SSL has announced The Bus+, claiming it to be ‘the ultimate and most versatile incarnation’ of its Bus Compressor.
The Bus+ is a 2U-high rack unit that builds on the design that first appeared on SSL’s 4000 B console in 1976. Remaining faithful to the original circuitry, The Bus+ features 2181 That Corp VCAs in its audio path, and offers the classic time constants and compression ratios.
Evaluating feedback from users and looking at modern production workflow, including how plug-in equivalents are being employed, several new processing tools and sonic colouration options are offered, including four modes of operation (Classic Stereo, Σ S/C Stereo, Dual Mono and Mid-Side), and three compression colours (Low THD, F/B and 4K Mode). New time constant settings, including Auto 2 and compression ratios are also added to the The Bus+ to create ‘the compressor package’.
‘From the outset of this project, our goal was to make the best incarnation of the Bus Compressor ever and we are happy that we have achieved this,’ says Andy Jackson, Product Manager, Studios. ‘Using our original Bus Compressor design as the foundation, we’ve extended its sonic palette to make The Bus+ an eminently versatile cornerstone piece of equipment for the modern studio and one that is ready for any genre of music.
‘We’ve enhanced the Bus Compressor in almost every aspect. New Attack/Release settings, three compression colours that can be used individually or combined and an extremely powerful analogue Dynamic EQ section – these take The Bus+ right to the forefront of what dynamic processors are capable of.’
In addition to its compression versatility, The Bus+ features an all-new two-band parallel Dynamic Equaliser (the D-EQ), with compression/expansion modes and adjustable frequency selection. Additionally, The Bus+ uses stepped pots, read by a microcontroller that manages the analogue circuit, surting it to precision-tasks such as mastering.
The Bus+ is available now through SSL’s network of authorised dealers and priced at £1,699 ex.VAT, US$2,899, €2,099 ex. Tax.
