User Guide - Harrison 32Classic Channel Strip

29 April 2024 19:04

Introduction & Key Features

The Harrison 32Classic Channel Strip is a full-featured channel strip plugin complete with an Expander/Gate, Compressor, and an EQ that is emulated from the Harrison 32Classic mixing console hardware. In addition to the 3 main processing elements, it also includes input, output, saturation, and routing controls.

This plug-in is a 360-enabled plug-in and integrates with the SSL 360° Plug-in Mixer software, including first-class integration and hands-on control via the SSL UC1, SSL UF8 and SSL UF1 hardware controllers.

Key Features

Full-featured channel strip plugin complete with an Expander/Gate, Compressor, and an EQ that is emulated from the Harrison 32Classic mixing console hardware.
Includes drive/saturation, routing, and external side-chain input.
Compressor mix control.
Features two skins to best suit your workflow: Legacy Skin preserves v1 layout while the new SSL Skin creates a view to better match the SSL UC1 controller and other SSL channel strip plugins.
Enhanced output section for SSL 360° compatibility, visible in the SSL Skin, including Fader Level, Pan, and Width parameters.
First-class integration with the SSL UC1, UF8 and UF1 controllers for tactile control.
SSL 360° Plug-in Mixer integration for comprehensive DAW control and synchronisation.
HQ mode for optimal audio quality, utilising advanced processing such as oversampling.
Pro Tools EQ and dynamics integration.
Built-in help feature.
Cross-platform preset management.
Undo/redo.

Supported formats:

AAX
VST
VST3
AU

Supported channel configurations:

Mono
Stereo
All multi-channel configurations with up to 16 channels

SSL 360° Integration:

SSL 360° Mixer View
SSL UC-1
SSL UF-1
SSL UF-8
360°-centric plug-in skin

Skins

The layout of controls and indicators on the original Harrison 32Classic Channel Strip don't line up with the layout of controls on the SSL UC1 controller. This has the potential to make controlling 32Classic Channel Strip from the UC1 less-than-intuitive and frustrating.

For users who wish to use 32Classic Channel Strip with their SSL UC1 controller, we have provided a second SSL skin in the plugin that re-arranges the controls into a layout that follows the UC1 controller layout, and also inherits some missing features found in the SSL Channel Strips (SSL Channel Strip 2, SSL 4K B, SSL 4K E, and SSL 4K G) required for full SSL 360° integration. This skin improves the hand-eye coordination between the screen and hardware.

If Harrison 32Classic Channel Strip detects SSL 360° on your system, it will present a dialog box asking if you want to switch to this 360°-optimized skin which you can agree to or refuse. At any time, you may also change the skin by opening the Advanced Settings panel and clicking the "Switch Skin" button at the top:

Switching skins is only a visual change and has no impact on the audio being processed. Even the channel fader, pan, width, and other new SSL 360° features will remain operative even if the Legacy Skin is used.

If you're already using the SSL Channel Strips and this is your first time using the Harrison 32Classic Channel Strip, you may also prefer to use this 360°-optimized skin as it places all the controls in similar locations to the SSL Channel Strips.

Because the two skins are so different from one another, the next section of this User Guide which details the operation of the controls and components will be split into two—the first section will detail the controls and components of the Legacy Skin while the second section details the controls and components of the 360° skin.

Plugin Controls & Components

Legacy Skin

Master Section

INPUT Trim: Adjusts the gain trim of the signal at the plugin’s input stage before any other processing takes place.
Ø (Polarity): Inverts the polarity of the input signal when selected.
Saturator DRIVE: Adjusts the gain trim of the input signal fed to the Saturator (post Input Trim). Increasing the Drive will apply more saturation to the signal, while decreasing the Drive will apply less saturation.
Saturator Drive Meter: Displays the level of signal fed to the Saturator (dBFS).
Saturator IN: Toggles the enablement of the Saturator. If toggled off, the Saturator processing will be bypassed and the Saturator Drive control and meter will be disabled.
OUTPUT Trim: Adjusts the gain trim of the signal at the plugin’s final output stage after all other processing takes place.
Output Level Meter: Displays the plugin’s output signal level (dBFS).

Module Controls

The following controls can be found at the top of the Gate, Compressor, and EQ modules and are used to perform various operations on each module.

