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An introduction to Waves Solid State Logic SSL EV2 Channel, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
Now you can choose between the original, gritty SSL 'O2' Brown Knob EQ vs. the clean '242' Black Knob EQ.
— Waves Solid State Logic official site
What is SSL EV2 Channel?
SSL EV2 Channel is a channel-strip plugin from Waves, based on the E-series channel of the SSL 4000 line. It puts an input stage, filters, a compressor/limiter, a gate/expander and an EQ into a single window.
The EQ can be switched between the gritty 'O2' Brown Knob style and the cleaner '242' Black Knob style. Being able to try two different EQ flavors in one plugin may help when you want to re-choose depending on the source.
A newly designed mic/line preamp stage is included. An analog switch adds THD (harmonic distortion), or you can turn it off for a more straightforward digital character. It could be an option when you want to add texture after recording vocals or guitars.
The high and low filters are split, and you can place the EQ or filters before or after the dynamics section. Internal and external sidechain, a Width control for stereo image, and over 600 presets are also provided.
Two EQ types
The EQ can switch between the 'O2' Brown Knob and '242' Black Knob versions. You can try EQs with different character on the same material and choose between them.
Compressor/limiter
The dynamics section includes a soft-knee compressor/limiter. It lets you even out level differences in vocals or drums without leaving the channel.
Gate/expander
A gate/expander is part of the same dynamics section. It may be useful for reducing unwanted sound that leaks into a microphone.
Mic/line preamp
A newly designed mic/line preamp stage with an analog switch that adds THD; turning it off gives digital clarity. It suits adding texture to material that is already recorded.
Flexible routing
Separate high and low filters can be placed with the EQ before or after the dynamics section. Changing the order changes how the compressor reacts, which is handy for experimenting.
Sidechain
Both internal and external sidechain are supported with flexible routing. You could try ducking a bass against a kick drum.
Width and presets
The output side has a Width control with mono, stereo and reverse stereo modes. More than 600 presets are provided as starting points.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Channel strip (EQ, dynamics, preamp) |
| Channels | Mono / Stereo |
| Latency | 59 samples at 44.1/48 kHz, 20 samples at 88.2/96 kHz |
| Formats | AAX Native / AudioSuite, AU, VST3 and others |
| Waves versions | V13 to V17 |
| Presets | 600+ |
What is included and system requirements
- macOS: Intel or Apple Silicon, macOS Sonoma 14, Sequoia 15, Tahoe 26 and later
- Windows: Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11 (x64 Intel or AMD)
- 16 GB RAM, 30 GB free disk space, 1920×1080 screen recommended
- Works in Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Cubase, Reaper, FL Studio and more
- Also supported in Waves StudioRack and SuperRack
How to use it
- Install the plugin with Waves Central and activate the license.
- Insert SSL EV2 Channel on a track in your DAW.
- Start by choosing a preset and checking the overall settings.
- Adjust the input gain, and use the analog switch to add THD if you wish.
- Choose the 'O2' or '242' EQ and adjust the bands.
- Set the compressor or gate in the dynamics section as needed.
- Switch the order of EQ and dynamics to compare how it reacts.
- Finish by setting the Width control and output level.
Vocal tracks
You could try filtering low end, evening out level with the compressor and shaping the tone with the EQ in one plugin. It may suit first-pass processing after recording.
Drum and guitar buses
Using the gate and compressor to tighten drums and the Brown Knob style EQ to add texture are possible approaches.
Streaming and narration
With gate, compressor and EQ together, it may help when you want to even out level and clear muddiness in a streamed or home-recorded voice.
Who it may suit
- People who want to handle post-recording processing in one plugin
- Those interested in the SSL channel layout
- Users who want to compare EQ characters
Good to know before you buy
- A Waves license is required, managed with the free Waves Central app.
- The official requirements are 16 GB RAM and 30 GB free disk space.
- This is a Waves product made under license from SSL, not an SSL-made plugin.
Price
Please check the official page for the price.
See SSL EV2 Channel on the product page
More of the same kind
Other introduction articles of the same kind.
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See the full list in Product database: Effects.
Sources: waves.com (checked 2026-10-27)
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