Monthly Archives: April 2025

Console Channel Strip Shootout: A Simple Trick to Hear the Difference

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Years ago I wanted to compare console channel strip emulations on the same audio material but never came up with a good way to do it. The following video outlined an excellent approach that helped me to immediately hear the differences immediately after some simple set up.

The Setup: A Quick and Easy Comparison Method

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you hear the differences between channel strip plugins:

  1. Instantiate: Place the same console channel strip emulation across all your instrument group buses (e.g., Drum bus, Bass bus, Guitar bus, Keyboard bus, Vocal bus, etc.).
  2. Group Control: Set up a group that controls the inserts for all these channels, allowing you to enable/disable the plugin simultaneously.
  3. Drive the Input: Increase the input gain to +8dB. This will help you to hear the harmonic saturation of the plugin.
  4. Compensate Volume: Reduce the volume fader by -8dB to avoid clipping.
  5. Enable All Sections: Activate all sections of the channel strip (filters, compressor, expander/gate, EQ, etc.).
  6. Add a Gentle EQ Curve:
    • Boost 2dB @ 10kHz to enhance the high frequencies.
    • Boost 2dB @ 100Hz to enhance the low frequencies.
  7. Real-time Comparison: Playback your track, enabling/disabling the plugin in real-time to hear the differences.
  8. Alternate Emulations: Switch between different console emulations to compare their impact.

Bonus Tip: When working with Plugin Alliance emulations, be sure to try the “Random Channel” function for all instances to add subtle variation.

Why This Works

By applying this setup, you’re creating a controlled environment to evaluate how each channel strip plugin affects your overall sound. Driving the input gain and applying a gentle EQ curve will help you accentuate the unique characteristics of each emulation, making it easier to identify its sonic signature.

Finding the Right Emulation

Try this approach with any new mix to discover which emulation, if any, enhances the overall sound in terms of EQ or stereo imaging.

Experiment with different console emulations, such as:

  • SSL 4KE
  • Waves EV2
  • Waves Kramer HLS
  • UAD
  • Plugin Alliance

Conclusion

Channel strip plugins are powerful tools for shaping your sound and achieving professional mixes. By using the simple method outlined above, you can quickly and easily hear the differences between console emulations and make informed decisions that elevate your music.