Reset: Resets all the controls in the associated module to their default states.
Solo: Bypasses the processing of the other modules so that only the effects of the selected module can be heard. This does not bypass the processing of the master input and output controls.
IN: Toggles the enablement of the associated module. When toggled off, the module processing is bypassed.
DYN: Serves as a "master enable" for both the Gate and Compressor modules—this button needs to be on for either of them to work, and turning it off disables both modules.

Gate / Expander

Input Meter: Displays the signal level at the input of the Gate (dBFS). If the Sidechain Filter is enabled, the meter will show the signal level post-filter.
Reduction Meter: Displays the level of gain that is reduced from the signal by the Gate (dBFS).
THRESHOLD Slider: Sets the dB level in which the Gate will open whenever the input signal reaches this level.
DEPTH Knob: Sets the maximum amount of gain reduction applied when the gate is closed. The value range of this control varies based on the mode. In the default Gate mode, the Depth can be set up to 60dB of gain reduction. In Expander mode, the max Depth is 15dB. Note that if the Depth is set to the minimum value of 0dB, no gain reduction will occur in either mode and the Gate will have no effect on the signal.
ATTK Knob: Sets the attack time, which is the amount of milliseconds it takes for the Gate to fully open once the input signal reaches the Threshold.
RELS Knob: Sets the release time, which is the amount of milliseconds it takes for the Gate to fully close once the input signal falls below the Threshold.
S/C FREQ Knob: Adjusts the center frequency of the Sidechain Filter applied to the sidechain input of the Gate. The Sidechain Filter is a band-pass filter that boosts the selected center frequency and cuts the frequency ranges above and below it. This can be used to target certain frequencies to trigger the Gate with.
Sidechain Filter IN: Toggles the enablement of the Sidechain Filter. If toggled on, the Sidechain Filter will be applied to the sidechain input of the Gate. If toggled off, the Sidechain Filter will be bypassed and the Sidechain Filter Frequency control will be disabled.
Sidechain Filter LISN: Allows for listening to the sidechain input signal that is processed by the Sidechain Filter when toggled on. If the Sidechain Filter is enabled, you will be able to hear its effects as you rotate the S/C FREQ knob. This will have no effect if the Sidechain Filter is disabled.
Gate HYST Knob (Gate mode only): Sets the Hysteresis, which is the amount of dB below the Threshold in which the Gate will close. This allows the signal to fall below the Threshold by a certain amount of dB before the Gate starts closing. For example, if the Threshold is set to -12dB and the Hysteresis is at 4dB, the Gate will open when the signal reaches -12dB but will only close when it comes back down to -16dB (4dB below the Threshold).
Gate HOLD Knob (Gate mode only): Sets the amount of milliseconds the Gate will stay open after the signal has dropped below the Threshold/Hysteresis level.
Expander KNEE Knob (Expander mode only): Adjusts the “smoothness” of the Expander Ratio angle. With a low Knee value (Hard Knee), the Expander will react more abruptly as the input signal crosses the Threshold. With a high Knee value (Soft Knee), the Expander will react more gradually.
Expander RATIO Knob (Expander mode only): Sets the amount of gain reduction applied for every decibel the input signal falls below the Threshold. For example, a Ratio of 2:1 means that an input signal that is 1dB below the Threshold will be reduced so that the output is 2dB below the Threshold.
EXP Button: Toggles between Gate mode (button off) and Expander mode (button on). Use the Expander mode for a gentler form of gating. The availability of certain controls depends on the selected mode. The Hysteresis and Hold knobs are only available in Gate mode and the Knee and Ratio knobs are only available in Expander mode.

