In today’s video, I had the chance to explore the new plugin from Plugin Alliance, the Silver Bullet MK2 by Louder Than Liftoff. I must confess, I felt a mix of excitement and disappointment when I found out about this plugin. I’ve owned the hardware unit for a few months, and it felt like my secret weapon. Now, it’s available to everyone digitally. The silver lining, however, is that I can now use it on multiple tracks, which is a definite advantage.
So, let’s dive into the plugin. The interface is reminiscent of the hardware unit, with familiar controls and features. You have the power button, pre-EQ, post-height options, and the Mojo unit. The Mojo unit offers both Neve and API preamp sounds, and you can blend them or use them separately. The plugin cleverly matches the gain and output levels, making it easier to work with.
Next up is the Mojo C Color section, featuring the Hitmaker 4000, which emulates the sound of a renowned British console, the SSL. There are different versions available, each offering a unique character. The EQ section, labeled Baxendell EQ, provides controls for low frequency, high frequency, and air band. The interface uses musical terms like Sheen, Pres Mids, Body, Base, Sub One, and Sub Two, making it intuitive and creative to use.
A unique feature is the Circuit Bend section, allowing users to experiment with unconventional signal paths and get distinctive sounds. The Dyna Realm section enables subtle left-to-right channel differences, adding depth and dimensionality to the sound.
One of the standout features is the EQ curve matching, where the plugin’s EQ curves closely match the analog unit. This precision ensures a consistent sound, making it easier to transition between the hardware and software versions seamlessly.
I conducted several tests to compare the plugin with the analog unit. On a stereo mix, the plugin replicated the hardware’s warmth and character remarkably well. Even on heavily distorted drums, the plugin held its own, though there was a slight difference in how it handled the saturation compared to the analog counterpart. When pushed to extreme distortion levels, the analog unit demonstrated a bit more finesse in handling transients, but for practical usage, the plugin performed admirably.
One surprising feature was the unique serial number system, allowing for slight variations in the modeled analog circuit. This attention to detail adds an extra layer of authenticity to the plugin.
In conclusion, the Silver Bullet MK2 plugin by Louder Than Liftoff is a remarkable digital recreation of the analog hardware unit. Its ability to capture the essence of the hardware, from preamp saturation to EQ curves, is impressive. While there are subtle differences in extreme scenarios, for most practical purposes, the plugin is an excellent alternative to the hardware unit. Whether you’re a professional mixing engineer or an enthusiast, this plugin is undoubtedly a valuable addition to your toolkit. Check out the video for the full review.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. If you have any mixing or mastering needs, feel free to reach out to me at mixandmastermysong.com. Until next time, happy mixing!
