Mix Chain Ideas (SSL 4K B Workflow)
Drums (heavy, indie/rock punch)
- SSL 4K B – drive input for punch, EQ for snare crack (3–5k), tame boxiness (~300Hz), light comp (2–3dB GR).
- API 2500 (UAD) – bus glue if needed (fast attack, medium release).
- Valhalla Room – light ambience for space, or Supermassive for indie textures.
- Optional: RC-20 or Decapitator for grit/noise.
Bass
- SSL 4K B – tighten low mids, light comp to control peaks.
- UAD LA-2A (Gray) – smooth, musical compression.
- Studer A800 – low-end weight, subtle tape saturation.
Guitars (droning / textured layers)
- SSL 4K B – roll out mud (~200–300Hz), push presence (2–3k), input drive for grit.
- FabFilter Pro-Q 4 – surgical cleanup of resonances.
- Valhalla VintageVerb / Supermassive – depth, trails, indie texture.
- Optional: RC-20 or SketchCassette for lo-fi edge.
Keys / Pads (Keyscape textures)
- SSL 4K B – subtle comp, add high-shelf for air.
- Pro-Q 4 – tame harshness (2–4k).
- Valhalla Shimmer / Supermassive – widen space, create atmosphere.
Vocals
- SSL 4K B – broad EQ (remove mud, add top sparkle), light comp (2–4dB).
- UAD 1176 – fast comp to catch peaks.
- Nectar 4 – de-ess and shaping.
- Valhalla VintageVerb – plate or chamber reverb for indie vibe.
- Optional: Decapitator for grit, Vocal Doubler for width.
Mix Bus (glue + polish)
- SSL Bus Comp (UAD) – 1–2dB GR for glue.
- Ampex ATR-102 – light tape for depth and cohesion.
- Ozone 11 Maximizer – limiter stage (or Pro-L2 later for transparency).
- Insight 2 – metering (LUFS, true peak).
Workflow Mindset
- 4K B = vibe shaper. Use first on each channel for tone, drive, and quick EQ.
- FabFilter / UAD = precision. Only step in when 4K B isn’t enough.
- Valhalla / RC-20 = atmosphere. Sprinkle in texture and space.
- Bus = cohesion. Gentle compression, subtle tape, final limiter.