is SSL Fusion WORTH IT in 2024??

[@ColtCapperrune]

Drop me a comment if you would like to see a shootout between this and any other units!

[@DavidGilden]

Yeah for sure, let’s do it!

[@theappearedone]

Against the new RND thing would be great

[@beat23studio]

SSL Fusion v RND Master bus processor. I own both but would love to hear your opinion.

[@jamespark1855]

This and the neve mbt

[@jonathanmoellman]

Hell yeah, let's have it!

[@Lillandon1234]

Did you not find out about the secret extra color? Push and hold the HF comp IN button for 5 secs, and it becomes a SSL LMC circuit, really really cool!

[@ColtCapperrune]

What??!! How did I not know about that?? Thanks I’ll check it out!

[@Lillandon1234]

@@ColtCapperrune yeah bro it becomes a threshold knob and then a mix blend knob. Super cool on drums etc!

[@beat23studio]

Yes. The Fusion LMC circuit comp is an extra cool feature. Another feature is that you can even play some sort of simon memory game with it too. This latter one won’t due anything to the mix lol. @ColtCaperrune.

[@berntfuruberg9423]

What!!? How did I not ... I mean.. okey need to test that out right away in my studio. Wow thanks for sharing that secret little tip!

[@Lillandon1234]

@@berntfuruberg9423 yeah dud it rocks!

[@bigmike2149]

Great review Colt! I ended up selling my Fusion and bought a pair of RND 542s, SPL BIG along with the SSL Bus+ and absolutely love this on my mix bus. Keep those videos coming! 👍🏻🔥🔥

[@anthonygettig3058]

Colt. Dude. For real. This is one of the BEST reviews you’ve ever done. Hearing the differences was nucking futs. Really man. Well done. This is now HIGH on my my wishlist at Sweetwater.

[@ooyy]

Yooo!! Love your vids Colt, so cool to see you're using my music in the intro!!! ✨🙏🏼 Keep up the great work!

[@ColtCapperrune]

Hey!!! I’m using your music ALL the time!! Keep making the great music!

[@MikeVlcek]

I have a Fusion that I use every day. It was my first serious piece of outboard gear, and I love it. Now I've also have an EL7 Fatso that I insert on the Fusion (mostly Pre-EQ). The thing about the Fatso is the Warmth control, that allows me to control high freq transients even better than the HF Comp on the Fusion. The best way I've found to use the Fusion is swapping the comp mode to LMC and adjusting the threshold whilst on 50-50 blend with the original signal. If I see need for the HF compressor, I simply insert the plugin version, which is great and, to me, indistinguishable from the hardware module. If you haven't tried the LMC comp mode on the Fusion yet, try it. Blending it with the dry signal makes wonders to mixes. My 2c. Cheers.

[@michaeltablet8577]

Thank you for all your videos!

[@ColtCapperrune]

Thank YOU for watching!

[@thewhitedude11]

This single unit helped me learn so much as well as made my mixes better. It caused me to think differently about music. I love this thing!

[@puppet-m]

had it in my studio, we called it the confusion could'nt figure out if it was making the mix sound worse are not! to I finally figured it out it was the gain staging on it sux!! thin sounding to.

[@milo-ki-music]

Great video Colt! I would love to se a shootout between the Fusion and the Rupert Neve MBT. I'm currently saving for the MBT and have read multiple reviews of producers that prefer it against the Fusion. I know they definitely sound different, but in my case I can only afford one essential piece of hardware for my mix bus, so I would really appreciate some advice on this matter. Thank you so much for always making great and inspiring content!

[@ColtCapperrune]

I may have to do that shoot out. The saturation on the SSL is tighter, and faster. The MBT is thicker and gooier. The EQ on the MBT, working with the high Pass filter is substantially more powerful and thicker than the fusion and the way the MBT Handles its silk controls, it’s far more versatile saturation. That said, it is double the price, and doesn’t win on everything. Hope that helps!

[@josephmcgregor6959]

I'm no Colt--just a dummy on the internet, but right now I'm using the Fusion mostly for the SPACE and MBT for the Supersilk. Super expensive way to be inefficient, but no one accused me of being smart.

[@ColtCapperrune]

I’m also just a dummy on the Internet that makes videos lol. The space control is definitely a different thing than the crossover of the other units!

