SSL EV2 Channel

The SSL EV2 represents a significant advancement in console channel modeling, delivering component-by-component emulation of the SSL 4000E's signal path with tangible sonic results. Developed in close collaboration with Solid State Logic, this plugin captures the character that defined mixing on one of music's most influential consoles, now with expanded tonal flexibility.

At its core, the EV2 offers dual EQ topologies - the original Brown Knob design with its characteristic coloration and the cleaner 242 Black Knob variant - allowing users to shift between the gritty, musical character SSL is known for and a more transparent approach within a single instance. The new mic and line preamp modeling injects harmonic richness that responds authentically to input levels, while the program-dependent dynamics section tracks transients with sensitivity comparable to the hardware original.

The architecture supports genuine mixing workflows: filters can be placed before or after dynamics, sidechain options include both internal and external routing, and the output width control handles stereo manipulation without requiring additional processors. An analog switch toggles harmonic saturation or engages full digital transparency, accommodating both aesthetic preferences and technical requirements.

This plugin suits mix engineers seeking authentic console character without the 4000E's footprint or cost, producers building SSL-derived mixing chains, and anyone requiring the particular sonic fingerprint that established countless commercial recordings. The 600-plus included presets from recognized engineers provide reliable starting points, though the design rewards hands-on parameter exploration.