SSL E-Channel is a channel strip plugin from Waves, developed under license with Solid State Logic. It combines a 4-band EQ and a soft-knee compressor/limiter in one processing chain.
SSL E-Channel brings the channel strip concept of Solid State Logic's SL 4000 series consoles into a plugin. EQ and dynamics sit together in a single channel, so the main tools for shaping a track's sound are in one place. Waves developed the plugin under license and in close collaboration with SSL. It includes the EQ known as the "black knob" design developed with George Martin, and it is CPU-efficient enough for large multitrack sessions.
The EQ section offers four bands: two shelf stages and two parametric stages, plus dual filters. The developer describes the "black knob" EQ as bright and clear, a voicing associated with the SSL E-series console.
The plugin is also built around that console tradition, with EQ and dynamics in one strip so you can shape a channel without switching between separate tools.
The compressor/limiter uses a smooth, soft-knee curve. Internal dynamics sidechaining includes a switchable source, so you can choose which signal drives the dynamics processing.
Because the compressor and EQ live in the same strip, you can adjust tone and level from one plugin window, which keeps a channel's settings together in your session.
Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.
| Developer | Waves |
|---|---|
| Type | Plugin |
| Category | Channel Strip |
| Formats | VST2, AU, AAX |
| Operating systems | Windows, macOS |
SSL E-Channel is available in VST2, AU and AAX formats.
It runs on Windows and macOS. The listed Mac requirements cover macOS Monterey 12 through Sequoia 15, and the PC version requires Windows 10 or later.
Yes. The plugin is developed under license and in close collaboration with SSL, and it incorporates the "black knob" EQ developed with George Martin.
