Waves V-Series vs API Collection vs SSL 4000 Collection -- I can only afford one

[everythinglouder]

Hello,

I have been demoing the Waves Studio Classics Collection for the past month and I wanted to get some user opinions.

I only can afford to buy one of the packs... the V-Series, the API, or the SSL 4000.

I mix ITB and primarily mix trailer music with sampled strings, brass, choir, perc, drums, bass, and guitar.

In the month I had the demo, I wasn't able to form a strong enough bias towards any one of the packs -- I was very impressed with each. I really loved the sound of the V-Series EQ's, especially the V-EQ3 on my Mix-Buss for overall mix sweetening. I found the V-EQ4 and the API 550B equally as good, although different, at smoothing out sampled strings and brass, which is very important to me. But I was more impressed with the API 2500 as a mix buss compressor than I was with the V-Series "2254" compressor. And as far as the SSL stuff, I loved all of it, but didn't have a chance to mess around with the SSL G-Master Compressor, and wonder if that compressor has more applications beyond just a mix-buss.

I'm interested, for those of you have spent some solid time with each, which pack you find the most versatile, which pack you find has the most character, etc. I absolutely do not mind the "vintage" sound of the EQ's. While I do primarily mix orchestral/rock hybrid music, I am just a sucker for smoother vintage sounds rather than super-transparent processors. Besides I have enough "transparent" EQ's and compressors with my Waves Silver bundle, the Sonalksis plugins, and the PSPaudioware plugins.

And before you try to steer me towards a UAD card... I'm on an iMac so that isn't an option.

I'd appreciate all the input I can get. Thanks very much.

EDIT: By the way, I would be purchasing the Native version of whichever bundle as I am a Logic user.

EDIT # 2: If there are people who would recommend spending the $750 on a handful of URS Native plugins instead, I'd gladly hear those recommendations. Just please specify which URS plugins you think are worth it... URS has pretty low prices at VintageKing and Sweetwater...

[plexisys]

I tested all 3. I went with the SSL package. I found it gave me, or should I say my clients, a cleaner more shinny/finished sound than the others. I also have a number of neve and api pres that get a lot of sound going in but didn't have the SSL pres at the time I did the shoot out so it was a good choice for me for some different sonic qualities.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of them but I'd suggest getting something that gives you a different quality of sound than what your current gear is giving you. Lot's of times it's just about having different options.

[TheRealRoach]

I was also in your position last year (could only afford one). I demoed all three while in full production and mix for a record. Went with SSL.

[jdjustice]

Hi !

I own the V-Series and API bundles and am a former owner of the SSL bundle.
Overall I think all 3 are excellent bundles ..

I am mostly a compression person and use very little EQ so I will just comment on the compressors (although I prefer the API EQs over the other sets).

The V-Series is nice but definitely has what I think of as a 'sticky' sound -- colored and thick, with character but (IMHO) not a ton of grace..
The API is a step up (and a totally different beast). I like the API a lot on vocals and also on the 2buss. However, if your primary need is for a buss compressor, I would not hesitate to say SSL is the way to go. That G-Series buss compressor is colored but sensitive and responsive but mean (if that makes any sense). It can be a TRUE 'glue' for your tracks... I miss it a lot (had to sell it last year at a bad financial time).

So for the type of application you're describing I would say SSL.
I have used all the URS plugins as well, and I am a fan of the graphical Neve and API models but not really keen on the Channel Strip Pro or anything much else save maybe the BLT for quick and easy stuff. URS wise, the N-series graphical is my top pick.

You will want to check out the CLA Compressors bundle -- the CLA-2A sounds like God had a role in its sound.... but even as much as I love those plugins, for smooth buss compression, SSL is the one to beat.

My 2 cents good luck

[fastlane]

Same boat here, tested all 3 and all brilliant but SSL is the best for most things

[everythinglouder]

Hey thanks very much everyone... so far it seems like the SSL is the favorite of the packs.

