SSL plugs or MCDSP Channel G HEEELLLPPP

[MREVOL]

Im looking to purchase one or the other. Can people that have tried the SSL plugs and the MCDSP channel G (also maybe consider the focusrite liquid mix) please give me there opinions. Also, is anyone having problems running the ssl plugs on pro tools 6.9.3

[proxy]

SSL is running smooth on my 6.9.3.

I don't know channel G, but the SSL plugs are in a league of their own IMO.l

[Jamz]

Running 7.1cs9 here. Have not looked into Liquid Mix.

The SSL Bundle and Channel G are probably the 2 most used sets of plugs in my mixing process.
For me... The SSL applies that more surgical edge and helps me get to the presence of a sound quickly. Sometimes the compressor in the SSL Channel is perfect sometimes it's not. Channel G has a slightly more flexible compressor within.
This plug helps me to pump things up and yet keep it tight without sounding overcompressed. G can influence a warmer or smoother treatment easier than the SSL stuff. Their respective interface influences me to do things a little differently with each plug. Therefore, attempting to apply the same treatment with each plug can sometimes yield different results just based on the way each plug influences me to tweak it's parameters.
Generally, I feel it's easier to make something warm with Channel G and sharper with the SSL channel or EQ. The SSL comp usually sits on the 2 buss.
For me there are some areas they each excel in while overlapping aspects tend to be mutual beneficial rather than redundant.
I'm glad I have both. A necessity here.

The SSL Bundle is more expensive than Channel G. If economics are a factor I would start with Channel G and eventually pick up the SSL Bundle. If economics are not a major factor and depending on genre of music you specialize in...well you'll have to try them out for yourself and decide. I really couldn't choose just one.

[MREVOL]

Great response--thanks

Any one else have an opinion, anyone try liquid mix.

[unsilpauly]

Originally Posted by MREVOL

Great response--thanks

Any one else have an opinion, anyone try liquid mix.

metric halo channel strip is really good too. i dont have the mcdsp but i do have waves ssl and while its good i think the metric halo is just as good. both have their uses. i plan on getting the mcdsp soon though.

[djui5]

I'd go with SSL if I were you. I don't like channel G much personally. It dosen't have that "sound" at all, and peaks really really easy. It's annoying actually.

[AlexLakis]

Originally Posted by djui5

I'd go with SSL if I were you. I don't like channel G much personally. It dosen't have that "sound" at all, and peaks really really easy. It's annoying actually.

I completely agree. Those plugins clip so easily!!! Analog Channel included! I'd go with Waves SSL, I'm liking it much better than McDSP these days. Has better character for me.

[Solar]

Waves SSL but still like McDsp... they got something..

[Jamz]

No problem with G's gain structure here.

[84K]

Channel G is pretty cool. the SSL plugins are cool too. I like the interface of both of them, but the SSL looks like a real SSL. Like you can touch it. Pretty amazing.

The important thing is the sound. They are both good, I think I favor Channel G but if the EQing needed is drastic then definitely SSL

[Trailerman]

Depends what's important to you. If you want SSL sound, period - go Waves.

If you want a great all round plugin, with good SSL, great Neve, and (IMO) superb API models, go McDSP (I use the Neve and API EQ and comps far more than the SSL models).

The Channel G is probably the plugin I use the most, and I have pretty much everything. It's incredibly flexible, gives you lots of very different EQ and compression flavours, and routing flexibility, sidechains, filters etc., and I've never had gain staging issues.

My only criticism of the Channel G is that the gate sucks.

Jules

[pigpen]

Originally Posted by djui5

I'd go with SSL if I were you. I don't like channel G much personally. It dosen't have that "sound" at all, and peaks really really easy. It's annoying actually.

I agree partially here too....I still dig the G on some stuff, but the peaking stinks.

If you don't have any of the outboard SSL, the Waves offers more with the Buss Comp. I'd go Waves all the way....or you could get caught up in that whole Waves vs Duende thing if you so deisred....HA!

[kifaru]

But honestly gentlmen. can they really give you that big console sound? I personally have not heard anybody who had relatively free acess to the hardware say the would rather use the software. I'm not saying it isn't good, I just saying it doesn't seem the same.

[MREVOL]

Yes--- I did read around on this topic but what about the FOCUSRITE LIQUID MIX. Anyone get to a/b this with other stuff??

[84K]

Jamz summed it up nicely in post #3.

Also, kudos to Jim (Jamz). He does do amazing mixes. I have head stuff that was track poorly that he saved. I saw the mix session and there was a lot of Channel G and some SSL Channel. Sounded like it was done on a f**king SSL


P.S. DISCLAIMER: I did not track the above mentioned song

[Jamz]

Originally Posted by 84K

Jamz summed it up nicely in post #3.

Also, kudos to Jim (Jamz). He does do amazing mixes. I have head stuff that was track poorly that he saved. I saw the mix session and there was a lot of Channel G and some SSL Channel. Sounded like it was done on a f**king SSL

Thank you. However, you have me at a clear disadvantage. Mmmm...NY? I sent PT sessions to Jonathan Yudkin in Nashville for ODs via his brother (in Philly). Do you know Josh?
Or are you hiding in a closet?

Thanks again...where ever you are

[84K]

I will PM you. Great work!!

[Jamz]

Got your PM.
For a minute I had visions of Scary Movie

Thank you for the compliment.