Solid State Logic The Bus Plus Compressor Review

[@Claidheambmor]

I love this channel, KZbin needs more down-to-earth, high-quality content from knowledgeable people without the typical BS reaction faces and clickbait titles.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Haha that is exactly why I started this channel. I too was fed up with that content. I review equipment I own and use so I have knowledge and experience of the gear. Zero BS that way.

[@phinestro]

I’ve been waiting for this video !!!!!!

[@KUMStudio1]

Thank you so much for this examples! I hope you will make new video how BUS+ and FUSION works together!! Thank you!!

[@riktascale4]

Thanks Paul. If possible please do an audio review with the Fusion + the Bus + as mentioned!

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Will shoot this on Monday. Have had a lot of people ask how they compliment each other. So I will let you all know my thoughts.

[@BpackAudio]

Hey, Paul! You've convinced me. Subscribed & Purchasing asap. I currently have the Gainlab Empress EQ. Do you feel this would pair well? Thanks!

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

The bus plus would pair well with any EQ. It is that classic SSL bus comp sound.

[@SURVOSMusic]

Awesome🔥 I’m getting this to our home studio:)

[@johnisrael5183]

Gota HAVE IT....ASAP!!!!!!!

[@parryjack6057]

I am just curious, why is no one using the second meter in classic stereo mode ?

[@REMRODFILMS]

Is it better than Gcomp?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I would say yes. Because it can do so much more than the G comp. I found if I compared the two as just compressors it was equally as good.

[@MaxMilan-i3r]

Can you elaborate on why you have POST D-EQ selection enabled in this demo? When would you use the compressor PRE D-EQ vs POST?

[@DroptekOfficial]

At a guess it's like EQ before compression. Just keeps the bus compression after the tonal changes from the d-eq

[@tb6265]

awesome video. i‘m thinking about getting one piece of hardware for my master bus. i‘m doing a lot of orechestral mockups (williams, michael giacchino, alan silvestri style). but also doing all kind of music when needed. so mockups sound always a bit dead. thinking about buying the stam SA4000-5 MK2, sslg-bus 500, ssl bus+ or ssl fusion. do you think that make sense? what hardware what you recommend on the master bus? great channel, thank you, all the best

[@BrianSladek]

Gainlabs empress, SSL Bus+, SSL Fusion, popular combo for a reason

[@teashea1]

It is wonderful. A great achievement by SSL.

[@pablojordanr]

Cool vid! Are those clipping sounds due to the changes you are performing? Isn't that a bit annoying when trying to monitor the changes real time?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Any clicks you hear are the hardware making them. It's not greatly noticeable when you are using it and it's quite common of hardware to do this especially when clicking bypass.

[@thelockdownbroject1032]

I've watched a few vids about this unit and this is the first one I've seen with these clicking noises.

[@vicneve1169]

@@thelockdownbroject1032 I had the Fusion. Has the exact same clicking.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@@shoogabooga2072 this is the demo unit that was doing the rounds.

[@PsycleDSR]

You know, you can just turn the [simulated relay] clicks off in setup mode.. I would advise reading the manual on this one.

[@stormshadow2k]

Its in the mail :D Now if I can only figure out how to connect it to my Fusion...

[@braxal6983]

Paul, You have any thoughts about the new SPL Stereo Vitalizer Mk3-T

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I used to own the mk2 version. I have compared the mk3 to it yet but I'm under the impression that there is no major noticeable difference in sound between the two. I can't confirm this as I've not directly tested myself. I used to use it a lot on the vocal bus. It could certainly be used in mastering. It's a very affordable unit that really makes a nice difference to width and clarity. I wouldn't say no to using one. I've always said you really can't go wrong with SPL gear. Always looks and sounds great.

[@TheDougSpot]

Question. I have the Bus+ as my only outboard at the moment. Would you recommend an Elysia x filter, or a maag eq4m, and how would you use them together? I’m a artist/producer/engineer if that helps

[@BrianSladek]

Gainlabs empress gives a lot of depth, SSL fusion is good because you can use this in mid side as well

[@bonafrato]

Mine does not click on makeup gain mate. Did you get rid of yours? Nice demo.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

This was the demo unit. I didn't keep it. I tested it against the Wes Audio NG bus comp and decided to get that instead.

