Neve & SSL Plugins - My Recommendations

[@digitalmarketinghumans]

Voosteq Model N, one of THE BEST Neve emulation plugin I have heard and I have tried many!

[@musiccreation1198]

After using UA's Neve for a long time, I now use Blackbird BB N105

[@TheGarageRecordingSC]

For anyone who may not have heard yet, starting November 8, the entire SSL subscription collection, will be included in the slate, all access pass, for the same $14.99 price.

[@musiccreation1198]

Damn! Thanks for sharing this.

[@Harrysound]

Very interesting. That will probably include Harrison as well I guess as SSL , Harrison and Slate are all owned by the same company.

[@TheGarageRecordingSC]

@@Harrysound I’m not sure about Harrison…it hasn’t been announced at all, but I do know that it’s a limited window to get both for the $14.99 price. After the limited time, I imagine the price to get all of it will change.

[@TheGarageRecordingSC]

Just to clarify, all existing AAP subscribers will get both subscriptions for the $14.99 a month price for as long as you remain a subscriber. So don’t let that subscription lapse. 👍🏻😁

[@southkak48]

not doubting you, but just wondering where you are getting this info and could you provide a link? Just asking cause I was just about to let my slate sub expire because I use more SSL plugs now. thanks for the info

[@darkmaer]

I’m a console1 guy, so I mainly just stick with that stuff and I really want the Mark three, but that price tag kind of hurts so it’s definitely gonna be a long while before I pull the trigger on that.

[@Thirsty_Deer_Studio]

I don't understand how you missed the Lindell 80 series from Plugin Alliance a true Neve 80 series console with the feel and the LOOK. It's in my template on everything

[@musician1971a]

Indeed, that is my Neve option. And the SSL by SSL, just that tiny bit smoother and focused compared to the rest

[@Thirsty_Deer_Studio]

@musician1971a I put it on everything. And I have a BAE 1073MP rack unit, but still use the plugin for the gate, and a lil more goodness. I also have the API from UA as well and still go Plugin Alliance for the Neve everytime

[@jmcc405]

The PA Lindell 80 emulation does a great job. Emulates the 1073. It sounds more open than the N version, which I like as well.

[@jenslempke7883]

Thanks for a great video! I agree you should stick to only one chosen emulationchain for each flavour. I go with SSL's SSL Channel Strip 2/SSL Bus Compressor ending up in NFuse Fusion emulation from Kiive in the mixbus and Voosteq Model N Channel - also NFuse, but the Neve MBT model instead. API-wise I go for the vision/2500 built into UAD Luna and end up in a final 2500 with mixbus settings.

[@TheAudioCzar]

KIT plugins BB N73 is my go to neve right now. Still really like the Waves SSL EV2 as well

[@bugbass]

The Lindell 80 series is also up there IMO

[@Abovegroundmedia]

Great video! I’ve also been enjoying the Sonimus N Console lately. It’s really fun to use

[@drewschempf944]

Still use it?

[@steveweilhart2359]

I have been very happy with the (KIT plugin) clone of the Neve blackbird console channel strip Blackbird BB N105 - watching some other comparisons SSL seems a bit cleaner sounding then the Neve - listening back to back very minor tonal differences both sound great - I do use the SSL (logic) master Buss compressor on my stereo buss only 2-3 db of reduction - great video

[@PurpleMusicProductions]

Very sound advice Barry! I figured that a little while ago once I purchased the SSL Native Channel strip. I had the Brainworks version, but liked the sound of the SSL more so I uninstalled it. I got the API Vision and Master Bus from UAD and uninstalled the Brainworks version for the same reason. Too many options leads to unproductive behaviors. I have decided to go into the SSL ecosystem with their surface controllers so I am waiting for my UC1 to arrive and will be investing in two UF8s so I intend to master one console. It's funny once you obtain your focus you seem to ignore all of the plugin advertising 😂

[@vc2tb]

Hi Barry great video I have a console 1 and fader I love using them 👍👍

[@PureAmbientDrone]

I just started using the SSL E after trying the demo. Got it on sale for $99. I have used every plugin mentioned in this video except acustic audio's. I agree their all fantastic. But after slapping the SSL E on every track in my mixes, I hear a depth and spaciousness unlike with any other plugin I have tried before. It's now the only SSL I use. But all these mentioned here are great too!

[@wesleyhendricks153]

Thanx for this plugins review. Just would have been helpful if you perhaps put on the screen the plugin name when bringing them up on the screen so when going to their website we can go to that exact plugin to trial. But great review!!!

[@definfected]

I always love your advice and make a lot of my decisions based off of them. Thanks for sharing another great vid!! Much ❤️ BJ!!

[@haryygeros7528]

Voosteq model n and CLA mixhub are the ones.

