The Waves SSL 4000 Collection: Unleashing Analog Warmth on Your Mixes

In today's world of digital production, there's no denying that analog warmth and character still have a special place in many mixing engineers' hearts. For decades now, legendary studios like Abbey Road Studios and Olympic Studios have relied upon the revered SSL (Solid State Logic) 4000 series console to capture the magic from some of music history's most iconic recordings.

Now, thanks to Waves Audio's latest mastering bundle release - The SSL 4000 Collection - you can bring this same coveted sound into your own home studio or professional recording environment. With four faithful plug-in recreations of the original SSL 4000 components included in one convenient package (more on those below), it couldn't be easier to infuse your mixes with authentic analog warmth and character.

Let's dive right in and take a closer look at each of these incredible plugins:

1) SSL Bus Compressor

The first plugin we'll examine is the legendary SSL Bus Compressor. Originally used as part of the console's bus section, this classic compressors' purpose was simple: to control levels across entire mixes while adding warmth and body in one fell swoaith.

With its stepped gain controls, variable attack/ release time ratios (from 10ms - 1000ms), plus an added 'Threshold' knob for precision fine-tuning, you'll be able to dial-in the perfect amount of compression magic every single session. Whether you're looking to gently smooth out transient peaks or slam your mix with vintage grit and grunge, this faithful recreation has got it all covered.

2) SSL G-Series Compressor

Next up is another classic component from within the original SSL 4000 console - The SSL G-Series Compressor. Originally designed for use on individual tracks as well as across entire stereo buses alike., This powerful compressor features a range of useful parameters that allow you to sculpt your sound just how you want it:

- A pair of variable Attack and Release time controls (from 10ms up)

- Two Threshold knobs: one fixed, another with an additional 'Soft Knee' button for smooth transitions between compression states

- An active/active Gain Makeup section

All these features combine to make this plugin perfect for taming unruly signals while also adding depth, punch and energy where needed - all without sacrificing any of that signature SSL warmth.

3) SSL E-Series EQ

The third component within the bundle is The SSL E-Series EQ. Based on one half (the midrange section) of the original SSL 4000's G-Series console module., This powerful equalizer features four bands each with:

- A variable High Shelf/ Low Cut frequency control

- A Gain knob for boost/cut amounts up to +6db (-18dB)

- An Active/Active switch allowing you way more tonal shaping possibilities

With its high-quality analog-style circuitry and faithful reproduction of the original SSL EQ's warm, rounded sound, this plugin is sure to become an essential tool in your mixing arsenal.

4)SSL 4000-L2 Mastering Compressor

Finally, rounding out The Waves SSL 4000 Collection is perhaps its pièce de résistance - The SSL 4005- L2 Mastering Compressors. This highly-regarded mastering compressor was designed to provide a final 'glue' across entire mixes and master bus chains before being sent off to lacquering or digital distribution.

Featuring all the same key features as its hardware counterpart, including an easily accessible gain knob for precise control over compression levels, plus three separate stereo/mono modes (Mono/Stereo/Mono-Sawtooth), this plugin offers mix engineers total flexibility when it comes time to put the final touches on their master recordings.

In conclusion, The Waves SSL 4000 Collection is without a doubt one of the most comprehensive and authentic analog mastering bundles currently available for Pro Tools and Logic Pro users. With four top-notch plugins that accurately capture every nuance of these legendary studio consoles' signature sound, this package has everything you need to transport your mixes back into yesteryear - or at least give them an extra helping hand in sounding like they were recorded there!

Waves SSL 4000 Collection: Mastering Bundle

• Includes four faithful recreations of the original SSL 4000 components:

•SSL Bus Compressor

•SSL G-Series Compressor

•SSL E-Series EQ

•SSL 4005-L2 Mastering Compressors

Operating Systems:

- Mac OS X (10.6 or higher)

- Windows Vista/7/8

Plug-in Format(s):

• AAX (64-bit)

• VST3

• AU (32 and 64 bit)

Waves ssl 4000 collection album credits