[@braxal6983]

Paul, I was thinking of buying the SSL Bus + for my stereo mix bus. Do you think I should or is there something better for this application. I thought maybe down the line adding a Rupert Neve Designs master bus transformer to go with it. Or should I go for 2 Cranborne Carnaby 500 and a SPL Big to go with the SSL Bus +. I want something good that will last a long time without me wanting to upgrade and I do not want it to expensive where a chain will cost the value of a small car. Please advise.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I'd recommend get the ssl bus plus if you want a good affordable bus comp. I chose the Wes Audio NG bus comp for this application. You may find for what you need a Neve MBP might be a very cost effective option for compression and silk saturation. Saves you buying the MBT as well. The Carnaby 500 EQs are good. However I'd recommend going for the new Caraby HE2 instead. Instant recall, mid side and the brilliant carnaby sound.

[@braxal6983]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio Paul the Bus + is on sale. So now I am looking at the Wes Audio NG Bus Comp and it is $600 more. What should I do? If I buy one of these (your recommendation), what other device should I compliment this device with. Sorry I am trying to build a chain without breaking the bank and keep the units kind of cost effective without regretting a purchase. I really, really appreciate your help

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@braxal6983 if you look at the gear I have in my studios, you'll see what ends up staying and what gets replaced over time. The Wes Audio NG bus comp is brilliant. In my opinion better than the ssl bus plus. The added benefit of the NG bus comp having recall. You could add the Carnaby HE2 as well and have instant recall for the chain. Then add the new Wes Audio EQ and you have instant recall for everything. Bettermaker make some really good units that all have instant recall.

[@braxal6983]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio Paul again. I appreciate your input and sorry to have you go around and around with me. I just want to get it right.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@braxal6983 of course, that's why I'm here to give advice based on genuine user experience.

[@blainewalter8933]

Sounds fantastic. Want!

[@lostboy1984]

nobody uses the right side in a video, is that a 2nd compressor or what is the 2nd side for?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

The right side is for the right channel. When you process stereo you have it in stereo link so whatever you do on the master channel (left channel 1) is copied over to channel 2 identically. Meaning we have a stereo match pair. Or it can be put into dual mono mode and used independently.

[@PaulSalerno-o7m]

If you could only choose one in this price range would you do this, the Wes Audio ngComp, or anything else?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I chose the Wes Audio NG Bus Comp after comparing the two.

[@mhstoregameon]

Hi. Which processing mode do you prefer when using this unit for mastering. I mean Stereo or Mid/Side? Thanks.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Stereo but mid side has it's benefits

[@BassGuitarLife]

This unit sounds impressive even listening to it via just a laptop and headphones. Could one also turn off all the SSL Bus+ color related settings and use it to 'transparently' track vox, guitar or bass guitar into a DAW? Good vid Thanks

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Yes you can turn the colour related settings off and uses it super clean. That's would be my preferred application for it.

[@BassGuitarLife]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio Thanks for your response. What do you think is the best bang for your buck, relatively transparent tracking compressor, for vocals, guitar and bass guitar that would enable a commercial radio quality recording, assuming your preamp and ADC is good? Been going around and around in circles trying to work out a decent transparent tracking compressor that I do not have to take a mortgage out for. I enjoy your vids Cheers

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@@BassGuitarLife you could go with something like the dangerous compressor. That's affordable and relatively transparent.

[@BassGuitarLife]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio Thanks Mate Will check it out Cheers

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@@BassGuitarLife another one to look at but a little more expensive is the Vertigo VSC. I have reviews of both these compressors on my channel.

[@mhstoregameon]

May I ask what is Mix Knob does and How do you usually set its value?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Typically, you will want the mix knob at 100%. This uses the compressor in a fully wet way like every other compressor. The mix knob selects the amount of dry signal (unaffected by the processing) is mixed with the wet signal (affected by the processing). Mix into the compressor at 100% mix. Then if you feel there is too much of the compression effect you can dial back the mix and bleed some dry signal in much like you would using parallel compression.

[@mhstoregameon]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio nice. I got it now. Thanks :)

[@johndean5860]

Is that clicking sound normal when you bypass and unbypass the channels?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Not sure it's normal but is apprent on this unit.