Compressor

Input Meter: Displays the signal level at the input of the Compressor (dBFS).
Reduction Meter: Displays the level of gain that is reduced from the signal by the Compressor (dBFS).
Threshold: Sets the dB level in which compression will be triggered whenever the input signal reaches this level.
Ratio: Sets the amount of gain reduction applied for every decibel the signal exceeds the Threshold. For example, a Ratio of 2:1 means that an input signal that’s 2dB over the Threshold will result in an output that’s only 1dB over the Threshold. The value range of this control varies depending on the mode.
Attack: Sets the amount of milliseconds it takes to reach full gain reduction once compression is triggered. The value range of this control varies based on the mode.
Release: Sets the amount of milliseconds it takes for the gain reduction to return to unity gain once the input signal falls below the Threshold. The value range of this control varies based on the mode.
Makeup Gain: Adjusts the gain of the Compressor output signal to compensate for any decrease in the overall signal level caused by compression.
Emphasis Frequency: Adjusts the center frequency of the Emphasis Filter. The Emphasis Filter is a high-shelf boost applied to the Compressor sidechain input. The gain of the shelf increases along with the frequency so that the approximate gain is 10dB at the minimum frequency of 100Hz and 40dB at the maximum frequency of 12kHz. This control essentially adjusts the sensitivity of the Compressor to high frequencies. Higher Emphasis Frequency values will cause the compressor to act more quickly on transients but slower on lower frequencies, resulting in a more vintage character that is associated with tube and opto-coupled compression devices.
Emphasis IN: Toggles the enablement of the Emphasis Filter. If toggled on, the Emphasis Filter will be applied to the sidechain input of the Compressor. If toggled off, the Emphasis Filter will be bypassed and the Emphasis Frequency control will be disabled.
Mode buttons: Sets the Compressor Mode which alters the internal characteristics of the Compressor for different types of compression.
- Leveler Mode: This mode offers more subtle compression than the default Compressor Mode. It has a very low ratio with a small adjustment range, a very fast release with a small adjustment range, and a widely adjustable attack.
  - Usage Note: Due to mic technique or other elements out of our control, sometimes a signal has a very wide dynamic range. Leveler Mode with a fast attack can be used to transparently reduce the level of the loudest parts, so that the track has a more consistent level. Reducing the dynamic range of our tracks can make them easier to mix, although it might rob some of the performance’s natural dynamics. Leveler Mode with a slow attack allows the initial sound (the first syllable of a word or phrase, for example), to be passed through at full volume, while reducing the “body” of the sound slightly. This retains and enhances the character of the recording, and it can help improve intelligibility of words and instruments in a busy mix.
- Compressor Mode: This is the default mode of the Compressor. It is the most versatile of the three modes with full control over ratio, attack, and release.
- Limiter Mode: This mode offers a more intense compression sound similar to a limiter. It has a nearly-instant attack with little adjustment, a high ratio, and a widely variable release time. Limiter Mode is an effect intended to sound like desirable analog devices. It is not a brickwall digital peak limiter.
  - Usage Note: A limiter is a very fast-acting compressor, and these were initially designed to capture signal peaks before they were passed on to sensitive broadcast transmitters, disc-cutting lathes, or speaker systems. By taming the transients of a very dynamic instrument (like drums), the limiter has the effect of extending the instrument’s decay, and an inherent increase in room-sound (reverb), sometimes called ‘bloom’ or ambience. A common use of the Limiter is to increase the room & ambience of a drum mix.

EQ & Filters

The EQ is an emulation of the analog hardware EQ on the Harrison 32Classic console.

High Band (Bell/Shelf): This band can be either a high-shelf filter or a bell filter depending on the selected mode, but it is a high-shelf filter by default. Note that the ranges of the Frequency and Gain controls differ between Bell and Shelf modes, so the set frequency and gain values may change when switching modes.
- Frequency: Adjusts the center frequency of the high-shelf or high bell filter depending on the mode.
- Gain: Adjusts the gain of the high-shelf or high bell filter depending on the mode.
- Bell/Shelf Mode: Toggles the High Band between Bell and Shelf filter modes. By default the High Band is in Shelf mode, but selecting this button will toggle it to Bell mode.
High-Mid Band (Bell)
- Frequency: Adjusts the center frequency of the high-mid bell filter.
- Gain: Adjusts the gain of the high-mid bell filter.
Low-Mid Band (Bell)
- Frequency: Adjusts the center frequency of the low-mid bell filter.
- Gain: Adjusts the gain of the low-mid bell filter.
Low Band (Bell/Shelf): This band can be either a low-shelf filter or a bell filter depending on the selected mode, but it is a low-shelf filter by default. Note that the ranges of the Frequency and Gain controls differ between Bell and Shelf modes, so the set frequency and gain values may change when switching modes.
- Frequency: Adjusts the center frequency of the low-shelf or low bell filter depending on the mode.
- Gain: Adjusts the gain of the low-shelf or low bell filter depending on the mode.
- Bell/Shelf Mode: Toggles the Low Band between Bell and Shelf filter modes. By default the Low Band is in Shelf mode, but selecting this button will toggle it to Bell mode.
Filters
- Low-Pass Filter Frequency: Adjusts the cut-off frequency of the Low-Pass Filter.
- High-Pass Filter Frequency: Adjusts the cut-off frequency of the High-Pass Filter.
Bands IN: Toggles the enablement of the EQ Bands (High, High-Mid, Low-Mid, and Low bands). When toggled off, the processing of the bands will be bypassed.
Filters IN: Toggles the enablement of the EQ Filters (Low-Pass and High-Pass filters). When toggled off, the processing of the filters will be bypassed.

