SSL Module8 - User Guide

23 February 2024 15:05

Introduction & Key Features

SSL Module8 is the essential modulation FX rack plug-in for audio production, offering a comprehensive set of six modulation effects and two creative FX returns for extensive sound shaping capabilities. This plug-in is designed to provide producers, sound designers, and engineers with a versatile toolset for adding texture, depth, and movement to their mixes.

Module8 features six LFO-driven modulation effects: Phaser, Flanger, Chorus, Tremolo, Vibrato, and Pan, each with detailed control over rate, depth, and shape. Additionally, the Lo-Fi and Space modules introduce vintage character and spatial expansion, respectively, enhancing the overall mix with professional-grade effects. Each LFO offers a range of different shapes, including the ability to sync each module to the Global LFO controls, or set the LFO value manually by automating parameters in your DAW.

The plug-in supports drag-and-drop module reordering, allowing for flexible signal chain customisation. Global parameters like overall depth and mix offer quick adjustments across all modules, streamlining the workflow. With its high-quality sound and user-friendly interface, Module8 is designed for both subtle enhancements and dramatic transformations in any audio project.

Engineered with SSL's industry-leading expertise and packed with tons of brilliant sounding presets, Module8 combines classic modulation effects with modern functionality, making it a valuable addition to any producer's toolkit. Whether adding dimension to vocals, enriching the texture of instruments, or creating unique soundscapes, Module8 delivers professional and endlessly creative results with ease and efficiency.

Key Features

LFO-Driven Modulation Effects
Six modulation effects (Phaser, Flanger, Chorus, Tremolo, Vibrato, Pan) with comprehensive control over rate, depth, and shape for intricate sound manipulation.
Lo-Fi and Space Modules
Introduce vintage character and spatial depth with dedicated Lo-Fi and Space modules, enhancing mixes with retro vibes and expansive reverbs.
Drag-and-Drop Module Reordering
Customize the signal chain with flexible drag-and-drop reordering, allowing for creative effect combinations and signal flow experimentation.
Global Control Parameters
Adjust overall depth and mix with global controls, streamlining workflow and effect application across all modules for cohesive sound design.
High-Quality Sound and User-Friendly Interface
Designed for both subtle enhancements and dramatic transformations, offering high-quality sound with an intuitive interface for ease of use.
Preset Management
Comes packed with a wide range of presets to kickstart your creativity and help you achieve desired sounds faster.
Sync and Manual LFO Options
Each module can sync to the DAW's tempo or set manually for precise control, with automation possibilities for dynamic effect changes.
Advanced LFO Control
Shape the LFO with advanced options including phase offset and inversion, enabling nuanced modulation effects tailored to your project's needs.
Professional-Grade Effects
Engineered with SSL's renowned expertise, Module8 combines classic modulation effects with modern features for professional, studio-quality results.
Versatile Toolset for Audio Production
Whether adding dimension to vocals, enriching instrument textures, or creating unique soundscapes, Module8 offers endless creative possibilities for producers, sound designers, and engineers.

Release Notes

V1.0.6 (March 2024)

Initial release.

Supported Platforms and Hosts

For compatibility information about plug-ins, visit the Plug-in Operating System and DAW Compatibility FAQ.

When we release an SSL plug-in, we test it on all Windows and macOS operating systems that aren't End-of-Life (EOL) at the time of release.

The versions listed below are the latest on which we have officially tested the the product.

It is possible for our products to work on platforms outside of this list. However, if your host, host version or operating system is not listed here, we recommend you demo the product before purchase to confirm that it works correctly.

Apple Silicon Support

This plug-in is provided as a universal binary for macOS and features native support for Apple Silicon.

Operating Systems

Please refer to the Plug-in OS Compatibility FAQ.

Hosts

Pro Tools 2023
Logic Pro 10.7
Cubase 12 / Nuendo 12
Studio One 6
REAPER 6
FL Studio 21
Ableton Live 11
LUNA 1.5

Installation, Download and Licensing

Demo/Trial

To demo this plug-in, you can simply download it from the product page and run it up in your host - the software will guide you through the rest of the process.

Download and install the plug-in.
Open your DAW/host.
Insert the plug-in to commence activation (sometimes this will happen when the plug-in is scanned on startup, depending on your DAW/host).
When you see 'Activation is required', click 'Try'.
Log into your iLok account and click 'Next'.
Select a location to activate the license to, and click 'Next'.

