Obviously a fan of the SSL sound, Bühren also has an outboard SSL XLogic rack outfitted with a variety of E and G series EQ modules in addition to an SSL Fusion multi-processer, racked within arm’s reach, both of which he purchased with his AWS 948 console. “I have always loved the E series EQ,” he says. “There’s nothing comparable. It was a surgical EQ from the first moment.”
He reports that he started using plug-in recreations of SSL hardware as soon as the company began licensing third-party developers about 15 years ago. Then, earlier this year, SSL introduced a special price in Europe for its SSL Native plug-in collection, which includes the new Version 2 of the Channel Strip and Bus Compressor. “That has replaced all my other plug-ins for SSL,” he says. If he needs to introduce alternative tones and character using any of his other outboard hardware, he inserts it via his audio interface. “Just like a real board,” he says. “And I’m still here with my control surface and channel strip.”
Having worked over the years on a succession of hardware mixing desks and controllers, including the AWS 948, Bühren advises any engineers and mixers who have only worked in-the-box to try out the UF8 controller. “It gets you away from the mouse,” he says. “And it will help you be a better mix engineer.”