[@CreativeMindsAudio]

The more I hear about this the more I want it, but the RND MBT is top of my list for out of the box polish and mastering.

[@milo-ki-music]

Thanks Colt and Joseph for replying. Your opinions are greatly appreciated! I will definitely listen to the shootout in case you decide to do it. Have a great week!

[@GrumpyGr3g]

Got one for quite few years now, still love it. Never use the drive, do not like it much, but all other elements are, to me, very cool. It's a very good all in one box as a first ever intro into hardware world. The Mid/Side matrix inside it definitely top aswell. I'm planing to get a pair of saturators in 500 serie and use them as M/S saturation on the insert slot. The LMC feature is also a great color tool. To me this definitely a great "mix finisher". Sure we can find better with more budget, but the matrix itself and the little moves we can go on are very fine for the price even tho I still think this could cost slightly less.

[@MariooDisco]

The vintage drive sounds amazing but for some material it is unusable do to its terrible noise level

[@GrumpyGr3g]

@@MariooDisco that's why i never use, too noisy for mixbus processing (my main use of the Fusion). But I can imagine with RX after processing a vocal or guitar this can be a great one

[@wynton765]

1:45 Im always headbanging to this everytime i hear it!!!

[@goodshade]

Hey Colt after watching this and the MBT video, if you were to choose one for the Mix/Master bus, which would you prefer? Ive (eventually whenever its ready) got a Stamchild and Stereo Pultec on the way and wanted to know which would work best with those. Thanks!

[@groovedealerfeaturing-ashl6476]

Had mine for years now, still love it! It doesn't just live on the main bus, i use it for tracking through, the drive is great for adding character, the tranny either makes things sound better or worse, HF comp as well as drive can tame upper mids and highs... it's a handy bit of kit and really useful!! I like your use of 'grainy' too, i used ti at The Neve factory last year when chatting with their Marketing Manager and couldn't think of a better word at the time, but it IS the right word, totally agree there. The LMC1 is a nice bonus too. 😁The Mid/Side functionality of the insert point is pretty nifty too to add an EQ to EQ in M/S.

[@AlexShourds]

Ive been using the SSL fusion plugins on my mix bus for a few months now and love the sounds i get from them. Would be curious to hear a shootout between the hardware and the plugins!

[@ColtCapperrune]

In my experience, the good plug-ins are about 90-95% of what the hardware is. that last five or 10% is usually where the magic is. Of course, there are many plug-ins that are not so well done lol.

[@cytocache1238]

MixbusTV covered that already

[@AlexShourds]

@@cytocache1238 thanks for the tip! I'll check it out

[@IrieTyRay]

great video, awesome rundown of the Fusion, as an owner myself you demonstrated its sound perfectly. I am a bit of a saturation nut too - currently own the LTL silver bullet, the fusion, DIYRE colour Duo with a bunch of colours (amazing unit) as my kindof "pure" saturation boxes. I think you are right in saying that you cant really knock the Fusion in the way that it just gives you that SSL sound. IF that is what you want, the Fusion might be the easiest way to get there, and its impossible to argue the product that it gives you. I describe it as a cheat code for the 2bus. If i don't use every module of the fusion for a particular song, I am at least using one or two. That being said, sometimes i don't use the vintage drive or eq and prefer others. For processing individual/mono tracks, I almost always use the colour Duo or the silver bullet for saturation, as the vintage drive can be a bit noisy, i also have other compressors better suited for that, and Eqs as well. The stereo section I always use on the 2bus in one way or another. But i don't think il ever sell the fusion - as you said, that SSL sound simply suits certain songs so well - especially more modern sounding music. The Fusion just gets you there when you want it.

[@IrieTyRay]

also, if you do a shootout - definitely include the silver bullet mk 2!!!!! that one needs to be in there

[@ColtCapperrune]

Excellent synopsis! I’d love to check out the silver bullet.

[@IrieTyRay]

for 2bus, the silver bullet into the fusion with the vintage drive disengaged is a super tasty polishing chain - with a bus compressor on the insert of the Fusion 😍@@ColtCapperrune

[@jasoncrossmusic]

I’ve had mine now for about 3 years and it sits on my mixbus for nearly everything. It is in the more “subtle” range unless really pushed and your description of the saturation is the best I’ve heard and concur completely. As with nearly all analog gear, gain staging is crucial but having the separate input/output trims makes it easy. My next stop is something that gets the “creamy” side a bit more, but I don’t think I’m parting with mine any time soon.