Installation and Download

We recommend using the SSL Download Manager application to to easily manage all SSL plug-in installations all from one place, on both macOS and Windows. In addition to easily installing, uninstalling or reinstalling individual or every SSL plug-in at the click of a button, the SSL Download Manager also provides you with detailed release notes and lets you know when updates are available.

You can also download offline installers for a plug-in from here.

All SSL plug-ins are supplied in VST, VST3, AU (macOS only) and AAX (Pro Tools) formats.

The installers provided (macOS Intel .dmg and Windows .exe) copy the plug-in binaries to the common VST, VST3, AU and AAX directories. After this, the host DAW should recognise the plug-in automatically in most cases. Simply run the installer and you should be good to go. You can find more information about how to authorise your plug-ins below.

Licensing

Visit iLok, Licensing and Activation for guidance in activating your SSL plug-in.

Bypass and I/O Controls

Press the ⏻ button to bypass the plug-in processing.

INPUT GAIN
Applies a gain to the input signal.
STEREOISE
Stereo-ises mono input signals. This parameter is only available if the output format is stereo. Note that if your input signal/track is already stereo (and not dual mono) then we recommend you do not stereo-ise your signal, as it will affect the existing stereo image and phase.
WIDTH
Applies mid-side processing on the output, to narrow or widen the signal. Only available when the output is stereo.
MIX
Blends the processed and unprocessed signals.
OUTPUT GAIN
Applies a gain to the output signal.

Global Controls

The Global Controls section allows you to configure a global LFO (that you can then choose to sync each individual module to) as well as dial back the depth of each module from a single control.

GLOBAL DEPTH
Global multiplier that applies to all depth controls. This allows you to dial back the intensity of every FX module at once.
GLOBAL RATE
Set the rate (in Hz or note divisions) of the global LFO.
GLOBAL LFO
Set the shape and phase of the global LFO.

See below for more information on configuring the LFO shape and rate.

LFO Controls

Each LFO in Module8 comes with rate controls (the circular control labelled with 'RATE') and LFO shape and phase controls (the rectangular control labelled with 'LFO'.

Setting the LFO rate in Hz

Click the 'Hz' button on the left to set the frequency rate of the LFO manually in Hz.

Sync'ing to the DAW and setting the LFO rate in note divisions

Click the '♪' (musical note) button to sync the LFO to your DAW, and set the division rate (e.g. 1/4 note) of the LFO.

Setting the note rhythm (none, triple, or dotted)

Once sync'd, click the '♪' (musical note) button again to cycle through triple and dotted rhythms (indicated by a 'T' and 'D' in the rate display).

Configuring the shape of the LFO

Click the LFO's shape button to open the LFO Shape menu. From here, you can select Sine, Triangle, Saw, Ramp and Square LFO shapes. You can also invert the incoming LFO shape using the Invert button.

Global mode

When 'Global' is selected, the current module's LFO will synchronise to the Global LFO that is configured in the bottom section of the GUI.

You can use this feature to synchronise multiple modules to the same LFO, and then change or automate their LFO rate and shape from the Global LFO parameters.

When any module is following the Global LFO, the 'Global LFO' icon will light up.

Note that you cannot sync the Global LFO to the Global LFO. That would just be silly.

Manual mode (advanced)

When 'Manual' is selected, the current value of the LFO can be set manually using the corresponding 'LFO Override' parameter exposed to your DAW. You can control/see the current value using the horizontal line that displays on the screen.

If your DAW supports it, you can drive the LFO value from an external LFO source in your DAW e.g. by using Ableton or Max for Live devices, and using them to set the 'LFO Override' parameters.

Common Module Parameters

Every module comes with a set of common parameters, in addition to the LFO controls.

ON/OFF (⏻)
Toggles the module on or off.
SOLO
The headphone button solos that module. You can only solo one module at a time.
DEPTH
Set the intensity of the effect.

Phaser Module

The Phaser module creates a sweeping effect by modulating the phase of the input signal. This effect is achieved through the use of all-pass filters, creating peaks and troughs in the frequency spectrum that move over time, giving the sound a dynamic, swirling character.

