SSL DUENDE

I've been writing, performing, recording, producing and mixing (even 'poor man's' mastering) for close to 20 years. I am using the latest version 2.5x as of 3-25-08. The plugs are used for mixing and mastering audio in SONAR, Wavelab, MOTU DP, Logic and Pro Tools. I run a 'commercial' home studio, so I have the opportunity to work with many different styles and genres of music (as well as my own). I primarily use my Duende 'Classic' on a Quad-Core PC w/XP Pro SP2, 4GB RAM (I also have a PCI expansion chassis and 4 UAD-1 cards). I've also used it on My Macbook Pro. I usually mix through JBL monitors with references through headphones on occasion.

The Plugin GUIs are just fine and very logically laid out, IMO. SSL's EQs and compressors work a little differently that other's. I'd say that in a lot of cases they may seem counter-intuitive because of the ways that a lot of mfrs gear work...especially the compressors. They operate a little differently. Learn that and you are very richly rewarded! In this regard, the manuals could be a lot better

Here is where the Duende is, as of this time, in a class clearly by itself. I've used hundreds and hundreds of plugins over the last 15 years. I've also used several other DSP powered systems (POCO and LM). I have 4 UAD-1 cards and a majority of the 'premium' plugins. If you have a well treated room and good monitoring, there is no way, IMO, that you can not hear the clear sonic superiority of the Duende. i have not used every single plugin ever, but I have used quite a few. The Duende's plugs are unrivaled in sound quality and performance. There are 2 main things, IMO that set them apart (aside from the great vibe and character), and they are dimension/depth and 'bandwidth'.

They seem like strange words, but I'll explain. I place the Duende plugins up there in quality and performance with good hardware because, like typical plugins, it does not zap the dimension and depth of a track or buss when it is inserted. In fact, like using some outboard, it even adds a 3D-ness to some things.

Also, given very complex tracks - tracks with complex harmonic content - such as acoustic guitar, piano, etc., the Duende does not fall apart with boosting with EQ. It is incredibly smooth and can be pushed quite hard (like hardware). the same is true of the compressors.

their Drumstrip processor is a unique and amazing plugin. It is an extremely creative tool that has changed the way I think about and approach drum mixing.

I have a fair amount of outboard, rack gear. I use it for mixing and tracking. I am quite familiar with it. I was an early adopter of the Duende. It took me a while to understand how good it was because of what I mentioned above. I can easily compare it expensive, esoteric outboard gear at any time...and I DO! I do this with other plugins as well. the Duende is the only suite that stands up!

It IS expensive. The additional plugins are very over-priced. This is due 100% to the horrible exchange rate of the GBP compared to almost every currency on the planet! In truth, the plugins ARE reasonably priced in the UK, so it is hard to judge the value. I wish SSL would price the plugins equally for all currencies, but that is really just an unrealistic fantasy. Very few mfrs/vendors do that. Some do (Sonalksis), and I make it a point buy from those companies. SSL would never do that!

SSL's support used to be HORRIBLE on this unit, but has improved dramatically. This unit also used to be far less stable. i think it is wrong to release something so expensive and 'high-end' before it is ready. Those were mistakes that really count against SSL, IMO.

I also had 1 upgrade render my unit unusable. Luckily, since I have a Mac, I was able to downgrade and salvage my system. The fact that you can only downgrade with a Mac and not a PC is absolutely preposterous!

So, given the negatives, I caqn not give this device a 10. It has been very stable and I have used it to improve countless mixes. At the end of the day, that is what I've paid (dearly) for!

Using a Mac Dual 1.42 G4, OS 10.4.10, Logic 7.2.3, Pro Tools HD 7.3.1, Digital Performer 5.12, Duende Driver 2.1 and Firmware 2.09. Interfaces include Digidesign 192 I/O, Apogee Ensemble (Driver 1.4) and MOTU 828 mkII and Ultralites. Primary Listening Equipment is Mackie HR824 and Sony MD7506.

The user interface does mimic an SSL but the graphics are a bit cheesy, especially for the price paid. The manual is extremely basic. Installation requires the downloading the latest drivers and firmware, as with most products today.

It sounds great. More presets would be helpful.

It definitely was not worth the price paid. Too buggy. Every time I start playback there is a glitch or pop. There are even more random pops and clicks after a few minutes of playback. This makes it impossible to get a good bounce on a mix. SSL does not seem to be in the loop with other manufacturers otherwise this thing would be working properly. Definitely my most disappointing purchase to date for the amount spent. It is not stable. I am ready to get my money back or join in on a class action suit.

Benn making music for 25 years
Duende vers. 1.2
Logic 7.2.1
Rock/pop/jazz/classical
Mac G5 dual 2Ghz, 6.5Gb Ram, OSX 10.4.7
Dynaudio BM6a's fed by Benchmark DAC-1

Yes very
No problems installing it ... but major problems getting to work and remain stable
Yes
Duende sounds incredible ... thats what so frustrating. I got it to work for a few hours and in that time managed to get one of the best drum sounds I've ever had ... then it stop working :-(

Sounds Fantastic
There are no presets
Operation is in mono and stereo ... It does not work properly @ higher sample rates. So unstable ... makes it virtually unusable

If it worked @ higher sample rates it would be worth the money
I compared it to the UAD-1s ... which work great @ higher sample rates
I love how it sounds ... I hate its instability ... the EQ/Comp/Gates
It definately needs some of the G5's CPU
It crashes all the time
I wish it worked @ higher sample rates