The Essentials to Know About the SSL Bus+ Bus Compressor
- Stereo/dual mono/Mid-Side VCA compressor with the iconic SSL character, digitally controlled for exemplary precision and repeatability.
- Three compression signatures ("4K" with VHD, "LOW THD" with bass reduction, "F/B" feedback mode) to shape the color and dynamics of the mix bus.
- Built-in 2-band D-EQ + transient expander to sculpt punch and clarity without over-processing.
- Advanced side-chain with sweepable HPF up to 300 Hz, external I/O, and Mix Control for instant parallel compression.
The Worthy Heir of the SSL "Bus Comp"
A direct descendant of the SSL bus compressor that defined the "glue" of British consoles, the Bus+ pushes the historic DNA into a modern and versatile machine. It retains the sense of cohesion and depth that made SSL mixes famous, while adding shaping options worthy of a high-end mastering processor.
For Whom and For What Uses?
Ideal on the mix bus, subgroups (drums, rhythmic instruments), and mastering, the SSL Bus+ is aimed at professional studios as well as demanding home studios. Its digital control and detented knobs facilitate recall of settings, while the Stereo, Dual Mono, and Mid-Side modes offer quick adaptation to each source.
Key Features for Controlled Dynamics
SSL Compression with Three Characters
At its core, a high-performance VCA circuit delivers the famous SSL glue. The three compression characters radically expand the palette: "4K" brings energy and texture, "LOW THD" favors transparency by controlling low-frequency impact, and the "F/B" mode adopts a softer, more musical feedback architecture.
Intelligent Built-in Processing
The 2-band D-EQ and transient expander allow accentuating attack, cleaning resonances, and balancing the spectrum without multiplying inserts. Configurable routing (compressor before or after D-EQ) and Mix Control make parallel compression instantaneous, preserving impact while controlling peaks.
Advanced Side-Chain and Mid-Side
The external side-chain, its HPF adjustable in 10 Hz steps up to 300 Hz, and the four operating modes (Stereo, Stereo S/C, Dual Mono, Mid-Side) offer surgical control over triggering. The result: preserved lows, a solid stereo image, and increased intelligibility.
Technical Specifications
Compression
- Stereo / dual mono / Mid-Side analog compressor, digitally controlled
- Authentic SSL bus compression circuit with high-performance THAT 2181 VCA
- 4 operating modes: Stereo, Stereo S/C, Dual Mono, Mid-Side
- Attack & Release options for fine and precise adjustments
- 3 compression characteristics: "4K" (Single VCA with VHD), "LOW THD" (with LF reduction), "F/B" (feedback) mode
Built-in Processing
- Integrated 2-band dynamic equalizer (D-EQ)
- Transient expander
- Configurable processing: Compressor pre/post D-EQ
- Mix Control for parallel compression
Side-Chain and Filtering
- Integrated external Side Chain inputs/outputs
- Side-chain high-pass filter adjustable up to 300 Hz (in 10 Hz increments)
Interface and Construction
- Detented knobs for reliable recall
- 19" rack format - 2U
- Weight: 7 kg