Duende SSL G Buss Comp... Is it worth it in PT8 HD

[M2E]

Hello all,

I have PT8 HD system and was thinking of picking up the duende mini just for the G buss comp. I know I have to buy it separate which is fine but, is it any where close to the real deal?
I own the Waves SSL G Buss and it's grand but, just wanted to know if I'm missing out on something here.
There is another compressor that it looks like I may have to get which is the "Glue" plugin. That sounds great as well and only $99 bucks. Yeah....
So my questions about this plugin are there...

1. How does it compare to the hardware unit. Would I be better off getting the hardware unit since I only want the G-Buss comp?

2. How much does just the plugin cost? I'm going to buy the mini if I decide to go this route?

3. Does this plugin do as the Waves plugin when you push it. Great color on the Waves version.

4. Most of all, how is the latency when using HD with the firewire version of this product? Again, I'm only using it for the G-Buss Comp.

5. Is there a major difference from the PCIe version to the firewire version?

Thanx

[conjure.one]

In my experience, Duende (FireWire) worked pretty badly with PT 7 (the latency was laughable), so i can't imagine the hell that would be trying it in PT8, when PT 8 barely works with itself.
The Duende plugins do sound more SSL like than the Waves, but the hassle factor is not worth it, and the hardware still sounds better to my ears.
Recently I compared the Waves SSL E Channel to a XLogic E Signature Channel and there was a pretty big difference - the hardware has way more bite.

[M2E]

Originally Posted by conjure.one

In my experience, Duende worked pretty badly with PT 7 (the latency was laughable), so i can't imagine the hell that would be trying it in PT8, when PT 8 barely works with itself.
The Duende plugins do sound more SSL like than the Waves, but the hassle factor is not worth it, and the hardware still sounds better to my ears.
Recently I compared the Waves SSL E Channel to a XLogic E Signature Channel and there was a pretty big difference - the hardware has way more bite.

Thanx, they are suppose to be bringing out an Version 3 that will combine both Box processor and cpu processor and that will somehow cut down on the latency. I guess kind of what Pro Tools HD does with there cards. I want to keep it all in the box but, if I have to, I will go pick up a rack version but, really don't want to.

Anyone else have any thoughts.

Thanx

[twix]

I like the G Buss Duende, but I haven't used the Waves version in awhile so I can't use the comparison. Compared to a real SSL 4k, it's not as far off as I thought it would be. I am using the PCIe Duende with an LE system, the latency is around 2050 samples for the G Buss, which is in range for dly compensation on the HD system. I have heard nightmares about the Firewire stuff. If you want to try it, buy it from someplace like sweetwater which has a 30 day return policy.

[M2E]

Originally Posted by twix

I like the G Buss Duende, but I haven't used the Waves version in awhile so I can't use the comparison. Compared to a real SSL 4k, it's not as far off as I thought it would be. I am using the PCIe Duende with an LE system, the latency is around 2050 samples for the G Buss, which is in range for dly compensation on the HD system. I have heard nightmares about the Firewire stuff. If you want to try it, buy it from someplace like sweetwater which has a 30 day return policy.

Good Idea about the Sweetwater route. Thinking of just getting the Mini or is it worth getting the big version. Brad Lyons is my guy at Sweetwater. I might hit him up.

Thanx

[LoudChris]

You might want to give McDsp's Channel G a try. I haven't used the WAVES plugs in a while, but I really like the McDsp emulation.

They give out free demos on their site http://www.mcdsp.com

Honestly, I love it because it fits into my work flow, and the native version is fast.

[derF]

I use the Waves G Comp all the time. It's similar to the desk and does pretty much the same thing. If it doesn't and I want a harder sound I'll use the Waves API comp.

I built my own SSL clone compressor and it was fantastic. It matched the proper desk buss compressor very closely but was a nightmare to hook up, recall etc. I like to put an EQ pre-VCA (before the compressor). You can't do this outside the box on a summing box unless you have a hardware EQ aswell. I sold the hardware and bought the Waves Studio Collection. Very happy. It's never going to be exactly the same, but it soon becomes what you do with it, not what you have.

As for the SSL Duede, I'd avoid. All of the firewire devices I've tried have been returned. The worst offender is the Focusrite. It just isn't viable with PT.

[M2E]

Originally Posted by derF

I use the Waves G Comp all the time. It's similar to the desk and does pretty much the same thing. If it doesn't and I want a harder sound I'll use the Waves API comp.

I built my own SSL clone compressor and it was fantastic. It matched the proper desk buss compressor very closely but was a nightmare to hook up, recall etc. I like to put an EQ pre-VCA (before the compressor). You can't do this outside the box on a summing box unless you have a hardware EQ aswell. I sold the hardware and bought the Waves Studio Collection. Very happy. It's never going to be exactly the same, but it soon becomes what you do with it, not what you have.

As for the SSL Duede, I'd avoid. All of the firewire devices I've tried have been returned. The worst offender is the Focusrite. It just isn't viable with PT.

Thanx, I need to hear more of an been there done that comment. I think I will hold off for a min just to see if Snow Leo. will make things better or worst. I'm sure better.

Thanx

[belolab]

I have the Duende extended, and (on mixdown) works perfectly and sounds excellent

using it on a MacPro 3ghz 4core, 8 gigs, PTHcs2, HD2

[peppertree]

I sold my Duende...the Liquid Mix is better. The Duende was FAR better than the Cytomic Glue. UAD is better than Liquid Mix.

But I use the real hardware SSL G Comp these days. Nothing compares, including hardware clones. Can't all HD owners afford any hardware they want?