SSL AutoSeries (Bus, Dynamics, EQ)

[cryophonik]

Surprised I haven’t seen these mentioned here yet. Three SSL-modeled plugins that use Sonible AI algorithms to suggest settings. Seems a bit gimmicky since they don’t appear to be contextual (e.g., “listen” via sidechain to the rest of the mix), but I’m curious to know if anyone is using them?

- AutoBUS
- AutoDYN
- AutoEQ

Intro sale is $49 each or $99 for all three until Jan. 26.

https://store.solidstatelogic.com/plug- ... ies-bundle

[Aloysius]

I like SSL but I'm not a great fan of AI plugins. All that scanning of the original file and sometimes reference files etc. I don't enjoy any of that. I don't think AI is there yet but maybe someone who will try the plugins might have a different opinion.

''proposes an adaptive, style-matched EQ curve that you can instantly use or refine''
''musical starting points tailored to the character of each source''
''with intelligent profiles and context-aware suggestions that make mix bus processing faster and more satisfying''

Kinda reminds me of that ancient Steinberg FreeFilter plugin back in the '90s (if I remember the time-period correctly).

[cryophonik]

Testing them out…

In this case, I don’t think it’s doing anything other than scanning the incoming signal and offering a “smart preset”, based on the frequency spectrum, levels, and the selections you make. It doesn’t seem to do any surgical EQ’ing or creative compression, but the results I’m getting in my quick tests are actually pretty good. I can see where this would be a time-saver for some of the more mundane tasks to take a rough cut at EQ and dynamics control, but may only get you to the 50-yard line in many cases (but much closer with the bus plugin).

So far, my initial impression is that they’re excellent plugins even without using the Sonible feature and the intro price isn’t bad for the bundle, although I’d prefer if they had included the EQ and DYN plugins in a single channel strip, rather than separate plugins (maybe that’s coming the future). It’s actually far less gimmicky than I thought it would be and I can see where people who prioritize songwriting and composition over mixing would find these very useful.

[Alchemedia]

So far, my initial impression is that they’re excellent plugins even without using the Sonible feature and the intro price isn’t bad for the bundle, although I’d prefer if they had included the EQ and DYN plugins in a single channel strip, rather than separate plugins (maybe that’s coming the future). It’s actually far less gimmicky than I thought it would be and I can see where people who prioritize songwriting and composition over mixing would find these very useful.

I believe a channel strip is next.

[Alchemedia]

Seems a bit gimmicky since they don’t appear to be contextual (e.g., “listen” via sidechain to the rest of the mix)...

One major advantage of Izotope. Is that possible with the Sonible plugs?

[thecontrolcentre]

I was tempted by these, but really cant justify spending another $99 on 3 plugins. especially when UAD are offering 10 for the same price. i just picked up 3 for $49 this evening, in their "holiday mix tape bundle" sale ...

[cryophonik]

Seems a bit gimmicky since they don’t appear to be contextual (e.g., “listen” via sidechain to the rest of the mix)...

One major advantage of Izotope. Is that possible with the Sonible plugs?

I’m not sure about Sonible’s own plugins, but it’s not possible with these SSL/Sonible plugins.

[pekbro]

These are kind of neat, dunno if I will pick them up or not. Anticipating that they will do better on the price after some time.

*I bet they will make a limiter and reverb too.

[stippenstoh]

I got AutoBUS after comparing it with smart:comp 2 and some other bus compressors. It gave me better sounding results and as a hobbyist having a good starting point via Sonible's algo is very helpful. Not sure if professionals need the AI feature, especially for the bus compressor, as it probably is fairly simple for them to dial in proper settings.

[stippenstoh]

Seems a bit gimmicky since they don’t appear to be contextual (e.g., “listen” via sidechain to the rest of the mix)...

One major advantage of Izotope. Is that possible with the Sonible plugs?

With Sonible's 'smart' plugins, yes. Smart:EQ 4 can create groups, you throw in all tracks you want and it adjusts settings of each track in context with the click of a button. You can then arrange tracks in layers of importance or change their profiles and again it will adjust in context (in real time), all from a single instance of smart:EQ. It works much better than I assumed.

Imo the 2000 bands of smart:comp carve out competing frequencies more precise and with less audible carving than the likes of Trackspacer ect when in sidechain.

[Aloysius]

If you were working with an orchestra you might arrange the music so you don't need plugins like Trackspacer. Trackspacer was not invented for classic music but perhaps you get my point. Maybe there is too much reliance on these types of plugins to begin with. Maybe the arrangement is the best place to deal with the frequencies.

I could be completly wrong of course.

[stippenstoh]

I think next to no-one is working with an orchestra In electronic music e.g. the bass almost always clashes with the kick drum at some point, there is no way of solving this with arrangement. But even with proper sound choices and arrangement these tools can still open up a mix when used subtly. As so often, it's not the tool, it's the user.

[Aloysius]

I'm pretty sure that in trance they use bass notes in between the kick drums but I could be wrong.

[ChamomileShark]

Trying these out, unless I'm missing something the AI part of the EQ isn't much use to me. I don't use drums or much bass or guitar. Mainly synth plus some acoustic instrument samples.

With only a "synth" and "universal" as appropriate presumably it's EQing everything to hit the same EQ profile? So in a problem mix with too much frequency overlaps it will make things worse not better? And where I don't have a problem mix the EQing for each sound is effectively done in the selection of the sound.

Then for acoustic samples they've either already been EQ'd to start with or they need specific EQs which you may find as presets in another EQ, e.g to reduce woodwind honk.

Am I missing something?

[oobesan]

How many different bus compressor plugins that are basically all the same does SSL now sell? A dozen?