SSL EV2 Channel by Waves channel strip plugin interface

SSL EV2 Channel: Channel Strip Plugin Modeled on the SSL 4000E

Rated 4.8/5 on Plugin Boutique (8 ratings)

SSL EV2 Channel is a channel strip plugin from Waves that recreates the SSL 4000E console channel. It is authorized by Solid State Logic and offers EQ, dynamics, a mic/line preamp and output width control.

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01Overview

SSL EV2 Channel is built around the channel strip of the SSL 4000E console. Waves says the model was developed with Solid State Logic's authorization and covers the console's channel signal path. The plugin includes two EQ voicings, a preamp with analog saturation, program-dependent dynamics and flexible sidechain routing. It is aimed at producers who want the character of a classic SSL console inside a plugin, with more tonal options than the original hardware offered.

Best for

Vocal channel processing
Drum bus coloration
Mix bus saturation
Bass channel shaping
Sidechain compression
Stereo width adjustment

Developer: Waves
Category: Channel Strips
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Recreation of the classic SSL 4000E console channel strip
Brown Knob EQ for a grittier tone and Black Knob EQ for smoother EQ
New mic/line preamp design with analog saturation
Program-dependent dynamics that respond to attack transients
Split high and low filters with selectable EQ and filter placement
Switchable THD for analog coloration or clean digital sound
Internal and external sidechaining with flexible routing
Output width control with mono, stereo and reverse stereo modes
Over 600 presets from producers and engineers
Analog modeling authorized by Solid State Logic

03In depth

EQ, Filters and Analog Character

The plugin offers two EQ voicings. The Brown Knob EQ, based on the SSL 'O2' section, is grittier, while the Black Knob EQ, based on the '242' section, is cleaner and smoother. Waves describes the range as gritty to smooth, so you can pick the flavor that suits the source.

Split high and low filters let you place the EQ or filters before or after the dynamics, which changes how the processing interacts. A switch adds THD for analog-style coloration, or you can turn it off for a cleaner, digital sound. The mic/line preamp adds saturation, which can add warmth and density to vocals, drums, bass and buses.

Dynamics, Routing and Output Width

The dynamics section is program-dependent and responds to attack transients, so it adapts to how the material is played. Internal and external sidechaining with flexible routing give you control over how the compressor reacts to other tracks or to filtered signals.

An output section width control offers mono, stereo and reverse stereo settings, which is useful for adjusting the stereo image of a finished channel or bus. The plugin includes more than 600 presets from producers and engineers, giving you a starting point for common sources.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does SSL EV2 Channel support?

SSL EV2 Channel is available in VST2, AU and AAX formats.

Which operating systems can run SSL EV2 Channel?

The plugin is listed for Windows and macOS. Waves lists macOS Monterey 12 through Sequoia 15 for VST, AU and AAX, and Windows 10 or later for VST and AAX.

Is SSL EV2 Channel authorized by Solid State Logic?

Yes. Waves states that the analog modeling is authorized by Solid State Logic.

What does the Brown Knob EQ do differently from the Black Knob EQ?

The Brown Knob EQ is the grittier option based on the SSL 'O2' section, while the Black Knob EQ is the cleaner, smoother option based on the '242' section.