[@braxal6983]

Please do a shoot out. I am curious what is going to be your master bus chain in your remodeled studio? Can you please tell us?

[@ProducerStefanSchnabel]

awesome video about the ssl fusion! Thank you very much.

[@ColtCapperrune]

Thanks for watching!

[@thunderhorseofficial]

I keep my Fusion on the drum buss with a STAM SA4000MKIII in the insert now. I have the Neve MBT on my 2Buss. The Fusion was too good to just retire or sell, so I found another application for me to use it on. Works great and fits my needs.

[@clouddddddddddddddd]

How do the plugins compare to the box? Close to as good? I’m considering this and or a bigsix. I pay 2 coffees a month for all the plugins. If they are marginally different, or identical to 99% of ears, how can I justify spending a few thousand bucks? Not to mention the convenience/portability of the software…

[@delmixedit]

My issue with buying something like this now is I like having the ability to work away from my room. Tracking through hardware is great, but “needing” it to mix not so much. Theres also recalls if you change setting per mix. Just my personal take. Keep it up 👊🏾

[@josephmcgregor6959]

I've had one for a few years now. I have slowly replaced the functionality of the individual features with other units (I never use the DRIVE anymore; I have an HG-2, a Michelangelo, and a Looptrotter), replaced the EQ, and now the HF compressor. BUT, I can't convince myself to pull this out of the rack. I still use the stereo image, particularly the SPACE function, which I haven't found a suitable replacement for yet (I have a BiG and an MBT). I also insert a G Bus into this and that seems to complete this unit. One day I may part ways with it, but it won't be today, nor tomorrow. Most likely I'll pull this and install into a 2nd station. Colt, when are we going to talk photography?

[@ColtCapperrune]

The HG - 2 is high on my list!! Inserting the G Bus on this does sound like a cool move. As far as photography, I’ll talk that all day any day lol. It’s my second passion. I have an entire photog Instagram, ColtCapperrunephotos. Check it out if you like!

[@timball8429]

I combine my Fusion with a Tegeler Creme on the insert and set it to M/S. IMO it’s a great combo and very versatile for the masterbus.

[@CreativeMindsAudio]

I really enjoyed the space it gave and the subtle crunch. But it’s way more subtle than the mbt.

[@ColinMatchack]

Thank you actually TURNING the knobs on this review!!!! Most people barely tap on it… Let’s gooooo!!!!!

[@tubecrap1]

Nice work. The insert also alows to send the signal as m/s out to process even more aspects of the signal you run through outside and get it back in.

[@Reggi_Sample]

Man I've wanted one for a long time. Isn't in the budget so I've made do with an analog heat I know completely different level and slightly different purpose, but I make it work. I'm glad you finally got one bro, let's put it to work!

[@cristianomoro_music]

Great video! Would you buy a Fusion or a bus compressor first for your mixbus?

[@jameslewis1846]

Hey any plans to do a video with the fusion and the bus+ together been thinking about having those 2 for mix down/mastering

[@Simbabhebhe]

What it does at the stereo image stage is phenomenal

[@angermanagementstudios]

I’m in the box these days but I do thoroughly love the plugins.

[@wysperss1173]

I really like how it sounds

[@tikolasola]

If you dig saturation, you gotta check out the Silver Bullet. The first dedicated box to do it and some say to this day, the king. Would love to see your reaction!

[@Reggi_Sample]

Messed around with this through analog access, really like the sound of it, can drive and keep the low end nice and tight (if you wanted). Multiple flavours

[@tikolasola]

@@Reggi_Sample I use it on my mixbus. Everything I do goes through Api --> Neve --> SSL or Neve --> Api --> SSL. Sounds amazing if you run all stems through the Neve flavor before running the mix through, or Api if you want a bit more aggressive sound.

[@dougleydorite]

First dedicated box to do it? What!?

[@tikolasola]

@@dougleydorite transformer saturation & eq :)

[@zmiller93]

I use a Warm Audio Bus Comp in the insert of mine pre-eq. It's become my entire mastering chain.