Routing Section

The Routing Section at the bottom of the plugin window shows the order of signal flow between the Gate, Compressor, and EQ from left to right.

Each of the 3 processing elements are represented by a routing item which you can click and drag around to change the order of signal flow. Dragging a routing item right and left to swap it with neighboring items.

Regardless of the routing order, the master input and output controls are always fixed at the input and output stages as shown by the INPUT and OUTPUT labels located at the beginning and end of the routing order.

360° Skin

Input Section & Output Fader

Input Section:

Input Level Meter (only on plugin window): Displays the peak and RMS signal level (dBFS) entering the plug-in.
INPUT Trim: Adjusts the gain trim of the signal at the plugin’s input stage before any other processing takes place.
Ø (Polarity): Inverts the polarity of the input signal when selected.
Saturator DRIVE: Adjusts the gain of the input signal fed to the Saturator (post Input Trim). Increasing the Drive will apply more saturation to the signal, while decreasing the Drive will apply less saturation.
Saturator Drive LED: The brightness of this LED represents the level of signal fed to the Saturator.
Saturator IN: Toggles the enablement of the Saturator. If toggled off, the Saturator processing will be bypassed and the Saturator Drive control and LED will be disabled.

Output Section:

WIDTH knob*: Using mid-side processing, the WIDTH control can collapse the signal to fully mono when turning fully anti-clockwise (down to 0) or increase stereo width by increasing the 'sides' volume when turning clockwise (up to 2). Default state (centered on 1) means standard stereo operation—no further mid/side processing is applied to the signal.
PAN knob*: Allows positioning of the signal in the stereo field, by balancing the left/right components of the signal. Default state is ‘C’ which means no panning is applied to the signal.
SOLO button**: Engages channel solo.
CUT button**: Engages channel cut (mute).
Channel Fader: Provides mixer-style control of the level output from the plug-in.
Gate S/C LISN: Allows for listening to the Gate's sidechain input signal. If the Sidechain Filter is enabled, you will be able to hear its effects as you adjust the S/C FREQ value.
OUT Trim: Adjusts the gain trim of the signal at the plugin’s final output stage after all other processing takes place.
Output Level Meter (only on plugin window): Displays the plugin’s peak and RMS output signal level (dBFS).

*The controls are available in stereo or mono-to-stereo operation only. When the plug-in output is mono, WIDTH & PAN controls will be greyed out.

**When using the VST3 format in supported DAWs, the SOLO & CUT are automatically linked to the DAW’s solo and cut controls.

Solo Modifiers:

SOLO SAFE* protects a channel from being muted when another channel is solo'd. This is useful when using the channel strip plug-in on an aux or bus.
SOLO CLEAR turns off solo for all channels.

*SOLO SAFE only works when the channel strip is connected to the 360° Plug-in Mixer, and using the 360° Plug-in Mixer solo layer.

With the exception of Cubase/Nuendo, if using the VST3 format in a compatible DAW (Live, Studio One, REAPER) then SOLO SAFE will not function. SOLO CLEAR will still function.

Filters & EQ

The EQ is an emulation of the analog hardware EQ on the Harrison 32Classic console.

Module Controls (only on plugin window):

Reset button: Resets all the controls in the associated module to their default states.
Listen button: Bypasses the processing of the other modules so that only the effects of the selected module can be heard. This does not bypass the processing of the master input and output controls.
IN button: Toggles the enablement of the associated module. When toggled off, the module processing is bypassed.

Filters:

Low-Pass (LP) Filter FREQuency knob: Adjusts the cut-off frequency of the Low-Pass Filter.
High-Pass (HP) Filter FREQuency knob: Adjusts the cut-off frequency of the High-Pass Filter.
Filters IN button: Toggles the enablement of the EQ Filters (Low-Pass and High-Pass filters). When toggled off, the processing of the filters will be bypassed.

