SSL 4000 E Channel Strip plugin interface by Universal Audio

SSL 4000 E Channel Strip: Analog Channel Strip Plugin by Universal Audio

Rated 4.8/5 on Plugin Boutique (36 ratings)

The SSL 4000 E Channel Strip is an effects plugin from Universal Audio that models the channel strip of the SSL 4000 E console, combining EQ, filters, a VCA compressor and gate in one track processor.

VST3AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

The SSL 4000 E Channel Strip brings the signal path of an SSL 4000 E console channel into a DAW. Universal Audio modeled the preamp's Jensen input transformers and the dbx gold-can VCA output section, and the plugin includes both the Type E black-knob and brown-knob four-band EQ and filters. It is built for tracking and mixing sources such as vocals, drums, bass and guitars, and it runs on Windows and macOS in VST3, AU and AAX formats.

Best for

Vocal tracking and mixing
Drum bus compression
Bass EQ and weight
Guitar presence
Creative sidechain processing

Developer: Universal Audio
Category: Channel Strips
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

External side-chaining in a UAD Native plug-in, without requiring an Apollo interface
Emulation of the SSL vintage analog channel strip
Jensen transformer-based preamp character via Unison when paired with Apollo
Type E black and brown knob four-band EQ and filters
SSL VCA Compressor and Gate for dynamics control
PRE-DYN and DYN-SC routing for frequency-dependent compression
Included artist presets from Just Blaze, Ryan Hewitt and Ian Boxill

03In depth

Sound, EQ and Filters

Universal Audio says the plugin captures the nonlinear behavior of the original preamp, which it describes as expansive, punchy and deep. The channel includes two EQ families: the Type E 242 "black knob" EQ, which the developer describes as more surgical and clean, and the 001 "brown knob" EQ, which it calls easier to dial in and more musical.

Both EQs keep the band interactions associated with the SSL console, so boosts and cuts react in the way engineers familiar with the hardware would expect.

Dynamics Routing and Sidechain Options

The strip includes an SSL VCA compressor and gate. PRE-DYN controls let you place the EQ or filters before the dynamics section, which changes the tonal result of the compression. The DYN-SC buttons enable frequency-dependent compression by routing the EQ filters, cut filters or both into the dynamics sidechain.

This routing makes the plugin useful for creative processing as well as straightforward level control on sources such as drum buses.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Universal Audio
Type	Plugin
Category	Channel Strip
Formats	VST3, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats and operating systems does the SSL 4000 E Channel Strip support?

It is available in VST3, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows and macOS, and the system requirements list 64-bit Windows 10 or 11 and macOS Big Sur 11 through Tahoe 26.

What do I need to use the SSL 4000 E Channel Strip?

You need a supported DAW that is compatible with VST3, AU or AAX plug-in formats, an internet connection to download and authorize the plugin, and a free iLok account. An Apollo interface is not required, though Unison features need one.

Do I need an Apollo interface to use this plugin?

No. The plugin is a UAD Native plug-in with external side-chaining that works without an Apollo. Universal Audio's Unison features, which provide preamp modeling for tracking, require an Apollo audio interface.