SSL E-Channel is a channel strip from Waves, developed under license in close collaboration with Solid State Logic, that combines a four-band EQ with a compressor and limiter.
SSL E-Channel at a glance
| Developer | Waves |
|---|---|
| Type | Effects / Channel Strip |
| Formats | VST2, AU, AAX |
| Operating systems | Windows 10 or later, macOS |
| Price on Plugin Boutique (October 2026) | €31.74 (regular €165.41) |
What SSL E-Channel does
The strip is modeled on the channel concept of Solid State Logic’s SL 4000 series consoles, which the developer credits with revolutionizing workflow by gathering the elements needed to shape a channel’s sound in one place. The EQ section includes the black knob EQ developed with George Martin and offers four bands: two shelf stages and two parametric stages, with dual filters. The dynamics section provides a smooth, soft-knee compressor/limiter with internal sidechaining and a switchable source. Decades later the E-series has been reborn in hip hop and pop, which the developer cites as the reason for its renewed status.
Key features
- Black knob EQ. The EQ section incorporates the black knob EQ developed with George Martin, arranged as four bands with two shelf stages and two parametric stages.
- Dual filters. The EQ includes dual filters that work alongside the shelf and parametric stages.
- Soft-knee compressor/limiter. The dynamics section uses a smooth, soft-knee compressor and limiter in one module.
- Switchable sidechain source. Internal dynamics sidechaining can be switched between sources.
- CPU use on large sessions. The developer describes the plugin as CPU-efficient for large, demanding multitrack projects.
Plugins similar to SSL E-Channel
| Plugin | Developer | Type | Formats | Systems | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSL E-Channel | Waves | Channel Strip | VST2, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €31.74 (regular €165.41) |
| SSL Native Channel Strip 2 | Solid State Logic | Channel Strip | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €18.84 (regular €152.32) |
| SSL 4000 E Channel Strip | Universal Audio | Channel Strip | VST3, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €72.39 (regular €147.76) |
| SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor | Universal Audio | Channel Strip | VST3, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €72.39 (regular €147.76) |
| SSL 4K E | Solid State Logic | Channel Strip | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €152.32 |
Price and availability
SSL E-Channel was listed on Plugin Boutique in October 2026 at €31.74, reduced from €165.41. Prices change often, so the store page shows the current one.
SSL E-Channel FAQ
Where can I download SSL E-Channel crack for free?
The release circulates as a crack, a repack and a portable version through torrent and magnet link listings, and the Windows build is packed as .rar and .iso.