EQ:

HI Band (Bell/Shelf): This band can be either a high-shelf filter or a bell filter depending on the selected mode, but it is a high-shelf filter by default. Note that the ranges of the Frequency and Gain controls differ between Bell and Shelf modes, so the set frequency and gain values may change when switching modes.
- Frequency knob: Adjusts the center frequency of the high-shelf or high bell filter depending on the mode.
- Gain knob: Adjusts the gain of the high-shelf or high bell filter depending on the mode.
- Bell/Shelf Mode button: Toggles the High Band between Bell and Shelf filter modes. By default the High Band is in Shelf mode, but selecting this button will toggle it to Bell mode.
HI-MID Band (Bell)
- Frequency knob: Adjusts the center frequency of the high-mid bell filter.
- Gain knob: Adjusts the gain of the high-mid bell filter.
LO-MID Band (Bell)
- Frequency knob: Adjusts the center frequency of the low-mid bell filter.
- Gain knob: Adjusts the gain of the low-mid bell filter.
LO Band (Bell/Shelf): This band can be either a low-shelf filter or a bell filter depending on the selected mode, but it is a low-shelf filter by default. Note that the ranges of the Frequency and Gain controls differ between Bell and Shelf modes, so the set frequency and gain values may change when switching modes.
- Frequency knob: Adjusts the center frequency of the low-shelf or low bell filter depending on the mode.
- Gain knob: Adjusts the gain of the low-shelf or low bell filter depending on the mode.
- Bell/Shelf Mode button: Toggles the Low Band between Bell and Shelf filter modes. By default the Low Band is in Shelf mode, but selecting this button will toggle it to Bell mode.
Bands IN button: Toggles the enablement of the EQ Bands (High, High-Mid, Low-Mid, and Low bands). When toggled off, the processing of the bands will be bypassed.

Dynamics

The Dynamics section of Harrison 32Classic Channel strip contains both Compressor/Limiter and Gate/Expander modules. In order to be compatible with SSL 360° and the SSL UC1 controller, there is an additional "DYN" button sitting between the two modules in the plug-in or at the top of the 360° Mixer strip which serves as a "master enable" for both the Gate and Compressor modules. This button needs to be on for either of them to work, and turning it off disables both modules.

Compressor

Compressor Mix:

Adjusts the Dry/Wet balance of the compressor. By default, the mix is 100% wet, meaning you only hear the compressed signal output from the compressor. Reduce this value to add more of the original, uncompressed signal (to create parallel compression).

Module Controls (only on plugin window):

Reset button: Resets all the controls in the associated module to their default states.
Listen button: Bypasses the processing of the other modules so that only the effects of the selected module can be heard. This does not bypass the processing of the master input and output controls.
IN button: Toggles the enablement of the associated module. When toggled off, the module processing is bypassed.

Mode buttons/Menu:

Sets the Compressor Mode which alters the internal characteristics of the Compressor for different types of compression.

LEVELer Mode: This mode offers more subtle compression than the default Compressor Mode. It has a very low ratio with a small adjustment range, a very fast release with a small adjustment range, and a widely adjustable attack.
- Usage Note: Due to mic technique or other elements out of our control, sometimes a signal has a very wide dynamic range. Leveler Mode with a fast attack can be used to transparently reduce the level of the loudest parts, so that the track has a more consistent level. Reducing the dynamic range of our tracks can make them easier to mix, although it might rob some of the performance’s natural dynamics. Leveler Mode with a slow attack allows the initial sound (the first syllable of a word or phrase, for example), to be passed through at full volume, while reducing the “body” of the sound slightly. This retains and enhances the character of the recording, and it can help improve intelligibility of words and instruments in a busy mix.
COMPressor Mode: This is the default mode of the Compressor. It is the most versatile of the three modes with full control over ratio, attack, and release.
LIMITer Mode: This mode offers a more intense compression sound similar to a limiter. It has a nearly-instant attack with little adjustment, a high ratio, and a widely variable release time. Limiter Mode is an effect intended to sound like desirable analog devices. It is not a brickwall digital peak limiter.
- Usage Note: A limiter is a very fast-acting compressor, and these were initially designed to capture signal peaks before they were passed on to sensitive broadcast transmitters, disc-cutting lathes, or speaker systems. By taming the transients of a very dynamic instrument (like drums), the limiter has the effect of extending the instrument’s decay, and an inherent increase in room-sound (reverb), sometimes called ‘bloom’ or ambience. A common use of the Limiter is to increase the room & ambience of a drum mix.