PHASE FREQUENCY MIN/MAX
Set the minimum and max center frequency for the phaser effect.
Widening the range increases the sweep's scope, adding more dramatic movement to the sound.
PHASER FEEDBACK
Set the amount of output signal that is fed back to the input.
Increasing feedback adds resonance and intensity to the sweeping effect, making it more pronounced.
PHASER FILTERS
Set the number of filters to generate, with each pair creating a notch.
More filters create a denser and more complex phase effect, adding depth to the sound. An odd number of filters results in a low pass effect above the highest notch, softening the high frequencies.
PHASER SHAPE
Blend through different phase modulation shapes.
Different shapes offer unique tonal characteristics to the phasing effect, from smooth, sine-wave sweeps to more abrupt, square-wave transitions.

Flanger Module

The Flanger module creates a unique 'whooshing' sound by mixing the input signal with a delayed version of itself. This delay is modulated, creating comb-filtering effects that vary over time, enriching the sound with a distinctive swirling character.

FLANGER FEEDBACK
Set the amount of output signal that is fed back to the input.
Higher feedback settings intensify the comb-filtering effect, leading to a more pronounced flanging sound.
FLANGER DELAY
Set the delay time applied to the delayed signal.
Shorter delay times produce a more subtle flanging effect, while longer times enhance the 'whooshing' sensation.
FLANGER MIX
Sets the blend between the original signal and delayed signal that causes the 'flanging' effect.

Chorus Module

The Chorus module thickens and enriches the sound by duplicating the input signal and modulating the pitch of the duplicates. This creates a shimmering effect that adds depth and movement, simulating the sound of multiple instruments playing in unison.

CHORUS FEEDBACK
Set the amount of output signal that is fed back to the input.
Feedback adds depth and richness to the chorus effect, making it more lush and immersive.
CHORUS DELAY
Set the difference, in time, between additional voices.
Varying the delay time can subtly alter the chorus effect's depth and intensity, from gentle thickening to a more dramatic detuning. Much higher delay times will reduce phase interaction between the voices, and will sound more like an echo.
CHORUS VOICES
Set the number of voices.
Increasing the number of voices enhances the complexity and richness of the chorus effect, simulating a larger ensemble. Set to 2 voices for a classic chorus effect.
CHORUS MIX
Set the blend between the wet and dry signals. Turns the wet signal up.

Tremolo Module

The Tremolo module modulates the amplitude of the input signal, creating rhythmic variations in volume. This effect can add motion and pulsation to the sound, ranging from subtle dynamic fluctuations to dramatic amplitude shifts.

TREMOLO MOD
Apply an additional modulation effect to the tremolo.
This parameter introduces a secondary modulation layer by combining with an additional LFO, adding complexity and variation to the tremolo effect.
TREMOLO RANDOM
Apply a randomised modulation effect to the tremolo.
Random modulation introduces unpredictable volume variations, adding an organic, lively texture to the tremolo effect.

Vibrato Module

The Vibrato module modulates the pitch of the input signal, creating fluctuations that vary the pitch up and down. This effect adds a quivering, animated quality to the sound, reminiscent of vocal vibrato or string instrument techniques.

VIBRATO MOD
Apply an additional modulation effect to the vibrato.
This parameter introduces a secondary modulation layer by combining with an additional LFO, adding complexity and variation to the vibrato effect.
VIBRATO RANDOM
Apply a randomised modulation effect to the vibrato.
Random modulation introduces unpredictable volume variations, adding an organic, lively texture to the vibrato effect.

Pan Module

The Pan module automates the stereo positioning of the input signal, moving it across the stereo field. This creates a dynamic spatial effect, making the sound appear to move from side to side.

PAN CENTER
Applies an initial pan offset before modulation.
Setting the pan center determines the starting point of the stereo movement, allowing for customised spatial effects.
PAN MODE
Choose 'FLIP' for a reflective pan effect that bounces the signal from edge to edge, or 'CLIP' to limit the signal's movement within the stereo field.
PAN WANDER
This adds a layer of random, subtle pan movements, creating a more organic and unpredictable spatial effect.

Lo-Fi Module

The Lo-Fi module applies saturation, resampling, and filtering to degrade the sound quality intentionally, simulating the characteristics of vintage gear or damaged recordings. This effect can add warmth, grit, and nostalgia to the sound.

