As regular user of SSL consoles specifically the E series,I can say that this is as close as I have heard so far to the real thing. The EQ is good as is the compressor. I love the gate but the sound of the channel it's self on initiation without any eq or compression activated is like a soft low end hug. Put it on an 808 kick do nothing and just listen. I have pretty much every SSL emulation from all the major plugin makers and some do some things well but not all and some are just standard eps with an SSL faceplate. This one by BX though is a beautiful incarnation. One quick tip for anyone who cares. Channels 25 and 26 have a really lovely stereo spread.
Plugin Alliance response
Great review, thank you!
Outstanding
★★★★★
by chris_the_beard
I own all other instances of bx_console, going back to the original. I downloaded the trial last night and mixed a new track with it... Wow! This is truly excellent. bx_console E was already a great plugin, but there's something about this that just takes it to the next level. It's so sweet. I can really abuse the EQ section before it sounds harsh and the compressor section is noticeably improved too. It just sounds GREAT! Excellent addition / upgrade to the bx_console line. I hope to see the global THD and global V GAIN parameters added to the previous iterations of bx_console. Really outstanding. Definitely worthy of the SSL name.
You won't regret it, buy it!
★★★★★
by TheSheep36
Being an owner of the 1st BX E I was impressed with that and I thought BX/PA couldn't make it any better. How wrong am I! The new SSL E version is top draw, it's a true beauty and already in use on mixing & mastering projects. So what's the BX SSL E like? It's got a very warm sound to it, it has tight low end (great for Dance, Trance & EDM). It's very transparent when used gently (mastering), but pushed it comes alive (don't be afraid to push it in a mix). The highs are very clear but not harsh, the BX SSL E really does have a beautiful sheen to it easily bringing out that top end air! Overall it has that tight but snug analogue warmth that we all love in a track! So would I recommend you buy it? 100% yes, why are you still reading this review? Go get it and enjoy! Thank you to you all at Plugin Alliance / BX you've done it again. You're a 1st class company that has passion and isn't greedy! You'll have my support for many years to come! Again, THANK YOU!!
Bx SSL 400E
★★★★★
by Perry
I really like this Plugin it is true to the sound of an SSL 4K Being and ex SSL Field Engineer, I can honestly say Kudos! You hit the nail on the head, I have other SSL 4K Plugins but this is the best sounding and closest to the Original sound of a 4K Fantastic job! love the EQ type switch so you can switch between Black and Brown EQ's
bx_console SSL4000 E/G
★★★★★
by DC2Light
The only SSL4k E/G plugins with the EQ SPOT ON. Crank 10k on the Black 242 all the way, come on don’t be scared. You can’t do that with the others and keep your dental fillings only the real thing and these plugins!
bx_console SSL 4000 E
★★★★★
by Dedric Terry
Brainworx console E was already a go-to channel strip for my work. The 4000 E ups the ante with control over VGain and THD for all instances, and some other welcome additions. For one, the compressor also has tighter control over low frequencies. The 4000 E is a must-have for me - another a fantastic plugin from bx/PA!
P.A. did it again
★★★★★
by Arnold Vigh (art-director, music-producer at SilverHillStudio, Budapest)
I'm in love with all the SSL gears, and I use them every day. I have five pieces of 500 module E-series EQ, a DYN comp and a G-bus compressor with me. And no matter what kind of plugins I used in the past to replace these, I felt that something's still missing for me. But those days are gone. Now I have countless SSL channel-strips and limitless SSL possibilities on my in-the-box system. This is simply unbelievable!!!
SSL E and G
★★★★★
by Jose Luis Crespo
If the previous version were incredible, this are more SSL than ever. TNT and THD control in all channels simultaneously are a must have. Best real sounding without a doubt.
BX & SSL = Excellent!
★★★★★
by Chris Landon
The E plugin sounds Fantastic! Extremely warm, easy to dial into and this plugin gives you a very realistic console sound... Definitely a winner! Huge thumbs up to Brainworx & SSL!