Mastering Processors Battle : SSL Fusion vs Neve Portico Master Bus Processor

[@G_handle]

Dom, probably the best “comparison” of these two on KZbin. And you Almost made the point that everyone else gets completely wrong. Because the RND MBP and the SSL Fusion came out around the same time, they are being compared directly. This is wrong. The RND MBP is primarily a Stereo (dual mono) Bus Compressor. With a lot of goodies. The correct comparison is with the SSL G-Bus Compressor. (Which you rightly showed as an Insert. Stay tuned...) Historically, the comparison was between the SSL G-Bus Comp, the NEVE 33609 Stereo Bus Compressor/Limiter, and the API 2500. (And obviously a ...few others!) They each were the last stop of an Analog mixing session, just before printing to 2-track. And, engineers realized early on that they each added vastly different Character and Glue to the mix. What Rupert Neve the man did with his ‘new’ company, Rupert Neve Designs, is ‘update’ and modernize and expand upon all of his earlier work (with his original NEVE company now AMS, Focusrite, AMEK, and all of his decades off accumulated knowledge.) His ‘new’ Mic Pres, EQs, Compressors, Limiters were all ‘better’ than his old. He also learned, and perfected some new tricks along the way. Ironically to him, he spent his career trying to get the purest analog achievable with the current electronics of whichever decade. Then people decided they liked the “color” of his oldest designs. So he created the Silk circuits, where you could add color as a seasoning, rather than a marinade. And.....he pretty much perfected the Mastering art of Mid-Side processing, and produced simple yet powerful and effective tools to do that. So whatcha get is 2-channels of Rupert Neve’s ‘last word’ on Compressor/Limiters. Plus Red/Blue Silk “color” at your disposal. And....you get a MS Encoder & Decoder with Level controls and broad EQ filters over each. Then.... with the push of a button, you can swap the A/B Compressors from L/R before the MS circuits, to Inserted in between the M/S Encoder and Decoder. So TONS of control over a Stereo Bus, including but not exclusively the Master Bus. (I have yet to see a video that properly compares the Character of straight Bus Compression between the comps in the RND MBP and the AMS NEVE 33609, the most obvious new vs old comparison. But then between the SSL G-Bus, the API 2500, Fairchild, etc. They all move differently.) Okay, so the SSL Fusion, I think should be thought of as Additional Processing controls in addition to the SSL G-Bus Comp, not an alternative to it. (Which is how Many seem to be understanding it.) For one, the SSL G-Bus Comp was originally built right into the Master Bus of the 4000 then 9000 series Consoles, and ever more. They THEN made a 19-inch rack version, because of how popular it was. And then-THEN made both an X-Rack version and a 500-Series version, so anybody could get one. (And then there’s dozens of hardware ‘clones’ and hundreds of software ‘emulations’, plus convolutions.) So as Rupert Neve was updating his former 33609, SSL was updating their G-Bus Comp with Added Features. SSL’s current flagship six-figure console, the Duality is now called Solid State Logic Duality Fusion, and not only includes the built-in G-Bus Compressor in the center section, but also the entire Fusion circuits right in the desk. The way Dom inserted the G-Bus Comp into the Fusion is as intended. And you can obviously use any of the components however you like. But the way to think of the combination is as One Master Bus Processor. It’s really a system, and an extension of the Comp itself. When patched together, you can disengage or bypass Every processor section from the the Fusion’s controls, and hear exactly what each component section is adding to the mix, 1-by-1. Including the Compressor. None of the videos I’ve seen seem to go through just how much flexibility and routing possibly you have with these two joined as intended. If you read the manual (or RTFM), you’ll really get what’s going on, but IMHO, even inserted into the Fusion, you start with the Bus Compression and then Add additional component before or after it in circuit as desired. Also, people keep comparing the price of the RND MBP to the SSL Fusion, without the SSL Bus Comp included in the price. I think Dom has the right combination of tools to compare, and did a great video, but not quite as an apples to apples, head to head, features and workflow comparison. The One box vs the Two boxes as One. In the end though, I still agree with his conclusion, that if you can afford it, it’s not really an either or but a Both Please! (Let me add though, that the Fusion doesn’t just add to SSL’s G-Bus Compressor giving it super powers. Those powers are added to Any Stereo Bus Compressor you insert into it. So what about a 33609? How about a 2500? Why not try a super-transparent, super-clean, super-cheap, super-nice FMR RNC, get pristine glue from there and more SSL Color from the Fusion? Or....maybe you insert into the Solid State Logic Fusion, a Rupert Neve Designs Master Bus Processor! Play with everything, See what happens.)

