After meticulously comparing it to my Vandergraph and API 529, I am very happy with the results. The vandergraph offers more low end depth, the api has more features, more punch and warmer colour. The ssl however makes everything slot in nicely, giving a certain “Hi-Fi” gloss that it’s known for.
Mixes have more punch and clarity throughout the frequency spectrum and a wider imaging. Writing music “into” the hardware, really helps carve out the sweet spots of its compression.
I also mindfully compared it to the uad ssl Plugin. The two are very different. In general, even though plugins have come a long way, the software sounds more bulky and the frequency response in the low mids isn’t the same. I’ve seen several online videos that yield the same result. So I’d conclude that it’s not the character of a specific ssl unit, which would have explained the difference in sound. The software clogs up the mix and the dynamics. It doesn’t have the finesse of the hardware. This becomes more apparent when you are applying parallel compression. The plug-in can’t handle the information and the transients lose their precision. This also goes for other emulations of the g-bus. Waves, Native instruments, etc.. not to slack them off, I still very much value the plug-ins though.
Despite not being able to independently control the left and right channel, feeding it with ms really enhances the stereo image. I’m really looking forward to everyday usage in parallel and on the mix bus.
The only issue I have is the build-quality. The knobs aren’t aligned properly, making it harder to see the dialled in amounts. I received a second unit from Thomann and the one I have now is slightly better aligned. The in and out button doesn’t feel too solid either. But mainly the release knob is noisy when switched whilst audio is being played through the unit. It’s definitely an electrical issue as the sound is more audible when the volume has been lowered. It’s like a small snap in and snap out of electricity just milliseconds after switching. Very odd as the other knobs are fine. It doesn’t impair the functionality but it does cast a shadow of doubt on the longevity of the switch. Thankfully Thomann replaced the first unit I received, as it was quite extreme. I will not be returning the unit I have now, even though the issue persists in a more mild manner.
All in all great value for money now the price has significantly been lowered and in my opinion a no brainer if you were thinking about getting a clone. Excellent service by Thomann as always.
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