A legend... In the new version.

If we had to point to just one element of the analog outboard that is synonymous with SSL, it would certainly be the SSL Bus Compressor. Beginning with the first commercially released SSL 4000B console in 1976 and through many generations of subsequent SSL consoles, the Bus Compressor has always been a staple of the center section of the console. For many of the world's top engineers and producers, the Bus Compressor is still the most reliable tool for making mixes sound better and fuller, with more power and energy, and the legendary "glue" effect adds the incredible punch that is characteristic of SSL equipment.

Our mission was to create the best and most versatile incarnation of the Bus Compressor ever made. The basis of the design remains faithful to the original, and we've built a new circuit based on it, adding some unique tone-shifting options and advanced processing tools. If you need it to be clean and crisp, like the SuperAnalogueTM version of the 9000 series, this is possible. If you want it grainy and saturated, like the early 4000E model, it can do that too. And if you need exaggerated, saturated, parallel compression for drums, THE BUS+ is able to do that as well.

THE BUS+ uses high-end components, including a 2181 THAT VCA for superior analog performance, four modes of operation and 3 different compression tone options that can be combined to perfectly match the musical genre you're working on. THE BUS+ also features advanced routing options and sophisticated processing tools: Dynamic Equaliser (D-EQ), Transient Expander and more....

SSL COMPRESSOR INNOVATIONS:In designing the new feature set, we sought to make improvements that would improve ease of setting recall and technical efficiency.All of the potentiometers on THE BUS+ are stepped and read by a microcontroller, which translates the potentiometer positions into the required circuit configuration or parameter. This innovative approach not only makes it much easier to recall settings, but also means THE BUS+ is not subject to potentiometer tolerances - ideal for applications requiring precise processing, such as mastering.

Dynamic Analog Equalizer: D-EQ The BUS+ features many advanced audio processing tools, including the new Dynamic Analog Equalizer (D-EQ).The D-EQ is a powerful 2-band dynamic equalizer that can be placed before or after the compressor. Many engineers have Dynamic EQ plug-ins in DAWs, but analog dynamic equalizers are rare.Dynamic EQ is a more "intelligent" form of equalizer that changes the gain of the equalizer's bandwidth proportionally in response to signal levels above a set attenuation threshold. This modifies the contrast between the quieter (below the attenuation threshold) and the loudest signal (above the attenuation threshold).

Example settings of THE BUS+ The way engineers and producers use the Bus Compressor varies greatly. Some "set and forget" and construct a mix in the Bus Compressor, while others fine-tune the parameters for a specific production, often using it as the final touch to the mix. We met with some of the world's top producers and engineers to get their feedback on THE BUS+ and see how its legendary glue and punch, combined with new advanced audio processing tools, takes their mixes to the next level. Click on the image to see their favorite BUS+ applications and settings

FEATURES

Advanced audio processing tools.While the basic design of THE BUS+ remains true to the original, a number of advanced audio processing tools have been added to create the most versatile bus compressor ever. In addition to D-EQ and Transient Expander, THE BUS+ features three unique compression colors: LOW THD, F/B and 4K MODE. Each "color" offers different characteristics and can be combined to produce very unique compression styles.

LOW THD mode introduces a special circuit modification to the Side Chain circuit, which helps reduce the amount of low-frequency distortion that compression can produce, especially at fast Release times. The subjective feeling is that the LOW THD mode "cleans up" the low end of the band, allowing for "cleaner" gain reduction.F/B (FEED-BACK) MODE takes the Side Chai feed from the feedback position (i.e. after the main gain-reducing VCA in the audio path). This results in a more "relaxed" style of compression, as opposed to the traditional Bus Compressor.The 4K MODE mode changes the operation of the VCA from balanced to unbalanced (similar to the Bus Compressor on 4000 Series consoles). It also introduces a variable amount of harmonic distortion through the VCA. The combination of these two factors allows for a more "colorful" sound. THE BUS+ function allows you to adjust the level of distortion that 4K MODE offers. You will see that there is a certain "sweet spot" (depending on the level of the mix) where your material will become more coherent, just due to the additional saturation.

D-EQ We are proud to introduce the first ever SSL Dynamic EQ (D-EQ) as part of THE BUS+. Side Chain is a specially tuned SC version of the Bus Compressor with additional circuitry such as a gain reduction limiter for the Range parameter. We believe the D-EQ is just as musical and powerful as the Bus Compressor itself. The D-EQ can easily boost the upper and lower bands of a mix, making it an extremely powerful companion to the Bus Compressor. D-EQ is a 2-band parallel dynamic equalizer. Each band has 16 frequency points to choose from, giving you full control over which part of the frequency spectrum you want to influence. The high-frequency band can also be changed from a shelving filter to a bell curve.Compression/Expander: Each band has a 31-position stepped control marked with COMP and EXP symbols at the ends of the adjustment range. Turning the knob clockwise from the center "0" position (no effect) produces an expander effect. Moving the knob to the left turns on the compression effect.

Compressor
4 modes of operation - Classic Stereo, S/C Stereo, Dual Mono or Mid-Side
External side-chain inputs and outputs
Authentic SSL Bus Compressor Circuit
LOW THD mode reduces low frequency distortion caused by compression
F/B mode changes the compression characteristics for a more „relaxed” compression style
4K mode - operation of a single VCA with variable harmonic distortion to add some „grain” and „grunge” to the mix
Negative Ratios - for creative pumping effects and control of particularly loud signals
New Attack and Release options, including a new 'Auto 2′ setting.
MIX control for instant parallel compression
Gain reduction meters
Transient expander

Circuit in 100% analog, digitally controlled by step potentiometers on front panel
sound pressure level +27.5 dBu
Configurable processing order - Bus Compressor before D-EQ (default) or after
CH 1 IN and CH 2 IN buttons for global Bypass
Adjustable operating level - 0 dB (nominal), +10 dB, -5 dB
Sleep and auto sleep modes
Precise MAKE-UP gain control with MDAC in two ranges - 1 dB or 0.5 dB increments
D-EQ
Powerful 2-band analog Parallel Dynamic EQ - D-EQ
Compression/Expander modes
3 options for selecting time constants for each band - Nominal, FAST or AUTO
16 selectable frequency points per band
Range adjustment for each band from 0.5 dB to 15 dB
The HF band can be switched to a ringing shape, with selectable frequencies including high and mid tones
Fixed frequency band „make-up” gain for LF and HF bands (Stereo/ Σ S/C Stereo) or LF band (Dual Mono/Mid-Side)
G-series mode changes LF filter to another type of correction
Three-color LEDs to indicate D-EQ activity
It is possible to disable individual bands individually.