Hi,

Just a quick poll about what is your favourite, or the best overall, best sounding, one that is better than the other. I know most of them is quite outdated but a lot of people swear that they are still the best CS plugin still for some reason.

The reason of the poll is not looking for wisdom like "The one that sound right to you is the best", ain't anything like that, it's more to know what the members here like, love and used in their everyday workflow and maybe have found something useful or really cool that they want to share that make one better than the other, in their opinion.

Yes, it's subjective, I'm asking from your experience and taste. I'm totally aware most of you use other cooler channel strip plugin by SSL/UAD/Waves etc or don't use them at all in your workflow due to modern day of mixing while producing style but 100% sure you had tested them atleast once and have an opinion about it. A quick vote would be highly appreciated.

For those that have something to say about it, anything please do so too.

Me, I love the bx console SSL 9000J for few months now, but used to have the 4kE and Focusrite SC in my template for a really long time too. I think the dynamic section of the 9kJ is really awesome. It punches the hardest and have widest range of characters that can be achieved with various combinations of the buttons.

I have tried the Lindell's but not particularly like the sound, the 50 Series being my favourite among them with all the cool EQs and Compressors included. I keep hearing that the UAD's API Vision is super close to the console and the Lindell's sound nothing like it is a turn off when I know I shouldn't have, well, I can't help it.

Same goes to the AMEK which I believe have the most useful features, but Dan Worrall kinda ruined it somehow, lol.

Thanks and happy voting.

Spoiler: RESULT (16/06/2023)

RESULT (13/10/2023)


EDIT :

1. Added newly released Lindell 69 Series
2. Added Pie chart because everything looks cooler in Pie Chart.
3. Added new updated result (13 October 2023)
4. Added newly released bx_console AMEK 200

Spoiler: OVERVIEW

Unlock the sound of an analog-modeled dream
Brainworx’s bx_console AMEK 200 is a console plugin that combines the sound of the AMEK EQ 200, AMEK Mastering Compressor, and the gate/expander of the bx_console AMEK 9099; it would be nearly impossible for a console like this to exist in the real world. The complexities of physically integrating the components and the cost associated with such a hardware unit make the bx_console AMEK 200 an analog-modeled dream come true.

A blend between 80s mastering-grade transparency and “analog vibe”
The bx_console AMEK 200 is the successor to the bx_console AMEK 9099, which delivers the sound of the Rupert Neve-designed AMEK 9098i Master Console. Analog-modeled circuits infuse this channel strip with the analog vibe that bx_consoles are known for. Featuring an optimized GUI layout, the bx_console AMEK 200 allows you to mix and master your music with the transparency, precision, and detail of mastering-grade analog hardware from the 80s.

Gain the clarity of the AMEK EQ 200 and Mastering Compressor
The EQ section of the bx_console AMEK 200 integrates a five-band version of the AMEK EQ 200, recreating the unique sound of the most legendary parametric equalizers from the 70s and 80s. This plugin also includes the compression circuit from Brainworx’s AMEK Mastering Compressor, responding in a natural logarithmic way to audio, just like the human ear. These audio processors are well known for their unwavering clarity.

Simplify your mixing and mastering workflow
Say “goodbye” to the hassle of toggling between multiple plugins. The bx_console AMEK 200 is designed to handle a wide range of mixing and mastering tasks, all while consuming less CPU power than using individual instances of its included tools. This frees up your computer’s resources, allowing you to focus on the creative aspects of your project.

Add realistic analog variation to your mixes
The bx_console AMEK 200 features Tolerance Modeling Technology (TMT), which precisely mimics the component tolerances found in real analog hardware. This technology captures the subtle variations and nuances that make analog gear so appealing. As a result, each track processed with the bx_console AMEK 200 will exhibit unique characteristics, exactly like the individual channels of an analog console.

 

Last edited: Nov 7, 2023

My vote goes to bx_Console Focusrite SC as #1. Lovely smooth sound. Next and close #2 for me is bx_Console SSL 9000J.

 

I use SSL4000E from time to time.
But when it comes to versatility, Lindell 50 Series is probably your best option.

 

Yeah had the similar feeling when using the Focusrite SC across the project, it gives smooth high end and I love it for being transparent as well without no obvious coloration.

 

I use the Lindell 80 on all my tracks.

 

what do you think about the compressor ? I find it hard to work with sometimes

 

I own 6 and use them all.

 

Not a fan of channel strips, but i have 9K's all over on my templates (mostly bypassed but they're there just in case). No big reason, i just had to use it for a track where i needed to really bring up the sparkle of a guitar and the 9K did that the best, haven't found a reason to change that so it's still there.

I'm curious about the Focusrite since it has more control over the compressor attack and that's smomething i really miss on the 9K (also, unlike the 9k, i actually have a legit license for it ). We'll see what happens.

 

Lindell Channel X for me ......the feel and sound of it and the knobs is just breath taking

 

From my humble experience, there's something special about the 9000 J EQ when touching up mids and highs. If used correctly it can unmuffle vocals recorded on the road with inexpensive muddy mics in hotel rooms filled with flutter echoes without being too agressive.

 

I've heard cops use it too!

