So I played with an SSL Duality Console...

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chilldanny
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2013/01/11 20:09:42 (permalink)

So I played with an SSL Duality Console...

...whilst recording and mixing a band here in the UK.

I spent three days here http://modernworldstudios.com/#studio (currently for sale at £550k).
 
Sonar X2's Pro Channel seemed to make so much more sense when I got home and continued
to work on the project.  A veteran Sonar user, I'm well aware of the concept of the Pro Channel, 
and have always loved it and use it almost exclusively when I'm working in X2, but I was struck 
at just how fantastic it actually is.  

Sure, the ProChannel is software emulation/approximation and is of a totally different sonic quality compared to 
the Duality channel strips, in my opinion it sounds great.  More importantly however is its integration 
into Sonar and its usability that makes it every bit as good as the Duality.  Hands down.  

Testament to how great the ProChannel functionality is, I walked into that control room having
never touched an SSL Console, and was able to get to work straight away.  The channel strips 
honestly felt like a hardware ProChannel.

So call me a fan boi, or whatever the kids say these days, but bravo Cakewalk! =)

Moving forward, I think it would be fantastic if we were able to use multiple instances of ALL the
ProChannel modules.  The much requested EQ 'pop out' window makes so much sense, as does
proper gain staging controls for the whole ProChannel (not a fan of inserting an FX Chain module
for this purpose, tho do it anyway).
And of course, we all want to see many new modules, Channel Tools and Spectral Analyser
modules are the two that I've always suggested along with many others here.

Lay it on us Cakewalk, we're all penniless but we want more modules!!
MORE MODULES!!  


* Windows10 (x64), Focusrite Safire Pro24, Sonar Platinum (x64) * MacOS High Sierra, Logic Pro X, Ableton Live 9 *
 
Danny M
#1

13 Replies Related Threads

    John
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    Re:So I played with an SSL Duality Console... 2013/01/11 20:37:14 (permalink)
    I have been touting PC from day one. It really is what makes X1/X2 truly great. 

    I welcome your post and am glad you posted it. Thank you.

    Best
    John
    #2
    chilldanny
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    Re:So I played with an SSL Duality Console... 2013/01/12 05:09:56 (permalink)
    Thanks John, nice of you to say =)

    Me too, and when I'm working in Logic or ProTools my productivity takes a nose-dive, just
    from not having a ProChannel there.  It's become essential to my workflow.

    Lets hope we see some new PC Modules announced soon eh! =)

    * Windows10 (x64), Focusrite Safire Pro24, Sonar Platinum (x64) * MacOS High Sierra, Logic Pro X, Ableton Live 9 *
     
    Danny M
    #3
    Freddie H
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    Re:So I played with an SSL Duality Console... 2013/01/12 07:08:02 (permalink)
    chilldanny


    ...whilst recording and mixing a band here in the UK.

    I spent three days here http://modernworldstudios.com/#studio (currently for sale at £550k).

    Sonar X2's Pro Channel seemed to make so much more sense when I got home and continued
    to work on the project.  A veteran Sonar user, I'm well aware of the concept of the Pro Channel, 
    and have always loved it and use it almost exclusively when I'm working in X2, but I was struck 
    at just how fantastic it actually is.  

    Sure, the ProChannel is software emulation/approximation and is of a totally different sonic quality compared to 
    the Duality channel strips, in my opinion it sounds great.  More importantly however is its integration 
    into Sonar and its usability that makes it every bit as good as the Duality.  Hands down.  

    Testament to how great the ProChannel functionality is, I walked into that control room having
    never touched an SSL Console, and was able to get to work straight away.  The channel strips 
    honestly felt like a hardware ProChannel.

    So call me a fan boi, or whatever the kids say these days, but bravo Cakewalk! =)

    Moving forward, I think it would be fantastic if we were able to use multiple instances of ALL the
    ProChannel modules.  The much requested EQ 'pop out' window makes so much sense, as does
    proper gain staging controls for the whole ProChannel (not a fan of inserting an FX Chain module
    for this purpose, tho do it anyway).
    And of course, we all want to see many new modules, Channel Tools and Spectral Analyser
    modules are the two that I've always suggested along with many others here.

    Lay it on us Cakewalk, we're all penniless but we want more modules!!
    MORE MODULES!!  
    I like your review about your experience with SSL hardware. I will link your thread to  my MIXER CONSOLE thread.
     
