The SSL E Channel: How I Use It To Make Everything Sound Better

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The Waves SSL E-Channel has been my go-to for 15 years now. I use it on nearly every channel on every mix. This video will show you exactly how I use it on Kick, Snare and Vocals... also Electric, Acoustic guitars... I'm telling you, this preset will work on anything you want to make sound punchy and urgent!

[@UniqueThaPoet]

This plugin is fantastic. If you have an untreated room the gate/ expander will take the majority of the noise out . Also it takes away headphones bleed. Greatest plugin ever.

[@nash5753]

What settings should I put it on to take the noise out and remove headphone bleed

[@myheadhurtbro6692]

@@nash5753 let me know if you’ve figured it out I’m wondering the same thing

[@strikethematch52]

Just turn your threshold to about -16 dB then adjust the range until you hear the bleed somewhat fade. Threshold dictates when the gate opens. Attack and release can be adjusted as well. Typically faster attack is good for drums, release is whatever sounds good or is practical in my opinion.

[@beantownmusic3532]

one of the best tutorials on the strip Ive seen in along time, well done!

[@user-mz3ni8yu4v]

could you do a tutorial for vocals using the SSL too?

[@musicwerks]

Just used the SSL E and SSL EV channel strips in conjunction with the waves H. Comp on the Lead Guitar and Mains track. I like what the overall mix was - nice and warm sounding.

[@saywhat7349]

the dynamics tip on the threshold tip is so good. learned that from a few heroes of time.

[@MixCoach]

Thank you Say What! I do this every mix!

[@saywhat7349]

@@MixCoach do you ever mess with the release time?

[@anualphonse]

THIS IS HOW TO USE THE SSL 4000 E. Love this. We just re-learned how to use our SSL; Filter and Compress to hear what you want to EQ... or not. And if you push the EQ pass -6dB on the compression meter, just readjust that Ratio knob until you're back to hitting between -3dB to -6dB again. For a bonus, try the Waves SSL with the NLS and/or the Plugin Alliance BX SSL 4K E plugin with their multiple channel modeling. Thanks for sharing this Kevin!

[@nwonknubeat9331]

I just bought the E channel strip from Waves, and my first impression is really good!

[@ConnorTostevin1]

It's become my fav plugin recently, just makes things easier using one plugin for the EQ, COMP, Gating and Gain saves my CPU and is quicker if i need to go back and tweak anything later in the mix, love it haha

[@jawadmbadinga252]

hey bro im from UK, i bought the SSL E- channel because i heard a lot of people talk about it. and i also bought the SSl Com too. Thanks for this video bro, I've just tried it on a project that im working on and it sounds so much better. Thanks a lot for this video bro, cos its helped me to go a step closer to my dream and goal of being a good mixing engineer.

[@salman11223344]

I have it for quite long but never understand it properly until I watch this from you ☝🏻 Great work!!

[@MixCoach]

Glad to hear that!

[@ronalddavis6363]

Nice. Will definitely try it on my next mix. Thanks Kevin. Ronnie Davis Barbados.

[@paulmenard6219]

Fantastic tutorial here. My little suggestion would be, I tend to drop the output to make the tracks SSL output the same volume as the bypass volume. This way you're not getting swayed by "Louder" instead of "Better" and believe me... the ears get confused easy, especially after long mixing sessions. Lower the output to match the bypassed signal then when you A-B (on/off) the effect you can hear the difference in tone without volume messing with your judgement. One thing is for sure, there is no "RIGHT" way to mix. I always suggest trial and error but truly, I feel like we are past the age of insanely clipped volume on mixes. A good way to get volume in your mix without losing dynamics is truly just like this gentleman said... Small little changes will make your mixing life so much easier. Learning compression, eq and to a lesser extent noise gate, are like an instrument... take some time to work with it. Great video... Subbed.

[@MixCoach]

Thank you Paul Menard! Good advice here. Thanks for the thoughtful comment

[@brendanhoffmann8402]

I've been wanting a channel strip for ages. It will take some learning to figure out how to use it. Glad I got it though.

[@jeremya9702]

From a teacher's perspective, this is bar-none the best tutorial I've seen based on one concept....REVIEW! It drives home the points with review and repetition. I wish all tutorials could be this concise, the world would be a better place lol. Thanks man. Liked & Subbed

[@BenChambless]

I've been using this trick since you taught me this back in 2013. It makes such a big difference on just about everything. Like you said in the video, this is awesome on vocals. I've used this on every mix I've done for our church's virtual services since March.

