10 most popular channel strip plug-ins right now

Solid State Logic (SSL) analog consoles popularized the "channel strip" concept in the 1980s by including fully featured EQ and dynamics sections on every input channel and since then, channel strips have become an essential part of modern music production by instantly providing the essential "building blocks" of a mix right above the fader. Nowadays there are many excellent plug-ins out there that are not only paying homage to the 'classic' strip designs but also taking them further by introducing exciting new features, so let's dive in and take a look at the ten most popular channel strip plug-ins being discussed right now on Gearslutz:

*All plug-ins on our list are cross-platform (Mac/PC) and compatible with all major AU and VST plug-in hosts.

Neutron 2 Advanced

iZotope Neutron 2 Advanced


What is it? A 'next-level' channel strip with cutting edge tech including smart frequency analysis and 'artificial intelligence' to aid the mixing process.

Packs: Gate/expander, 8-band fully parametric EQ with HP/LP filters, dynamic EQ option, two compressors with sidechain, exciter, transient shaper, limiter, frequency analyzer with inter-channel masking, automatic setup and much more.

Lacks: Coffee-making capabilities.



Sand

Acustica Audio Sand


What is it? A bundle of processors based on SSL console designs including the channel strip - and also the coveted bus compressor.

Packs: All the classic SSL channel strip features and also a previously unseen plug-in that combines both the strip and the bus comp into a single instance - intriguing!

Lacks: Hardly anything, but it could be a bit less taxing on the CPU.



Brainworx bx_console N

Plugin Alliance Brainworx bx_console N


What is it? Emulation of a surprisingly clean-sounding Neve VXS Series console owned by Brainworx founder Dirk Ulrich.

Packs: Gate/expander, 4-band parametric EQ, HP/LP filters, compressor with internal sidechain filter option, noise floor adjustment. 72 individual channels of the desk are available for ultimate realism.

Lacks: Some might say it could use a little more grit and saturation as is expected of most Neve-a-likes.





API Vision Channel Strip Plug-In

Universal Audio API Vision Channel Strip Plug-In


What is it? Some of the best of hardware from API emulated and brought together in a single plug-in.

Packs: The classic 550 equalizer, 225L comp/limiter, gate/expander, LP/HP filters along with an input stage that replicates the acclaimed 212L preamp in all its glory.

Lacks: We wish this had a lighter DSP footprint - you’re going to need lots of those SHARC chips for a larger instance count. With great quality comes great DSP hunger!







Solid State Logic XL 9000 K-Series for Console 1

Softube Solid State Logic XL 9000 K-Series for Console 1


What is it? Yes, it’s another emulation of the famous SSL channel strip, but this time it comes with a hardware controller!

Packs: The SSL footprint down to the letter, with all the features from the analog consoles, and adding variable harmonic distortion so it can be pushed further.

Lacks: Nothing, and with the recent inclusion of Cubase support Console 1 now works with pretty much every major DAW out there.






That's the list! Honourable mentions go to the UAD Neve 88RS, IK Multimedia British Channel and last but not least to SSL's own Duende Channel Strip.

What’s your take on channel strips? Do you like these all-in-one solutions or do you prefer "building your own" out of separate plugins? Are you still enjoying classic designs or would you rather go with feature-rich designs enabled by digital tech? Is the "channel strip of your dreams" still a dream or is it a reality by now? Please share your comments and insights below!