    SSL Duality SE, SSL AWS 924/948, SSL MATRIX, SSL Nucleus, SYSTEM 5-MC, ARTIST Series, Yamaha DM2000-VCM, Tascam DM-4200.
    http://forum.cakewalk.com/tm.aspx?m=2741753

    Yes PRO Channel emulators are really great plugins. Actually I even like the Pro Channel G-series even better than the original SSL hardware. At least a different flavor.
    The flexible Q on HP-Shelf, LP-Shelf doesn't exist on the real hardware EQ. Very useful and one of the best features in SONAR Pro Channel SSL G & E EQ!

      
     
    Cheers!
    post edited by Freddie H - 2013/01/12 08:17:13


    -Highly developed spirits often encounter resistance from mediocre minds. -It really matters!
    #4
    Zo
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    Re:So I played with an SSL Duality Console... 2013/01/12 07:21:54 (permalink)
    Danny , you should try the ssl duende ...

    May i ask you how you found the Quested monitors (nearfield) 7 and 8  ...on my way to by new monitors and it's on my list .....

    For sale  (PM me) : transfert ilok included
    Eventide Ultrachannel make offers
    Softube Summit EQ
    IK Neve 1081 , Neve precision Comp/Lim
    EastWest Goshtwriter
    Soundforge Pro 12
     
    #5
    southpaw3473
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    Re:So I played with an SSL Duality Console... 2013/01/12 07:26:02 (permalink)
    chilldanny


    Thanks John, nice of you to say =)

    Me too, and when I'm working in Logic or ProTools my productivity takes a nose-dive, just
    from not having a ProChannel there.  It's become essential to my workflow.

    Me too! PC has been a complete game changer for me. I can't imagine working without it now.

    We'll not risk another frontal assault-that rabbit's dynamite!!!

    Tommy Byrnes
    Sonar Platinum
    Win 10 Pro x64 AMD FX 8350 Eight-Core 4.00GHz/ ASRock 970 Extreme4/ 16 gigs RAM
    UA Apollo Firewire/UA 2 Quad Satellite/ Focusrite OctoPre/Makie Onyx1220i Mixer  
    THANK YOU!!!
    #6
    Freddie H
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    Re:So I played with an SSL Duality Console... 2013/01/12 07:34:20 (permalink)
    Zo


    Danny , you should try the ssl duende ...

    May i ask you how you found the Quested monitors (nearfield) 7 and 8  ...on my way to by new monitors and it's on my list .....
    Zo
    EVENT OPAL sounds amazing or go ADAM SX series
     
    EVENT OPAL v2
     

    http://www.eventelectronics.com/opal
     

     
     
     
    http://www.adam-audio.com/en/pro-audio/products/s3x-h/description
    ADAM S3X-H
     



    -Highly developed spirits often encounter resistance from mediocre minds. -It really matters!
    #7
    Freddie H
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    Re:So I played with an SSL Duality Console... 2013/01/12 07:36:09 (permalink)
    southpaw3473


    chilldanny


    Thanks John, nice of you to say =)

    Me too, and when I'm working in Logic or ProTools my productivity takes a nose-dive, just
    from not having a ProChannel there.  It's become essential to my workflow.

    Me too! PC has been a complete game changer for me. I can't imagine working without it now.


     Agree! Its hard to replace!


    -Highly developed spirits often encounter resistance from mediocre minds. -It really matters!
    #8
    jeffb63
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    Re:So I played with an SSL Duality Console... 2013/01/12 10:19:18 (permalink)
    I must get into using the Pro Channel! I've only used the EQ so far!!

    Studio:
    X3 Producer on i7 4770K Asus Z87-K 32Gb G-Skill Trident X. W8.1 x64. 2408 Mk3, ADI8-DD. BCF2000. 
    Stage:
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    #9
    chilldanny
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    Re:So I played with an SSL Duality Console... 2013/01/29 05:22:45 (permalink)
    Hi guys,

    Sorry I haven't replied sooner, I recently discovered the joys of Pure Data & Xcode iOS
    app development, and have been lost in the land of code & caffeine.  Much fun! =)

    @Freddie:

    Thanks for the link, I enjoy your threads/posts, always passionate =)

    Yes I agree, having the swept Q on the HP & LP shelfs in the ProChannel is a great touch, 
    and to be honest, a must in any modern software EQ.  
    Yet strangely, I didn't miss that functionality on the Duality at all.  And for sure, as I've 
    said before, they do sound different from each other and I agree the ProChannel EQ has its 
    own sound.  A pleasing one at that :)

    I did notice however, when boosting higher frequencies on the Duality, it was very clean &
    smooth, whereas I find ProChannel EQ introduces a fair bit of higher harmonic distortion at 
    roughly the same settings, typical of software emulation.  This is where I find the 
    ProChannel's Gloss button helps.  It really smooths it all out.