[@JimboJones99]

God Bless you God Bless President Trump

[@gankytime7]

That compression tip is brilliant

[@detroitredofficial]

Very helpful. I saw a video talking about how much Dr. Dre loves the SSL board and I tried the plug-in for the first time using the kick drum preset and it was amazing. This may very well be my go-to setup for my mixes. This video helped it make a little more sense!!! Thank you!

[@derrickde-morgan2614]

This one of the best tutorials ssl have ever watched , thanks to mixcoach....

[@jeffkesterson2420]

WOW. I almost never leave a comment, but this was the most helpful thing I've seen in a while! I had decided (for myself after messing with it) that the Waves SSL E Channel was not for me, it was ok but none of the preset sounds grabbed me, and messing with it the weird switches (which I know are SUPPOSED to look like that old mix board) confused me and I really had no idea what they did. Why "split" would mean moving the EQ ahead of the compressor I dunno. So with lots of other tools available I forgot about this one. Recently, I became interested in transformers and that saturation click sound, and I actually am getting a hardware compressor and mic preamp with transformer inputs and outputs. BUT they're not here yet and looking around I found this. THANK YOU. What is best is, you show exactly how to get from A to Z, and you repeat it, because that's how you teach. This is the "sound" I've been searching for to use on drums etc. I've gotten close, but it takes me 5-7 plug-ins to get my snare track to be even close to having that little "click" or attack, which that old console and this plug-in do very well. Take care, I will be watching your other videos and learning.

[@bvri9956]

Thank you! I love how you went over everything in order to recap - it definitely helped a ton. If you could use this on vocals as well that would be amazing. I appreciate the effort and work!

[@username74060]

Thanks for taking the time to make this. Huge help!

[@stansteez]

Nice technique. Works great. Thanks for the tip. Although I am not quite sure, if there are any sonic differences between getting 3 to 6 dB of Gain reduction this way or the "regular way" by using a Ratio of like 4:1 and then lowering the threshold. Because as far as I am aware - and given the age tof his plugin - I don't think Waves actually modelled the analog circuitry of the Amp inside the Channel as far as harmonics are concerned. I'll try it on the Brainworx SSL 4000 E and see how that reacts. Because I know they modeled the Amp too

[@estartica6352]

How did the brainworx one react?

[@BukanIbuMu]

Brainworx's SSL channel compressor sucks so bad, lacks the aggressiveness. The Waves one is miles better.

[@stephencampbell7427]

I have SSL UF8, UF1 and UC1 I will try this out on my 4KB and channel strip 2. Thank for all the insight.

[@dkkrecords]

brilliant explanation.....and am putting into place right now....and loving it..

[@MixCoach]

Thank you Steve Blaque! Thanks for the reply!

[@ArtmanBass]

Thanks for this great breakdown of your “instant awesome” setting. While you’ve demonstrated this in the past, this is the best and clearest presentation yet.

[@darrellroseborough7275]

Unbelievable method of explaining things in detail very clear and precise. None of this flash and fireworks look at me my way is the real way stuff. Plus you actually went over the the details twice showing a visual. What a great channel and resources you provide to a us beginners, ( 8 years ) level folks. I purchased this plugin a couple years ago slapped it on some tracks but seem tutorials on it but it was kind of confusing how the plugin works initially. I knew you could split the plugin into doing different things but didn’t exactly know how to swap the EQ first instead of compression .nonetheless I’m subscribing now . Thanks a lot Kevin appreciate what you do.

[@MixCoach]

Thank you for such a kind reply Darrel

[@decarrogreene8429]

This Vid changed my mixing technique forever!!!!! you are the one!! I wish all engineers would watch this vid!!

[@naked-artradio2623]

Sir you saved my life.......your video on ssl on vocals 🙌 thank you

[@forfold]

This is great. I just bought this plugin, and I've been struggling to EQ my drumset. Then you gave an example with a kick at the end which I wasn't expecting. Thanks!

[@capionthegreat4582]

Literally the most explanatory and clear tutorial I've seen on the waves ssl e Channel strip.They need to send you a check. You have a new sub💯

[@cedzimagination]

Really clean and precise tutorial...I just got my SSL E channel yesterday...can't wait to take things to a new level in my tracks. Thank you for this!

