SSL Guitarstrip is a comprehensive plugin designed specifically for processing guitar and bass tracks. Developed by Solid State Logic, a renowned name in audio equipment, this plugin aims to provide a complete solution for shaping and enhancing guitar tones in digital audio workstations. The Guitarstrip offers four dedicated modules: Drive, EQ, Compressor, and Phase Correction, each tailored to address common issues and creative needs in guitar production. It supports various plugin formats including 64-bit AU, VST2, VST3, and AAX Native, making it compatible with most modern DAWs on both macOS and Windows platforms. The user interface is clean and intuitive, featuring SSL’s signature look with a dark background and clearly labeled controls. Each module can be bypassed individually, allowing for flexible processing chains. The plugin also includes an overall mix control for parallel processing and an A/B comparison feature for quick referencing between two settings.
Pros:
• All-in-one solution for guitar processing, streamlining workflow
• Intuitive interface with easy-to-use controls
• Versatile, catering to electric, acoustic, and bass guitars
• High-quality sound processing based on SSL’s renowned audio expertise
• Includes presets for quick starting points
Cons:
• Limited preset library compared to some competitors
• Lack of more advanced features like multiband compression or adaptive EQ
The Drive module in SSL Guitarstrip offers two classic analog emulations – guitar amp and bass amp. This section allows users to add overdrive and grit to DI recordings, tame harsh frequencies, or add character to acoustic guitar tracks. The module includes controls for Drive, Boost, Punch, Edge, and Shape, providing a wide range of tonal options. The Drive Mix control enables blending of the processed signal with the dry input, allowing for subtle saturation or full-on distortion effects.
The EQ section is a powerful 4-band parametric equalizer with additional high-pass and low-pass filters. Each band offers control over frequency, gain, and Q factor, allowing for precise tonal shaping. The high and low bands can be switched between shelving and bell curves, offering additional flexibility. The EQ module is particularly useful for addressing common guitar issues like muddy low-end, harsh mids, or dull highs.
The Compressor module in Guitarstrip features five preset response characteristics, making it easy to quickly tame dynamics or add punch to guitar tracks. Users can adjust the threshold, ratio, attack, and release times, as well as makeup gain. The compressor’s behavior can be fine-tuned to suit different playing styles and genres, from subtle level control to aggressive pumping effects.
One unique feature of the SSL Guitarstrip is its Phase Correction module. This section helps identify and correct phase issues between multiple guitar recordings, which is particularly useful when working with multi-miked setups or layered guitar parts. The module includes controls for delay time, phase inversion, and an allpass filter. Additionally, the delay function can be repurposed to add stereo width to mono signals, expanding the plugin’s creative potential.
The plugin also includes global controls like input and output gain, as well as a wet/dry mix knob for parallel processing. The A/B comparison feature allows users to quickly switch between two different settings, facilitating efficient decision-making during mixing.
SSL Guitarstrip’s user interface is designed for efficiency, with all controls easily accessible on a single screen. The color-coded modules and clear labeling make navigation intuitive, even for less experienced users. The plugin’s visual feedback, including gain reduction meters and EQ curve displays, provides valuable information at a glance.
In terms of CPU efficiency, SSL Guitarstrip performs well, generally requiring less processing power than more complex amp simulation plugins. This makes it a good choice for users working on less powerful systems or dealing with high track counts.
When compared to other guitar-focused channel strip plugins, SSL Guitarstrip holds its own in terms of sound quality and ease of use. Its closest competitors include plugins like Waves CLA Guitars, IK Multimedia AmpliTube 5, and Universal Audio’s Unison guitar processing suite.SSL Guitarstrip stands out with its focus on mixing and sound shaping rather than amp simulation. While plugins like AmpliTube 5 offer a vast array of virtual amps and cabinets, Guitarstrip concentrates on essential mixing tools in a streamlined package. This approach makes it particularly suitable for users who already have their preferred amp simulations or work primarily with DI or pre-amped guitar signals. Compared to Waves CLA Guitars, SSL Guitarstrip offers more detailed control over individual parameters, especially in its EQ and compression sections. However, CLA Guitars might have an edge in terms of quick results with its simplified, genre-based presets. Universal Audio’s Unison guitar processors offer deeper integration with UA hardware, potentially providing a more “analog-like” experience. However, SSL Guitarstrip is more accessible, not requiring specific hardware to operate.
This plugin is best for:
• Mix engineers looking for an efficient, all-in-one solution for guitar processing
• Producers working with DI guitar recordings who need flexible tone shaping options
• Guitarists seeking to enhance their recorded tracks without diving into complex amp simulations
• Anyone working with multi-miked guitar setups who needs phase correction tools
SSL Guitarstrip is a powerful and versatile plugin that offers a comprehensive solution for guitar and bass processing in the digital domain. Its strength lies in its focused approach, providing essential tools for shaping and enhancing guitar tones without overwhelming users with excessive options. The plugin’s sound quality is excellent, as expected from SSL, delivering clean and musical results across its various modules. The interface strikes a good balance between simplicity and depth, making it accessible to beginners while offering enough control for experienced users. While it may lack some advanced features found in more specialized plugins, its streamlined workflow and all-in-one nature make it a valuable tool for many mixing scenarios. The inclusion of the unique Phase Correction module sets it apart from many competitors, addressing a common issue in guitar recording. Overall, SSL Guitarstrip represents a solid choice for anyone looking to improve their guitar mixing workflow, offering SSL’s renowned audio quality in a user-friendly package.