SSQ
Key Features
- SSL 4000 E console EQ emulation with four bands, each offering +/-15 dB of musical boost and cut
- Brown Knob mode on the low-frequency band replicates the smooth character of early 1980s E Type consoles
- Switchable shelving and bell filter modes on the LF and HF bands for flexible tonal shaping
- Two fully parametric mid bands (LMF: 200 Hz-2.5 kHz, HMF: 600 Hz-7 kHz) with adjustable Q
- High-pass (16-350 Hz) and low-pass (1-20 kHz) filters for frequency cleanup
- Gain-compensated input drive for adding subtle analog-style harmonic saturation
- Optional 4x oversampling and resizable UI (50%-200%) with v6.0 upgraded circuit design
Description
SSQ by Analog Obsession is a console equalizer modeled on the SSL 4000 E, one of the most revered mixing desks in recording history. It captures the musical EQ section of the original hardware, delivering the smooth, warm character that defined countless hit records from the early 1980s onward.
The plugin features four EQ bands with +/-15 dB of gain per band. The low and high frequency bands offer switchable shelving and bell modes, while the two mid bands (LMF and HMF) are fully parametric with adjustable Q.
A standout detail is the Brown Knob mode on the low-frequency band, which replicates the smooth, musical response of the early E Type 242 console variant. This gives bass frequencies a rounded, organic quality that works especially well on kick drums, bass guitars, and full mixes.
High-pass and low-pass filters are included for cleaning up the frequency extremes. The plugin also provides a gain-compensated input drive for adding subtle harmonic saturation, and optional 4x oversampling (toggled by clicking the Analog Obsession logo) for cleaner processing at the cost of slightly higher CPU.
The resizable interface scales from 50% to 200%, and the updated v6.0 circuit design delivers improved harmonic characteristics with lower CPU usage than earlier versions. SSQ runs natively on Apple Silicon and requires no iLok.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What console is SSQ modeled after?
SSQ is modeled on the EQ section of the SSL 4000 E console, specifically the early 1980s Brown Knob (E Type 242) variant. This was the desk behind countless hit records and is prized for its smooth, musical EQ response.
How do you enable oversampling in SSQ?
Click the Analog Obsession logo in the plugin interface to toggle 4x oversampling on or off. The logo turns red when oversampling is active. This improves processing quality but increases CPU usage slightly.
What is the Brown Knob in SSQ?
The Brown Knob is a mode on the low-frequency band that replicates the tonal character of the original SSL 4000 E Type 242 console. It provides a smoother, more musical low-frequency response compared to the standard setting, making it especially useful on bass-heavy sources.
How does SSQ compare to paid SSL EQ plugins?
Community comparisons with plugins like the Plugin Alliance bx_console SSL 4000 E show that SSQ produces different EQ curves but delivers its own musical character that many producers prefer for daily mixing work. The v6.0 update significantly improved its harmonic response and CPU efficiency.