[@lightafluident.9950]

Love this video man. Thanks so much. I've had the SSL series for almost seven years now, and I've probably used the E channel just one time!!!! I use the LA2a compressor emulations, the Pultec emulations, the 7 band stock Eq in Pro Tools, and the 1176 emulation to make happen what I need. I've recently just started using the Scheps Omni Channel, and that's cool, but I'm glad you gave me more insight to this strip. Appreciate you much brother.

[@eveningcharlatans9743]

Great vid and love the comp tip. I wanted to point out the 'analog' switch is set to off and is the default for the plugin. Flip that to 'on' and voila!

[@MixCoach]

Thanks for the info! But I find that those analog switches just add noise... have you noticed it?

[@eveningcharlatans9743]

@@MixCoach Noise, harmonics and something I can't quite explain but its night and day when comparing the two. In the off position the mix can get brittle if pushed hard but in the on position there's some pleasant transient smoothing like on a real SSL desk.

[@philippgrunert8776]

Damnit, I always thought the filters were first... Explains a lot why I hate this plugin, will give it a chance again next time

[@dannydcide381]

Got to admit.... this exceeded my expectations! Thanks Kevin!

[@wysrthvnu]

Love how you actually explain why you do what you do! Incredibly good video!

[@MrLevi5010]

Thanks for this. So pleased to have come across this tutorial. I’m now feeling less intimidated by this plugin...

[@damvgebeatz]

You really helped me understand the plugin a whole lot better, just learning bout the signal path of the plugin helped a ton

[@realhomestudioofficial]

Hi bud, this vid was really interesting and helpful. Thanks so much for sharing your experience with this plugin. Lot of love for the SSL!

[@MixCoach]

Thank you Real Home Studio! Love this channel strip. Appreciate the comment.

[@frankb8616]

First thing you should do is click the "input" and make sure your level is in the yellow.. It's why they have an input knob. Then just turning the ratio should give you compression.The fact you have to turn the threshold up so high is because your incoming audio is too low.

[@gnprice]

I wouldn't assume that his input signal is too low simply because the threshold is turned all the way up. That is, you can have an input signal happily sitting there at nominal line level and still want to set the threshold the way Kevin has described. This will have the effect of reaching further down into the incoming signal and pulling up lower-level detail resulting in more articulation and urgency.

[@InTheMixJoeCarrell]

Frank B you may be missing the point a little. Part of the purpose behind maxing the threshold on the SSL comp is that the resulting compression can be super low ratio. So you are getting the great sound of the SSL comp circuit and auto makeup gain but not crushing anything either. For me it’s a great tool on acoustic guitar and piano. Any instrument where you want some liveliness but a more controlled version of the original. Try it out. But yes I do recommend gain staging the entire mix for the analog “sweet spot” on plug-ins that accurately model that. ✌🏼✌🏼

[@Seathasky]

Thanks Kevin, this tutorial was very helpful! I just grabbed the Waves version of this plug for 29$ and am enjoying it soo far!

[@sparkplugg1427]

hey man your way of explaining some moves with this plugin is superior to others and i wanna thank ou for the info and guidance

[@iamtonisilvers]

Man thank you for this one, your application of the channel strip is realistic, much appreciated

[@joaofilho5164]

Love you mr. From Brazil

[@benschwartzdrums]

This gate is incredible

[@matthewhatch3393]

If you use the SSL on almost every track, you may really dig Softube Console 1

[@sparkyapplepants8944]

I agree with John. One of the best tutorials on this plugin I've seen. Thank you!

[@Hidake_00]

Excellent tutorial and advice ...blessings

[@Acoustribute]

Thanks, I'm four minutes in and have already learned a lot. Already liked, subscribed, and added to my playlist.

[@andymoon4998]

Excellent video, particularly the graphical depiction of the Split and Channel Out buttons. And I'll be using the compression tip for all future mixes. Thanks so much!

[@RyanMannebach]

Thank you Kevin! This video developed my understanding of the plugin immensely. I'll reply to this comment of my record I'm using your technique on for you hear it in action.

[@MixCoach]

sweet! would love that

[@manifestgtr]

Waves gets a lot of flack but when you step back and think about it…it’s really amazing that certain processors of theirs have stood so firmly in the ever-changing tide of digital plug-ins. L2 had a run that lasted decades and people stuff use it, The CLA signature stuff is still top of the heap for certain elements, R-Bass has been around for like 20 years, not to mention the decade+ domination of the SSL e-channel. Certain things come and go and certain things sound better but when it comes to solid sound and reasonable CPU hit, it’s exceedingly tough to beat their e channel

[@prodbytytaan]

why does Waves get a lot of flack ?

