I have tried the Native Instruments version, and the Waves version sounds significantly better to my ears. I haven't tried the Duende or UAD versions of this compressor.
#Ssl duende vs waves software#
Unless you have access to a SSL console, it is worth looking into a software model of the SSL Buss Compressor. This plug-in sounds much better than a lot of other software compressors that I have tried with higher compressor settings. However, if a mix is sparse like a piano and vocal, I compress the mix around 6 - 8 dB of gain reduction prior to limiting. To me, when a mix is really dense with a lot of instruments, I don't compress it as much. I have read about engineers that use the SSL Buss compressor for even less gain reduction - around 1 or 2 dB.
![ssl duende vs waves ssl duende vs waves](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/cylCLPPyQ90/hqdefault.jpg)
A ratio of '2' or '4' can add plenty of compression, when I drop the threshold to achieve a maximum of 4 dB gain reduction. I like to set the attack time to '3' or '10' and release time to 'Auto' on a mix. This software version definitely can add some analog sounding 'glue' to your mix. I have never used the hardware version, so I don't know how accurate the Waves model is to the hardware. The SSL Buss compressor is arguably the best compressor on a mix buss. There are only a few controls on the compressor, so it is really easy to get started. Authorization with Waves v9 plug-ins can be done with any USB device or over the internet if your computer is online. The software is downloaded straight off the Waves website for installation. It is a plug-in that can be used inside a DAW.
![ssl duende vs waves ssl duende vs waves](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3SGZcLiIwaU/mqdefault.jpg)
The Waves G-Master Buss Compressor is part of the SSL 4000 Collection.