With an unmistakable response helping producers and engineers shape the movement, impact and cohesion of countless productions for more than five decades. the SSL Stereo Bus Compressor has been revived in a 1U-high format as the Bus Comp Classic.
With high-performance THAT 2181 VCAs in the audio path and with a unique side-chain architecture incorporating a VCA within its feedback loop, the SSL Bus Compressor has been a longstanding studio mainstay. The new Variable VCA Drive Bus Comp Classic retains the immediate SSL workflow, with precision-stepped controls for Ratio, Attack, Release and S/C HPF.
From the gentle soft-knee response of its 2:1 ratio to more assertive compression across drums, stems and parallel chains, each setting delivers its own defined musical behaviour. SSL Auto Release adapts naturally to complex material, retaining movement and detail as the production evolves.
When switched out, it delivers the low-distortion clarity and powerful transient response associated with SSL’s SuperAnalogueT lineage, including the 9000 Series and Duality consoles, before progressively introducing the harmonic colour of the FX384 and classic 4000 Series.
A six-position side-chain high-pass filter helps preserve the depth and impact of kick drums and bass, while the genuine stereo external side-chain input opens up more advanced creative and delivery workflows. By feeding the complete mix to the detector while processing individual stems separately, engineers can preserve more of its established gain-reduction movement and dynamic intent across alternate versions and deliverables.
Key Features:
- Authentic SSL Bus Compressor design.
- High-performance THAT 2181 VCAs.
- Continuously variable VCA Drive.
- From SuperAnalogue transparency to 4K character.
- Up to 10% THD.
- Expanded Ratio and Release options.
- SSL programme-dependent Auto Release.
- Precision six-position stepped controls for Ratio, Attack, Release and side-chain HPF.
- Integrated six-position side-chain high-pass filter.
- Genuine stereo external side-chain input.