+20 Best SSL Plugins: Top Solid State Logic Plugins of 2024
- Plugins
- Kobe Cooper
- September 7, 2024
When it comes to professional music production, few names stand out like Solid State Logic (SSL). Known for its legendary hardware consoles, SSL has also made a mark in the digital world with a range of plugins that bring the same high-quality sound to your DAW.
Whether you’re mixing, mastering, or producing, SSL’s plugins offer powerful tools to take your tracks to the next level. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best SSL plugins you should consider for your setup.
Top Solid State Logic Plugins by Category
| SSL Plugin | Category | Link |
|---|---|---|
| SSL Native Bus Compressor 2 | Compressor | Check Price |
| SSL Guitarstrip | Channel Strip | Check Price |
| SSL Native Vocalstrip 2 | Vocal Processing | Check Price |
| SSL Native Drumstrip | Channel Strip | Check Price |
| SSL Native X-ValveComp | Compressor | Check Price |
| SSL X-Delay | Delay | Check Price |
| SSL DeEss | De-Esser | Check Price |
| SSL Native X-Saturator | Saturation | Check Price |
| SSL 4K B | Compressor | Check Price |
| SSL PlateVerb | Reverb | Check Price |
| X-DynEQ | EQ | Check Price |
| SSL 4K E Plug-in | Channel Strip | Check Price |
| SSL Native FlexVerb | Reverb | Check Price |
| SSL LMC+ | Compressor | Check Price |
| SSL Fusion Transformer | Saturation | Check Price |
| SSL SubGen | Synth | Check Price |
| SSL G3 MultiBusComp | Compressor | Check Price |
| SSL Native X-Phase | Phase Correction | Check Price |
| SSL X-Gate | Gate | Check Price |
| SSL Meter | Metering | Check Price |
| SSL Fusion Violet EQ | EQ | Check Price |
Solid State Logic has been at the forefront of audio technology since the 1970s. Originally renowned for its large-format mixing consoles used in top-tier studios around the world, SSL has since expanded its expertise into the digital world.
Known for precision, clarity, and a distinct sonic character, SSL hardware and plugins are trusted by audio professionals to achieve the iconic “SSL sound.”
Top SSL Plugins for Mixing and Mastering
Here’s a breakdown of the top SSL plugins that will help you bring professional-level polish to your mixes.
1. SSL Native Bus Compressor 2
The SSL Native Bus Compressor 2 is the digital version of the famed G-Series stereo bus compressor found in SSL consoles. Famous for its ability to “glue” a mix together, this plugin does more than just compress—it enhances the cohesion of your mix, maintaining dynamic integrity even at higher ratios.
The updated version comes with parallel processing, making it more versatile for modern mixing needs, and the sidechain highpass filter ensures low-end frequencies won’t overwhelm your track.
If you’re looking to give your mix that final touch of shine, this compressor is an absolute must-have.
2. SSL Guitarstrip
Whether you’re working with electric, acoustic, or bass guitars, the SSL Guitarstrip is a complete solution for achieving pro-level guitar tones. With built-in analog drive emulations, this plugin allows you to easily add warmth or grit to your guitars.
It also features a compression section, a phase correction tool, and an intuitive 3-band EQ that lets you sculpt your sound to perfection. For guitarists and engineers alike, SSL Guitarstrip offers a quick path to polished guitar tracks without compromising creativity.
3. SSL Native Vocalstrip 2
For anyone serious about vocal production, SSL Native Vocalstrip 2 is an essential tool. This plugin combines all the key processing elements needed for professional-sounding vocals into one easy-to-use interface. Featuring a de-esser, a de-ploser, and a smooth SSL EQ, it’s designed to bring clarity and presence to any vocal track.
Whether you’re cleaning up harshness or boosting presence, this plugin ensures your vocals sit perfectly in the mix. It’s the simplest route to transforming an average vocal take into a standout performance.
4. SSL Native Drumstrip
The SSL Native Drumstrip is a powerhouse for drum and percussion processing. It comes packed with tools that add clarity, punch, and presence to your drums. From a transient shaper to a classic SSL listen mic compressor, this plugin has everything you need to tighten up your drum sound and make it stand out in a mix.
Whether you’re dealing with booming toms or muddy kicks, Drumstrip is your go-to for pristine drum mixes.
5. SSL Native X-ValveComp
The SSL Native X-ValveComp combines classic compression with a unique valve emulation stage, allowing you to add harmonic warmth and distortion to your tracks. This plugin offers Peak and RMS modes, giving you flexibility in how you control dynamics. Its built-in wet/dry mix control is perfect for parallel compression, allowing you to blend the compressed and uncompressed signals seamlessly.
For anyone seeking to add character and weight to their mix, X-ValveComp is an excellent choice.