[@DJMIDIMACK]

…I always appreciate your views and/or recommendations. Thank you for what you do. 👍🏽

[@adambell4513]

Great timing Barry. I have the UA Neve plugin but I was just looking at SSL options yesterday as I have yet to purchase one. I’m leaning towards SSL version or possibly Plug-in Alliance! Great video

[@willow121212]

I went through them all. Ssl was the best I had heard until I got sand by acustica. Something about that acustica voodoo that makes me smile when I boost those high mids/top end. The bus compressor with the pre engaged also is Glorious

[@BrewerShettles]

Hi What about the Plugin Alliance SSL9000J? A few dB at 8K and 5K on drums brightens them in a track

[@TheSaxjan]

I'm late to the party here, but I want admit that the amazing Acustica Gold contains a whole channel strip plugin with a comp as well. My new hot Neve tip is Voosteq Console N - fantastic!

[@dream.cast.studios]

I just needed to hear this... thanks a million

[@Frank.Zimmermann]

Great, thanks so much Barry! 👍 I use my brainworx SSL 4000 E channel strip for some time now and I love it like crazy.

[@BukanIbuMu]

I don't know why there is -142dB of hiss. I applied the lowest v-gain and noise gate but it's still there.

[@easternsouvenirs]

I've been using the SSL native channel for a year or so and it just feels too broad and inprecise, like the Q knobs don't do anything and the high shelf boosts too much of the mids no matter where you set it. If I want overly broad I'll use a Neve or API EQ.... I recently tried the old Waves E channel and I honestly like it way better. It does what it says it does. No idea if it sounds like the console but I don't really care, haha. It works more accurately with how I want it to respond.

[@GeorgeAmodei21]

I agree 100%. I use my NEVE on curtain Tracks as well as SSL. Another Great Video Barry.

[@jonbirmingham6005]

I subscribed to UA and got the Spark offering. I am very happy with it and have parked my Waves version of those included in Spark. Love the Neve EQ,, and the multiple versions of the LA2A, and 1176. Too many to mention after that. Thanks for your video and suggestions. I always learn a bunch. I will consider an SSL replacement for my Waves channel strip and mix buss compressor.

[@KKMcK1]

Neve for vocals. API for rock rhythm section. SSL for corporate pop and hip hop. It is the very fact that the API vibe is the lesser-used is why I want to use it. Everyone sounds like SSL today. Neve is more towards the EMI sound. For me, the dirtier, the better. It's not brain surgery.

[@smitty80]

I trust Barry with my studio life!! He helped me so much with my Carbon.

[@GgWhyfye]

Love your setup its beautiful

[@PharaohLawLess1]

Acustica Audio makes the best plugins in terms of emulating hardware in my opinion. Their Gold 5 plugin is extremely musical for a plugin. I have the Golden Age Project 73 MK3, with the matching EQ and comp 54 compressor and they’re musical too but I use those to track guitar

[@tryingtotryistrying]

the third party devs do an even better job than acustica (who fucking sucks as a company imo) - Alex b's modern flagship, Tim pethericks ssl bus.... good shit

[@PharaohLawLess1]

@@tryingtotryistrying I wouldn’t say they suck really bcuz at least they give you free updates when the update their plugins unlike Izotope 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@PharaohLawLess1]

@@lespaul2550 I’m using a 2013 iMac with 32 gigs of RAMM on an i7 processor and Ivory 5 works just fine for my old computer. I wish you could use it bcuz it is a good plugin. Yes it is CPU heavy but it’s worth it. I primarily use AA plugins on the 2 bus at the end bcuz they’re so heavy

[@jeffersononetwo]

Great selections. By the way, I just wanted to complement you on your color grading - I really like the pop!

[@thePunkRockMix]

I mix with console 1 , because to my workflow having the transient section and the drive section always at my hands is an absoluut win over the others. For compression I stick in 90% with hardware.

[@tubefixxer]

Another fine video Barry, I’ve got all but two of the ones you displayed. BTW UA has some great prices on their bundle plugs until 10/31.

[@yudhirgautam1645]

Are those UAD Bundles subscription based? Once you pay for the bundle thats for lifetime right?

[@angermanagementstudios]

The slate/ SSL deal is mega. Not often I dont feel ripped off in 2023.

[@OCTO8R]

After understanding the value of Inverse Gate Compression of bx Console N all the rest strips stay somewhere below.

[@bangubw736]

Lindell 80 is my favorite neve emulation but Voosteq has the best emulation

[@weeschwee]

Why do you prefer the lindell over voosteq?

[@bangubw736]

@weeschwee Lindell is straight forward, less tweaking and I love how it sounds which usually it's the character that I'm looking for. Yes I can get the same results and more from the Voosteq but if it ain't broken then no need to fix it. If I didn't have Lindell 80 most definitely I would use Voosteq

[@weeschwee]

@@bangubw736 thanks for the info!

[@marksaxon]

For rock drums, it's hard not to consider the Lindell 50 series strip by Brainworx. I know this is a SSL/Neve video and I do love and use the 9000 J Plugin Alliance strip a ton but the API has got some secret sauce for punchiness. Some great recommendations here though! Isn't great to have such great plugins with variety?!

