Solid State Logic SSL, X-EQ, X-Verb User Guide
www.solidstatelogic.com
Duende Native
User Guide
Duende Native. This is SSL.
Document History
December 2010 82BDNM01A Initial Release
Table of Contents
IInnttrroodduuccttiioonn 11
elcome to the World of SSL
W
About This Manual 1
Plug-in Tutorials and Support 1
About the SSL plug-in range 2
Channel Strip 2
tereo Bus Compressor
S
X-Comp 3
X-EQ 4
Vocalstrip 5
Drumstrip 6
X-Verb 7
11.. SSooffttwwaarree SSeettuupp 99
Overview 9
System Requirements 10
Windows 10
Macintosh 10
Host Applications 10
Downloading the Software 11
Problems Downloading? 11
Installing the Software (Macintosh) 12
Installing the Software (Windows) 13
Creating an SSL Profile 14
Logging into the SSL website 14
Buying Plug-ins 15
Applying Activation Codes to your Profile 16
CD Activation Codes 16
Free Demo Activation Codes 16
Activating Plug-ins 17
1
2
22.. EEQQ && DDyynnaammiiccss CChhaannnneell SSttrriipp 1199
Introduction 19
Interface Techniques 20
Automation 20
Input Section 20
Filter Section 20
Equaliser Section 21
Dynamics Section 22
Compressor/Limiter 22
Expander/Gate 22
Dynamics Values 23
Side Chain Processing Order 23
Channel Processing Order 23
Output Section 23
33.. SStteerreeoo BBuuss CCoommpprreessssoorr 2255
Introduction 25
nterface Techniques
I
Control Parameters 25
2
44.. XX--CCoommpp 2277
ntroduction
I
Interface Techniques 27
utomation
A
Control Parameters 28
Plug-in Bypass 28
Presets 28
A-B comparisons 28
Knee 28
Max GR 28
Bleed 29
Auditioning Bleed Bands 29
Compressor Values 29
Input and Output Sections 30
Compression Law Graph 30
Bleed Graph 30
I/O Diff Graph 30
GR History 30
Colour of knobs 30
2
2
5
7
7
55.. XX--EEQQ 3311
Introduction 31
Interface Overview 31
EQ Graph Display 31
Input and Output Sections 32
Interface Techniques 32
Automation 32
EQ Configuration 33
Plug-in Bypass 33
Presets 33
A-B comparisons 33
Analyse 33
Parallel 34
EQ Parameter Values 34
EQ and Filter Shapes 35
Bell Shapes 35
Shelving Bands 36
Filter Shapes 36
EQ History 37
An Audio Engineer’s Best Friend 37
The Best of the Analogue and Digital Worlds 37
Analogue Parametric EQ Modelling 37
Non Linear-phase EQ 38
Parallel Passive EQ 38
66.. VVooccaallssttrriipp 3399
Introduction 39
Interface Overview 39
lug-in Bypass
P
Presets 40
-B Comparisons
A
Automation 40
Input and Output Sections 40
Vocalstrip Modules 40
De-esser 40
De-ploser 41
Equaliser 41
Compander 42
Processing Order 42
3
4
77.. DDrruummssttrriipp 4433
Introduction 43
Interface Overview 43
Plug-in Bypass 43
Automation 43
Input and Output Sections 44
Drumstrip Modules 44
Gate 44
Transient Shaper 45
HF and LF Enhancers 46
Listen Mic Compressor 46
Processing Order 46
9
0
88.. XX--VVeerrbb 4477
Interface Overview 47
Plug-in Bypass 47
Automation 47
Presets 48
A-B Comparisons and Morphing 48
The Graph Display 48
Input and Output Levels 49
Mix Levels 49
Image Control 50
X-Verb Configuration 51
Kill Tail Button 51
1. Select an Algorithm or Preset. 51
2. Adjust the Primary Parameters 52
3. Adjust the Detail Parameters 53
Detail Parameter Ranges and Descriptions 56
ER Menu 56
REV Menu 57
AAppppeennddiixx:: CCrroossss--ggrraaddee 5599
ross-grade Eligibility Conditions
C
Additional Conditions 59
Who Gets What? 59
here is the Catch?
