SSL BUS+ Review
If there’s one analog processing tool that’s truly synonymous with Solid State Logic, it has to be the SSL Bus Compressor. Ever since the launch of the very first SSL 4000 B console in 1976, the Bus Compressor has been a core fixture at the heart of every generation of SSL consoles.
For many of the world’s top engineers and producers, the Bus Compressor remains the go-to tool for making mixes sound bigger and more cohesive, adding energy and drive with that legendary SSL glue and punch.
With the SSL BUS+, Solid State Logic set out to create the ultimate and most adaptable version of the Bus Compressor ever made. The foundation of the design stays true to the original circuit, and building from this base, they’ve added a range of unique color options and advanced processing features.
If you want your sound to be clean and punchy like the Super Analogue 9000 Series, the BUS+ can do that. If you prefer it gritty and raw like the early 4000E, it can do that too. Or, if you’re after bold, saturated parallel compression for your drums, the BUS+ has you covered.
Modes in SSL Bus+
The Bus+ lets you process audio in several ways: basic stereo, summed S/C stereo (which emphasizes mono content), dual mono, or mid/side modes. What’s also great is the option to choose between a parallel wet/dry mode (which crossfades from dry to wet), or true “NY-style compression,” where the dry signal stays at 100% and the compressed signal is blended in. Now that’s what I call versatility.
You can also switch between feed-forward and feed-back compression with just the push of a button. The detection circuit gives you even more flexibility. You can use the internal sidechain path with an adjustable high-pass filter, or a separate external sidechain signal. This affects the compressor, the D-EQ (for both low and high frequencies independently), or both at the same time.
SSL Bus+ Character
There’s a reason so many plug-ins try to capture that classic “British” sound, and the SSL The Bus+ gives you a range of options to achieve it. The 4K button lets you add the signature sound and character (including harmonic distortion) of the SSL 4000 console, with 9 different distortion settings to choose from. Plus, if you push the LF Gain knob, you can activate the G-series filter mode, which has a 12 dB/octave slope.
Built-in Dynamic EQ Feature
The Bus+ features a range of advanced processing tools, including the brand new Dynamic Analogue Equaliser (D-EQ).
The D-EQ is a powerful 2-band Dynamic EQ that can be placed either before or after the Bus Compressor. While many engineers are familiar with Dynamic EQ plug-ins in their DAWs, true analog Dynamic EQs are rare.
A Dynamic EQ is a more ‘intelligent’ type of EQ that adjusts the gain of an EQ band proportionally in response to the signal level once it passes a set threshold. This allows you to control the difference between background material (below the threshold) and more prominent elements (above the threshold).
Each band offers an adjustable range from 0.5dB to 15dB, and the high-frequency band can be switched to a bell shape, with selectable frequencies covering both the high-midrange and high frequencies.
You also get a G-Series mode, which changes the D-EQ’s low-frequency filter to a second-order filter with both under- and overshoot. Other features include tri-color activity LEDs and the ability to bypass each band individually.
SSL Bus+ Components
The Bus+ circuit design uses only high-grade components, including 2181 THAT VCAs in the audio path for outstanding analog performance. It’s also extremely versatile, offering four modes of operation and three unique compression coloration options that can be combined to perfectly match the style you’re working on.
As if that’s not enough, the Bus+ features an all-new Dynamic Equalizer (as mentioned above), a Transient Expander, and comprehensive connectivity and routing options.
All the knobs on the Bus+ are stepped and their positions are read by a microcontroller, which translates them into the exact circuit configuration or electrical parameter needed. This innovative approach not only makes recall much easier—it also means the Bus+ isn’t affected by pot tolerances, making it ideal for precision processing tasks like mastering.
- Contains 100% analog circuitry, with stepped, digitally controlled front-panel pots
- Packs 5 decades of SSL Bus Comp tech into a convenient rackmount unit
- Negative compression ratios give rise to creative pumping effects
- 2 ranges of precision MDAC-controlled make-up gain
- Mix control supplies dead-simple parallel compression
- Super-accurate moving-coil gain-reduction meters
- Includes an unlockable Transient Expander bonus mode
- 2-band, parallel dynamic D-EQ includes LF and HF bands
- Includes both Compress and Expand modes
- 3 choices of time constants for each EQ band: Nominal, Fast, or Auto
Why You Need the SSL Bus+
There’s not much to add about the quality products SSL produces, and the Bus+ is no exception. Whether you’re processing a single channel, a group, or your entire mix bus, this unit delivers outstanding results. The craftsmanship and materials used in this processor are top-notch, as you’d expect from SSL.
Considering the quality you receive, the price of this unit is completely reasonable. Don’t hesitate to invest in this device—it will definitely enhance the quality of your audio processing!
Conclusion
You won’t be disappointed if you decide to get this unit. We’ve provided a couple of purchasing options so you can easily pick up this amazing device. The SSL Bus+ is set to become the new studio standard for rack-mounted compressors and processors—there’s no doubt about it.
If you want to check out some other compressors, you can do that here. And if you have any questions about this specific unit, please let us know in the comment section below!