 

For working, by far the 9099 is my favorite. Sounds modern (and it's a modern approach for that kind of plugin), an arsenal of tools right at my fingertips, love the EQ, the botton and top end.

Soundwise, the focusrite is my favorite. It resembles some classic MCI on the amps, the mid range is immaculate and the dynamics section is the best sounding one that i ever experienced on a channel strip (even better than MIO mode on Metric Halo's).

Honrable mention to the glitter fairy dust on the LMF and HMF on the 9000J.

I don't like any of the lindell's and the 80 is a pain in the butt to make it work. at least the 50 is easy to dial in (it's an API), but i don't like the dynamics and the approach to the 2500 compressor. No stepped gain by deafult on EQ, a thing that for me is a crime on API's.

Off topic: I never found any Neve channel strip that made me work happy(Tried PA, Analog Obsession, i don't consider Noiseash a channel strip because it lacks dynamics). If i want a Neve sound that i love, i will probably put an 1073 pre/eq plugin and build a chain with other plugins. But i love more channel strips than Neves, so i don't find use for Neves anymore. My dream Neve CS would be a 1081 EQ with a 33609 comp, shelving and bell options at the extremes of the EQ

 

but you voted for the 80 series ? haha, whhyyy
anyway, about the ChannelX, the idea of having tone controls for the pre, then an 1176 as compressor and a Pultec after is just brilliant. While all the modules does the job very well, and have a proper sound you'd expect by combining the 1176 and a Pultec, I somehow dislike the GUI because it doesn't feel like a console. I know it is dumb but im still in the guilty party of needing the GUI to complete the full experience. In my opinion, it sounds really good especially the 1176 module. Also a much needed Gate module isn't there. I tend to gate everything that has noise and this plugin has 3 noise sources (the Analog button) and needed it more than others. The behaviour of the Analog button also questionable because turning it off would remove all the harmonics as well. A separate control for both would've been lovely.

will try this and see if I like it or not. I copied the curve on Waves Manny Marroquin EQ for that, it was modeled after the Avalon EQ curve. Matched it with Pro-Q3 and save them as presets. Works pretty well for now, let's see if the 9kJ can beat it.

a lot of 9kJ users been saying the same, I really have to experiment and try this. I never really use that HF boost for other thing default 8kHz boost just to check if the track is bright enough or not. It like it the first thing I do but never really use it since I have other EQ plugin that I prefer for the high end. Gotta really try it.

 

Last edited: Jun 13, 2023

I usually use it for light compression with a short recovery.

 

Seems like a lot of people here been using (or like) the AMEK 9099 the most here, judging by the votes. I never really use it, like really use it on 140 tracks like I did with the 9kJ or 4kE and don't have any idea the "console character" of it when you full randomize the TMT. I agree that it has all the things needed in a channel strip and so far the swiss army knife of channel strips by PA. Do you think the plugin sounds has a Neve sound characteristic ? considering the console was built by the same guy. Even the Focusrite that was really transparent I do feel like its EQ has that Neve style sound in a way, didn't really confirmed it, but it feels that way.

Yeah, the only Neve sytle compressor I like is the Arturia COMP Diode the other 2254/33609 (minus the UAD i never have) is just won't do it for me. To add that Arturia comp on every channel feels like a overkill sometimes, but the NoiseAsh not-channel-strip is kinda have that sound and I think when combine with the Arturia Comp should give better result but yeah.. overkill.

have you tried Softube American Class A ? I think it has better dynamic sections. I like the Gate + Transient Designer module.

 

Last edited: Jun 13, 2023

If you expect a vintage Neve sound, that's nothing to do with it. The first time i mixed with it on all my channels i felt the sound of expensive rap songs, even commented with my brother "hey man, this sounds like travis scott melodies and drums". After some time i discovered Mike Dean is a HUGE FAN of this eq, especially the bx_2098, so my ears were not lying to me. It's very clean, even pushed to the extremes, the rythm section becomes punchy but at the same time its not that hot transformer style punch on the SSL or API with sharp transients, it's very smooth, yet, very focused, and also doesn't have that "phat booty" of classic Neves. The Low end on classic Neves ring much more. And on melodies it's hard to explain... It glows in a not exaggerated way like the 9000j that i described as "glitter". The amek is more like dark neon. it's cool AF

2254's are not for me. Never had a thrill using them. Or any good results, being pragmatic. 33609's are fatigating to the ear depending on the source. Neves are dangerous ladies

Really cool sounding on the time i tried, but never really worked a mix with it. In fact i'm curious about those Softube CS, but i feel they are meant to work with the Softube mixing board, or am i wrong?

 

Maybe they used the hardware back in the day to work on those Watergate mixtapes, who knows.

 

focusrite all day over the others. I feel more time was spent in making this plugin than all the ssl clones. Also, the DS /EX feature with the listen knob is amazing to blend in certain tones to a guitar. EQ and filters are great too. I only use this one out of their collection if I'm going for a channel strip from PA

 

Which release does the Focusrite console come in? I feel like I should give it a try, but I don't recall seeing a standalone release. Is it one of the BX or Plugin_Alliance bundles?

 

Not a standalone, it's AAX DSP, AAX Native, AU, AAX AudioSuite, VST2, VST3.
Here's the product page