Now let’s take a look at the plug-in… SSL Native Bus Compressor V6.2 Layout The user controls for attack and release settings are inline after the detection circuit, providing the user with incredible control. The result is the sound of a smooth and musical sounding compressor. Since electrons flow so quickly, there is no perceived delay. The second feed goes to the detection circuit which is located just after the VCA performing the compression. The first feed goes to the VCA for compression, which is the audio we hear. The signal going into the compressor is split into two feeds. The original SSL G Bus Compressor uses a voltage control amplifier (VCA) to compress the signal, as well as a VCA-enabled detection circuit to adjust how the compressor is applied. Original SSL Stereo Bus Compressor Design Who hasn’t air-drummed that classic fill at least once in their life?Įventually, the demand for this compressor enabled SSL to offer rackable versions, so engineers can get that legendary sonic footprint, even without an SSL desk at their disposal. If you want an idea of the sound, this legendary design is a big part of the iconic, paradigm-shifting drum sound on Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight”.
#Ssl bus compressor series#
This was first incorporated in the now-rare SSL B series console, for use in its channel strip compressors. The circuitry that controls the way the compressor acts resembles another compression classic, the UREI LA4A. The SSL G Series Stereo Bus Compressor is designed around the “BBC State Compressor” and employs a feedback design to control level (we’ll discuss that more later). More platinum albums have been recorded or mixed on SSL consoles than all other companies’ consoles combined.īut before jumping into some of the technical aspects of the plug-in, let’s take a short walk back in time, and get a better understanding of the historical significance and origin of the original SSL G series mix bus compressor.In 1996, a report in billboard stated that 83% of #1 singles that year had been recorded or mixed using an SSL mixing desk.This unique sound and character makes it the icon it is today. When applied effectively, it has the unique ability to glue a mix together, making it sound bigger and punchier. The SSL Stereo Bus Compressor is a “sound” you’ve heard on countless hit records over the past 30 years. For the most part, there is a generation of artists and engineers that have grown up working “in-the-box.” Many have not had the luxury of working through their mixes on an analog SSL console, and therefore don’t fully grasp the importance of SSL’s place in recording history. The SSL Native Bus Compressor is a plug-in version of one of the most important mixing tools ever created: the classic SSL Stereo Bus Compressor from the 1980’s G Series analog console.Ī lot has changed in the music industry in the past 20 years or so. * It launches faster and more RAM friendly than original.The “Sound” You’ve Heard on Countless Hit Records…įor those of us who are privileged enough to have worked on an SSL desk, the news about SSL releasing the SSL Native Bus Compressor is music to our well-trained ears. Thanks R2R for the anti MetaFortress trick! * NEW Attack, Release and Compression Ratios * THE legendary glue & punch maker updated for 2021 “Sticks your mix like audio glue.” – That’s how we often hear the SSL Stereo Bus Compressor described, along with – “You strap it across your mix – and it sounds like a record.” We could wax lyrical about the technology – but hey, you already know how great this thing sounds – you’ve heard it on countless hit records from the last three decades.īus Compressor 2 Plug-in boasts a host of enhancements, including new Attack, Release and Compression ratios for added flexibility with individual sounds and subgroups, in addition to inbuilt wet/dry and S/C HPF control, as well as switchable 2x and 4x Oversampling… It brings cohesion and strength to your mix without compromising clarity. It is a simple unit with a simple purpose it makes complete mixes sound bigger, with more power, punch and drive. It is the secret behind countless classic recordings. The centre section compressor from SSL’s 1980’s G Series analogue console is an audio production legend.