Any opinions on SSL Duende?

[wodinlord]

I am particularly interested in getting the PCIe version for Mac. Just want to know if anyone has or does use this and what you think of it. I always love mixing on an SSL!Wodinlord

[mazz]

Don't they have a Firewire version? If the UAD2 came in Firewire, I'd be all over it. Why do you want to go PCIe? PCI specs change, as you know and if they change it again, you'll be stuck with having to keep the old mac around or upgrade your computer AND your PCIe Duende card.I'm sure the thing sounds great. In an A/B comparison the hardware SSL ( which costs more than my house) , might win but that's probably a hair-splitting exercise that won't mean much in the real world.I'd recommend looking at the FW version.Mazz

[wodinlord]

Well, I am still researching, but was worried about FW delay and also having to use a VST wrapper to run it in PT rtas. I have HD at my work studio, but only native at home and don't want to go get a Intel Mac yet.The UAD looks interesting too, ( I saw your post), but the plugs on it didn't appeal to me as much as the SSL EQ and Comp. I don't need reverbs or guitar emu's, I have that well covered.Does anyone make a like product that you can put your OWN plugs in? That would be ideal.Wodinlord

[mazz]

FW delay only comes in to play if you plan to record through the plug-ins. You can always send the plug-in sound to "tape" and monitor the live signal via hardware, you just won't hear the plug-in sound while tracking. Usually when mixing, the delay is moot.I think the Muse Receptor has that capability. Some plug-ins might not be compatible with it but I think it can run VSTs.The UAD plugins are pretty amazing. I haven't heard the Neve stuff but if it's as good as the 1176, Pultec and the Fairchild, it's pretty awesome. I love the Plate Reverb as well. Of course, if you like the SSL sound, then SSL is what you need!Mazz

[mojobone]

I haven't tried it, but it got rave reviews in Sound On Sound.http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/aug06/a ... nde.htmThe unit under review above is the Firewire version, not sure how the PCIe would affect the latency. That particular bus compressor is the shizzle for makin' it sound like a record, according to some folks whose opinions I respect.

[kouly]

Having a dedicated card is always going to have faster transfer rates and lower latency.