Best channel strip plugins

The term “channel strip” goes way back to the days of analog recording. As recording technology evolved and large-format consoles became de facto, so did the concept of the channel strip.

In the most basic form they consist of a preamp and equalizer. More sophisticated models include additional processing like compression, gates, and expanders.

EMI out of Britain were pioneers in the early days. They created consoles that run on vacuum tubes like the REDD, and solid-state models like their TG 12345 (yes, that’s it’s actual model name!). Other manufacturers like Neve, API, Midas, and SSL continue to push the concept forward. 

They’re now available in plugin format, and they make your recording workflow easier. With multiple types of processing in a single plugin instance you can free up computer resources for large sessions and dial things in more quickly.

Best all-in-one channel strip plugin: Waves Scheps Omni Channel

There are certainly contenders, but Waves makes some of the best channel strip plugins around. And the Omni Channel is exactly what it sounds like.

You get preamps, filters, 4-band EQ, de-esser, three types of compressors and a gate/expander. They can be chained together anyway you’d like, giving you more sonic options.

It’s just as good on single channels as stereo and mid/side processing.

Best modular channel strip plugin: McDSP 6050 Ultimate Channel Strip

Modular channel strip plugins offer users a level of customization that standard options don’t – the ability to build a custom signal chain instead of just engaging the necessary sections. They take a cue from the design philosophy of 500 series hardware.

There are 25 total modules including everything from the 6020 EQ and 6030 compressor. Additional processors cover a lot of bases like saturation, filtering, gates and expanders, and distortion.

It will take some time to fully reveal what each module can do. Luckily, there’s a module selector panel for quickly auditioning them. With a great mix of classic and modern sounds, presets from some of the best in the business, and mono/stereo functionality this is one of the best modular channel strip plugins available.

Best API channel strip plugin: Universal Audio API Vision

Neve and SSL might be British, but the other member of the “big three” of channel strips was all-American. Neve equipment is known for adding color and character to tracks, and API gear has a reputation for a really clean, open sounds. 

The plugin includes the 212L preamp that includes UA’s Unison preamp tech and models of API’s proprietary transformers. For EQ it includes the 560L graphic unit and the 550L parametric.

The downside here is that it only works with their interfaces. It comes with presets from some of the best mix engineers in the world, and looking at how accurate the GUI is you might think you’re working on an actual API desk.

Best Neve channel strip plugin: Waves Audio Scheps 73

This plugin combines two of the best things in professional audio. With it you get closely modeled sounds of the infamous Neve 1073 with design input from Andrew Scheps, one of the most respected mix engineers in the industry.

It includes the preamp and EQ sections from the console, so the warm sounds Neve is known for can now be on every track in your mix. You can use it in mono, stereo, or dual mono with four options for monitoring.

You can EQ the middle and sides separately through the Mid-Side Matrix. Each band is accurately modeled after the originals. Waves also made sure to include a digital recreation of the famed Marinair transformer, the component touted to be the reason the 1073 sounds so good. 

It might not offer as many options as other channel strip plugins, but the accuracy of the sound it’s modeled after is what matters.

Best SSL channel strip plugin: Brainworx bx_console SSL series

SSL amazed everyone when they heard how they sound and function, and they’re still some of the most famous consoles and channel strips to this day. There are a few models in this series that model the 4000 E, 4000G, and 9000J. 

Each model has their own sonic character. The 4000 E imparts the large-format console sound everybody loves, while the 4000 G adds punchiness in the midrange that sounds great on things like guitars, vocals, and drums.

They include features like different channel emulations, EQ modes that you can tailor to your specific tracks, analog-style saturation, and a great amount of presets to get you working with it right away. Metering is clear and easy to read and the interface looks pretty much identical to the hardware. 

Best vintage channel strip plugin: Universal Audio LA-6176

Put three of the most sought after analog processors into your plugin library with this collection from Universal Audio. It includes the 610 tube preamp and 1176 and LA-2A compressors.

The 610 is a preamp that’s not as popular as others, but it’s got all of the rich harmonics and saturation that found its way onto some of the most acclaimed records of all time.

For the compression section, the 1176 and LA-2A are eternal standbys and there’s not much by way of additional features in these versions. Just the meticulous modeling and sound quality everyone expects from a Universal Audio plugin.

Together these processors add vintage character, charm, and saturation to your tracks in a convenient, single plugin instance.

Most versatile channel strip plugin: PSP Audioware Infinistrip

Versatility is one of the best features of plugins. Not only can they emulate sounds of the most classic gear of all time, they allow you to do things with them that would be impossible in the analog world. And it doesn’t get much more versatile than the Infinistrip.

You can chain up to seven processors together across dual inserts. These include preamps, filtering, EQ, and dynamics controllers with multiple tonal options like compressors, gates, expanders, and limiters.

It comes in VST and AU formats for Windows and Mac systems. If you’re a fan of how plugins like the Slate Digital Virtual Mix Rack work and the options they provide, PSP knocked it out of the park on this one.

Conclusion

There are so many great channel strip plugins available, and these are just a few of our favorites. Consider using one if you don’t already. They sound great and speed up workflow, letting you access classic analog hardware sounds in your productions.

What to look for in a channel strip plugin

Features and Flexibility

A good channel strip plugin should provide tools like EQ, and compression. Some include additional processing like gating, saturation, de-essing. Some plugins offer a modular design that allow you to swap the order of the signal chain.

Additionally, check whether the plugin has options for parallel processing, mid/side options, or dynamic EQ functionality. These features greatly expand your mixing possibilities.

Sound Character

A lot of channel strip plugins emulate various analog hardware units. Some offer a clean, transparent sound ideal for modern production, others introduce the harmonic saturation and vintage warmth of classic consoles like Neve, API, or SSL.

Consider whether you need a plugin that enhances the natural tone of your recordings or one that adds coloration.

CPU Efficiency

Channel strip plugins are often used on multiple tracks in a session, their CPU load can significantly impact your system’s performance. Some plugins, especially high-end analog emulations, require more processing power due to their complex modeling algorithms.

If you’re working on large sessions or have a less powerful computer, opting for a CPU-efficient plugin with minimal latency is essential. Consider whether you need maximum analog realism or a more streamlined tool for efficiency.

FAQ

What are channel strip plugins for?

There are a lot of uses for them. You can use them if you want to consolidate how many plugin instances you’re using, or if your front end hardware is lacking and you need to spice your tracks up a little bit.

Most of them also let you choose which sections of the “circuit” are engaged. So if you like the sound of the preamp but want to use a different EQ you can do it.

When should I use a channel strip plugin?

By nature of what they do, you’ll usually want to use it as the first plugin in the chain. Think about it. In the analog world you record through a mic or DI. The signal goes into the channel strip – first the preamp, then EQ, and onto dynamics shaping like compression.

But the beauty of digital audio is how it rewrote the “rules”. Experiment with different placement and have fun with it!

What is the most versatile channel strip plugin?

A lot of channel strip plugins offer versatile sound options. Our favorites are the Waves Audio Omnichannel and the PSP Infinistrip. They both let you chain things together any way you want and have a great amount of processing options.

What is the purpose of a channel strip?

Channel strips combine multiple types of processing into a single plugin or hardware format. Hardware channel strips usually include a preamp, EQ, compressor, and noise gate. Plugin versions come in all types from simple to fully modular like the McDSP 6050.