SATURATE
Introduces saturation to the signal.
Adjust saturation to add warmth and harmonic complexity to your sound, simulating the effect of analog tape or tube amplifiers.
RETRO
Create a retro effect by resampling the signal.
Use retro resampling to emulate the charm and constraints of vintage digital gear, from subtle aliasing to pronounced bit reduction.
SPARKLE
Offset the anti-imaging filter to create a 'sparkle' effect.
Enhance the high-end clarity and brightness of the Lo-Fi effect, adding a shimmering contrast to the overall degraded sound. This effect interacts with the 'RETRO' parameter.
MIX
Blends between the processed and unprocessed output from the Lo-fi module.

Space Module

The Space module adds ambient reverb to the input signal, simulating the acoustic characteristics of different environments. This effect can range from subtle room ambiance to vast, ethereal landscapes, adding depth and space to the sound.

PRE-DELAY
Applies a pre-delay to the reverb.
Use pre-delay to separate the dry signal from the reverb, enhancing the sense of depth and the illusion of physical space.
REVERB SIZE
All-in-one control that blends through multiple room sizes.
REVERB MOD
Apply a pitch shift/wobble effect to the reverb.
REVERB MIX
All-in-one mix control that allows you to blends any combination of the processed and unprocessed output from the Space module. This makes it easy to use the directly on tracks, or on FX returns. When fully counter-clockwise (0% displayed), you will hear the dry signal only. At the center (middle = 50% displayed), you will hear 100% of the dry signal, and 100% of the wet signal. At fully clockwise (100% displayed), you will hear the wet signal only.

SSL Plug-in Engine

The 'SSL Plug-in Engine' has several features that are available across our entire plug-in range.

NOTE: the available features in a plug-in might be or look different depending on what plug-in you are using, or when the plug-in was most recently updated.

Undo/Redo

SSL plug-ins come with a built-in undo/redo stack, in case your DAW doesn't handle this.

Undo (left arrow) undoes the current action in the history stack.
Redo (right arrow) re-does the next action in the history stack.

Presets

All of our plug-ins ship with carefully designed presets to aid your workflow.

Factory presets are included in the plug-in installation, installed in the following locations:

macOS: /Library/Application Support/Solid State Logic/PlugIns/Presets/[Plug-in Name]

Windows: C:\ProgramData\Solid State Logic\PlugIns\Presets\[Plug-in Name]

Switching between presets can be achieved by clicking the left/right arrows in the preset management section of the plug-in GUI, and by clicking on the preset name which will open the preset management display.

The Preset Management menu reflects the folder structure of the preset folder.

Revert Changes and Delete

Revert Changes discards any changes to the current preset.
Delete removes the current preset from the filesystem. Factory and Producer presets cannot be deleted from the plug-in GUI, although they can be manually deleted using the filesystem (Windows Explorer or Finder).

A/B and Copy

A/B allows you to toggle quickly between two presets. This is useful for comparing between two parameter settings.
COPY X TO Y is used to copy presets between A/B.

Version Number

Click the version number to display more information about the plug-in.

When logging a bug to our support team, always include the full version number e.g. v1.0.13.

Advanced Settings (not all plug-ins)

Some plug-ins have advanced functionality. Click the 'Advanced Settings' button to access advanced plug-in functionality.

This will drop the plug-in into 'Advanced Mode', exposing more settings, and allowing you to tweak the 'under-the-hood' behaviour of the plug-in.

Scale/Zoom

The scale/zoom menu allows you to resize your plug-in from 50% up to 200%.

Note that if resizing would cause the plug-in to go offscreen, then this option will be disabled. This is designed to prevent DAW resizing bugs that exist in some DAWs.

You can also right-click anywhere on the background of the plug-in to change the scale.

HQ or ECO Mode

Some plug-ins come with a HQ or ECO mode button. When in HQ mode, we introduce extra processing such as oversampling for higher quality, at the expense of more CPU. When in ECO mode, a plug-in will drop into a lower, less CPU intensive and low-latency mode (if possible).

Built-in Help

This plug-in features built-in contextual help. To turn this feature on, click the '?' in the bottom right-hand corner. Mouse over elements of the GUI to see some information about the feature.

Click the tooltip to cycle through the pages.