Now regarding the URS plugins... at Vintage King you can get:

---Classic Console EQ W/ FullTec+BLT:
-A Series EQ 4 Band (API 550B)
-A-MIX Series EQ 7 Band
-N Series EQ 5 Band (Neve 1084)
-N-MIX Series 7 Band
-FullTec Program EQ
-BLT Program EQ

---1980 Classic Compressor/Limiter (Modeled after the SSL Master Comp?)

---Classic Console Strip (NOT Console Strip Pro)

...All for $720.

Seeing as this is basically the same price as Waves SSL ($750)... would anyone go for that URS pack instead for the extra plugins? Are URS "SSL" and Waves "SSL" close enough in quality?

(I no longer have the Waves demo period, so I can't A/B the URS vs. Waves myself)

Thanks.

EDIT: I forgot to mention that I could get the URS 1970 or 1975 instead of the 1980. I just found out that I have already demo'd the URS compressors a long time ago... if anyone likes the idea of the URS plugins over the Waves SSL Pack, could you please advise the pros/cons of the URS 1970/75/80 for mix-buss compresson?

[fastlane]

You can the waves bundles much cheaper than that, talk to tony Belmont about that

Personally I much prefer the waves gear to urs. Not everyone would agree with me on that one though.

[borism]

Id go with the SSL bundle
I think is the most versatile of the three
And yes you can get a better price than that
Cheers

[Tube World]

Everyone has different taste. I like the V Series the best for two reasons.
1. It adds a pleasant character to the mix...more analog sounding. Yes the SSL is nice and shiny, but I like more of that vintage type of sound added to my mixes. The API is great too, but the gain steps jump to 2 db like the real API so they are not as flexible. I also like the V Series compressor better than the SSL.

[gambit]

if I had to choose i'd go for the v-series since I like the sound of the eq's and comp way better than the SSL ones, but then the SSL master comp is BOMB.

depends on your use really.

[everythinglouder]

OK I really appreciate everyone's feedback.

What's a bit enticing to me at the moment is the URS Everything EQ + Everything Compressor bundle, which I may be able to find at $900? It even includes the new N4 series EQ which is very nice, I'm demoing it at the moment.

It seems with this bundle I'd get a taste of Neve, API, and SSL... but again, as I can no longer A/B with the Waves recreations of these units... is there anyone out there who feels strongly against these URS plugins?... I do very much respect the opinions on this board so by all means, let me know!

Thanks!

EDIT: I just want to reinforce the fact that I need a bit of versatility with the EQ's. For all I know the V-Series alone can offer extremely 2 versatile EQ plugins... it's just important for me to be able to shape orchestral samples from a variety of different libraries in order to fit them all into the same general timbre. And I definitely want some vintage characteristics because I love to use that stuff on my drums and guitars.

[joeydego]

ditto on seeing tony, best price around. Just for the 2500 Id go with the API, and the high end on the 550 is smoother than the v series.

[everythinglouder]

Cool, I emailed Tony for a bunch of quotes.

[joeydego]

waves actually has the CLA compressors on sale a few more days, I HIGHLY suggest demoing that bundle before you render a decision.

[xgabrielx]

safe some money and buy the big bundle!!!!

The V-sereies, Api and SSL stuff are all AMAZING!!!!
But very different!!!!

[everythinglouder]

Originally Posted by xgabrielx

safe some money and buy the big bundle!!!!

The V-sereies, Api and SSL stuff are all AMAZING!!!!
But very different!!!!

Gabriel -- Which bundle are you talking about... the Studio Classics Collection? I just cannot afford that. Or are you talking about the URS bundle? That, with the help of Tony, I MAY be able to afford...

Please clarify... thanks.

[xgabrielx]

Sorry, I mean the studio classics bundle!!!!
This bundle almost replaced all my other plugins because every single processor sounds so good!!!

You mentioned 750$ for the URS stuff so I thought you have that money allready?
So I would wait a couple of month and then buy the studio classics bundle native for like 1300$.