W
FAQs 60
uende Native Cross-grade Installation
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5
6
6
9
0
1
Introduction
WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF SSL
Congratulations on purchasing SSL’s Duende Native plug-ins. Duende Native delivers a taste of the SSL mix experience –
powerful channel and dynamics processing, the legendary Stereo Bus Compressor, plus a variety of contemporary audio
tools developed by SSL to provide you with extensive processing versatility.
SSL is a company that has built its considerable reputation on excellence in audio production. With the rise in popularity of
DAWs, there was an increasing demand to bring SSL’s values and sonic signature to the world of plug-ins. Duende was our
response to that demand. Duende was the result of our unique understanding of SSL’s sonic heritage coupled with years of
DSP development in SSL's digital console range.
Initially to bring Duende to life, we took the DSP heart of our acclaimed C-Series consoles and transplanted it into a hardware
plug-in host. As native processing has become faster, the ability to run the sophisticated Duende plug-in algorithms efficiently
in the host CPU has removed the need for additional DSP, while still leaving the DAW to deliver smooth workflow. Duende
Native plug-ins deliver the same acclaimed sonic performance as their hardware DSP predecessors, but also offer the
convenience and reliability of a complete ‘in the box’ solution.
Duende is a term used in flamenco connected to magic, spirit and passion, it’s a name that evokes all that we've achieved
with this product – and all we hope it will inspire its users to achieve.
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
This manual starts with a complete overview of the processes involved in installing and authorising your plug-ins then going
on to a detailed description of all seven of the plug-ins in the Duende Native range.
Please note that the procedures involved in using plug-ins within your host application are not covered in this manual. Please
refer to your host application’s user guide for more information on how to use plug-ins in general.
If you are reading this on-screen, you will find that a number of helpful hyperlinks have been included, providing easy
navigation around the manual, as well as quick access to key parts of the SSL website.
PLUG-IN TUTORIALS AND SUPPORT
If you would like any advice or support about your SSL plug-ins, the SSL website has an extensive support FAQ section:
www.solidstatelogic.com/support
SSL have created a number of tutorials which provide plug-in users with clear explanations and expert advice
on signal processing techniques. They include Pro Tools, Logic and Cubase/Nuendo project files which allow
you to experience real-life examples of the techniques within the Duende plug-ins. These are located within
the Duende Product section of the SSL website:
www.solidstatelogic.com/music/duende native/tutorials.asp
You can access these tutorials by clicking the Tutorial icon on the right – these icons are also found throughout the manual.
?
click here for
on-line
tutorials
Duende Native User Guide Page 1
ABOUT THE SSL PLUG-IN RANGE
Channel Strip
The EQ and Dynamics Channel Strip plug-in is based on the EQ and compressor sections of the XL 9000 K Series console. SSL
were the first mixing console manufacturer to feature dynamics and EQ on every channel on an in-line console with the
SL 4000 B Series in 1977. The plug-in includes separate high and low pass filters, an independent compressor/limiter and
gate/expander, a four band parametric equalizer which is assignable to the dynamics sidechain, variable processing order
as well as input and output gain adjustment and phase inversion.
Stereo Bus Compressor
The Stereo Bus Compressor plug-in is a stereo version of the legendary centre section stereo bus compressor found on the
XL 9000 K Series console. It provides high quality stereo compression, giving you critical control over the dynamic range of
audio signals.
Uses may include inserting the bus compressor over a stereo mix which has the effect of ‘gluing’ the mix together whilst still
maintaining a big sound. The dynamics of drum overheads or whole drum kits can be controlled very effectively with the bus
compressor. As it is available as either a stereo or mono plug-in the bus compressor can be used for practically any application
that requires superior compression.
Page 2 Duende Native User Guide
-Comp
X
-Comp can deliver the transparent audio finesse of a mastering grade stereo compressor or be driven to inject character and
X
aw power to rival the SSL Listen Mic Compressor. In X-Comp we haven’t just modelled a particular compressor, but have
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rovided a set of features and controls that allow the emulation of many vintage and modern compression designs based on
p
well loved SSL feed forward compressor algorithm.