[@TheGuitarNerdShow]

Another Grand Slam Barry! I love your videos!

[@Mansardian]

Don't want to be the smart-ass here, but the VX should not be confused with a Neve 73 or 84. It is the successor of the VR which I have been mixing on. It has a sound of its own. Just saying.

[@StereoAnthony]

Hmm, I'll have to try these out. I've heard Accoustica makes great plugs, but I live in the UA world, and to date haven't heard a Neve emu better than theirs.

[@JaviBello]

Ive used the waves SSL 4000E channel for more than a decade, but since I've tried the SSL version a few years ago, it became my favourite plugin ever. Sounds fantastic, and gets better after every update. Also, the integration with the 360 software is phenomenal!!

[@musician1971a]

I couldn't agree more. I was never that much into the SSL channel strips until there was a deal for the SSL Native Channel Strip 2 plus the Bus Compressor 2. And that of course included the 360 app, which of course invited me to do a mix that way. And what a breath of fresh air that was! Suddenly I wasn't spending time on what EQ or compressor to use, just mixing with what's available and it was so much fun. And the result sounded so much better as well! And now they also have the 4kE and the 4kB to have that final choice of flavor. Especially the B does something the other two don't. I can not recommend that enough!

[@imuzikworkstation3530]

I bought ssl native frm gobbler but still coming back to Waves SSL ch strip👍

[@WassupFred]

Great video.. I am loving the Amek 9099 , neve emu.. that channel strip is powerful.. the ssl 4000k on her console 1 is nice.. hey do you have any tips on how to really get that ssl sound out of a real board so we can try to emulate thru the strips? Thanks

[@G_handle]

Wait, when did you join the Console 1 Family? Welcome!

[@BrewerShettles]

Great Video - how did you do picture in picture?

[@BarryJohns]

I’m assuming you are taking to the screen capture. You can stack many different videos on top of each other and resize the way you want. I use FCP.

[@MarkyGoldstein]

Selecting the plugins has become a major challenge in a DAW with so many options

[@frankpaws]

I use to spend over 1k a year on the PA stuff and got in at 149 for Mega. No brainer and I get a 249 dollar voucher every year. Which I forget to use.

[@jimkanter4180]

Glad I'm not the only one...

[@johndoe-cb5ck]

Analog Obsession has some great neve and ssl plugins

[@batDOG.RECORDS]

Love a.o. 🎉

[@marbelis-my8xo]

That slate pass is real garbage. Don’t make the same mistake as me, I regret it everyday.

[@jimkanter4180]

Disagree completely, but I don't have your ears or sonic tastes. That's why we have so many choices...

[@kyleritter3074]

@barryjohnsstudiotalk I'm sure I've missed a previous video addressing this although I saw the video where you said you were moving back from Cubase to Pro Tools. But... now you're on Studio One? haha I'm so confused.

[@BarryJohns]

I use all of them.

[@johndoe-cb5ck]

​@@BarryJohnsdo you use cakewalk?

[@operasinger2126]

Thanks again, Barry!

[@antoniodidiano]

i don't believe that for everyything the slate digital fg-2A beats UAD la2a hands down

[@BarryJohns]

That’s fair

[@mr-iz8cx]

Can I ask why you prefer the UA Neve over the Acustica Audio? Cheers

[@LodvarDude]

He said they were in no particular order.

[@mr-iz8cx]

​@@LodvarDude yeah I know, but he said the UA was one of his go to's. So I figure he actually does use it. Maybe I'm being pedantic, I just noticed he doesn't say that of the others - he's recommending them. I'm not all that familiar with his channel but it seems he has a definite preference for hardware and I know he has 500 series Neve clones. So I doubt he would bother consistently using all these Neve clone plugins rather than the 500's which I know he loves and prefers to use, for his reasons. So if it's a 'go to', this implies he actually uses it. Meaning it has some actual utility for him. I was just hoping he might give some clarity as to why that is. All this being quite subjective in the end. I'm very interested in Barry's take, as I trust his logic an intention.

[@peacefulruler1]

@@mr-iz8cxhe only mentioned the UAD EQ, not the whole thing

[@thomasyoung5680]

another great show

[@QueMusiQ]

No slate? Seriously? Their VMR has so many advantages over all of these inasmuch as its modularity. You can chain a few together in one plugin instance.

[@dillontaylor8035]

Ya, but they don’t sound anything like the real thing. Which is fine, but it’s not even close.

[@mixinginthebox]

Thank you.

[@derekcasanares4785]

A lot of stuff to look at

[@GgWhyfye]

I aint used acoustica products since mixcraft lol. Didnt know they transitioned to plugins. Those stock ones in mixcraft were trash. Im a waves man for life though i might be brainwashed ill admit

[@GabryszBruno]

Voosteq N-Channel

[@starkid9736]

YEP its crazy good!! im a BX fanboy (got the Lindel 80) but the VoosteQ thing is very wow i c a bright Plugin Future ahead (not so good for my pocket)