[@Ifelovv]

This is spot on! Well said G!

[@DomSigalas]

This is so useful and informative, I can only honour your response sir by pinning it so more people can read it. THANK you for this,

[@ndavies8]

I owe you a beer, sir.

[@G_handle]

@@ndavies8No, You owe the universe Sound.

[@alexfont]

All ok for the main comment here but they were not released as the same time. Neve MBP was in 2011 and SSL years in 2018. - Also I wanted to point out that I had the two units in my studio for nearly 2 years. I turned selling my Neve MBP and keeping the SSL.

[@DMV-SaxTv]

Excellent content sir. I was looking for a very comprehensive review of both products and you nailed them both. Bravo!

[@terrance11greene]

A year ago I almost bought the fusion and my friend talked me into the mbp my favorite piece of hardware by far. This video really showed me how to tap into it beyond what I'm already doing! Thank you!

[@ernestbuckley8671]

Pls share your ideas. I just installed the MBP and still learning all it can do.

[@xXKAROLXx03]

Been researchin the MBP for a few months now, I bought it today, can't wait to try it out! 😃 great video, I can all see all the possibilities on that piece.

[@ashutoshanand9968]

I have literally never seen any creator make a video about gear in so much detail. Love it❤️✨

[@ZenMountain]

???

[@georgetaylor3126]

Great vid. Had both of these units for a year now, it’s been great to see how another engineer uses them. The portico MBP is superb, I can highly recommend adding the new Master Buss Converter as the final processor before going back into your DAW, seriously powerful processing!

[@hamooddyy]

Which is the master bus converter u use bro?

[@charlesrocks]

The MBP Portico II is just amazing.

[@AdilNadaf]

A Neve MBP user here. This is one of the best demo’s I have seen. Thanks for sharing some cool ideas and show how you use it.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

I love that these "studio geek out sessions" that you think are going to be showing some tiny nuance that only the true studio geeks will appreciate...actually end up having valuable techniques that make a huge difference in the sound!

[@DomSigalas]

Thank you Scott! I really appreciate it- these videos take ages to make so I am glad you enjoy them!

[@Pkutsko]

​@@DomSigalas Hi there. So ssl fusion is doesn't work as a limiter? Its only like a colour unit? So what's analog gear we can use like a final limiter, maximizer?

[@t3reeproduction314]

I think you should do a mix..the same one with both units and see what's the difference between the two mixes it will really give and idea for those interested in these wonderful units..

[@TouchToneDSG]

Bro this was such a great shootout thank you for doing

[@philmartin7474]

Great review, I too have been wanting the Portico MBP. Like you, i think both are awesome, and now i would like to see/hear a video of both units chained together👍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@gospelpopmusic]

This is why composers and producers have racks of modules in their studios. I am still building my recording studio and it is so much fun! Thinking of paring the SSL the BUS+ with the SSL FUSION. HMMM might purchase the NEVE MASTER PORTICO too!

[@bobfamiliarmusic]

I have both of these as well. Perfect compliment on the 2buss for mixing and mastering. I could never find a good tutorial on the MBP so thank you. I learned so much!! I can’t wait to try the mid-side compression.

