« Fantastic plug-in, based off the SSL console »

This is a plug-in made by Waves Ltd. The idea is that it is supposed to be a recreation of an actual channel on an SSL console. Obviously, the mic-pre from that channel is not included, as this is a digitial plug-in, but the EQ and compression from the channel is, and is actually recreated pretty faithfully. The plug-in was easily installed on my Pro Tools LE setup on my Macbook Pro, just as all the Waves plug-ins were. I was able to use it right from the get-go. The plug-in features an EQ, which contains the parametric parameters for controlling low, low mid, high mid, and high frequencies (a knob to control boost/cut as well as a knob to choose the specific frequencies). There is also a high and low pass filter. On the compression end of things, there are several different knobs and parameters to control, giving you a pretty versatile and complete control of the sound, while only having to use one plug-in.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

The software has never given me that many problems in general, mainly because I mainly use my home setup for smaller projects. I haven't had to use the plug-in on more than a few tracks in the same session. At the studio I work for, I can generally use it more often in the same session, but even then I'll bus tracks to an auxiliary track in order to save the amount of plug-ins I use. This is a good technique in general to save your computer some work. Either way, I've never had a problem with it being too slow. I've been using it now for just under a year.

OVERALL OPINION

I really like the way that you can EQ and compress in the same channel, which is a really nice way to lessen the workload of the computer. Not too mention that it sounds great, and the interface makes using it feel a lot more intuitive as it resembles the actual SSL channel strip. I highly recommend this plug-in as it gives the recordings I make a great sound and is a cinch to use.