The Waves Scheps Omni Channel plugin, designed in collaboration with Grammy-winning mixer Andrew Scheps, offers a comprehensive solution for mixing engineers seeking a streamlined yet powerful toolset. Known for his work with artists like Adele, Jay-Z, and Metallica, Andrew Scheps brings his expertise to this plugin, ensuring it delivers high-quality sound processing across various audio production tasks. The Scheps Omni Channel combines five essential processors: Pre (saturation and distortion), Compression, EQ (4-band parametric), DS2 (de-essing), and Gate. Each of these modules can be reordered and customized to suit individual workflows, offering both flexibility and precision for users.

In its second version, the Scheps Omni Channel plugin includes several significant upgrades, such as a more aggressive saturation flavor, a soft-knee compressor, a 24dB-per-octave resonant filter, and the ability to host third-party VST3 plugins within its processing chain. This versatility allows you to incorporate external plugins while maintaining the consistent, high-quality sound provided by the Omni Channel’s native processors. By putting the tone-shaping and dynamic control capabilities of an award-winning mixer at your fingertips, this plugin gives you a fast track toward great-sounding audio.

Five Core Processors for Complete Control

The heart of the Scheps Omni Channel plugin lies in its five core processing modules, each designed to handle specific aspects of audio mixing and production. The Pre module provides saturation and distortion options, allowing you to add warmth, grit, or character to your tracks. Whether you’re looking for subtle harmonic enhancement or full-on distortion, the Pre module has you covered. The Compression module offers multiple types of compression, including VCA, FET, and optical options, as well as a new soft-knee compressor introduced in version 2. This flexibility ensures that you can shape your dynamics exactly the way you want, whether you’re taming peaks or adding punch.

The EQ module is a fully parametric 4-band equalizer, giving you precise control over the frequency spectrum. The EQ section is ideal for carving out space in a mix, accentuating important frequencies, or shaping the overall tonal balance of a track. For vocal work, the DS2 module provides advanced de-essing capabilities, making it easy to tame harsh sibilance without losing the natural sound of the voice. Lastly, the Gate module helps control unwanted noise or create rhythmic gating effects, making it versatile for both cleaning up tracks and adding creative elements to your mix.

Each of these modules can be reordered in any sequence, allowing for maximum flexibility. This means you can create custom signal chains that fit your workflow and specific mixing needs, a significant advantage for those who want more control over their sound.

New Features in Version 2

The second version of the Scheps Omni Channel plugin introduces several new features that elevate its capabilities. One of the most notable additions is the Crush saturation flavor, which provides a more aggressive distortion option. This saturation mode is perfect for adding edge and excitement to tracks, especially in genres that require more grit, such as rock or electronic music. It complements the existing saturation options in the Pre module, giving you even more tonal flexibility.

The new soft-knee compressor offers a smoother approach to compression, making it an excellent choice for more transparent dynamic control. Unlike the hard-knee compressors, which engage more abruptly, the soft-knee option applies compression more gradually, maintaining the natural dynamics of the audio while still controlling peaks effectively. This addition joins the plugin’s existing VCA, FET, and optical compression options, further expanding its versatility.

Another standout feature in version 2 is the 24dB-per-octave resonant filter, which allows for more creative sound shaping. This filter can be used to create sweeping effects or to isolate specific frequency bands for further processing. It’s especially useful in electronic music production, where filter sweeps and resonant effects play a significant role in sound design.

Additionally, the Scheps Omni Channel plugin now allows users to insert third-party VST3 plugins directly into its processing chain. This feature opens up endless possibilities for customization, enabling you to integrate your favorite plugins into the Omni Channel workflow. Whether you’re using specialized effects or additional dynamic processors, this feature ensures that the Scheps Omni Channel can serve as the central hub of your mixing process.

Workflow Enhancements and Artist Presets

Designed with both flexibility and efficiency in mind, the Scheps Omni Channel plugin includes several workflow-enhancing features. Each module supports MS/Duo/Stereo routing, giving you the ability to process the mid and side signals independently. This is particularly useful for controlling the stereo image of your mix or applying specific processing to the center or sides of the stereo field. The plugin also supports internal and external sidechaining, with flexible input shaping, making it easy to create dynamic mixes with precise control over how different elements interact.

To help you get started quickly, the plugin includes “Focus” presets designed by Andrew Scheps himself. These presets are specifically tailored to keep you focused on what’s important in the mix, offering practical starting points for a variety of scenarios. In addition, presets from other notable mixing engineers, including Tony Visconti, Billy Bush, and Ken “Pooch” Van Druten, are also included, providing even more inspiration for your mixes.

Conclusion

The Waves Scheps Omni Channel plugin is a versatile, all-in-one solution for professional mixing and mastering. With its five powerful processors, flexible module routing, and advanced features like third-party plugin hosting, this plugin offers an unprecedented level of control over your audio. Whether you’re shaping the tone with its advanced EQ and saturation options or fine-tuning dynamics with its comprehensive compression tools, the Scheps Omni Channel plugin puts the sound of an award-winning mix engineer at your fingertips.