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Key Features
• Dual symmetrical knee design allows detailed shaping of the compression characteristic
• Advanced side chain architecture using 1st order filters delivers user friendly Frequency Dependant Parallel Compression
• Amplitude Histogram and Gain Reduction history displays provide advanced real time pre/post signal analysis
• Max Gain Reduction control provides genuine vintage compressor characteristics
• Intuitive user interface with drag and move graphic, mouse wheel and numeric editing
• A/B facility for instant comparison of two different compression set ups
• Proprietary preset management functions providing compatibility between all DAW platforms
• Global latency free bypass
• Superb mastering grade audio quality delivered by Duende’s 64-bit floating point engine
• Preset library based on settings used by some of the worlds top mixing engineers
Duende Native User Guide Page 3
-EQ
X
-EQ is a versatile and comprehensive mastering grade parametric EQ plug-in built from the ground up for Duende. It has an
X
nprecedented clarity, smoothness, and excellent high-frequency response. A total of 10 EQ bands are provided, split into
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edicated HP and LP filters, LF and HF shelves and 6 bell bands. A Parallel EQ mode is also provided which recreates the
d
haracteristic sound of an old parallel passive PEQ circuit built with inductors and capacitors.
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Key Features
• 10 band fully parametric high quality digital EQ
• A total of 16 different filter types: 5 different cut filters, 9 bell shapes, shelving filters and a parallel mode
• Extensive control options including dragable EQ graph nodes, mouse wheel adjustment and numerical data entry
• Extremely low noise and low non-linear distortion filter algorithms resulting in the residual THD+N significantly lower
than 24-bit quantisation noise
• Comprehensive stereo/mono peak (with clip-hold), RMS and dynamic history metering at input and output
• Different bell filter types are all normalised to look identical at +6dB boost allowing for quick comparison between filter
types
• Proprietary preset management functions providing compatibility between all major DAW platforms
• A/B functionality for easy comparison of any two settings
• Individual band bypass
• Global latency free bypass
• Real-time FFT Analyser showing the result of the EQ processing on the audio spectrum
• Superb mastering grade audio quality delivered by Duende’s 64-bit floating point engine
• Preset library based on settings used by some of the worlds top mixing engineers
Page 4 Duende Native User Guide
ocalstrip
V
ocalstrip is a one stop solution for superior vocal processing, with all the tools you need to take your vocal sound into the
V
ajor league. Vocalstrip features 4 configurable processing blocks to take care of unwanted artefacts, dynamics and
m
qualisation and extensive metering and visual feedback give you invaluable information during your work.
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Key Features
• Intelligent De-esser
• Intelligent De-ploser
• 3 band EQ
• Compander featuring compression, downwards expansion and output drive
• Extensive visual feedback including a real-time FFT analyser showing the result of the EQ processing on the audio
spectrum
• Complete control over process order
• Extensive control options including mouse wheel adjustment and numerical data entry
• Proprietary preset management functions providing compatibility between all DAW platforms
• A/B functionality for easy comparison of any two settings
• Global latency free bypass
• Superb mastering grade audio quality delivered by Duende’s 64-bit floating point engine
• Preset library based on settings used by some of the worlds top mixing engineers
Duende Native User Guide Page 5
rumstrip
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he Drumstrip plug-in for Duende brings a unique blend of tools to the Duende Native platform, which provides an
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nprecedented amount of control over the transient and spectral elements of drum and percussion tracks. Manipulation
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hich previously may have been time-consuming or impossible with traditional EQ and dynamics processing becomes elegant
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nd rewarding with SSL Drumstrip.
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Key Features
• Transient shaper capable of drastically changing the attack characteristics of rhythmic tracks. An audition mode makes
for easy setup
• Highly controllable Gate featuring both open and close thresholds, attack, hold, release and range control
• SSL Listen Mic Compressor – as featured in the LMC-1 plug-in – with extra functionality
• Separate high and low frequency enhancers provide spectral control not achievable with traditional EQ
• Peak and RMS metering on both input and output
• Wet/dry controls on both the main output and the LMC, allow parallel processing to be easily dialled in
• Process order control over all five sections gives complete flexibility over the serial signal chain
• Latency-free bypass of all processing
Page 6 Duende Native User Guide
-Verb
X
-Verb is a versatile and comprehensive studio grade reverberation plug-in, delivering the density, warmth, depth and
X
tunning detail usually only associated with high class hardware reverb units. The use of innovative Diffusion Engines and
s
nnovative processing design provides superior performance that surpasses other Reverb Plug-Ins in both artistic freedom,
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epth and sonic quality. This plug-in may well provide all the different Reverb options you will ever need.
