Alternative to Waves SSL Limiter?

[h4nc0]

You mean the g comp emulation? If so, there are many alternatives. (Try doing a search and you will get shitloads of related threads) I haven't tried this one personally but you may want to check out this thread. I think there's a demo version that works for 14 days.

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/new-p...ct-plugin.html

[JalenRawley]

Originally Posted by GCL

Any opinions on what's the best alternative to the Waves SSL Limiter? I eliminated my entire Waves Diamond bundle because I just don't like getting emails all the time telling me my Waves Update Plan is about to expire. I found excellent replacements for everything in my Diamond bundle (Sony Oxford, Soundtoys, etc.) but haven't looked for a substitute for the SSL Limiter, which is very good. (and I don't want to go with a plug-in requiring extra hardware.)

Depending on what you're using it for, PSP has the VintageWarmer, Xenon and MasterComp available. They're at PSPaudioware.com - audio processors and effects plug-ins in VST, DirectX, MAS, AudioUnit, RTAS format for Mac and PC. I have all three, but have to admit that I almost never use the MasterComp. I love the VintageWarmer though, in fact I really have to restrain myself from trying it on everything because I always can get something I like out of it. I use the Xenon over the master buss a lot, mainly for the playback while tracking and to act as a quick-and-dirty mastering limiter while mixing to hear how the mix responds and reacts to it. It's funny how clicking one button can make everyone in the control room say "Wow" when you kick it on the buss :D

Although it does have the extra hardware you don't want to deal with, the UAD-2 Solo Flexi goes for a scant $800 at Sweetwater, and that comes with a $500 voucher for plugins from UAD. Many people find these plugins superior to Waves, myself included. The card is an easy installation and it really does make an impact on freeing up your computer resources, although it's easy to overload the card with the resource-hungry UAD plugins.

Other than that, you can check out other Waves packs like the JJP, Maserati or V-Series bundles. I've been pining for the JJP for a while, but just can't justify the expense right now :P

[Tube World]

Originally Posted by GCL

Any opinions on what's the best alternative to the Waves SSL Limiter? I eliminated my entire Waves Diamond bundle because I just don't like getting emails all the time telling me my Waves Update Plan is about to expire. I found excellent replacements for everything in my Diamond bundle (Sony Oxford, Soundtoys, etc.) but haven't looked for a substitute for the SSL Limiter, which is very good. (and I don't want to go with a plug-in requiring extra hardware.)

I have a hard time believing you threw away money you spent on the Waves Diamond because you don't want to receive emails about the Waves update plan. All you have to do is tell them not to send you emails, or the less effective way is to spam the first email you get from them. I have several Waves plug ins and I have not received one. Just because you remove them from your computer would not make them stop sending you them either. Something does not smell right.

[psycho_monkey]

There is no SSL limiter, either from Waves or anyone else.

You don't specify platform - which does matter quite a bit since lots of plugins are PT or VST/AU only.

If you want a G-style compressor, you've got URS, McDSP (PT only) to choose from, plus other smaller vendors that might not be specific SSL emulations.

If you want a limiter, you've got plenty of options - Massey L2007 for PT being an obvious choice.

That's before getting into the UAD/Duende world.

But I agree - you're really willing to dump thousands of pounds worth of plugins because of a few nagging emails?

[GCL]

Thanks, I should clarify I'm looking for Mac AU.

As far as the emails go, it's not that per se, but rather the whole WUP thing that for me, personally, I don't want to subscribe to anymore. (The emails are not the thing, just an irritant.) I don't want to get into a WUP discussion either as that's been done to death, but I'm just looking to get out from under the anything WUP. I look at software the same as hardware, and TubeTech isn't hitting me for money after the fact. The Diamond bundle was sold long ago with absolutely no regrets. Enough said. I'm just looking for an SSL G substitute and I'm free! Appreciate the link to THE GLUE, it looks interesting.

[KEYBEEETSSS]

Originally Posted by psycho_monkey

There is no SSL limiter, either from Waves or anyone else.

Wondering was anyone gonna say that...

[TonyBelmont]

Originally Posted by GCL

Thanks, I should clarify I'm looking for Mac AU.

As far as the emails go, it's not that per se, but rather the whole WUP thing that for me, personally, I don't want to subscribe to anymore. (The emails are not the thing, just an irritant.) I don't want to get into a WUP discussion either as that's been done to death, but I'm just looking to get out from under the anything WUP. I look at software the same as hardware, and TubeTech isn't hitting me for money after the fact. The Diamond bundle was sold long ago with absolutely no regrets. Enough said. I'm just looking for an SSL G substitute and I'm free! Appreciate the link to THE GLUE, it looks interesting.

