Waves Releases Three SSL 4000 Plug-Ins Developed Under License From Solid State Logic

Jan 27, 2006

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Waves, the world's leading developer of digital audio signal processing tools, announces that it is releasing a new series of state-of-the-art plug-ins, the Waves SSL 4000 Collection. The collection was developed under license from Solid State Logic, the revered manufacturer of professional analog and digital consoles.

Based on the 4000 series console, and created by Waves working closely with SSL's engineering staff, the Waves SSL 4000 Collection includes three meticulously modeled plug-ins: the SSL G-Master Buss Compressor, SSL E-Channel and SSL G-Equalizer. To faithfully recreate the extraordinary SSL sound, Waves engineers spent more than a year analyzing and modeling the distinctive sonic characteristics of SL 4000 factory reference consoles and components provided by Solid State Logic. Extensive testing reveals that the Waves SSL 4000 plug-ins sound virtually identical to their hardware counterparts.

The Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor captures the unique sound of renowned master buss center compressor of the SL 4000 G console, including its IC input and twin VCA gain-reduction amplifier design. This compressor has long been prized by top engineers for its ability to "glue together" tracks, and is considered by many to be the ultimate finalizer that transforms a mix into a finished record. It's also ideal for taming piano dynamics or adding punch to drums and percussion.

The new SSL E-Channel consists of two sections that deliver the characteristic sound of the original. The equalization section of the SSL E-Channel is based on the renowned Black Knob equalizer, developed in 1983 by SSL in association with legendary producer George Martin. It features a steeper high pass filter for tighter low frequency control and enhanced cut and boost ranges, with a smoother EQ curve and flexible routing. The dynamics section features a soft-knee compressor/limiter and an expander/gate modeled on the SSL LS611E. Like its hardware counterpart, it includes a soft-knee compressor/limiter and powerful expander/gate, as well as automatic makeup gain for steady output levels.

The SSL G-Equalizer is modeled on the SSL G Series EQ292, the engineer's choice for creative sound shaping. This four-band equalizer offers greater gain change than the E-Series EQ, and a slightly different curve. The SSL G-Equalizer delivers the original's pre-boost dip and pre-cut rise which contribute to its characteristic sonic signature, in addition to a broad Q for extreme equalization.

Given Waves' reputation for technical excellence and unparalleled audio quality, the SSL 4000 Collection is poised to become a favorite of leading recording engineers, producers and musicians the world over.

"Our introduction of the Waves SSL 4000 Collection underscores our ongoing commitment to providing professionals the tools they need in the formats they demand. Waves' next step in characterizing this commitment is to bring the exceptional feature set of the SSL G-Master Buss Compressor, E-Channel and G-Equalizer to the desktop environment," stated Gilad Keren, CEO of Waves Ltd.