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Key Features
• Unique and modular SSL HiD Reverb Algorithm Engine
• 4 Core Algorithms create a complete collection of processors
• Quick Controls panel to easily alter the superb Presets
• Stunning Graphical User Interface to access the detailed parameter set
• Automatable Morphing feature to dynamically morph from one preset to another
Duende Native User Guide Page 7
Blank page – well, nearly.
Page 8 Duende Native User Guide
1. Software Setup
OVERVIEW
In order to get your SSL software working, here are the steps you will need to go through:
With a CD
Without
a CD
Free Demo
Install the software
from the CD
Download
the software
Download
the software
Install
the software
Install
the software
Create an SSL
Profile and log in
Create an SSL
Profile and log in
Create an SSL
Profile and log in
Apply Licence
to your Profile
Buy your
plug-ins
Apply demo licence
to your Profile
Activate your
plug-ins
Activate your
plug-ins
Activate your
plug-ins
Duende
Cross-grade
Download
the software
Install
the software
Log into your
SSL Profile
Cross-grade
your plug-ins
Re-activate
your plug-ins
Each of these steps will be covered over the following pages. There is a good chance that you are already some way through
this process – feel free to jump to the appropriate section.
You can navigate to any of the sections by clicking on the appropriate blue box. If you would like more information on any
stage of the setup process, please refer to the Duende Native area of the SSL website.
Cross-grade: This option is for users who already have a Duende unit and wish to take advantage of the
free cross-grade offer. Please see the Appendix for details, terms and conditions.
Duende Native User Guide Page 9
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
efore starting the process, you may want to confirm that no upgrades to your computer or its software are required to run
B
uende Native:
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Windows
- Windows XP, Vista or 7 (32- or 64-bit versions)
- Intel Core2 (or comparable) CPU running at 2GHz or higher
- 2GB of RAM minimum
Duende Native does not support Pentium or Celeron CPUs
Macintosh
- Intel Macintosh running at 1.83 GHz or higher
- OSX 10.5.8 or higher
- 2GB of RAM minimum
Duende Native does not support Power PC Macintosh.
Host Applications
Duende Native is designed to run within the following host applications:
- SSL Soundscape v6
- Steinberg Cubase v5.5
- Steinberg Nuendo v5
- Apple Logic v9
- Pro Tools v8
- Ableton Live v8.1
- Sonar v8
- Reaper v3
- Studio One
Duende Native has been tested in the above applications and is compatible. However, it will work with
virtually any VST/AU host, including those which have not been tested. Please refer to the Duende Native
FAQs for updated compatibility information.
Page 10 Duende Native User Guide
DOWNLOADING THE SOFTWARE
f you do not have a Duende CD, you can download the software from www.solidstatelogic.com. Note that you do not need
I
o buy plug-ins to download , though you will need to register on the SSL website before you can use them. To use them for
t
ore than one month, you will need to buy authorisation, as described on Page 19.
m
To download the software, go to www.solidstatelogic.com
by the MUSIC entry in the drop-down which appears, and click on Duende Native in the second drop-down which appears.
Select the Downloads tab to be taken to the page shown below. Alternatively, just click on the page displayed here in the pdf:
, hover over the PRODUCTS tab (at the top of the page) followed
There are three download boxes, for Macintosh, 32-bit Windows machines and 64-bit Windows machines. Click on the
Download label within the appropriate download box, and the download will start automatically.
It is important that Windows users install the correct software version – please refer to your PC’s User Guide to establish
which of the following host/OS permutations applies to you:
32-bit Windows, 32-bit Host: 32-bit installer required (the 64-bit installer will not run on 32-bit Windows);
64-bit Windows, 32-bit Host: 32-bit installer required (the installer detects that Windows is 64-bit and installs 64-bit
CodeMeter, but installs 32-bit plug-ins – see next page for more explanation);
64-bit Windows, 64-bit Host: 64-bit installer required;
64-bit Windows, Separate 32-bit and 64-bit Hosts: both installers required!
Problems Downloading?
If the download is very slow, click on the drop-down box at the bottom of the download box, and select
a different location number (1, 2, 3 or 4) within your geographical area (see right).
If the download doesn’t work, check that your computer meets the system requirements on the
following page, and check that you have downloaded the correct version.
