Smooth sounds

Having used an SSL analogue console on a number of occasions previously, I was very keen to put the Duende through its paces. I have always loved the sonic characteristics that SSL systems add to the mix and as a result I was very interested to see if a software emulation could truly replicate the sonic quality the brand’s known for.

It was perfect timing that the system arrived at the office, as I was in the final mixdown and mastering stages of a series of music therapy CDs that I have been composing for the last four months.

Being a Logic Pro & Pro Tools user I am always looking for plug-ins that can add the warmth and depth to the somewhat harmonically sterile environment provided by the DAW.

Being a composer of meditation and ambient music I find that any amount of analogue processing, whether it be hardware or software emulation of hardware really rounds off the mix, ensuring a smoother, silkier sound.

Now don’t get me wrong, I love digital tech as much as the next guy, but as those of you who have worked with purely analogue systems before will be aware, there is just that little something extra old-school tech adds to the music and the mix.

There are lots of explanations for this, ranging from upper harmonics being cut in digital to the way digital converters sample and store the final waveform.

All of these are purely theory and I doubt we could ever truly figure out the how, why and where of it all.We will just leave it at the fact that there is something pleasing about injecting some form of vintage or classic processing sounds into your mix, regardless of where they come from!

So it was with more than a little bit of excitement that I took the Duende home to hook it up to my Logic Pro system and see what I could achieve with this compact, affordable example of SSL technology.

Straight out of the box, the Duende is an easy device to get your head round.

Plug it into a Firewire port, install the software on the included CD-ROM and you’re good to go.

A number of bloggers have noted the limitations of the bundled plug-ins, which include just the EQ & Dynamics Strip and the Stereo Master Bus Compressor. Adding to the controversy is the fact SSL also offers a series of more advanced plug-ins for purchase from its website.

I have to say that I really don’t agree with this. In my opinion, the two bundled plug-ins are the only reason to purchase the Duende.

These are the two classic SSL processing matrices that most engineers and producers are always commenting on.

With the power to choose between the E or G series EQ from SSL and the Master Bus Compressor I see no end to the possibilities for any mix situation.Yes, I am sure a dedicated vocal channel strip, drum strip, 10 band EQ and the frequency dependant compressor are all amazing processors, but are they truly essential? I’d argue no, given the inherent flexibility of the DAW system, which allows you to set up almost any signal path simply and easily.

So back to the plugins themselves before I get carried away ranting about producers who wish they had every tool under the sun at their fingertips!

So with the install completed, it’s time to fire up Logic and see what the SSL plug-ins are capable of.

I set about trialling the plug-ins on one of my most recent sessions to try and add some sparkle and warmth to the overall mix as I wasn’t particularly happy with the separation I was receiving from my instrumental tracks – all synthesisers and samplers.

From the outset I was impressed. The graphical interface is so reminiscent of an actual SSL console that it took me back to the time when I first sat in front of an SSL console at SAE Amsterdam.

The familiar interface is a great touch that immediately puts you at ease with the technology.

I began using the plug-in on eight tracks that needed some tweaking.

Basically, I was looking to add greater depth in the low range.For adding ‘air’ to a track, the SSL EQ is outstanding in either of its incarnations.

It really stands out in the low-end when you combine the EQ with some mild compression.

I have always had a thing for SSL compressors, and once again I was not disappointed.

What was lacking and ‘floppy’ in the low end to begin with ultimately ended up sounding solid and warm after some mild processing.

I would love to pitch this plug-in against an electro kick drum and see what damage could be done to my speakers, and walls.

The ultimate however has to be the Master Bus Compressor.

It was a running joke at SAE in Amsterdam that by just switching on the Master Bus Compressor your track went from normal to hit in one click.

It really is that good a compressor. You can almost describe it as the glue that holds a mix together.It adds punch and sparkle, tightness and smoothness all in one go.

I have used it on all my songs as a mild form of pre-mastering just to add that little bit extra to all my music. Solid is the only word that suits its sound.

To conclude, the SSL Duende system as is, straight out of the box is a great buy. It brings that classic hit making sound into your laptop or desktop.

For those of you out there who are analogue junkies, it is a must to go on your birthday, Christmas or Eid wish lists.