6. SSL X-Delay
Inspired by vintage digital delays of the ’80s, SSL X-Delay is perfect for anyone looking to create expansive soundscapes and textures. The plugin offers a variety of processing tools, including modulation, saturation, and highpass/lowpass filters, making it ideal for creative delay effects on vocals, guitars, and synths.
Its retro vibe and cutting-edge features make it a great addition for those who want to experiment with delay.
7. SSL DeEss
The SSL DeEss is designed for precision when it comes to vocal and instrument processing, targeting sibilance and harsh high frequencies. Unlike traditional de-essers, the SSL DeEss uses a relative threshold algorithm, making it just as effective on quieter sibilant events as it is on louder ones.
With intuitive controls and built-in features like brighten control, mid/side processing, and automatic auditioning, this plugin simplifies the task of cleaning up vocals. It’s a must-have for producers aiming to smooth out vocal harshness while retaining clarity and energy.
8. SSL Native X-Saturator
When it comes to adding character to a mix, the SSL Native X-Saturator is a versatile tool that lets you choose between valve-style warmth and transistor-driven distortion. This plugin is perfect for subtle harmonic enhancement or aggressive distortion.
Whether you’re sweetening vocals, adding grit to drums, or thickening bass tracks, the X-Saturator delivers controlled, analog-style saturation that can be finely tuned with a wet/dry knob for parallel processing. This flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications.
9. SSL 4K B
Modeled after the legendary SSL 4000 B-series console, the SSL 4K B plugin brings the distinctive character of one of the most iconic analog consoles into the digital world.
Famous for shaping the sound of classic albums from Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel, this plugin faithfully recreates the rich, non-linear analog character and punchy sound that made the 4000 B series a studio favorite. It’s an ideal tool for anyone seeking that classic SSL sound with modern convenience and integration.
10. SSL PlateVerb
SSL PlateVerb is a reverb plugin that recreates the lush, classic sound of plate reverb while offering modern enhancements for today’s producers. With control over early and late reflections, as well as diffusion and damping options, PlateVerb provides flexibility in shaping reverb tails to fit any mix.
The plugin excels in adding depth and dimension to vocals, drums, or other instruments, allowing you to achieve anything from subtle ambience to cavernous reverberation. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to dial in the perfect reverb for any situation.
11. SSL X-DynEQ
Dynamic EQ plugins like SSL X-DynEQ offer fine control over frequency bands, adjusting their response based on the amplitude of the signal. X-DynEQ allows you to dynamically boost or cut frequencies only when needed, ensuring a clean and transparent result.
With up to 24 dynamic EQ bands, this plugin provides precision sculpting, making it invaluable for handling problem frequencies in vocals, instruments, or full mixes. The flexible sidechain options and node-based interface further enhance its ability to tackle even the most complex mixing tasks.
12. SSL 4K E Plug-in
The SSL 4K E Plug-in is a meticulously crafted emulation of the SSL 4000E console’s channel strip. Known for its punchy, larger-than-life sound, the 4000E was instrumental in shaping countless hit records.
This plugin brings that same sonic signature to your DAW, offering features like the Brown, Black, and Orange EQ flavors, along with classic dynamics processing. The result is a versatile channel strip that can handle anything from smooth EQ curves to aggressive compression, perfect for modern music production.
13. SSL Native FlexVerb
The SSL Native FlexVerb offers a comprehensive set of tools for reverb shaping, with four algorithmic types: room, hall, plate, and chamber. It’s not just about adding reverb—FlexVerb’s 6-band EQ allows for precise tone-shaping, and its sidechain compressor ensures the reverb sits perfectly in your mix.
Whether you’re after subtle ambience or rich, expansive reverb, this plugin has you covered with an intuitive interface that simplifies complex reverb processing.
14. SSL LMC+
A modern take on the iconic SSL Listen Mic Compressor, the LMC+ plugin is known for its unique ability to create the “gated-reverb” drum sound that defined the 1980s. This version improves upon the original with advanced features like external sidechaining, variable highpass and lowpass filters, and Scoop and Split modes for creative manipulation of your wet signal.
The LMC+ is ideal for aggressive, character-rich compression, making it a powerful tool for shaping drums, vocals, and even full mixes.
15. SSL Fusion Transformer
For those looking to add a vintage vibe to their mixes, the SSL Fusion Transformer brings the rich harmonic saturation of the SSL Fusion hardware unit into plugin form. It adds subtle heft and shine to your signal by emulating the transformer’s low-frequency saturation and high-end phase shifts.
With the ability to control the intensity of the effect via SHINE and AMOUNT parameters, the Fusion Transformer is perfect for thickening low-end frequencies and adding a touch of analog warmth to any track.
16. SSL SubGen
The SSL SubGen plugin is your go-to for adding sub-bass to any track. Whether you’re enhancing kicks, basses, or even snares, SubGen generates frequencies an octave lower than the original signal to provide more power and depth.
