Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E by Plugin Alliance Review
Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E is an emulation of the famous vintage Solid State Logic E Console that used countless hit records in the mixing process, buss compressor, and pro audio. The Brainworx bx console SSL 4000 E is a plug-in that can be used to process and mix signals. The SSL 4000 E is a plug-in that was designed to work with the DAW software.
Vintage gear is often considered to be the best gear out there. This is because it has a certain character and sound that modern gear just can’t replicate. While it’s true that vintage gear can be expensive, it’s worth the investment if you can find something that works for you.
The SSL series console is a line of analog audio consoles manufactured by Solid State Logic. The consoles are widely used in recording studios, and have become the de-facto standard. The SSL 4000E is a popular model and has been used on albums by artists such as U2, Michael Jackson, and Lady Gaga.
SSL is known for solid state consoles and their artificial sound, which has become a standard in recording studios worldwide, with an amazing depth of sound. The emulation of this vintage console SSL 4000 E by Brainworx bx_console delivers all the charm of this sound, but with improved clarity of the mix.
Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E Review
If you are looking for an emulation of the famous vintage solid state console SSL 4000 E used in countless hit records in the mixing process, buss compressor, and pro audio studio. The Brainworx bx console SSL 4000 E is a plug-in that can be used to process and mix your signals.
Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E Installation
The installation with the Plugin Alliance is straightforward, you select the products you own in the Plugin Alliance installer tool, and the tool download and installs all needed files.
The plugin alliance installer tool will copy the needed files to your plugins directory. The Emulation is available for VST, AU (64-bit host), and RTAS in Windows and Mac in 32/64 bit format.
After the easy installation is behind us let’s start our SSL 4000 E Review plugin alliance or brainworx bx_console E SSL 4000.
SSL 4000 E – The Console Emulator
After the installation you will find a new plugin in your VST or AU plugins list, it is called Brainworx BX Console E. The plugin will show up in your plugins list with the same look as all other Plugin Alliance Plugins, so you know it is a member of their family.
The SSL console emulation is available in three different versions: bx_console N (no automation) bx_console E (with full automation) and bx_console G (with global automation).
SSL 4000 E – Usage
The Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E is a Channel Strip Plugin. You can find it in the list of plugins for your DAW, just as you would any other channel strip plugin. The first thing you will want to do is place it on a track. It looks like a Channel Strip plugin, so it will probably go in an Insert Slot. You can change this by right-clicking on the plugin and selecting “move”.
The Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E has two channels (in/out). We should insert it on one track, for example, the drums track. Then we can decide if we want to use channel 1 for the drums or channel 2.
The plugin comes with many features like built-in EQ and compressor, but it’s SSL emulation is what you are after when using this plugin. The two main components of the SSL 4000 E Console were the EQ and compression sections. So let’s focus on them first.
SSL 4000 E – EQ
The EQ section of the Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E is a 4-band parametric equalizer. It has the same frequency bands as the EQ in the SSL console. You can find these same frequency bands in most channel strip plugins.
The bandwidth (Q) can be set to three different values: 0, 1, and 2. This lets you change the width of the EQ bands. The bottom half of the plugin lets you set the gain for each band.
The Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E has an interesting feature, which is a “side-chain” section. The side-chain input lets you choose one of four different sources for the EQ band processing. These are:
- m (mid-side) – Source signal is split into mid and side signals and processed as usual.
- This option lets you process either the MID or SIDE part of the mix separately, without affecting the other. This can be an interesting creative tool.
- S (stereo source) – My favorite choice. This option allows you to process both the stereo channels of the input signal separately.
The plugin has an excellent metering section with built-in the spectrum analyzer, so it is easy to see what frequencies are affected by each EQ band. The output section shows how much gain is applied at each frequency band.
SSL 4000 E – Sound
Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E is an SSL console emulation. There are several in existence and available to buy as a software version.
If you want to produce a track that has the vibe of Solid State Logic analog consoles which have become the de-facto standard in studios worldwide, you may wonder which Solid State Logic (SSL) plugin to select.
More than dozens of plugin developers have released their version of an SSL emulation. Plugin Alliance’s Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E is one of the best versions available to date. I own a few of the most popular (and expensive) SSL emulations.
Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E is based on the same technology as their acclaimed plugin, the bx_digital V3. The EQ and compression sections are taken from that plugin with some additions/adjustments.
The best way to find out how the Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E compares with other SSL emulations is to compare it with other versions available.
Emulation of a Full SSL Console
With the bx_console SSL (solid state logic) 4000 E, you get the emulation of a full console to add that warm sound to your composition, this is what you are looking for when you work on pro audio sound and want to add some most famous british console vibe.
You have access to Filters, Compressor, Expander / Gate Section, High Frequency (HF) Band, High-Mid Frequency (HMF) Band, Low-Mid Frequency (LMF) Band, Low Frequency (LF) Band, and a Master Section.
Besides its completeness when it comes to the full feature support of a whole console you get a very unique feature that emulates the old vintage hardware.
When you look back at the old console which is hardware-based you can have to keep in mind that those are not digital computer stations. The consoles are built using so-called analog gear which means that the elements used are always unique and different from each other.
The used components do age and change over time the outcoming tone. That is not possible with digital hardware solutions, those just stop working.