Compressor Controls:

RATIO knob: Sets the amount of gain reduction applied for every decibel the signal exceeds the Threshold. For example, a Ratio of 2:1 means that an input signal that’s 2dB over the Threshold will result in an output that’s only 1dB over the Threshold. The value range of this control varies depending on the mode.
THRESHold knob: Sets the dB level in which compression will be triggered whenever the input signal reaches this level.
Release (RELS) knob: Sets the amount of milliseconds it takes for the gain reduction to return to unity gain once the input signal falls below the Threshold. The value range of this control varies based on the mode (LEVEL, COMP, or LIMIT).
Makeup GAIN value: Adjusts the gain of the Compressor output signal to compensate for any decrease in the overall signal level caused by compression.
AUTO button: Toggles Auto-Gain which compensates for level changes due to the compressor ratio and threshold.
Attack (ATTK) value: Sets the amount of milliseconds it takes to reach full gain reduction once compression is triggered. The value range of this control varies based on the mode (LEVEL, COMP, or LIMIT).
Emphasis IN: Toggles the enablement of the Emphasis Filter. If toggled on, the Emphasis Filter will be applied to the sidechain input of the Compressor. If toggled off, the Emphasis Filter will be bypassed and the Emphasis Frequency control will be disabled.
EMPHasis Frequency value: Adjusts the center frequency of the Emphasis Filter. The Emphasis Filter is a high-shelf boost applied to the Compressor sidechain input. The gain of the shelf increases along with the frequency so that the approximate gain is 10dB at the minimum frequency of 100Hz and 40dB at the maximum frequency of 12kHz. This control essentially adjusts the sensitivity of the Compressor to high frequencies. Higher Emphasis Frequency values will cause the compressor to act more quickly on transients but slower on lower frequencies, resulting in a more vintage character that is associated with tube and opto-coupled compression devices.
Reduction Meter: Displays the level of gain that is reduced from the signal by the Compressor (dBFS).

Gate / Expander

Module Controls (only on plugin window):

Reset: Resets all the controls in the associated module to their default states.
Solo: Bypasses the processing of the other modules so that only the effects of the selected module can be heard. This does not bypass the processing of the master input and output controls.
IN: Toggles the enablement of the associated module. When toggled off, the module processing is bypassed.

Gate / Expander Controls:

DEPTH knob: Sets the maximum amount of gain reduction applied when the gate is closed. The value range of this control varies based on the mode. In the default Gate mode, the Depth can be set up to 60dB of gain reduction. In Expander mode, the max Depth is 15dB. Note that if the Depth is set to the minimum value of 0dB, no gain reduction will occur in either mode and the Gate will have no effect on the signal.
THRESHOLD knob: Sets the dB level in which the Gate will open whenever the input signal reaches this level.
RELS Knob: Sets the release time, which is the amount of milliseconds it takes for the Gate to fully close once the input signal falls below the Threshold.
Sidechain Filter IN: Toggles the enablement of the Sidechain Filter. If toggled on, the Sidechain Filter will be applied to the sidechain input of the Gate. If toggled off, the Sidechain Filter will be bypassed and the Sidechain Filter Frequency control will be disabled.
S/C FREQuency value: Adjusts the center frequency of the Sidechain Filter applied to the sidechain input of the Gate. The Sidechain Filter is a band-pass filter that boosts the selected center frequency and cuts the frequency ranges above and below it. This can be used to target certain frequencies to trigger the Gate with.
Attack (ATTK) knob: Sets the attack time, which is the amount of milliseconds it takes for the Gate to fully open once the input signal reaches the Threshold.
Reduction Meter: Displays the level of gain that is reduced from the signal by the Gate (dBFS).

