Best channel strip plugin that's NOT emulation of SSL, Neve, API, Amek, etc.

[Ploki]

No not really imo. I like mxxx but it starts chugging resources fairly quickly

[atya]

Somehow I like the good old Alloy 2 from iZotope.

I have a decent collection of channel strips but I'm still using Alloy 2 (and Ozone) quite a bit more than Neutron (and the rest) ... can't help it
Another favorite is Waves' TG12345, my favorite Waves plugin ... I just love what it does to no matter what I throw it at.

[yhvh]

Running a trial period of Unichannel by united plugins... other than Izotope, I haven't been impressed enough by any channel strip plugins to actually them with any regularity, but I'm enjoying this one so far. I admittedly dont have much experience with classic analog type hardware, but being able to choose one of 3 pieces of hardware for each component makes this one easy to get the hang of and fun to mess with.

[s28]

what's wrong with Voxformer?

It's actually pretty close, I find the UI to be pretty ugly and retro in a bad way. Some things are still hidden behind other screens and the way it resizes is slow. I used GlissEq for years and years and years and love Voxengo but I wouldn't consider their philosophy modern or speedy.

A neat thing I've discovered through this search is Klanghelm SDRR in Desk mode is meant to be used as a channel strip, which I didn't know and am a big fan of.

https://klanghelm.com/contents/products/SDRR.html

I think I've resigned to just making my own Ableton racks for this sort of thing. VCS-1 and Evo are real close too, but again are just fiddly in little ways that defeat the purpose for me, specifically.

Using Ableton stock?

I still haven't found a channel strip that ticks all the boxes for me.

I also find myself using Ableton racks, mixing with sonimus and airwindows plugs. Although really, I would like an all in one but it has been this way for about 10yrs now!

I find it more fun doing DIY to be honest. Every other channel strip has something I'm not into and the DIY approach often leads to it's own, unique sounds.

[Ah_Dziz]

I like a setup I made in MXXX for most things. On top of eq compression and such it also has simple flanger and chorus that can he thrown on easily.

Does it run light enough to throw on lots of channels? Haven't used MXXX much

yes it does. just depends on the modules.

[Unaspected]

Expecting to be parting with more money after trying Fuse Audio Labs' TCS-68.

https://fuseaudiolabs.de/#/pages/product?id=300811205

[thecontrolcentre]

MixControl Pro is an old favourite of mine ... looks like it's un-obtainium these days.

[soulata]

Console 1 with a channel strip of choice.

Works well.

When you're really used to it, it gets out of the way as it should.

I'm not there yet.

k

[antic604]

Another favorite is Waves' TG12345, my favorite Waves plugin ... I just love what it does to no matter what I throw it at.

Right? And it's got that magical something that makes things warmer, rounder somehow. Obviously not appropriate for every music, but when it works, it works.

[fese]

Running a trial period of Unichannel by united plugins... other than Izotope, I haven't been impressed enough by any channel strip plugins to actually them with any regularity, but I'm enjoying this one so far. I admittedly dont have much experience with classic analog type hardware, but being able to choose one of 3 pieces of hardware for each component makes this one easy to get the hang of and fun to mess with.

Well, strictly speaking UniChannel being an emulation of a Neve, API …is what the OP specifically asked NOT for

I tried it, but im the end had too many usability issues for me (like the loudness jumps when switching between comp models and the missing 360 Hz on the Neve mid band…)

[poshook]

Not emulating the usual suspects,
I got plugins from Kiive Audio at intro price and now they are way up.
I think sales are coming now and then.
One emu (usual suspect) is free btw.

What stands out for me are the implemented distortions and the overall sound.
The CS is named Filkchannel Strip.

Super low cpu mixing tool
that translates very well on mixes (including parallel, busses, master bus etc.)

My fav investment in 2021 (value/cpu ratio).

https://www.kiiveaudio.com/

Bought Filkchannel last week as my PA strips are crashing Logic pro all the time under Ventura so I have to replace them with something stable and found Filk.
Update v2 is on the way