Of course, you also get that fat SSL compression that you’re used to! There are also high-pass and low-pass filters for removing high and lower frequencies.

You’ll find rich, harmonic saturation, two options for EQ curves (including the Brown and Black versions found in the original hardware), and a “mic mode,” giving users the option to introduce more extreme gain to their signals. Waves recently renewed their original emulation of the SSL 4000E, and it’s incredible! The value is much better, and the sound is terrific. Luckily, Waves has an SSL 4000E emulation that is right alongside UAD’s in terms of sound and functionality. So, for the majority of producers, it’s not the best option. The UAD SSL 4000E plugin is wildly expensive and requires the user has UAD hardware to run it. While I think UAD makes one of the best SSL 4000E emulations, the barrier to entry is quite high. It was developed with the help of mix engineer Andrew Scheps, who is famous for working with artists like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Adele.

But if the Scheps 73 isn't what you're looking for, though, check out my review of the best EQ VSTs. I often like to use the Scheps 73 as the main EQ in my mixing chain for every instrument, as it gives every instrument a similar, analog vibe, while I treat the mix as if it were coming through an analog console. That alone is probably the main selling point of Scheps 73. Plus, you can boost frequencies at normally outlandish levels without it ever sounding harsh or unnatural. The limitations here force you to use your ears to get the sound you’re after, rather than using a fancy, real-time visualizer to make your decisions. You only get a single high-pass filter and three frequency bands, all of which were chosen for their utility. One great thing about the EQ section is that it is incredibly straightforward. It sounds delicious on vocal tracks, drums, and all variety of acoustic instruments. It was and is famous for its fixed frequency band EQ section, which provides a musical sound and buttery saturation that is difficult to capture anywhere else.

The Neve 1073, for those who don’t know, is a legendary microphone preamp and equalizer. And ✅ the Scheps 73 by Waves is a beautiful emulation of one of the most iconic pieces of analog hardware around, the Neve 1073. You probably know that we’re massive fans of vintage hardware emulations if you’ve ever read any of the other articles on the site.

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