[@bigdap100]

sir, you are having way too much fun! great video.👍

[@TheRubiosMusic]

You Rock! My friend!!! Thank you for this Jewel of video!

[@massimilianopagliuso]

You have a new follower from Italy 💪🏻😉👍🏻 Awesome comparison, Dom!

[@cortical1]

Thanks for a great video! I've had the MBP for about six months now and it's the MVP! It makes everything sound good, I don't know how else to say it. I use it on individual tracks and instruments and it works for adding smoothness or heavily pushed driven sounds. I use it on the mix bus and it just puts everything in its right place. My worry, from other videos, was that it might be too subtle or transparent but that is not the case at all. It can completely change the color of your song in ways that make it soar with richness and power, all while sounding tight and smooth. The MBP is the magic wand that everyone wants but no one thinks exists. Shhh. Don't tell anyone. 🤫

[@BrianSladek]

thanks, Ya that was my concern as well. I will be using in the same way. Saving to buy this in the next month. Can't wait!

[@thehighhnotes]

Completely agreed! Its gorgeous. I had a the same worry with the tegeler creme tbh, in that it would be too subtle, and they definitely can be.. but definitely not necessarily. Both devices have their way of just giving beautiful life to a bus or 2 bus. It genuinely moves me to bits.

[@NOLASkaGuitarist]

I'm curious, how are you using it on individual tracks? Using a hardware insert as an effect? Or on the way in before it hits the DAW? From what I can gleam from the back of the unit, it only takes line level inputs so with a mic or hi-z instrument you would have to pair it with a pre or use it after recording as a hardware effect.

[@cortical1]

@@NOLASkaGuitarist Sending individual tracks or busses through it and back into the DAW is easiest as a hardware insert. Really adds a lot and makes mixing easier with the stereo field editing.

[@G_handle]

BTW, on your older Portico II Channel Strip video, you showed the use as an Input device to shape a signal "On The Way In". Then you showed how to use it on Mono Sources as a Hardware Insert. But you mentioned that 'You can't use it for Stereo, because you only have One". Well, I imagine you know given the video you just did, but using Single processors to effect Stereo sources is another great use of Mid-Side Matrixes and Processing. If in the DAW, prior to your Stereo Hardware Insert send, you insert a MS Encoder, it'll send the Mid information down the Left side, and the Side information down the Right. (Just like in this RND MBP. Calling the comps A&B rather than L&R for that reason.) Then if you patch either L/A/1(Mid) or R/B/2(Sides) into a Single Channel processor, you will be effecting either the Mid information or the Sides information in a perfectly balanced manner. The other Channel can either be processed with another Single Channel processor, or simply patched back in with a cable. When you get back into the DAW, you insert another MS Decoder (Which is the same thing) AFTER the Hardware Insert. So effectively your making an insert sandwich: MS Encoder-->>Hardware Insert-->>MS Decoder. So for example, with the Portico II Channel, say you sent the Stereo Drum Bus through it, and process just the Mid Information. You'd patch your Interface Output-1 into the Channel Strip's Line Input, then the Channel Strip's Line Output into you Interface's Line Input-1. Then you'd patch Interface Output-2, directly into Interface Line Input-2. Now with Just the Mid information through the Portico II, process your heart out, make the beat as compressed as you like, WITHOUT losing the width that happens sometimes when you process everything in LR. MS was originally a Mastering trick, because they didn't have the Original Multitracks. But it's also useful at the Bus level of the Mix, just as Bus Compressors aren't just for the Master Bus. Thinking in LR and MS allows for different dimensions at various stages throughout the Mix. And, if you work Hybrid at all, and have Mono processors in your rack that you love but were only using for mono sources, this technique breathes new life and usability into gear you may have left sitting in the corner feeling neglected. (I think I'll post this over there as well.)

