Duende User Guide

3. Introduction

Hi – and thank you for purchasing Duende – the SSL processing solution for your audio workstation. As you’re sat here reading this, the chances are that you have a pretty good understanding of who we are and our outstanding reputation in audio recording technology. How did we get here? Well, there were no great plans to make SSL into a major manufacturer of mixing consoles when it all started back in the seventies - the company began with nothing more than an enthusiasm for music and the concept of recording. Along the way that spirit, coupled with a passion for excellence in music recording tools, helped build a multi-million dollar international business. The SSL HQ may be a little bigger now than it was in the seventies, but passion and innovation still lies at its heart.

In 2005, we decided to embark on a technology project to figure out how we could take the processing power of a console and squeeze it into a 1U rack, so we could serve up the SSL sound to home and project studio owners who don’t have the budget (or the floor space!) required to install a large-format console.

Drawing on our unique understanding of audio processing and years of DSP know-how, our team of engineers set about creating the SSL processing solution for your DAW environment. We knew we needed serious DSP horsepower to accommodate our powerful algorithms, and we knew it had to come in a package that could integrate seamlessly with the most popular workstations … and so Duende was born.

Based on the digital technology behind SSL’s C-Series consoles, Duende delivers the complete SSL mix experience – powerful channel and dynamics processing and the legendary Bus Compressor.

Duende offers complete integration into the most popular workstation environments with one simple FireWire cable connection. The different processing blocks appear as VST/AU/RTAS plug- ins – and include an authentic SSL channel strip with filters, E and G series EQ and dynamics processing, as well as the legendary SSL Bus Compressor.

Oh, you’re probably wondering about the name, right? It was a hot day, someone in the team had bought in a CD of flamenco guitar music and one of the tunes, ‘Duende’, just kind of hung in the air. Something inspired us to discover that in flamenco culture, Duende is a word for spirit, soul, it’s the force that inspires the music. That just seemed to sit well as a description for the 1U silver box before us. We hope you will enjoy mixing your music with Duende.

For product news and software updates please register at www.solid-state-logic.com/duende

And don’t forget to join the www.mixbuss.com community, the on-line resource for sharing knowledge on better music production.

Page 6 of 29

Page 5 Page 7
Page 6
Image 6
Solid State Logic DUENDE manual Introduction
Page 5 Page 7

DUENDE specifications

The Solid State Logic DUENDE is a groundbreaking audio processing tool that brings the high-quality sound design and mixing capabilities synonymous with SSL directly into the digital realm. Designed for professional musicians, producers, and engineers, DUENDE perfectly bridges the gap between traditional analog warmth and modern digital flexibility.

At its core, DUENDE is a digital signal processing (DSP) platform that integrates SSL's industry-leading algorithms into a user-friendly interface. It comes packed with an array of features that cater to various audio applications. The suite includes high-quality emulations of iconic SSL analog consoles, renowned for their clarity and depth, making it an essential tool for mixing and mastering.

One of the standout characteristics of DUENDE is its collection of plugins. These plugins replicate the sound of high-end SSL hardware, including the legendary SSL G-Series Buss Compressor, the SSL EQ, and more. These meticulously designed emulations make it possible for users to achieve that coveted analog sound with the flexibility that digital applications provide.

Technologically, DUENDE operates with a low-latency architecture, ensuring that audio signals are processed in real-time without any noticeable delay. This is crucial for recording and mixing, allowing users to monitor their changes instantly. Additionally, it offers multi-channel processing, enabling users to apply SSL’s renowned sound shaping capabilities across multiple tracks seamlessly.

Further enhancing its usability, DUENDE provides a straightforward and intuitive interface. Users can quickly navigate through its features, adjusting parameters with precision to craft the desired sonic aesthetic. The system is compatible with various Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), making it adaptable for different studio setups.

Another significant advantage of DUENDE is its platform-agnostic nature, working on both Mac and Windows systems. This flexibility allows engineers and producers to incorporate DUENDE into their existing workflow effortlessly.

In summary, the Solid State Logic DUENDE is not just a digital plugin; it is a comprehensive audio processing suite that brings the renowned SSL sound into the digital workflow. With its advanced technology, high-quality emulations, low-latency performance, and user-friendly interface, DUENDE stands out as a powerful tool for any serious audio professional looking to elevate their sound to the next level. Whether for recording, mixing, or mastering, DUENDE is instrumental in achieving professional-grade results.
Top Page Image Contents