[@TheSecondC2]

@@prodbytytaan I'd say because of the waves update plan

[@FaustCoverdale]

You are amazing with your explanations, sir. Congratulations. Much appreciated

[@jammer777]

Excellent video explanation of SSL E channel! Thank you!

[@nelsonm_]

I set up my split and channel out first also! I wish it was default like that

[@staticnationbeats]

you are an exceptional teacher

[@Hahejo]

Really good advices there, I will definitely try this and maybe give an update about it.

[@lamonttblackshire1638]

Amazing tutorial. This trick has changed everything!

[@retsmej]

this is the kind of tutorial that i need, with conviction and commitment that it will sound good ! thanks for this .

[@MixCoach]

Thank you rets mej! Let me know if it works for you

[@k3ono345]

Yes! We need more kev!

[@MONEYMINDSET-ENTERTAINMENT]

Thank you so much! I always wanted to learn how to use Waves SSL E Channel. Liked & subscribed straight away!

[@stanlekozak3309]

Thanx ! Hello from France ! :):):)

[@AcaspaceHorizons]

Its great, ive used it but always encounter background noise

[@KingYahuchanon]

Great tutorial. Thank you.

[@MrDallas2281]

Short, sweet and direct to the point :D

[@ChuckDaArsonist1]

You explained that perfectly. It makes so much sense

[@jvborehed]

great walkthrough, thanks! I now understand it better.

[@GregLassalle2015]

Wow!! Just found this. Good stuff Kevin. Thanks. 👍🏾

[@avtalking6252]

Best tutorial on SSL by far!

[@MixCoach]

Alex... what a compliment

[@jeffreyvsco]

Might just try this on the brainworx ones. Slightly different layout but I should figure it out

[@jerrymckenzie6205]

Thanks Kevin, I will give this a try!

[@Reggi_Sample]

Please redo this video for the SSL version!

[@globalgogetter4469]

So glad I found this channel! I need a mix coach. Subbed!

[@houseofmumbistudio]

what i have tried to learn in years i just got it in 12 minutes ............... Asanti sana..

[@kikokiklis1757]

I just bought mine for 35$ on sale. So happy

[@ajsjs9]

thank you, enjoyed this a lot!

[@kaisersoze9488]

Thanks a lot for this tip I would like to see it on vocals the waves ssl is a powerful tool and you're right small subtle changes is the best way for gain staging.

[@MixCoach]

Thanks Kaiser!

[@madhurjyamahanta]

please show us how to adjust it playing a song and that would be more useful

[@viralking137]

Thank you God bless you 🙏 💖

[@broadcastgospelca]

Thank you very well said and done

[@teckno_senpai]

that was solid. another skills in my arsenal... thank you sir !

[@matthewcollis3780]

Great teaching mate :) Good well paced clear explanations..

[@qbus7633]

Excellent explanation sir. Thank you!

[@conrow1157]

Amazing! I tried it and it works! Thanks!

[@CdMatch]

Absolutely a very good tutorial! Thanks!

[@poorhouz5051]

Great video brother... I love this particular one.. Also the G is excellent as well... especially on vocals.. Can you do a vocals video on both??? Stay Up Bro

[@WBCStudio.]

This is a fantastic video tutorial. I have 2 questions: 1. I have the SSL EV2 channel, is it way different from the E and G channel? 2. Since the SSL EV2 channel has a compressor, do I need to insert another compressor or that one will be fine?

[@NLongleng]

Thank you, it's very clear now 🙏

[@guitarded1966]

It's like it tightens everything up. Had to go heavy on the output attenuation to stay out of the red. drums never sounded tighter.

[@CesarBenzoni]

Great video, Kevin! Thanks

[@charlexguitar]

Gracias Mr. Kevin, very clear and useful !

[@djpetre2873]

Best tutorial!

[@danielsigut3336]

This tutorial was freaking awesome sir! Thank you tons :)

[@panoramalamjam3926]

thanks, this works quite well !

[@robgracia509]

great job Kevin thank you

[@tiborberenyi5878]

Thank you! Excellent explanation 😉

[@rubenedu3797]

man you changed my sound this works perfectly thanks very much God bless you R.B

[@adriatic123]

This was helpful, thanks

[@maxxyporky]

great stuff

[@henryaposto3550]

Thank you sir

[@robinj9631]

great plugin but i personal dont use the filters on it as they dont cut out the lower frequecies enough