The Diamond Bundle does not include the SSL Bundle.

But, regardless... there is no G compressor substitute that I know of. But, you might want to check out something different like the Chandler/ EMI TG12413.

[GCL]

I know the SSL Bundle is not part of the Diamond bundle. I was just talking about what Waves stuff I've owned. Sorry to all if I've confused things by called the SSL Comp an SSL Limiter, my mistake. What I'm looking for is an alternative to the SSL Comp (which I still own for now).

[Whitecat]

Originally Posted by GCL

I know the SSL Bundle is not part of the Diamond bundle. I was just talking about what Waves stuff I've owned. Sorry to all if I've confused things by called the SSL Comp an SSL Limiter, my mistake. What I'm looking for is an alternative to the SSL Comp (which I still own for now).

But WUP is essentially optional. Your plug-ins won't stop working on your current system just because you haven't renewed it... it's only "necessary" if you change systems and require an updated version (which is not always even the case) or if they add something to your bundle that you want. For example, if you have the SSL bundle (you seem to!), this past year they added the G-channel to it at no charge for people with WUP coverage, so basically an extra plug-in for free.

Anyway, the McDSP as far as I know is a good alternative, or if you're willing to investigate the Duende platform then you could also get an ACTUAL SSL G-Comp that way...

[wakestyle]

for native plugs, (vst) the abbeyroads limiter is very nice although i don't know if i'd use it for mastering... it's great on individual tracks though.

Stillwell audio's 'the rocket' is a really cool sounding limiter to check out.

[davey boy]

Isn't the cap on wup $200? If so, couldn't one just spend the $200 when there's no other option verses spending $200 (or probably more) on a new plugin? I don't like wup either btw but sometimes it's just cheaper. Just curious.

[TonyBelmont]

Originally Posted by davey boy

Isn't the cap on wup $200?

Yes. But, you don't have to pay it every year. I think 95% of Waves users do not pay it (which is the smart thing). You just pay for it when there is a major revision to your DAW or OS. It's that simple.

[GCL]

The cap is higher than $200 when you add up WUP prices for separate bundles (I have the SSL, Z-Noise and Guitar and the update is $251.00), but I really don't want to talk about WUP, it's what it is. I want to make a 100% break from Waves, if possible, that's just the way I feel about it. I didn't miss the Diamond bundle for a minute when I sold it, and was just looking to do the same with the rest of it.

I probably should have just simply asked about alternatives to the Waves SSL Comp without giving any reasons. I've already got some ideas from this thread, so I'm satisfied, thanks.

[XHipHop]

SSL 4000 G presets for Logic 8 Compressor (download)

[lagavulin16]

Originally Posted by GCL

The cap is higher than $200 when you add up WUP prices for separate bundles (I have the SSL, Z-Noise and Guitar and the update is $251.00), but I really don't want to talk about WUP, it's what it is. I want to make a 100% break from Waves, if possible, that's just the way I feel about it. I didn't miss the Diamond bundle for a minute when I sold it, and was just looking to do the same with the rest of it.

I probably should have just simply asked about alternatives to the Waves SSL Comp without giving any reasons. I've already got some ideas from this thread, so I'm satisfied, thanks.

I was considering buying some Waves plugins. What I found with WUP was enough for me to skip it. When I buy software, I expect to be able to own/use it for as long as my OS supports it.

An annual fee is absurd, but if the plugins are that good and you're making money off of them I can see why people pay it. But I agree, software should be like hardware.

[GCL]

Originally Posted by XHipHop

SSL 4000 G presets for Logic 8 Compressor (download)

Thanks, that's impressive, and I do use Logic 8.

[noiseflaw]

Originally Posted by h4nc0

You mean the g comp emulation? If so, there are many alternatives. (Try doing a search and you will get shitloads of related threads) I haven't tried this one personally but you may want to check out this thread. I think there's a demo version that works for 14 days.

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/new-p...ct-plugin.html

Yes you REALLY need to check this plug.

Really.

[Lagerfeldt]

Originally Posted by GCL

Thanks, that's impressive, and I do use Logic 8.

Then look no further. It's not a 100% match by any standard but it's fairly close.

