SSL LMC+ plugin is a digital recreation of the legendary Listen Mic Compressor found in SSL’s iconic 4000E console. This compressor, originally designed to prevent overloading from talkback mics, became famous for its ability to create punchy, aggressive drum sounds that defined the sound of 1980s pop and rock music. The LMC+ expands on the original hardware’s capabilities, offering additional controls and features that make it a versatile tool for modern music production. The plugin faithfully emulates the fixed attack and release curves of the original hardware, which are particularly well-suited for processing drums and other percussive sources. However, SSL has added several new features that greatly expand the LMC+’s functionality. These include an external sidechain input, adjustable high-pass and low-pass filters, and a wet/dry mix control for parallel processing.
Pros:
• Authentic emulation of the classic SSL Listen Mic Compressor sound
• Enhanced functionality with added filters and sidechain options
• Intuitive interface with clear metering and controls
• Capable of extreme compression effects while maintaining audio quality
Cons:
• Limited control over attack and release times may not suit all applications
The LMC+ offers a range of features that expand upon the original hardware’s capabilities. The compression section is the heart of the plugin, featuring a single large “Compression” knob that simultaneously adjusts the threshold and ratio. This simplified approach allows users to quickly dial in the desired amount of compression without getting bogged down in technical details.
The plugin’s filter section includes both high-pass and low-pass filters, which can be applied to either the main signal path or the sidechain. This allows for frequency-dependent compression, enabling users to target specific frequency ranges for processing. The filters can be particularly useful for taming low-end rumble or focusing the compression on midrange frequencies.
The user interface of the LMC+ is clean and intuitive, featuring large, easy-to-read meters and controls that are reminiscent of SSL’s hardware designs. The plugin’s visual aesthetic strikes a balance between modern sleekness and vintage charm, making it both visually appealing and functional. One of the most significant additions to the LMC+ is the external sidechain input. This feature allows users to trigger the compression using an external audio source, opening up creative possibilities for ducking and pumping effects. The sidechain can be further shaped using the plugin’s filter section, providing precise control over which frequencies trigger the compression.
The LMC+ also includes two unique processing modes: “Scoop” and “Split.” The Scoop mode inverts the phase of the wet (compressed) signal, creating interesting phase cancellation effects when blended with the dry signal. The Split mode engages a bandpass subtraction algorithm, which can dramatically alter the tonal character of the processed audio.
A wet/dry mix control allows for easy parallel compression setups, enabling users to blend the compressed signal with the unprocessed audio. This can be particularly useful for adding punch and aggression to a sound while maintaining its natural dynamics.
The plugin’s metering section provides clear visual feedback on gain reduction, input and output levels, and the state of the various processing modes. This comprehensive metering makes it easy to understand how the LMC+ is affecting the audio signal and helps users dial in precise settings.
When compared to other compressor plugins, the SSL LMC+ stands out for its unique character and versatility. While many compressor plugins aim for transparency or subtle coloration, the LMC+ is capable of imparting a distinctive, aggressive sound that can dramatically transform audio material. Its fixed attack and release curves give it a different feel from more traditional compressors with adjustable time constants. In comparison to other “colored” compressor plugins like the UAD 1176 or Waves CLA-76, the LMC+ offers a more extreme and characterful sound. It excels at creating punchy, in-your-face drum sounds but can also be used more subtly on other sources. The addition of filters and sidechain capabilities makes it more versatile than many vintage-inspired compressor emulations.
This plugin is best for:
• Producers and engineers seeking aggressive, punchy drum sounds
• Electronic music producers looking for creative compression effects
• Mixing engineers who want to add character and excitement to tracks
• Anyone looking to recreate the iconic drum sounds of 1980s pop and rock music
SSL LMC+ plugin is a powerful and versatile tool that brings the iconic sound of the SSL Listen Mic Compressor into the digital realm. It excels at creating punchy, aggressive sounds, particularly on drums and percussion, but can also be used creatively on a wide range of sources. The plugin’s enhanced feature set, including filters, sidechain capabilities, and unique processing modes, greatly expands its functionality beyond the original hardware. While it may not be the most transparent or subtle compressor on the market, the LMC+ shines when used to add character, excitement, and aggression to audio material. Its intuitive interface and clear metering make it easy to use, even for those new to compression. For producers and engineers looking to add some SSL magic to their mixes or recreate the iconic sounds of the 1980s, the LMC+ is an excellent choice that offers both authentic vintage flavor and modern flexibility.