[@mrmorpheus9707]

Both are Diamonds" however Neve has more weight! Suggestion box" an alternative plugin to these..like accustica audio celestial etc

[@DomSigalas]

I have it an love it! Well said!

[@levondarratt787]

weight..translate - subtle low end...but we don't wanna call it that.

[@thehighhnotes]

As a film composer - you've convinced me to totally purchase the MBP. Should be here within two weeks, should work wonderfully with my Tegeler Gear! Thank you so much for this Dom!

[@humusiclab8974]

where did you order the MBP? It seems backordered almost everywhere!

[@thehighhnotes]

@@humusiclab8974 a local reseller for high end gear had one left :)

[@SXTWLVE]

How you like it thus far?

[@RR_85]

I just purchased the portico. I have to say from just a couple of tracks I’ve put through it, it brings out everything in your track. Is like a color box for your master chain. I call it the magic box :)

[@DomSigalas]

Have fun!!!

[@johnisrael5183]

I just did a pro subscription with access analog....got access to two of them...unlimited.....and a $5000 Manley as well....yep....my first single with Portico....and using Acustica Audio....whole new level.....

[@locifer696]

You have such a great voice for voice over. Made a fan out of me, please more like this!! Love hearing the examples with soft synth pads and singing. Really got my eyes on that SSL Fusion.👏👏🤘🧐

[@DomSigalas]

Thank you Lawrence! ❤️

[@fernandomendes-edicaodeaud2421]

Thank you very much Dom! Amazing comparison and lesson.

[@jorgaridya7085]

I got a Fushion today and what I love is that it took me like 5 - 10 minutes of tweaking to find a tone I loved. Didnt need to go into the manual either. Just watch a couple of videos like yours before hand and I already knew what each module did. Amazing piece of gear.

[@DomSigalas]

Have fun Jorg!

[@TzoHill]

@@Pkutsko Same answer I'm looking for lol. I wanna get the Fusion but I feel I'll need that final limiter/maximizer afterwards... but having said that, when compare the price for the two mightaswell get the Neve...😅

[@Encrypted_user_]

Great VideoDom!!! This was great. Lots of Fun!! Great Job Keep it up. !! Neve all the way for me, because of it’s depth and warmth and it’s versatility is pretty amazing. 🙏

[@boogiesnail]

I enjoyed watching this battle. Thank you Dom!

[@tyremanguitars]

damn, the MBP blew me away, I like how smooth it is.

[@alejandroestrella69]

You went over the top. Awesome video.

[@bttorre1494]

Bro thanks for this vid, and the shirt rocks

[@definty]

Put them in serial and see how it sounds. I think they would compliment each other nicely. The compressor on the Neve blow the SSL one out the water but you have mroe controll of the harmonics and EQ on the SSL. It would be really interesting to see how the width/depth controlls work with/against each other when in serial.

[@DomSigalas]

Aaaah I had done this test but the video was getting tooooo long so I cut it :) in series they sound absolutely superb- I go in the Fusion first and following with the MBP :)

[@definty]

@@DomSigalas I bet! Videos can never been to long for Hardware junkies! Just put it under multiple videos. Great video, Best on YT!

[@murraywebster1228]

How is it when you insert the Neve into the fusion then?

[@ananth725]

Brilliant stuff. Very helpful. Thanks Dom.

[@neutron2177]

SSL FUSION Team

[@heiseye4139]

Only one of the 2 that I’ve actually used but im sold

[@nikolaskarllium9915]

Excellent demo Boy !! Bravo because you have demonstrated in a very comprehensive way the fonctionalities of the two machines. I agree with some one's opinion : the best comparison on the market !

[@andriel1616]

Hi Dom! I have just found your channel and it is really nice! I have installed my Portico yesterday and your video is really a good start for it! I already love my unit! Thanks for all, I follow. :)

[@DomSigalas]

Welcome my friend! And enjoy the Portico !

[@KUMStudio1]

Thank you so much Dom!