[@ColtCapperrune]

Good move!

[@014Marines]

I noticed someone mention the LMC but also if you hold the insert it’ll turn into mid/side mode. Meaning whatever other stereo unit you have chained to the fusion can be toggled between stereo to M/S. I’m sure you probably know this but seeing as the input knob is on “0”, you’ll get even more color out of the transformer button if you drive the input trim.

[@ArchipelagoEnt]

Great video. I love my fusion. The space and width parameters are fantastic, especially on ambient music when I'd like to create more space w/ low-mids.

[@GeorgeAmodei21]

Happy ThanksGiving ! I need Saturation on 99.9% of my Mixes/Songs. I do use different types on Sub Mixes or on VOX Trks & 2 BUS.

[@jerrodflusche25]

Thank you for such an in depth review! Nice jam! Curious to hear it with the neve mbp!

[@this_is_jmdub]

Did you notice the L/R Balance offset the „Vintage Drive“ produces?

[@binladen5299]

perfect timing for this i just got one 2 weeks ago . got rme 802 because before i had the rme adi 2 pro which dint have enough io. so i had to sit with it for a week before i could use it . i think its a good tool its hard to make a mix sound bad with it

[@charliekey2979]

I really enjoy what the SSL Fusion does in conjunction with my SSL Bus+. It adds color and warmth to my buss track.

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

Yes would love to see a shootout as I've been currently looking into getting a Fusion but also contemplating if it's worth it as I already have a Looptrotter Sa2rate2, EQP's and G Comp on my mix bus

[@chugbawamba]

Regarding drums and phase, what is your opinion of auto-align from soundradix ?

[@tomnuyts1446]

great review, I have a Studer 928 I use for mastering and wondering if i should add this box to the master. The Studer does great work too but does not have the saturation. I'm just a beginner

[@TommyNation]

How does the fusion Look inside ? I don't find any pics

[@draztiqmeshaz6226]

All the demos I've seen gave the impression of a tool too subtle to really grab my interest. Maybe we're losing too much information in YT conversion, but to me it didn't seem to do much. Lemme finish watching yours though...

[@chrisdover8507]

I fully get your ‘grain’ analogy. I hear in textures. Imo they should have left out the space/density controls. It just over complicates the unit. I’m really hoping we see a 500 series vintage drive and width modules. Would sell like hot cakes. Great review Colt.

[@chriscapaudio]

Would be interested in hearing SLL Fusion vs Dangerous Music's 2-Bus +/Master units, etc.

[@LeoSundayMusic]

Hi Colt - thanks for sharing - I use it on every mixBus - Try putting a couple of Pultec Style EQs on the insert and use as mid/side …. It’s my secret sauce!

[@davekerzner]

Great video! Thank you! Have you compared the HF compressor with other units like the Maselec which is often used for mastering? Curious.

[@itstyx2]

If you had to choose price excluded.. fusion or mbt?

[@ChristianLarese]

I've been thinking about getting the SSL Fusion since its release. Purchased other stuff then, which was more versatile (Stereo EQs and compressors etc). Now the price dropped a little bit since its release and I'm thinking about getting one again. The vintage drive, and especially the HF compressor and the stereo image widener are the things I am looking for. Wouldn't need the 2 band EQ thugh, I am very happy with my SymphEQ from Heritage. I'm thinking, should I continue using the Waves C6 for HF compression and the Blackbox HG2 Plugin for drive, and may getting an SPL Big? Or even get the analog version of the Blackbox? Tough decisionas again. Especially at that time of the year, when I have to think about business expences for this fiscal year.

[@AdamGeesaman]

A bit off topic... What is the 6 space 500 series rack that is showed with the Capirrune Pre's in it? Where do I get one!?

[@ColtCapperrune]

It is the new CAPI snack pack! Not sure if it’s been released yet, or if it’s coming soon. But it is a very cool little six space!

[@AdamGeesaman]

Looks like the perfect size for my needs, and it's super clean looking. I'm excited for the release!

[@NRVE8]

you know if you hold down the HF compressor button it becomes a LM comp... not everyone knows this and its not brought up in most tutorials

[@ProducerStefanSchnabel]

please do a "ssl fusion" vs. "alternative".

