How to use SSL Native Channel Strip 2

perhapsSSL Native Channel Strip 2What is this when people who are just starting DTM see?I think it will be. (I'm old too)

But this seems to be an easy-to-use form for professionals who have used analog desks.
(Personally, I think it's still possible to brush up unique to plug-ins.)

Channel Strip is an extraction of 2 channels of the mixer, and the feature is that EQ, Comp / Limiter, and Gate / Expand are integrated, and the balance can be adjusted with one plug-in.

SSL Native Channel Strip 2I think that the most difficult way to use is the side chain part, so I will explain the side chain mainly and the others lightly.

Whole image

The signal flow (processing order) isDefaultThen, it flows from ① to ④ in order.

This order can be changed to any order by clicking the arrow at the bottom center.

①LowPass, HighPassFilter

The frequency characteristics are as follows.

It can be used when you want to cut high or low before putting it in the comp or EQ, or for adjustment at the final stage.

② 4Band EQ

It's a 4-band EQ.

I will quote it because the manual has characteristics.

You can set it on / off with the switch next to the central EQ.

The "E" switch switches between SSL E-series and G-series EQ characteristics.

"G" is a Q with the same width regardless of the amount of increase or decrease in Gain, and "E" is a wider Q when Gain is low.

I actually checked it.

There was an explanation in the manual, so I will translate it and quote it.

G series: The bell curve has a low gain and more rounded shape. G-series EQs are more delicate and are generally suitable for musical instruments and vocals.

E series: The bell curve is slightly sharp. The E-series is more aggressive and is suitable for removing noise.Problematic frequency.Generally suitable for drums.

③ Comp / Limiter

As with the EQ, you can set On / Off f with the "DYNAMICS" switch.

The "FAST ATTACK" switch switches the compressor to a faster attack time.

The value is usually 3ms to 30ms (automatic), and 3ms for "Fast Attack". 

The "PEAK" switch switches signal detection between peak mode and RMS mode.

Press the PEAK button to switch from RMS signal detection to peak signal detection.Normally in RMS mode, the compressor responds to average signal levels and has soft knee characteristics.When switched to peak mode, he became responsive to the peak levels of the signal and introduced hard knee characteristics for more dramatic compression.The level of compression is the meter in the middle of the two dynamic sections on the left.

④ Gate / Expander

The "EXPAND" switch toggles between the gate and the expander.

The "FAST ATTACK" switch switches Gate / Expander to a faster attack time.

The attack time (the time it takes for the Expander / Gate to “recover” when the signal level exceeds the “deactivate” threshold) is typically set to 40 ms per 1.5 dB. Press the FAST ATTACK switch to set a fast attack time of 40 μs per 100 dB.This is effective when you want to gate a signal with a sharp rising edge, such as a drum.

Side Chain

"Side Chain" is set at the bottom center.

You can change the routing to the sidechain with "DYNAMICS SIDE CHAIN".

By assigning the EQ and filter sections to the dynamics sidechain, it is possible to perform advanced processing such as deessing.

The process order displayed at the bottom of the plugin window indicates the sidechain assignment. It is also possible to assign the EQ and filter sections together in a sidechain, in which case the EQ takes precedence over the filter.To hear the signal supplied to the sidechain, press the S / C LISTEN button in the Output section to route the sidechain signal to the channel output.

What you can do with this is to route the EQ and filter to the sidechain and the Comp and Gate will work for that input.

As an image, it is the same as the side chain effect often used in EDM.

"Side Chain" of "SSL Native Channel Strip 2" has external input and internal input.

The same sound as inside is input to the side chain.

At that time, it is possible to control the frequency applied to the threshold by applying EQ or Filter (both are possible).

I think it's easier to understand if you listen to it with examples rather than words.

The following exampleFilterIs routed to the side chain so that Comp is not applied to the bass with High Pass.

In the example belowEQWas routed to the side chain, and the midrange was applied to Comp so that the bass was not applied. (Strengthened so that the effect is easy to understand)

Use "EXTERNAL" to route external inputs to the sidechain.

If you use the DAW's sidechain input to input to "SSL Native Channel Strip 2", Comp or Gate will be applied to that input.

Summary

The load is light, the hook is good, and it is easy to use.

If you have a PC with a certain level of specifications, you may want to insert "SSL Native Channel Strip 2" into the mixer from the beginning.

However, even though such a plug-in is on sale, it costs $ 1 each, so it's amazing ~