[@Nathankaye]

Great in depth video. I’d love to hear and see the Neve portico vs ssl The Buss+ comparison.

[@eddieherold3882]

Perhaps the best equipment review I have yet seen, thanks.

[@johnisrael5183]

You know...the portico sounds Thicker...but the Fussion just sounds more "Radio Ready...." I think that worth sacrificing the extra Body from the Portico....Ive got a WA G comp...I think Im going to use this with My G Comp and a Drawmer Parametric EQ......thats 4000 instead of 4800 and you have a full Mastering Chain.....I hate the say this but the Fussion jsut sounds "More Attractvie SSL Ready Ready Sound" but...if you dont already have a Bus comp...then the Portico...might be more useful for you

[@musicgalaxy8832]

You rock dude! Best channel EVER

[@DomSigalas]

Thank you my friend!

[@gregbradshaw7220]

When you ran fusion through the bus comp it sounded amazing

[@GaryEarlstudio]

great video, dude. totally wonderful presentation. thank you so much!

[@MelomanTheNerd]

Love the MBP; it takes a while to get the hang of it. It’s a bit trickier to mix *into* as the gain reduction indicators don’t exactly correspond to how much signal is being reduced. More often than not -2/-3dB at peak is plenty. Thankful for that blend knob : ) Cool video!

[@ernestbuckley8671]

Yeah, 2-4 dBs at the peaks is plenty. Very transparent. Do you use the limiter at all?

[@MelomanTheNerd]

@@ernestbuckley8671 true. Maybe even -2dB is enough @ 100% blend. I don’t usually use the limiter; it is incredibly grabby - not bad - just flattens peaks a little too much. That said, My MBP is on a mult so it moves around some times.

[@dollario]

Awesome video ! Greetings from Greece !

[@DalleyMusic]

I thought I was gonna prefer the SSL, but I think the Neve has a better sound and punch!

[@sideast]

thats because its twice the price and roll in the factor that with SSL you are very much paying for the SSL Hype

[@levondarratt787]

@@sideast what a stupid comment.....none of this matters with these semi/home studio boxes...You just prefer the Never sound. Then 8 out of 10 people will say they want the SSL sound - and that's that. 3 people work at Rupert Neve, so even if they build pocket calculators it'll be 5 time step price of one made in chine, and probably half as good.

[@thedayones4918]

@@sideast What?! So you’re not paying for the mega overpriced Neve tag? 😆✌🏽

[@entity9588]

@@levondarratt787 Read through the comments and you will see most people like the sound of the MBP better... Who's ass did you pull that "8/10 people prefer the SSL" from LMAO?

[@levondarratt787]

@@entity9588 well you are reading comments from bedroom DJs and nerds with reverse hats such as yourself nodding to their own Ableton beats. I'm talking from the professional audio community. This topic has been settled and ssl won. And what you call arse is what everybody else calls facts. Now go count your 3 pimples shrivel boy!!!!

[@crescentmoon54]

Excellent comparison.... I own the Neve and use it with a silver bullet.... it has made a big difference for final mixes....

[@Sicolirics]

I am looking for a compressor of this caliber for synthpop music. From your experience, do you think that this equipment would measure up to my expectations?

[@imchrisirvin]

Thank you for making this video man!

[@itaddsup8647]

this is the video i was looking for my life!!!!! thank you so much

[@jimbotski]

Thanks for helping with my purchasing decision Dom. Took me a while to pull trigger because of the crazy proces in Australia but watching this video 10+ times confirmed. RND owe you.

[@Somedei]

Amazing video, thanks Dom, would love to see a Dangerous 2bus or AD+ review from YOU, I love how detailed you are !

[@DomSigalas]

It's on my list- my Lynx Hilo serves me well for now!

[@beat23studio]

Thanks for this video. Absolutely help me for my next purchase.