With customizable bands and three saturation modes (pre, bass, and kick), it’s easy to dial in the exact sub-bass sound you need. This is especially useful for rebuilding thin low-end content or creating rumbling effects for cinematic sound design.
17. SSL G3 MultiBusComp
The SSL G3 MultiBusComp offers SSL’s iconic “glue” compression across three frequency bands, making it a versatile tool for mastering and mixing.
Each band can be individually compressed, with options for sidechaining and harmonic drive, ensuring that the dynamic range of each part of the spectrum is perfectly balanced. Whether you’re working on a polished mix or adding final touches during mastering, this multi-band compressor offers precise control over dynamics.
18. SSL Native X-Phase
Phase problems can ruin a mix, but the SSL Native X-Phase gives you fine control over phase shifts across specific frequency ranges.
This plugin is ideal for aligning out-of-phase recordings, such as drum overheads or multi-mic setups. Its manual control over phase shifts ensures a transparent and high-quality result, and the added delay section allows for broader time alignment. This makes X-Phase a powerful tool for fixing phase issues and creating creative comb-filtering effects.
19. SSL X-Gate
SSL X-Gate is a highly visual and intuitive gate processor designed to deliver precise control over unwanted noise and bleed. The rolling waveform display makes it easy to set accurate thresholds, while the mid/side processing and advanced hysteresis control allow for creative and transparent gating.
Whether you’re cleaning up drum tracks, gating vocals, or sculpting sound design elements, X-Gate provides advanced control with minimal latency, making it a versatile addition to any plugin collection.
20. SSL Meter
The SSL Meter is a comprehensive metering tool designed to give you detailed feedback on your mix. It includes measurements for peak and RMS levels, phase coherence, stereo balance, and frequency content, ensuring that your mixes are always in control. The plugin offers various meter types, including classic VU and PPM meters, along with a real-time frequency analyzer.
The SSL Meter is an invaluable tool for ensuring your mix is consistent and professional-sounding, making it a crucial part of any audio engineer’s workflow.
21. SSL Fusion Violet EQ
Modeled after SSL’s first new analog EQ circuit in over 25 years, the SSL Fusion Violet EQ is a simple yet powerful two-band shelving EQ.
With carefully selected frequency points, it’s incredibly musical and easy to use. Whether you’re boosting the low-end for more weight or adding sheen to the high-end, the Violet EQ brings smooth, professional results. The added FAT button provides extra low-end punch, making this plugin perfect for both modern and vintage-styled productions.
Final Thoughts
Solid State Logic’s plugins capture the essence of their legendary hardware in a more accessible, digital form. Whether you’re aiming for that iconic “SSL glue” in your mix or need precision tools for vocals, drums, or guitars, these plugins offer a perfect blend of modern functionality with classic SSL sound.
With their robust features and intuitive interfaces, they are a worthy investment for any serious music producer or engineer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! The SSL bundle offers an incredible range of plugins that cover every aspect of audio production—from compression and EQ to reverb and phase correction. These plugins bring the renowned SSL sound to your DAW, providing high-quality tools for mixing, mastering, and recording. If you’re serious about your audio work, the SSL bundle is definitely worth the investment for its flexibility and professional-grade results.
SSL (Solid State Logic) is famous for its large-format mixing consoles, particularly the 4000 and 9000 series, which have been used in many of the world’s top recording studios. These consoles are known for their punchy sound, advanced dynamics processing, and overall reliability. SSL’s plugins continue this legacy by bringing the same level of quality and performance into the digital world.
The SSL Bus Compressor is used to add cohesion, or “glue,” to a mix. It’s especially popular for use on the master bus or drum bus, where it helps bring all elements of a mix together without losing dynamic range. It can tighten up a mix and make it sound polished, while maintaining its musicality.
Yes, many SSL plugins, such as the G3 MultiBusComp, X-DynEQ, and SSL Meter, are designed with mastering in mind. These plugins provide precise control over dynamics, EQ, and levels, making them excellent choices for mastering tasks where subtle adjustments can make a big difference.
SSL plugins are known for their high-quality emulations of the brand’s legendary analog hardware, offering a distinct sound and flexibility. SSL plugins are designed with intuitive interfaces, modern features, and creative possibilities, while maintaining the sonic character that has made SSL hardware iconic in the music industry.
Some SSL plugins, especially those with advanced features like oversampling or real-time visual feedback, can be CPU-intensive. However, most of them offer options like “ECO mode” to reduce CPU usage when necessary, making them more accessible for systems with limited processing power.
Yes, SSL plugins are compatible with most popular DAWs, including Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Cubase, and FL Studio. They typically come in various formats, such as VST, AU, and AAX, ensuring wide compatibility across different platforms.