[@kenny6105]

closest things IMO are things like the Neve MBP+ as well as the LTL Silver Bullet/ SB2. but they all do the job in slightly different ways

[@FirstMonkeyapa]

There's also this amazing plugin called Celestial by Acustica Audio. It's an emulation of the Fusion, and I find myself using it all the time. Definitely worth checking out!

[@MoreMeRecording]

My goodness. The difference was huge. The low end, sep, punch!

[@dennismilton5210]

good vid thanx... do you ever process individual sounds with this box during the mixing process...

[@marcelvogel805]

just subscribed. thanks for the video

[@beat23studio]

Great video. I would love to hear your opinion on the Tagler myth eq, Please

[@eyesintheskies]

It’s that m/s option on the insert that’s got me intrigued, got a lot of stuff that would slot in their nicely 🤔

[@RainAstonIV]

Awesome video. I've come to the conclusion that its not an either or thing but both if you can afford it. Each unit has its own character and pros... its all about what do you want your final product to sound like. Nothing is a magic bullet... MBP/MBT sounds good on certain music.. as do the fusion. I'm fortunate enough to not have to choose as i have it all and use it all as needed.

[@2011Rollsroyce]

Love SSL EQUIPMENT, I have the plugin version and use it all the time.

[@fescolfaro]

I've been looking at one since a while too, however (and I got two RMEs of the new generation, plus an 8-pre ES for Loopbacks) I'm not sure I'd get as good a result than I'm getting with top plugins out of a sum or master loopback without upgrading my DA/AD conversion. That increases the cost significantly, and it gets confusing to the point where a RND Mbp (my other eye is set on that one) would be in range.

[@TheOneMonk]

Hmm…what is not to like with RME DA/AD ? Which interfaces do you have?

[@theodoredanso]

@colt what is your go to saturation

[@ColtCapperrune]

Currently, the only thing that is on every single mix is my signature preamp on the mix bus. And then I’m adding additional saturation with this, or the MBT, or plug-ins, depending on the song

[@GeorgeKTM4String]

The only thing that I dislike about this box (as an owner of one) is the heat this thing puts out. You cannot rack this near ANYTHING as this bad boy is a little toaster oven. I've never seen anyone talk about outboard heat/rack management in a video before. Ideas maybe?

[@ColtCapperrune]

It really does get hot!

[@RaveSongRecords]

Shootout for sure!! Thx! 🙏

[@randysouth5162]

Who is the artist? Sounds good

[@jfloyd2919]

The fusion is killer ! I purchased mine last year and absolutely love it Colt! That extra extra headroom ✊️

[@donnas8408]

It’s only killer cause you wasted your money on it

[@r.o1neofficial]

I don't know about you but i do prefer the SSL Bus + i would go for it. Personal opinion... Great video colt🎉

[@chrismitchell523]

M/S option on the Insert is most excellent as well.

[@L.Scott_Music]

Would you use the SPL Big with the SSL Fusion and would you use it in front or after?

[@1loveMusic2003]

What do you think about the Neve MBT?

[@ColtCapperrune]

I’ve done a whole video on it! Absolutely love it!

[@SteelStringThing]

Hi Colt, just was curious why you said 2024...I know its not far away but I was curious??

[@Suburbstudio]

I think its still a super great bang for the buck…you habe the secret lmc and can also usw the m/s insert without running through the whole unit…sure there is gear that does this as well, but not for that price and in one unit. I will probably never sell cause of the mentioned features…❤

[@daddingitdaily]

Compare the hardware to the plugin version

[@wyrlismike]

Ive got a fusion and an mbt, mbp a black box, you name it. I like the fusion for vintage sounding mixes, if you want a modern sound id recommend the mbt, that thing destroys the fusion if you want sheen and "impressive" sounding mixes. When mbt came out i was wondering what ssl would do about it 😂 i wouldnt think colt would naturally want a fusion if he has an mbt

[@PeaKock-be]

Another secret function the fusion has is a "simon says" game... if you turn it on, and then push and hold all the IN knobs for 5 seconds, the game will start...

[@AlfonsoMuchacho]

I'm trying really hard to forget that this unit exists, don't want to have to live off beans in 2024

[@wallykuhlenberg]

But how does it compare to the MBT?