[@ernestbuckley8671]

Just installed the RN MBP today. This video sold me on the unit. Its a high quality sound sculpting piece. Love it.

[@LoversinPH]

I will put you Sir on the list of my favorite KZbin content creator in music and audio production.

[@DomSigalas]

Thank you Mic!

[@OfficialAlexZitto]

The best tutorial on these gears !!! Thanks

[@dannydaniel8975]

The fusion really shined on that rock track

[@LeeDaHitman]

This was a super good video comparison

[@neonether]

This is fantastic! But now you’ve convinced me I also need the Neve!

[@sourcefor]

Yeh I use the Neve 542’s into an Elysia compressor into a tonelux eq into the SsL fusion for a killer Master Bus Processor! I like things being modular as I can change out pieces to suit my needs, great vid!

[@Middlestepofficial]

Hi Dom, just wanted to say that your channel is amazing and I love your videos. You're very well presented and sound like a nice and positive person. Keep up the great work 🤘

[@davidjirvinemusic]

When you did the M/S parallel compression section of this video....that just cost me 5k ;-). Sounds amazing! Thanks for this video Dom!

[@Slay0rm00n]

That first song you play there is catchy as hell. Love the video, very informative.

[@d__CrossMusic]

I need the name of the track lol

[@heleomopi]

great video!! thanks for sharing the goods. both pieces worth musically speaking ! right tools on the right hands, cheers

[@AirArtStudiosOfficial]

My god that hi frequency compressor section❤️❤️ your face says it all :)

[@xXKAROLXx03]

Few days ago I've tried the limiter with matched settings on the left and right channels instead of the stereo link. I think it sounds more transparent now, and gives off less artifacts. Try it if you haven't 😉

[@nomenneskio_official]

That's right! In my opinion it get's more dimensional on the source you run through. It's an amazing unit and I think about to get a Fusion to run it into the MBP... this seems to be a ultimate 2Bus weapon 🤩

[@xXKAROLXx03]

@@nomenneskio_official I wanted to add the Fusion into my 2bus with Portico... actually they don't complement each other that well. Check out the Audio Animals' video about that combo: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6uQoaZ6gNikmqM In my opinion, its better to get some good EQ instead of the Fusion, because Stereo Imager and Vintage Drive become obsolete. Let me know if you decide to buy it anyway and what are your thoughts on this combination 😀

[@davidperez909]

Sick, man. Amazing units. I love that Neve sound, but the SSL sounds great too!

[@ThomasPrioli]

I've a SSL FUSION and MAAG EQ4M, it's a magic combination :) .... next Hardware coming: Dangerous AD+ for definitive audio Clipping ! :D

[@lalchandpratapkumarsahoo2896]

...hi..my..dear..am from india..will u plz guide me for my studio gears..

[@ilikemyrealname]

That M/S mode 😮

[@LaurenPassarelli]

Absolutely great!.

[@romarsalis3350]

That song you were mixing is really really dope

[@ernestbuckley8671]

Dom, I’m hoping you can put out a video just covering all the ways you use the MBP. 🤞🤞

[@PurpleMusicProductions]

This was a very good video. Honestly I preferred the sound of the SSL over the Neve. The SSL on each track was more of a punch you in the face up front while the Neve was more subtle not quite as hi-fi or more vintage sort of speak. I would be happy with both units but for my tastes and style of music the SSL would be my choice in this situation although I love Neve products too.

[@jimigrok]

nice - thanks for your demonstration !

[@hi-dreams]

great useful video thank you for the content Dom!

[@BlackCouchstudio]

I have the exact setup... I love it. I actually tried the M/S function on the Fusion by inserting my Massive Passive. It was pretty interesting. I might try and experiment again with that.

[@largepoodle6036]

The fusion seems to have more perceived loudness, the neve though... it's way more precise and clear. I guess that extra $1500 makes a difference lol but all in all they both sounded great

[@markjacksonmusic21]

Excellent video! Ordering the portico!