Dont look at waves.com for prices!!!!
I bought mine at dutchmuzic (ebay seller)
Also there is wavesuniverse.com
and one guy here Tony....

good luck and wait till waves makes a new special offer of 10%-25% savings.
This will also reflect the prices of the cheaper sellers

cheers

[Dave Lewis]

+1 for Tony Belmont, IMO it's worth saving for the Studio Classics bundle, as they all sound great, and each has it's own character.

[SKyflash34]

The SSL has been doing some great things for me. To me the 'bright and shiny' thing
works better as I tend to layer stuff and my mixes can get pretty dense. I have to be
honest though and say I never tried the other bundles based on what I've heard about
them and feel they may offer more of a vintagey type of sound. Some day I'm gonna
want a bit of a change so I may demo the others at some point in the future.

The SSL buss comp works very well for me on the 2 buss but I find I only need a
few drops to about 3 db max as it can really wack stuff hard if you're not careful.
if you can get your mix set in about 98% of the way without using it it will work
it's magic if used sparingly once you kick it on.

I've been a bit interested in the URS stuff,particularly the Channel Strip Pro.
Lets us know how you make out either way.

[The MPCist]

SSL is the one I'd go with.

[Farshad]

I also prefer the Waves Neve, API and SSL stuff over URS plugins (have them all).

[Benmrx]

I'de also say go for the SSL bundle. I'de also agree the Waves stuff is MUCH better than URS. Wish that wasn't the case, but IME it is.

Also, regarding the SSL = Bright and Shiny.... IMO that's really only when you're boosting. If you more of a "cutter" as I've come to be, the SSL plugs can be pretty darn natural sounding. Mainly talking about the G-EQ here.

[barrythave]

For Orchestral work and trailer music I really like the V-series. It can make it sound full and big. I also like the Sonnox Oxford for Orchestral work. The Sonnox Dynamics can give a really nice touch to the drums and make them snap and punch through the mix without masking the rest of the instruments. And the EQ and inflator (less is more) sound great!

[MaTr1x2051]

What exactly are you looking for?? I like the API eqs the most, but they are the least versitle. They just color the sound in a way that I love. SSL bundle I'd call the best bang for the buck. Great channel strips, eqs, and a wonderful plugin buss-comp. I always pick the G-comp over the API2500. V-series: I love the V-comp and I always seem to use the eqs on things that need a dirtier sound. But they don't get used as much as the API or SSL.

Like has been said, the SSL is IMO the best single bundle to get. But if you really want broad color eqs, its hard to beat the APIs. I almost always have one on my 2-buss next to the G-comp.

[duckoff]

Like has been said, the SSL is IMO the best single bundle to get

Ditto for me - got all 3, but SSL definitely gets the most use.

[xgabrielx]

IMO is the waves api 2500 the best software compressor!!!!
But only in the "OLD-MODE"

[SKyflash34]

Originally Posted by Benmrx

Also, regarding the SSL = Bright and Shiny.... IMO that's really only when you're boosting. If you more of a "cutter" as I've come to be, the SSL plugs can be pretty darn natural sounding. Mainly talking about the G-EQ here.

Yes I meant to explain that as well in my reply above. It is more of a cutting-through
kind of thing. I like the bright-shiny for acoustic guitars when needed too.

[jmarkham]

The SSL4000 is the "must have" out of the list (IMHO).
jeff

[cbaxtermusic]

honestly alot of people sleep on the v series but i find myself using that bundle way more than my ssl or api plugs. if u are trying to color ur sound or looking for a great vocal compressor i stand ture to the v series bundle comps and eq, the api 2500 is a pretty sweet compressor if u have the money for the single plugs. i also use the ssl eq because of its HPF and its ability to make ur mix or instruments shine(when used correctly not jus plug and play) . and of course the master bus comp so peices i would recommend

V series bundle
Api 2500
SSL G eq
SSL Master Bus Comp

[KEYBEEETSSS]

I have all 3 bundles & for the longest I would ONLY use the SSL stuff, & sometimes API2500... then,I got to a point where I would only use the API stuff, NOW, I'm @ the "ONLY using the NEVE stuff" point... That's a hard choice for just 1