Gate vs. Expander Mode:

EXP Button: Toggles between Gate mode (button off) and Expander mode (button on). Use the Expander mode for a gentler form of gating. The availability of certain controls depends on the selected mode. The Hysteresis and Hold knobs are only available in Gate mode and the Knee and Ratio knobs are only available in Expander mode.
Gate HOLD Knob (Gate mode only): Sets the amount of milliseconds the Gate will stay open after the signal has dropped below the Threshold/Hysteresis level.
Gate HYST value (Gate mode only): Sets the Hysteresis, which is the amount of dB below the Threshold in which the Gate will close. This allows the signal to fall below the Threshold by a certain amount of dB before the Gate starts closing. For example, if the Threshold is set to -12dB and the Hysteresis is at 4dB, the Gate will open when the signal reaches -12dB but will only close when it comes back down to -16dB (4dB below the Threshold).
Expander KNEE Knob (Expander mode only): Adjusts the “smoothness” of the Expander Ratio angle. With a low Knee value (Hard Knee), the Expander will react more abruptly as the input signal crosses the Threshold. With a high Knee value (Soft Knee), the Expander will react more gradually.
Expander RATIO Knob (Expander mode only): Sets the amount of gain reduction applied for every decibel the input signal falls below the Threshold. For example, a Ratio of 2:1 means that an input signal that is 1dB below the Threshold will be reduced so that the output is 2dB below the Threshold.

Routing Section

The Routing Section at the bottom-right of the plugin window shows the order of signal flow between the Gate, Compressor, and EQ, from left to right. This section is not present in the 360 Mixer, so you'll need to open the plugin window whenever you wish to adjust this.

Regardless of the routing order of the three modules, the master input and output modules are always fixed at the input and output stages, the left edge and right edge of this display, respectively.

SSL Plug-in Engine

The 'SSL Plug-in Engine' has several features that are available across our entire plug-in range.

NOTE: the available features in a plug-in might be or look different depending on what plug-in you are using, or when the plug-in was most recently updated.

Undo/Redo

SSL plug-ins come with a built-in undo/redo stack, in case your DAW doesn't handle this.

Undo (left arrow) undoes the current action in the history stack.
Redo (right arrow) re-does the next action in the history stack.

Presets

All of our plug-ins ship with carefully designed presets to aid your workflow.

Factory presets are included in the plug-in installation, installed in the following locations:

macOS: /Library/Application Support/Solid State Logic/PlugIns/Presets/[Plug-in Name]

Windows: C:\ProgramData\Solid State Logic\PlugIns\Presets\[Plug-in Name]

Switching between presets can be achieved by clicking the left/right arrows in the preset management section of the plug-in GUI, and by clicking on the preset name which will open the preset management display.

The Preset Management menu reflects the folder structure of the preset folder.

Revert Changes and Delete

Revert Changes discards any changes to the current preset.
Delete removes the current preset from the filesystem. Factory and Producer presets cannot be deleted from the plug-in GUI, although they can be manually deleted using the filesystem (Windows Explorer or Finder).

A/B and Copy

A/B allows you to toggle quickly between two presets. This is useful for comparing between two parameter settings.
COPY A TO B is used to copy presets between A/B.

Version Number

Click the version number to display more information about the plug-in.

When logging a bug to our support team, always include the full version number e.g. v1.0.13.

Advanced Settings (not all plug-ins)

Some plug-ins have advanced functionality. Click the 'Advanced Settings' button to access advanced plug-in functionality.

This will drop the plug-in into 'Advanced Mode', exposing more settings, and allowing you to tweak the 'under-the-hood' behaviour of the plug-in.

Scale/Zoom

The scale/zoom menu allows you to resize your plug-in from 50% up to 200%.

Note that if resizing would cause the plug-in to go offscreen, then this option will be disabled. This is designed to prevent DAW resizing bugs that exist in some DAWs.

You can also right-click anywhere on the background of the plug-in to change the scale.

HQ or ECO Mode

Some plug-ins come with a HQ or ECO mode button. When in HQ mode, we introduce extra processing such as oversampling for higher quality, at the expense of more CPU. When in ECO mode, a plug-in will drop into a lower, less CPU intensive and low-latency mode (if possible).

Built-in Help

This plug-in features built-in contextual help. To turn this feature on, click the '?' in the bottom right-hand corner. Mouse over elements of the GUI to see some information about the feature.

Click the tooltip to cycle through the pages.

Plugin	360° Mixer

Plugin	360° Mixer

Plugin	360° Mixer