[@ColtCapperrune]

The saturation on the SSL is tighter, and faster. The MBT is thicker and gooier. The EQ on the MBT, working with the high Pass filter is substantially more powerful and thicker than the fusion and the way the MBT Handles its silk controls, it’s far more versatile saturation. For the music I work on I think the MBT wins about two out of three times. But occasionally it feels a bit too much and I reach for the SSL if I want something tighter. That said, it is double the price, and doesn’t win on everything. Hope that helps!

[@wallykuhlenberg]

@ColtCapperrune it does. I'm more impressed with your timing of reply lol. Very impressive engagement. I just got the 5057 last week and am looking for the next piece and here comes the Fusion popping back up when I just knew I would get the MBT next smh

[@b.hornetiii.6771]

@@ColtCapperrune Which one is better for fast paced EDM music, would it be SSL? Is transformer on SSL on a colder side comparing to Neve MBT or is it enough to add a little extra mojo on to mix?:) Neve is great but I'm afraid that maybe is too "sticky" and "closed" for EDM. I heard on one of your video that MBT is fantastic on rock music etc. guitars are something else going trought it, but again, maybe MBT is too much spice for EDM or not?

[@marius8001]

I love my fusion and when I use with my bus+ is the perfect combo!

[@future_Victoryofficial]

Please SSL Fusion and Solid State Logic SSL UV EQ Module 500 is a great combination for Mastering? 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 tkx

[@xaosm_os]

this thing is being bashed sometimes at 900e in DE.. might pull the trigger :)

[@realiam1am]

Sold mine a week ago on reverb after having it for a year

[@nostralgia3203]

great vid Colt, but i've been seeing too much "ssl fusion" content lately. It seems like a good unit, but I'm honestly scared that SSL is doing some magic behind the scenes to push the old fusion units as much as they can, and then drop a new "ssl fusion" after they've emptied as much of their inventory as possible. stay skeptic guys :)

[@ColtCapperrune]

Definitely no magic behind-the-scenes push here. I’ve been trying to get them to send me one for years, and they never would. Finally got this all on my own.

[@adee2569]

Same....A few companies have definitely "recommended" the Fusion to me.

[@aleksamrkela831]

Heck yeah, it's worth it! I prefer the combination of this unit and a dedicated bus compressor over something like the MBT, because I feel like it'd be more versatile that way.

[@Kellow7]

the mbt is better, the problem is the price

[@vigneshkarthikeyan8174]

@@Kellow7better is definitely not true as a blanket statement. I think both of them work well together

[@cubaseman1487]

i love SSL FUSION :)

[@ranchoestudio2081]

Hello dear, greetings from Argentina, I would like to ask you to compare this unit with the other similar options on the market😀

[@bigmike2149]

Hell yea! I bought this back a couple of years back. Absolutely love it. You know it’s worth it if a company makes a plug-in version of hardware. 👍🏻

[@donnas8408]

No, that means they’re not selling as many fusion so they’re trying to sell the plug-ins not to mention they’re beyond shameful dividing up to SSL fusion into several many different different plug-ins to suck more money out of you

[@HushWave]

Idk Colt, you don’t look too convinced 😅 I own one of these, it was my first outboard gear.

[@ColtCapperrune]

There has been songs where it felt like the best option in my room. But it definitely doesn’t win on everything.

[@dougleydorite]

I got mine used. Lots on the market

[@justscooters9821]

I'll just stick with my UC1 and put a fusion sticker on top😂

[@eyesintheskies]

Also been eyeing this one for awhile, just still paying off my desk. Hoping a guitar pedal will keep the G.A.S at bay 😂

[@BeauJeffers]

Seems that would be super useful on sub mixes, I would think that would be dope on a drum bus or a backing vocal bus. Am I thinking of this incorrectly?

[@ColtCapperrune]

That’s likely where I will use it the most

[@whomixdthatfire5828]

Yes use the blackbox !!!

[@teashea1]

It is worth it to me. I like it very much.

[@vroteg]

Omg. I knew I an travel in time. I’m in 2024!!! Only this morning it was 2023. Wow…

[@serioushobbies9682]

very good content

[@DnBLand81]

try to pair it with ssl bu+ compressor......is unreal

[@jerrylmusic]

The SSL Fusion and the SSL Bus+ love each others … both units are a long live Investment !

[@donnas8408]

Wrong