[@DomSigalas]

Have fun! ☺️☺️☺️

[@bigdrums9905]

Fantastic review, thanks so much, really like your approach to this, and taking the trouble to use different types of music for comparison, and taking time to explain what you were doing. Two really excellent pieces of kit! I have a question though - if I was going to get my music mastered in a pro mastering studio, would I use either of these on my stereo mix?

[@Raza19950]

Sir please make a detailed video on sound selection and balancing the frequencies while producing the track

[@WassupFred]

Sounds good man.. I do like the fusion, but with the Portico it def sounds like a secret weapon 😮.. and that song 🎶 sounds great 👍

[@DONPTV]

class video, subbed

[@garygood6593]

I wish each section had its own output trim knob on the fusion. It would allow you to level match on/off for better a/b comparisons

[@PavolBrezina]

Dan Worral will tell you that it is nonsense, as he said in his hating SSL Fusion review :D

[@psyderdj]

"No one is going to die" best comment so far! Love the videos my dude

[@DomSigalas]

hahahaha I know right? So many people get offended when you push gear !

[@psyderdj]

@@DomSigalas Made me smile for sure! I am really considering getting this unit after watching this and some other reviews, mainly for mastering purposes. Also been looking at the silver bullet as an option, any opinions on that unit if you have experience with it?

[@yaverodriguez5567]

Dude! the Portico is so sick!!!! for my ears handle better the low end, the SSL Fusion is super cool too, but just a tiny hair my vote is for the Neve Portico, great video!

[@xxllx86]

Neve takes the Price easy on this one.

[@tytansoundlab]

I use Fusion on my mixbuss and MBP on my mastering chain..Love em both

[@ELEVATETHESKY]

Nice examples. Both sound great. Loving the Synthwave song :)

[@JoshuaKrell]

This was super helpful! Thank you!

[@dab7963]

Great video. I bought them both. As you said they do different things. I am amazed by the Neve.

[@Borisnazarov]

Great , informative review ! Thank you. Decided to buy a companion for my Neve Master Bus. I loved singer’s voice and 80’s dance vibe of the song overall from the first example. Very hypnotic voice! Does anyone knows who is singing or the name of the project ?

[@RodneyD]

I'Ve had the neve for 3 months.....ITS SERIOUS!!!! For mastering Hip Hop, POP, EMD, Rock, Country, Classical, etc (on everything) GET IT You won't be sorry

[@dab7963]

Fantastic video I own both as well and I never saw anyone explain how the mid side works with the two compressors You're the first person. That was extremely helpful and now I understand. I do have one question however I know that compressor A handles the mid and compressor B handles the sides but does that also include the EQ or does it only include the depth and width functions alone or does it send both the mid and side with the EQ adjustments too?

[@KUMStudio1]

@Dom Sigalas Hi Dom! I need little help from you. I ordered SSL Fusion but I don't have SSL BUS Compressor as hardware (yet! :D ), so I have plan to use SSL bus compressor plugin. What you can suggest, should I put SSL BUS compressor plugin BEFORE or AFTER SSL Fusion in signal chain on master bus?

[@Fwuzeem]

Your course on Udemy is going to be legendary!

[@weststarr2046]

Beautiful stuff homie DOM....can i grab one 🤣🤣????!!!

[@joolm4976]

X-over on the HF compressor isn't a mix knob, it determines the frequencies that are affected by the compression

[@yahan7772003]