    @Zo:

    Yes the Duende is a tempting option, though I've not had a play with one as yet.  
    How do you rate it? I'm quite a fan of the UAD emulations and have been considering 
    taking that route on my home DAW, though I'm lusting after Thermionics gear at the
    moment ;)

    The Quested S7s sounded great, though somewhat bright in the mid range.  I found 
    myself switching over to the NS10s quite regularly just to double check this.
    I wouldn't say the S7s are the flattest I've ever heard but they do sound sweet.

    They day that I arrived there, the previous client still had his Neumann KH120s setup.
    Those things sound fantastic! The bass response from this 5" speaker was very impressive,
    and sounded accurate across the frequency range.  Very tempted to buy a pair of these!!



    So thanks for comments guys, and sorry again for the delay :)

    * Windows10 (x64), Focusrite Safire Pro24, Sonar Platinum (x64) * MacOS High Sierra, Logic Pro X, Ableton Live 9 *
     
    Danny M
    #10
    robert_e_bone
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    Re:So I played with an SSL Duality Console... 2013/01/29 06:04:43 (permalink)
    Freddie H


    chilldanny


    ...whilst recording and mixing a band here in the UK.

    I spent three days here http://modernworldstudios.com/#studio (currently for sale at £550k).

    Sonar X2's Pro Channel seemed to make so much more sense when I got home and continued
    to work on the project.  A veteran Sonar user, I'm well aware of the concept of the Pro Channel, 
    and have always loved it and use it almost exclusively when I'm working in X2, but I was struck 
    at just how fantastic it actually is.  

    Sure, the ProChannel is software emulation/approximation and is of a totally different sonic quality compared to 
    the Duality channel strips, in my opinion it sounds great.  More importantly however is its integration 
    into Sonar and its usability that makes it every bit as good as the Duality.  Hands down.  

    Testament to how great the ProChannel functionality is, I walked into that control room having
    never touched an SSL Console, and was able to get to work straight away.  The channel strips 
    honestly felt like a hardware ProChannel.

    So call me a fan boi, or whatever the kids say these days, but bravo Cakewalk! =)

    Moving forward, I think it would be fantastic if we were able to use multiple instances of ALL the
    ProChannel modules.  The much requested EQ 'pop out' window makes so much sense, as does
    proper gain staging controls for the whole ProChannel (not a fan of inserting an FX Chain module
    for this purpose, tho do it anyway).
    And of course, we all want to see many new modules, Channel Tools and Spectral Analyser
    modules are the two that I've always suggested along with many others here.

    Lay it on us Cakewalk, we're all penniless but we want more modules!!
    MORE MODULES!!  
    I like your review about your experience with SSL hardware. I will link your thread to  my MIXER CONSOLE thread.
     
    SSL Duality SE, SSL AWS 924/948, SSL MATRIX, SSL Nucleus, SYSTEM 5-MC, ARTIST Series, Yamaha DM2000-VCM, Tascam DM-4200.
    http://forum.cakewalk.com/tm.aspx?m=2741753

    Yes PRO Channel emulators are really great plugins. Actually I even like the Pro Channel G-series even better than the original SSL hardware. At least a different flavor.
    The flexible Q on HP-Shelf, LP-Shelf doesn't exist on the real hardware EQ. Very useful and one of the best features in SONAR Pro Channel SSL G & E EQ!

      
     
    Cheers!
    Hey, Freddie - please check your private messages - I just sent one to you. :)


    Bob Bone




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    #11
    Loptec
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    Re:So I played with an SSL Duality Console... 2013/01/29 06:10:44 (permalink)
    chilldanny


    Lets hope we see some new PC Modules announced soon eh! =)

    +1000

    SAMUEL LIDSTRÖM

    DAW: Sonar Platinum (64bit) with Melodyne Studio - Controllers: Roland VS-700C, Cakewalk A-500 Pro, Yamaha P90
    Desktop Audio Interface: RME HDSPe RayDAT - Laptop Audio Interface: RME Babyface Pro

    #12
    jb101
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    Re:So I played with an SSL Duality Console... 2013/01/29 07:36:13 (permalink)
    Thanks for posting this.  I'm  a huge fan of the pro channel.
     
    And +1 to some more modules.

     Sonar Platinum
    #13
    The Maillard Reaction
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    . 2013/01/29 07:48:07 (permalink)
    .
    post edited by Caa2 - 2017/04/08 19:17:26


    #14
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