This has two important reasons: to mix faster and to have all important tools modules on the deck. I didn't use the real version or couldn't hardly afford it, but I know that I am going for the new overhauled version of bx_console SSL 4000 E in EVERY session. I might even have to stop in the middle of a I can't wait to finish this review so I can go back and listen to it some more. But the moment I loaded it up I could not believe what I was hearing. $249 + 20% VAT for ANOTHER SSL E channel. My bass guitar tracks have never sounded better. Like they were tracked with a legit setup. Vocals recorded on inexpensive mics into the awful converters on a Scarlett 2i4 suddenly just sound better. You can crank +15dB and it just sounds amazing. The hi-end shelf that can sound quite plasticy and harsh on the Waves channel is just so fantastic on this. Just putting the bx_Console SSL 4000 E (God that's a mouthful) onto your tracks brings out this wonderful low end. When you A/B the two, it's like you were mixing with cotton stuffed in your ears. The Waves E Channel sounds like a toy in comparison. So when this was announced I was content to just ride out the hype wave and stick with old reliable. I even tried bx_Console E but, honestly, I found it kind of muffled sounding and it really didn't compete with the ageing Waves product. I've tried the Slate emulations, tried the Duende. It's still a great plugin despite being so ridiculously old (by modern standards). So I've been using the Waves SSL channel for a long time.