Note that the SSL website has a support FAQ section. Click here to be taken there…
Duende Native User Guide Page 11
INSTALLING THE SOFTWARE (MACINTOSH)
nstallation on Macintosh requires that CodeMeter be installed before Duende Native. Locate the Duende Native installer.
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• If you have a Duende Native CD, both installers will be found on the CD.
• If you have downloaded Duende Native from the SSL Website, the installers will both be contained within the Duende
Native disk image file that you downloaded; double click this file to mount the disk image.
Run the CodeMeter Installer by double-clicking the CodeMeter Runtime package. Follow the instructions within
the installer. You will then need to restart your computer.
Once your computer has restarted, open once again either the CD or the disk image file and locate
the Duende Native Plug-ins package. Double-click this package to run the installer:
You will be taken through a number of screens, eventually reaching one which lists the Duende Native plug-ins. Uncheck any
of them which you do not wish to install:
Continue to follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Page 12 Duende Native User Guide
INSTALLING THE SOFTWARE (WINDOWS)
ocate the Duende Native installer, either on the Duende Native Installer CD, or in your computer’s downloads
L
older. The installer application is named Duende Native Setup 32-bit for 32-bit Digital Audio Workstations, or
f
uende Native Setup 64-bit for 64-bit Digital Audio Workstations.
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Double-click on the icon, and an installer window will open:
You will be taken through a number of screens, eventually reaching one which lists the Duende Native plug-ins. Uncheck any
of them which you do not wish to install:
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Duende Native User Guide Page 13
CREATING AN SSL PROFILE
n order to authorise your SSL software, you need to create an SSL profile:
I
Go to www.solidstatelogic.com
on the picture below will take you there:
Fill in your details and click on the Create New Account button at the bottom of the page.
and click on REGISTER, located in the top right-hand corner of the SSL home page. Clicking
You will be sent a password by email. Once you have received this email, you are ready to continue.
LOGGING INTO THE SSL WEBSITE
To log into the SSL website, go to www.solidstatelogic.com and click on LOG IN in the top right-hand corner. Clicking on the
picture below will take you there:
Type your username you created and the password sent to you by email, and click on the Log in button below the password.
Page 14 Duende Native User Guide
BUYING PLUG-INS
ou must have an SSL profile and be logged into the SSL website to buy plug-ins. Please refer to the previous page for
Y
nformation about creating and logging into a profile.
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When you log into the website, you are automatically taken to the MySSL area. To navigate there from elsewhere in the
website, click on your name in the top right-hand corner of the screen.
In the Product Catalogue down the left-hand side of the MySSL area, click on Duende Native to be taken to the Duende
Native store:
Select the plug-ins you wish to purchase by clicking on their Add to Cart buttons and complete the check-out and purchase
processes. You will automatically be taken to the My Products section of MySSL to activate your plug-ins.
Duende Native User Guide Page 15
APPLYING ACTIVATION CODES TO YOUR PROFILE
CD Activation Codes
If you bought your plug-ins on CD, you must apply your activation codes to your profile before you can activate them. To do
this, log into your profile then go to www.solidstatelogic.com/duendenativepacks and follow the on-screen instructions.
To locate your activation code, open your CD sleeve and you will find it on a sticker on the left-hand panel. It is 18 to 20
characters long, in the format: XXXXX–XXXXX–XXX–XXXXX (note that the third set of digits may be three, four or five digits).
Free Demo Activation Codes
Before you can activate any free demos you have downloaded, you need to apply them to your SSL Profile. To do this, log
into the SSL website, as described on Page 18. Then hover over the PRODUCTS tab (at the top of the page) followed by the
MUSIC entry in the drop-down which appears, and click on Duende Native in the second drop-down which appears. Select
the Free Demo tab to be taken to the page shown below. Alternatively, just click on the page displayed here in the pdf:
Read the on-screen instructions and click on the I Want A Demo button. This will send free demo licences to your Profile.
Plug-in Expiration
When your plug-in demo period comes to an end, the plug-in will stop working. When this occurs on
Macintosh the plug-in will appear glassed over – as shown left for the Stereo Bus Compressor.
When this happens, you will be eligible for another 7 day free demo after 30 days. Go to the web page
shown above for full details of further free demo licences.
Alternatively, you can re-activate your plug-ins permanently by going to the MySSL area of the SSL
website and purchasing full licences, as described on the previous and following pages.
Page 16 Duende Native User Guide
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