Just want to say, Thanks for Uploading the Video it was Awesome Not tyring to Troll...here...everyone has diffrent needs and may specifially need the hardware because of the way they Produce and Record I ran a Mix Through an Actual SSL Fusion Hardware Unit and a Aurora Prisom Converter Online with ACCESS ANALOG Then.... I ran the same mix through Celestial with Acustica Audio and ASH set to Grey D (Prism Coverter / Limiter/ Clipper) Results.... The Sonic Quality, Richness and Over all Feel were INDENTICAL Sonically there was NO DIFFRENCE BETWEEN THE TWO MIXES Meaning: Acustica Audio...did a Superb Job of Live analog sampling the Fussion and Prisim Units SSL Fussion Cost $2300 Big Cell Bundle, wich includes Celestial (Live analog sampled SSL Fusion ) with Acustica Audio Cost $200 its a $2100 Price Diffrence for the SAME THING..... AND with Celestical you get Live Analog sampled Mix and Master Version of the SSL Fussion with Focusrite Mixing Analog gear and a Neve Shepford channel....all for $200 Once again...Im not trying to troll just shaing information, GREA VIDEO...I hope this information Helps someone becaues most people cant afford Acutal SSL Fusion Unit......(its overpriced against normal home studio budgets to some degree)

[@eskytube]

Great video, thanks! I ordered my Portico II MBP, will be arriving next week. When will the synth mix song be released? It is FIRE!

[@MarnixMohrmannPiano]

My SSL Fusion is on it's way, I am gonna enjoy this video! Thanks Dom!

[@DomSigalas]

Have fun, it's an awesome unit!

[@justinbeck8459]

I have the SSL Fusion, it’s an amazing unit. More useful in mixing than mastering, but definitely has its uses in mastering. I’ve had it for almost two years and to me the secret weapon in this thing is the transformer, it makes individual sounds in a mix so damn sturdy and gives a different high frequency boost than the EQ offers. I often roll of 20k a bit and then get it back with the transformer and the transient information gets soooo detailed. Also the Vintage Drive section is just ear sex. Almost always makes things sound classier.

[@theredfaceofficial]

Yes I completely agree on fusion being an amazing unit. The features are all useful and love the subtle transformer enhancement. As much as I like the Vintage drive on stems, it’s too noisy for Mastering work. SSL could have made this same circuit without the noise, don’t know what they were thinking. Vintage sound doesn’t have to be that noisy.

[@fullalbums5675]

@@theredfaceofficial there's a workaround in a manual, if you want less noise you should lower the input gain, then you can crank the drive more (more drive = less noise for some strange reason) and compensate with the output knob

[@ThatBoyPoppa.]

what makes it more useful for rmixing then mastering?

[@SylvanPaul]

@@ThatBoyPoppa. it’s just not particularly flexible as a mastering box. I’d say the two main things useful for mastering are the high shelf Eq and the HF Comp section. The EQ is really grabby and can make dull things pop in a big way. The Low Shelf though just isn’t very tight sounding, which is disappointing given that SSL EQs are generally know for sounding really concentrated down there. And even though the Vintage Section has trace amounts of noise, the noise is honestly very low level and I’ve mastered a number of things that have millions of streams which I’ve used the circuit on, so it’s definitely not a deal breaker. But on quieter, spacier material the noise could definitely be untenable. So yeah it’s great for mixing, great as a mix finisher as a 2Buss processor, but wouldn’t be my go-to if I was only looking to use it for mastering. Hope that helps!

[@ThatBoyPoppa.]

@@SylvanPaul preciate the breakdown I want to get both but I need the one that's gonna give me better masters first so this really help in my decision on which to go with

[@PepeRubio77]

Thank you somm uch for the review Dom. I am looking to get some processor extra at this time. My Studio gear is good. I have an Heritage Successor compressor, a Manley Massive Passive Eq, A couple of magnetec Pultec clones. I am quite happy with the gear I have but I was looking to find some more for the ending. I was looking to a Crane Song HEDD Quantum which is a converter with some nice triode, pentode and tape or even a Manley Vari Mu but for this last and I am not convinced about it. I am not sure about any of the ones you have reviewed. Probably the Portico can fit more in my expectations. What do you think?

[@louiseisobelevans]

Gosh I truly love the synthwave track. Who is the vocalist and who is the producer please ?