bit - Win 7 Pro 64 bit - Intel Core i7 870 - 8 gigs of ram - HP 3130 desktop
    #3
    Legion
    Max Output Level: -55.5 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 1986
    • Joined: 2007/09/20 03:07:46
    • Location: Sweden
    • Status: offline
    Re:SSL 4000 Virtual Console layout 2011/06/17 09:16:42 (permalink)
    You shouldn't put all plugs in a chain, that's be like chaining a couple of consoles together

    Choose either the G or E channel (dependeing of wich console youre going for) and put one of them on each track, then put the masterbus comp on the master bus.

    Use the chanels to mix your track to get the sound of them, the sound of a mix is due to a skilled angineer not just passing a mix through a specific console even if a good console will give a certain coloration and might make it easier for the engineer to achieve the diesired sound. Adjust the settings on your master bus comp and let it give maybe, say, 2-3dB of GR (I like mixing into a mb comp but many others don't so go with what you like).

    Sadly very reduced studio equipment as it is... ASUS G750J, 8 gb RAM, Win8, Roland Quad Capture.
    #4
    Jump to:
    © 2024 APG vNext Commercial Version 5.1