Solid State Logic Fusion and Bus Comp Classic Bundle

Very few pieces of studio equipment achieve truly iconic status. Fewer still become so closely associated with the sound of a finished record. The Solid State Logic Bus Compressor is one of them. For more than five decades, its unmistakable sound has made it one of the most trusted and influential dynamics processors in professional audio.

Only SSL could bring it back with this depth of authenticity. Reconnecting with the essentials of the legendary SSL Bus Compressor, Bus Comp Classic returns in a dedicated 1U format, remaining faithful to the sound and focused workflow of the original while extending its creative range through Variable VCA Drive, expanded ratios and time constants, and a genuine stereo external side-chain input.

High-Performance THAT 2181 VCA

At the heart of Bus Comp Classic are high-performance THAT 2181 VCAs in the audio path, paired with the unique SSL sidechain architecture that incorporates a VCA in its feedback loop. Together, they create the distinctive response that has made the SSL Bus Compressor a studio staple, combining punch, movement and cohesion with exceptional musicality. From subtle gain reduction to assertive bus processing, transients remain defined yet controlled, while multiple elements begin to move and breathe together.

Engineered without compromise, Bus Comp Classic offers a faithful return to the response and feel of the SSL Bus Compressor, with the precision, consistency and reliability expected from modern SSL analogue hardware.

Variable VCA Drive

New Variable VCA Drive extends Bus Comp Classic far beyond a single sonic signature, placing decades of SSL console character under one continuously variable control. With VCA Drive at its cleanest setting, the VCAs operate in a balanced configuration for the low-distortion clarity and powerful transient response associated with SSL’s SuperAnalogueTM generation, from the 9000 Series to today’s Oracle and Odyssey consoles. As soon as the control is activated, the VCAs operate in an unbalanced configuration, recreating the harmonic behaviour and character of classic SSL designs such as the FX384 and 4000 Series consoles. Increasing the control further progressively introduces additional colour and saturation, moving from subtle console-style richness through to the denser, more aggressive character associated with early 4K designs.

From polished mix finishing to heavily driven drums and parallel compression approaching 10% THD, Variable VCA Drive lets you decide how clean, coloured or confrontational the compressor becomes.=

Solid State Logic Bus Comp Classic Features:

• 2-ch. VCA compressor developed by the SSL Bus Compressor’s original engineers
• Legendary VCA circuit delivers the unmistakable punch, glue, and polish that have graced countless hit recordings
• Premium THAT 2181 VCAs and a unique sidechain architecture yield the distinctive SSL compression response
• Variable VCA Drive knob puts decades of SSL console coloration at your fingertips
• 6-way Attack, Ratio, Release, and Sidechain HPF controls
• Expanded ratio options ranging from a gentle 1.5:1 to a heavy-limiting 10:1
• Auto Release offers program-dependent release behavior for optimal results
• Sidechain HPF lessens the influence of bass-heavy material
• Precision-stepped controls provide effortless repeatability
• Stereo External Sidechain input supports a vast range of creative processing and advanced stem-printing workflows

Tech Specs

• Type:VCA Compressor
• Number of Channels:2
• Controls:Threshold, Attack, Ratio, Release, Make-up, Sidechain HPF, Drive
• Threshold:-20dB to +20dB
• Ratio:1.5:1 to 10:1
• Inputs:2 x XLR
• Outputs:2 x XLR
• Sidechain I/O:2 x XLR
• Side Chain Inserts:Sidechain Highpass Filter
• Rack Spaces:1U
• Power Source:Standard IEC AC Cable

FUSION - Master Processor Features:

• Packs 5 decades of SSL Bus Comp tech into a convenient rackmount unit
• Contains 100% analog circuitry, with stepped, digitally controlled front-panel pot
• A master processor with 5 new SSL analog color circuits
• Vintage Drive — a unique nonlinear saturation circuit designed to bring that cherished gradual analog overload sound you get from pushing vintage equipment into the sweet spot
• Violet EQ — a 2-band, minimum-phase-shift shelving EQ offering instant low-end weight and gorgeous high-end air; 4 fixed frequency points for each band with ±9dB boost/cut
• HF Compressor — high-frequency compressor optimized for smooth taming of brittle high end
• Stereo Image — a built-in M-S circuit that allows sumptuous sculpting of the side signal for wider mixes with increased depth
• SSL Transformer — a custom SSL design that introduces subtle low-frequency harmonics for added weight, with a touch of added transformer sparkle in the highs
• Access the hidden Listen Mic Compressor processor to add impact and energy to drums, vocals, and guitars
• Onboard Insert Point with Stereo and M-S operation
• 3rd-order HPF (highpass filter) to eliminate unwanted low end
• SuperAnalogue ±12dB center-indented Input and Output Trim controls for optimized gain staging
• Individual Bypass switches for each circuit to compare sounds with each circuit engaged/disengaged
• Master Bypass switch with two modes of operation: complete bypass (Red) and bypass that includes the Input Trim control (White)
• Master LED meter with 3-second peak hold segments switches from output to input metering upon pressing the Bypass switch
• Input clipping O/L LEDs that are triggered at +27dBu
• Balanced XLR I/O throughout for professional studio integration
• Enhanced dot-dash screening around controls for clarity and easy recall
• Adjustable front-panel meter and switch brightness to match the vibe of your studio environment
• Includes 120V (North America) and 100V (Japan) power cables

Tech Specs

• Processor Type:SSL Analog Coloration
• Number of Channels:Stereo
• Analog Inputs:2 x XLR (main L/R), 2 x XLR (insert return)
• Analog Outputs:2 x XLR (main L/R), 2 x XLR (insert send)
• EQ:Low Semi-parametric, High Semi-parametric, High Pass Filter
• Features:Vintage Drive, Stereo Enhancer, Mid-Side circuit, HF Compressor
• Rack Spaces:2U
• Power Supply:Standard IEC AC cable