“An easy and big multi-effect with a lot of appeal”: SSL Module8 review

SSL Module8: What is it?

The multi-effect has become something of the star of music production in recent years, thanks largely to the leaps and bounds made by computer processing. What were once humble effects, that just focused on single areas, are now multi-headed beasts capable of all sorts. Indeed these fully-featured multi-effects are arguably now equally as important as the shiny new softsynths in terms of their status in your sonic arsenal. However, the more features multi-effects cram in, the more complex they have become. 

SSL’s Module8 manages to walks the fine line between power and ease of use, though, packing in features, but not at the expense of practical use. The plugin offers some of the best hands-on sound design options, then, and all in a very easy to use package.

SSL Module8: Performance and verdict

As you might have guessed from the name, SSL’s latest multi-effect comprises eight modules. You get six of them lined up as interchangeable main units in the centre of the UI – just drag and drop them in any order you like – and a further two, ‘Lo-Fi’ and ‘Space’, available as effects returns beneath these.  

The main modules are Phaser, Flanger, Chorus, Tremolo, Vibrato, and Pan modulation effects, with each one controlled by an LFO with LFO Rate, Depth, and Shape parameters. The Rate can be set in Hz or sync’d to your DAW (via different note divisions), or a third option lets you sync it to a handy Global LFO. This is useful because you can control all six LFO parameters with just this one, should you wish. Other Global controls include setting both Input and Output level and Mix plus ‘Stereoise’ which gives you a pseudo stereo version of a mono input signal, and Width which lets you widen that stereo. 

A run through the individual effects and you can quickly hear why these deserve to have the SSL name on them; they are clean, dramatic when you need them to be, and very flexible. The highlights of the main six are Chorus which adds some superb thickening and texture, ladling on quite a lovely vintage feel on occasion. Vibrato and Tremolo can be a bit more subtle or wobbly, your choice, while Flanger is easily the show off of the group with its potentially OTT sonic flickering.

Best of the lot, though, are the Lo-Fi and Space Modules. Lo-Fi adds grunge and saturation, particularly by way of the Retro knob which can be overpoweringly noisy, but also adds nice, controlled dirt if you’re careful. Space adds some wonderfully ethereal reverb that gets nicely wonky when you bring the Modulation in. Individually these are great effects but put them all together, sync’d, they can be outstanding, as the presets demonstrate. This is a very easy to use and dramatic multi-effect.

Multiple presets with multiple effects

To demonstrate how powerful all eight effects are in combination, and also how they can be controlled by or swept up in modulation, SSL has assembled many presets over several categories covering instruments, rhythmic and producer-programmed areas. 

Best of these include the Drums category that adds some easy retro feel to your too-clean programmed beats to give them that vinyl loop feel. Some may be just a tad too crunchy for you but it’s easy to ease off. Loops also work well with the Rhythmic presets which can transform the feel of a loop by adding a pumping effect. The Keys section is also particularly good, letting you add subtle character to piano sounds or turn them into vintage ’60s flavours by layering on the modulating Tremolo and Vibrato. We also found that ignoring the categories and throwing, for example, beats at the vocal presets, worked particularly well, and that’s where Module8 works brilliantly, by letting you go off-road with ease.

Eight ways to Sunday

In a world where multi-effects are trying to be all things to all producers, and often becoming the stars of the production show, Module8 does its thing with no frills, but does it very well and puts workflow and ease of use front and centre. As well as being a great sound design tool for quickly shaping and creating sounds from scratch, it’s a fine mix tool that you could end up having on many an insert or Aux channel just to tap into, to enjoy its many effects individually or as great combinations. We’d certainly use it as a lo-fi grunger just to add some filth and as a straightforward reverb, and that’s before tapping into its combinations of effects. 

And with those, and as a creative tool, it really does come into its own. You’ll probably own versions of these effects individually, but with Module8, you’ll find yourself experimenting, re-ordering, and modulating with ease, just to try things out, and any tool that encourages that kind of sonic experimentation is a good one in our books.  

MusicRadar verdict: While your DAW might come armed with these effects, Module8 puts them all together under a big LFO umbrella to create an easy and big multi-effect with a lot of appeal.

SSL Module8: The web says

"Module8 by Solid State Logic redefines the boundaries of modulation effects, providing unmatched creativity and quality. Its comprehensive toolset stands as a testament to SSL’s legacy of innovation, establishing itself as an essential component in any producer’s arsenal. "
Magnetic Magazine

SSL Module8: Hands-on demos

SSLvideos

SSL Module8 Plug-in Tutorial feat. Chris Garvey aka 'Circadian' - YouTube

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Production Expert

Amner Hunter 2

How Good Is It? - New SSL Module8 Plugin by Solid State Logic - 8 Effects In 1 - YouTube

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Elektronick Musick

Module8 FX Rack by SSL (No Talking) - YouTube

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SSL Module8: Specifications

• macOS macOS 11 Big Sur - macOS 13 Ventura. 64-bit only. M1 Mac supported.
• Windows 10 - 11. 64-bit only.
• CONTACT: SSL