SSL Solid State Logic THE BUS+

Effect

SSL

Christof Baer

last updated this article on

April 19, 2022

and first floated it on

April 19, 2022

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THE BUS+ extends the classic SSL Bus Compressor design into a new compact rack unit

Solid State Logic (SSL) announced THE BUS+, a new 2U rack unit built on the original Bus Compressor SSL is most famous for.

Solid State Logic (SSL) looks high quality and stylish in any rack.

The first SSL Bus Compressor appeared on SSL's 4000 B console in 1976, and with its successors, can be heard on countless records over the last 40 years. Sticking to tried and tested high quality components, the SSL THE BUS+ uses 2181 THAT VCA's in its audio path, and offers the classic time constants and compression ratios. Analysing feedback from key-users and looking at modern production workflow, including how the plug-in equivalents are being utilized, several new processing tools and sonic colouration options feature on THE BUS+, including four modes of operation:

Classic Stereo
Σ S/C Stereo
Dual Mono
Mid-Side

SSL THE BUS+ offers three distinct compression colours:

LOW THD
F/B
4K MODE

THE BUS+ includes a 2-band parallel Dynamic Equaliser (the D-EQ), with compression/expansion modes and adjustable frequency selection. To round things off, innovation is found in almost every area of THE BUS+, including the use of stepped pots, read by a micro controller that manages the analogue circuit.

SSL THE BUS+ key features:

Modes of Operation: Classic Stereo, Σ S/C Stereo, Dual Mono or Mid-Side.
VCAs: The authentic SSL Bus Compressor circuit, including 2181 THAT VCAs.
100% analogue circuit: controlled digitally using stepped front-panel pots.
Three compression colours: LOW THD Mode, F/B Mode, 4K Mode.
Negative Ratios: for creative pumping effects and control of particularly loud signals.
New Attack and Release options: including the new 'Auto 2' setting.
MIX control: for instant parallel compression.
External side-chain: with inputs and sends.
D-EQ: A new 2-band analogue Dynamic EQ (D-EQ).
Transient Expander.

SSL THE BUS+ is available now, and priced at £1,699 ex.VAT / $2,899 / €2,099 ex.tax

Our View

The SSL pedigree for bus compressors is unquestionably strong. Since expanding into 19" rack formats with its SSL Fusion processor, SSL has expanded the range of high quality hardware units, in addition to a full SSL plugin range.

Now the SSL THE BUS+ is priced for professional high end studios. I have not had the opportunity to hear a real SSL 4000 console with a built-in bus compressor. However, I am a big fan of the SSL G bus compressor plugin from UAD, which is part of my standard mixing and mastering signal chain. I am sure the usability of a hardware unit with dedicated knobs is far superior to a plugin, and I hope to hear soon if 10 times the price of the SSL THE BUS+ hardware will sound 10 times better than the SSL Bus Compressor plugin.