Waves SSLEQ User Manual
Waves SSL 4000 Collection
SSL G-Equalizer
1. Introduction
The unique sound of Solid State Logic’s 4000 Series analogue mixing consoles is sought
after worldwide. Engineers of pop and rock music, broadcast transmissions and television
post-production value the SSL 4000’s flexible dynamics chain as much as the trademark
SSL “punchy” sound. Waves and SSL engineers have worked together for over a year to
recreate the sound characteristics of the classic SSL 4000 Series E and G Series
consoles. Now, those who “mix in the box” can achieve the sound they thought they’d lost
when they moved to the digital world.
The SL4000 console was the first mixing desk to incorporate dynamics processing into
every channel, as well as a master bus compressor in the console’s center section. The
ability to 'patch' into the SL4000's master bus compressor and to control its sidechain from
an internal sub-mix allowed sound engineers to discover unique, history-making
applications of this console technology. Whether used to record instruments such as
piano and drums or for final mixing, these innovative console sections - master bus
compressor, EQ and dynamics - opened up a new world of opportunities. For years,
workstation users have sought this unusual flexibility and signature sound. But
conventional dynamics and EQ plug-ins couldn’t produce the unique SSL color.
The Waves SSL 4000 Collection is the result of a partnership between Waves Audio and
Solid State Logic. These processors faithfully recreate the same EQ and dynamics
characteristics which made legendary the SL4000 consoles. Plus, the interface accurately
reflects the classic SSL console. Couple all of this with state-of-the art Waves software
and you suddenly find yourself working with the same tools that have provided countless
hit mixes for the world's best audio engineers.
SSLEQ page 2
The Waves SSL 4000 Collection consists of three separate sections:
• The SSL E-Channel
• The SSL 4000 G-Master Bus Compressor
• The SSL G-Equalizer
2. Description of the SSL G-Equalizer
The SSL G-Equalizer is modeled after the rack-mounted version of SSL’s G 292 EQ. The
SSL G-Equalizer functions much like the E-Series EQ in Waves’ SSL E-Channel, so it is
very easy to move back and forth between these two equalizers. This four-band equalizer
offers marginally greater gain change than the E-Series EQ, and each EQ offers a slightly
different equalization curve, so you will need to experiment with each equalizer to discover
which best suits your specific needs.
Veteran SSL users will already have their own ideas as to how to best pair the 242 EQ in
the SSL E-Channel Strip with the SSL G 292-Equalizer. With a bit of experimentation you
will discover how to best use each EQ, but we can offer a few generalizations with which
to start:
• In general, the SSL G-Equalizer allows you to create a more extreme EQ than with
the E-Channel Strip.
• The E-Channel EQ typically allows for a narrower Q than the SSL G-Equalizer.
• The SSL G-Equalizer affords a bit more gain change than the E-Channel Strip.
Many engineers choose to use the E-Channel’s EQ for detail work and mixing, employing
the SSL G-Equalizer as a downstream device to shape and give character to the sound.
How you choose to use each of these EQs will depend on your program material as well
as your own taste and style.
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