SSL THE BUS+: meaningfully innovating the timeless bus comp
SSL today announced the BUS+ hardware compressor – a reincarnate of its venerable G-Series Bus Compressor that fuses the classic VCA compression circuit with new dynamic coloration and precision processing capabilities. The unit is available now through SSL’s dealership, priced GBP 1699 (ex. VAT) / USD 2899 / EUR 2099 (ex. VAT).
SSL THE BUS+
THE BUS+ is, I think, the first deep re-iteration of the classic G Series Bus Compressor in its decades-long history. The G Comp is both emblematic for SSL and a rare example of engineers striking gold. They got the compressor so right from the start that the VCA-based circuit remains essentially unchanged since the late 70’s. It may have been subtly reworked to accommodate component changes, and it did see some additions over time – sidechain filtering, or the popular Turbo mod. But the G Comp is timeless in a way that SSL and clone makers could keep selling it for decades to come.
In light of this understanding, SSL taking the G Comp back to the drawing board is a huge deal. Definitely something that won’t happen without highly deliberate reasoning. In this case, SSL set off with the goal of making “the best incarnation of the Bus Compressor ever” by incorporating user feedback and its deep understanding of modern production workflows. The outcome is a 2U rack unit which is faithful to the original circuit design but is also rich with new processing and coloration possibilities.
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- SSL BUS+ front · Source: SSL
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- SSL BUS+ side · Source: SSL
The gist of it is four modes of operation – Classic Stereo, Σ S/C Stereo, Dual Mono, and Mid-Side. There are also three distinct compression colours – LOW THD, F/B, and 4K MODE. Another addition is the 2-band parallel dynamic equaliser with compression/expansion modes. The use of stepped pots with values read by a microcontroller make for a precision mixing and mastering tool. Negative ratios are also possible. The G Comp revamp is complete with new time constant settings (including ‘Auto 2’), additional compression ratios.
All in all, this could very well be the pinnacle of innovating the G Bus Comp. I’m very interested in checking out some demos and hearing the many different takes on classic VCA compression made possible by all the modes and saturation options.
Price and availability information
The unit is available now through SSL’s dealer network, priced GBP 1699 (ex. VAT) / USD 2899 / EUR 2099 (ex. VAT). You can purchase it now from our affiliate partner Thomann:
More information about the SSL BUS+
- SSL BUS+ at Thomann (affiliate link)
- SSL BUS+ website
- More SSL news
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