[@vicneve1169]

Yo have told me that the SPL Iron is one of your favorite compressors for EDM. How about the Bus +? They are totally different I think. The SSL is really a glue machine. To my ears it has a little bit a similar effect on the mix as the Whitestone. Just keeping everything nice in place, without stuff sticking out the mix. While the Iron to my ears ads more punch. It also glues, but in a totally different way. Now I'm thinking to get the SSL and keep my Phoenix compressor instead of selling the Phoenix and getting the SPL. On the other hand, the Iron maybe be a better combination with the Whitestone. Pfff difficult choice. How would you make such a decision?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

The Bus plus is a mix glue compressor. That's how I would always use it. I'm guessing you are talking about the Whitestone P331? If so I wouldn't compare the two as similar units really. I'd personally have them all. They each have a unique purpose.

[@eddiejessy5768]

Hello, how do you think this compressor compares to the dangerous compressor? what's better for modern pop?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I genuinely like both equally. The bus plus has additional features, whereas the dangerous is a compressor only. If I had to choose, I'd probably go with the dangerous. Simply because it is a really solid quality compressor.

[@b.hornetiii.6771]

What's the main + if you compare this unit to plugin clone? What's the plus side? The speed of the attack, release, coloration, what? is it more "musical" ? I'm looking for the new SPL MK-3 for the 2bus magic - only 1100eur and it does much more than this one trick pony... It's nice, but comon, dynamic eq, like were in 1995. We have software for that if we need it, THD, no need, we also have software for the "leave it clean - bass", it's not good for mastering? thanks but no thanks. :))

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

It depends on the quality of the clone. I've never been a huge fan of SSL bus comp clones. You want a really good bus comp. Check the Elysia Alpha compressor out. That's what we use as our bus comp and it's incredible.

[@b.hornetiii.6771]

How hard can you "push" this compressor? It's all thinny and "not much action at all". Can you go to extreme levels - make - up gain vise and ratio vise?

[@Walter83]

Ordered a Bus+ while watching this 😅

[@Fishplants]

Why is the ssl g series stereo compressor 2 k more than this? This one seems to have it all anybody knows

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@@Fishplants this one is made in China

[@Fishplants]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio But they are doing and sounding the same for halv the price ?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@@Fishplants no, similar but not the same. The g bus has that classic glue compression. The bus plus doesn't have that classic sound. Sounds good but not the same.

[@Fishplants]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio ok thanks! Is that classic glue worth 2 k tho? 😬

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@@Fishplants that's subjective and matter of your opinion

[@ezeparanoiac1462]

Hello, people ! does anyone know how to switch from "dry/wet" to "Parallel"? (thanks for the videos paul! :) )

[@ГульчехраХасанова-ч5х]

So, did you get one for you ?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I didn't actually. I went for the Wes Audio NG bus comp. I tested the two against each other and the Wes Audio came out on top by quite a bit. Plus plugin recall is a big bonus.

[@roundrobinrecordings]

When you say it would not be the only compressor on your master chain, can you give some examples of which other compressors you would add later in the chain?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Me personally an elysia alpha, Unfairchild 670m II and a maselec mla

[@roundrobinrecordings]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio thank you

[@vigneshkarthikeyan8174]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio just looking at this for use on the 2-bus. Doesnt seem it has a limiter, so it can’t do even a simple master. What would you recommend for a somewhat complete mixing chain, paired with the fusion? The MBP? The MuseEQ? Or is it a couple of different devices. Id personally want some character, so even a Herchild would be awesome.

[@danybTSoNYC]

You are mistaking how to use the change of the eq frequency for the High. No?

[@contactblaxound7040]

So no vocals with this big machine ???? 🤔

[@mrmozez1500]

2K where? Mine costed $2899

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

We are in the UK so 2000 pounds not dollars.

[@mrmozez1500]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio Ohhhh, I gotcha. Lol. I thought I may have gotten robbed. Lol.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@@mrmozez1500 in the states you may pay more because SSL is based in the UK so may be some import charges. £2k is $2400 at todays rate but sweetwater charge $2899 which looks like the US price.

[@mrmozez1500]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio I understand totally. Thanks for the clarification!

[@ericbrody963]

Good stuff man! If you ever need anything from Vintage King, feel free to reach out! Always happy to hook it up with some discounts 👍

[@dyonissiszoes3747]

😮

[@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios]

$2K? It's at nearly 3K now.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

You are thinking of Dollars. I'm talking in pounds.