UAD 2 Solo Laptop vs Waves SSL 4000 package

I have agonized over which MacBook Pro to go with as an upgrade to my MacBook 13". Seems to be perfect timing with new iCore 5 &7 processors. The deciding factor is whether i want to use UAD 2 Solo Laptop card vs Waves SSL 4000 package. I use Logic Pro 8 and I'm getting into improving my mixes and sound quality. So interested in the SSL 4000 plugs one way or another. I've held out on the Waves SSL while debating if I want to try and flip the 17inch mac with the express card slot. I've been thinking recently is it really worth it just for that slot for a card that i dont have yet when Waves SSL 4000 exists. Is one better over the other? If all im gaining with UAD is the additional processing power I amy want to go with the 15 inch MacBook Pro and roll with Waves.

So my question is has anyone any experience with UAD 2 SOLO Laptop card and/or Waves SSL 4000 plugs? I'm interested to hear your opinions about which you'd go with or recommend. And/or how they compare to one another.

Woow I am very impressed by the UAD 2 solo express card, but I must say if I was to dish out that much money, I would go with the SSL 4000 package. Simply because I seen it in use more with hip hop and i would just feel comfortable about the sound I can be achieving with those plugins. This opinion shouldn't matter much since I can't do much to back it up because i have never use a UAD. Keep me updated on what you end up buying.

^^^ UAD has SSL plugins too. But I like native plugins. So WAVES.

And, buying em won't improve your mixes.

Doglamp wrote:^^^ UAD has SSL plugins too. But I like native plugins. So WAVES.

And, buying em won't improve your mixes.

Oh ok fam good knowledge, I did not know that. But your right buying them won't improve a mix you still have to know how to use them, but you will def have the right tools to have a bangin mix.

Yes.

@OP: Logic does have good plugins. You should be able to get clean mixes with those.

Thanks for the input famo... I know this wont improve my mixes. Buying a bigger gun dont make you a good shot. I get that. My mixes are pretty good but you never stop improving and growing and in doing so you'll need good tools. Thats my aim.

The Waves SSL collection will shift your “paradigidigm,” if you will. If you want the most exhilarating EQ experience you’ve ever had in a DAW — to punch up your tracks with exuberant dynamics and the feeling of the legendary yet still contemporary hit making SSL sound at your fingertips — the Waves SSL Collection is a bargain at twice its selling price. If you want to reinforce your studio floor, build a machine room, hire a tech and a tea boy to get the same effect, then buy a used SSL console and download a do-it-yourself divorce with your last $249. (Sing it, Phil: “And you coming back to me/Is against all odds/It’s the chance I’ve gotta take.”)

All the SSL emulators sound good but different and they are supposed to since they aren't all based on the same SSL.

Originally the choice was greatly influencd by what your host program was and what it could effectively run.
This gave Waves a 1 up plus they work nicely.
However as compatibility grew the Duende became the obvious choice.
Then UAD make their changes in their software and hardware to try and have more offerings for more people.

So if you can swing it go with the Duende.
If you are running PT go with Waves, the RTAS versions don't consume too many CPU cycles.
If you are Running Logic go with the SOLO you'll appreciate the added DSP when you are using VI's.
Will you want to be able to run additonal UA plugs or will you be happy with just the SSL Waves bundle?
How important is proper monitoring through plugs to you?
Should you just get your MacBook Pro and get that all setup to see if you really need to add any of them?
There are just so many ways to look at your options.
You need to dig into your personal agenda more to see what helps you achieve your goals.

why don't u look into the ssl duende or ssl duende mini

SSL Duende mini sounds interesting. Although I do like the idea of being able to use UAD's other plugs like fatso jr etc. I'm going to look a bit more into Duende mini.