SSL Native Channel Strip
One channel strip does not fully produce the same sound and tone as the channel strip beside it. With old gear, this was one of the reasons why they always sound better and special. Tolerance Modeling Technology is the technology used in the plugin to emulate this.
With Tolerance Modeling Technology plugins from Brainworx can emulate variability of used and emulated components. The plugin developer has really found an unique way to add variant vibes of analog hardware to the digital emulation.
When you look back at the SSL 4000 E console, you know that it is one of the most successful consoles ever built and used by many famous artists. The bx_console SSL (solid state logic) 4000 E plugin is an excellent way to use this console emulation inside your DAW environment “in the box”.
You Are in Search of Ssl Sound?
If you are in search of an SSL emulation, Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E might be exactly what you are looking for. It is an excellent product that offers well-rounded functionality for mastering and mixing engineers who want to add that analog vibe to their digital tracks.
Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E is a fantastic plugin that accurately recreates the sound of an SSL console in your DAW. It’s easy to use and has a wealth of features, making it a great choice for any engineer looking to add some analog warmth to their mixes.
Solid State Logic
The EQ section is especially well-done, with each band providing a wealth of controls for precise tweaking. The compressor is also very versatile and can be used to add punch or warmth to your tracks.
If you’re looking for an SSL emulation that’s accurate and easy to use, the Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E is definitely worth checking out. It’s a fantastic emulation of one of the most well-respected consoles ever built, and it’s available at a great price point.
Professional Music Production
The name SSL is very well known in professional music production circles as the dominant mixing console for over 20 years. Other brands have tried to emulate this powerhouse analog console but few have done it with the success that Brainworx has achieved with the bx_console SSL 4000 E.
This plugin not only accurately emulates the sound of the original console, but it also includes a number of unique features that make it stand out from the competition. The filters, compressor, and EQ sections are all well-done and provide a wealth of controls for precise tweaking.
This is where the whole magic beside the SSL sounds of this plugin is. You can apply the plugin to all your instruments tracks and within the plugin simply randomize the Tolerance Modeling Technology setting for all applied plugins.
I would recommend trying out the random button as you get different results every time you press it.
Now to the legendary sound of the SSL features emulated in this plugin. If you are looking to take a full blow SSL E console into your DAW at an attractive price (compare to the old console) you have found with the Brainworx SSL E console an exceptional SSL Console or Deck.
The sound is exceptional And SSL is like as expected by an SSL company endorsed plugin effect. I do recommend applying the SSL console to all your main instruments tracks (use the Tolerance Modeling Technology feature) to add some vibe and glue to your tracks without even setting up each channel rack itself. Additionally, the SSL console can also be used to enhance the overall sound of your mix, providing a warm and cohesive feel. It’s a versatile tool that can be used in a variety of genres and styles. For example, when using the SSL console with the sonora cinematic cello sample library, the result is a beautifully rich and textured sound that adds depth and emotion to your compositions.
Running sound through this plugin makes it sparkle a bit.
If you are interested in a full feature description there is an excellent manual available. The SSL deck emulates up to 72 channels and comes with an outstanding tone and SSL vibe.
For your mixing tasks, bx_console E glows with an excellent sound and unique features.
SSL 4000 E – User Interface & Usability
The SSL E Emulation comes with a UI that reminds me of a modern SSL E console with some modern enhancements to make it look modern and fresh.
The Plugin is also very CPU friendly and allows it to be applied to all channels on a decent Computer without a drawback.
Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E Main UI
Ssl 4000 E Review Plugin Alliance – Conclusion
The Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E is an excellent plugin that accurately recreates the sound of an SSL console. It’s easy to use and has a wealth of features, making it a great choice for any engineer looking to add some analog warmth to their mixes. The EQ section is especially well-done, with each band providing a wealth of controls for precise tweaking.
The compressor is also very versatile and can be used to add punch or warmth to your tracks. If you’re looking for an SSL emulation that’s accurate and easy to use, the Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E is definitely worth checking out.
It’s a fantastic emulation of one of the most well-respected consoles ever built, and it’s available at a great price point.
I do recommend applying the SSL console to all your main instruments tracks (use the Tolerance Modeling Technology feature) to add some vibe and glue to your tracks without even setting up each channel rack itself. Running sound through this plugin makes it sparkle a bit.
The Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E is an excellent plugin that accurately recreates the sound of a famous British console SSL console. It’s easy to use and has a wealth of features, making it a great choice for any engineer looking to add some analog warmth to their mixes.
The EQ section is especially well-done, with each band providing a wealth of controls for precise tweaking. The compressor is also very versatile and can be used to add punch or warmth to your tracks. If you’re looking for an SSL emulation that’s accurate and easy to use, the Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E is definitely worth checking out.
SSL 4000 E – Rating: Five out of five stars
Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E by Plugin Alliance adds the SSL tone to your tracks, with the Tolerance Modeling Technology for each plugin instance used in your mix it makes the analog experience comprehensive.
Tolerance Modeling Technology is for us in the box mixer the feature that leaves many other competing products behind. Through Tolerance Modeling Technology you get very close to the sound of a real hardware console.
bx_console SSL 4000 E sounds very much like an analog with a surprisingly low CPU load.