Then spend your money on improving your acoustics instead or start saving for some analog hardware :-)

[divine source]

Originally Posted by Lagerfeldt

Then look no further. It's not a 100% match by any standard but it's fairly close.

Then spend your money on improving your acoustics instead or start saving for some analog hardware :-)

Lagerfeldt,

tnx for the presets,i got them few month ago, and really like them

[TonyBelmont]

Originally Posted by lagavulin16

I was considering buying some Waves plugins. What I found with WUP was enough for me to skip it. When I buy software, I expect to be able to own/use it for as long as my OS supports it.

An annual fee is absurd, but if the plugins are that good and you're making money off of them I can see why people pay it. But I agree, software should be like hardware.

There is NO annual fee you are forced to pay with Waves plugins.

You don't understand what WUP is... it's an optional program. You do NOT have to participate. And your software will work with your OS and DAW as long as there are no significant updates/ upgrades to either. It's only when there is a major revision that you should be paying for the WUP, and at that point it is no different than upgrades with most other software manufacturers (except for companies like URS who NEVER charge for updates/ upgrades).

[Lagerfeldt]

Originally Posted by TonyBelmont

There is NO annual fee you are forced to pay with Waves plugins.

You don't understand what WUP is... it's an optional program. You do NOT have to participate. And your software will work with your OS and DAW as long as there are no significant updates/ upgrades to either. It's only when there is a major revision that you should be paying for the WUP, and at that point it is no different than upgrades with most other software manufacturers (except for companies like URS who NEVER charge for updates/ upgrades).

I don't agree, though you are not technically incorrect in your post.

Since in reality there are constantly upgrades to your software/DAW you do need to upgrade your Waves package from time to time.

Such as switching from OS X Tiger to Leopard or switching from Logic 7 to Logic 8, etc. And not just major upgrades demand the need for WUP - that depends entirely on what you're previous software version was.

And it's not like you're get anything special when paying hundreds of dollars for a WUP (at least that's what it costs in Europe + VAT). All I got was the ability to still run the Waves plug-ins I've paid more than $8,000 for so far.

I don't mind paying for upgrades as long as I'm getting something. But a simply compatibility upgrade is not something I enjoy paying hundreds of dollars for.

[TonyBelmont]

Originally Posted by Lagerfeldt

And it's not like you're get anything special when paying hundreds of dollars for a WUP (at least that's what it costs in Europe + VAT). All I got was the ability to still run the Waves plug-ins I've paid more than $8,000 for so far.

I don't mind paying for upgrades as long as I'm getting something. But a simply compatibility upgrade is not something I enjoy paying hundreds of dollars for.

If you have spent $8000 on Waves plugins as a Logic user, you should at least own the Mercury Bundle, plus a bunch of others that I don't know about..... because Mercury costs thousands less than $8000.

As a Mercury owner, I have gotten thousands of dollars worth of free plugins just for A. being a Mercury owner and B. paying my $200 WUP fee... Just off the top of my head, I got the API Bundle, JJP Bundle and Maserati Bundle within the last year for FREE... Every Mercury owner has as well.

That's the best $200 I ever spent... so, I'm not complaining about WUP.

[Lagerfeldt]

Originally Posted by TonyBelmont

If you have spent $8000 on Waves plugins as a Logic user, you should at least own the Mercury Bundle, plus a bunch of others that I don't know about..... because Mercury costs thousands less than $8000.

No, I don't own the Mercury bundle. Only the Platinum Bundle. Let me explain to you how.

The short story is that if you buy Waves TDM (I originally had Pro Tools) they are about twice as expensive. Not a pricing policy I quite agree with, but it doesn't matter today as I've upgraded from Pro Tools to Logic Pro.

The TDM Gold Bundle was $5,100 including VAT in Denmark at my local dealer when I bought it in 1998 or 1999 I believe.

Then I later decided to upgrade from the Gold to the Platinum Bundle but this time I wanted Native Format for Logic. But that's simply not possible according with Waves, you either need to get the Platinum Bundle in TDM (and get the Native versions included) or you need to buy the Platnum Native Bundle, in effect buying all your plug-ins twice! No discount, no crossgrade.

Now you realize why I've easily paid more than $8,000 to Waves during the years. Some of the plug-ins are nice and I still use them, but frankly I'd recommend people buying Flux, Sonnox Oxford or something else today.

[norbury brook]

Why not buy an SSL duende PCIe, I got one for less than the price of the waves plugin and it's DSP,works well in OSX and XP.


Marcus