SSL Fusion Shootout (Hardware vs Plugins)

🔥 In this video, we compare four color circuits from the SSL Fusion hardware to SSL’s new lineup of Fusion plugins including the Vintage Drive, Violet EQ, HF Compressor and Stereo Image plugins.
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Timecodes
0:16 - Pricing
1:16 - Test Details
2:55 - Audio Demo
3:05 - SSL Fusion - Vintage Drive
3:20 - SSL Fusion - Violet EQ
3:36 - SSL Fusion - HF Compressor
3:51 - SSL Fusion - Stereo Image
4:07 - SSL Fusion - Vintage Drive + Violet EQ
4:22 - SSL Fusion - Vintage Drive + Violet EQ + HF Compressor
4:38 - SSL Fusion - All Color Circuits
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[@ad00m5]

PERFECT COMPARISON VIDEO! 10/10 thank you Les! The plugins give almost identical tone- but the hardware is much more full and FOCUSED.- overall when you switched to the plugin the whole thing sounds a little lifeless and grainy. I would say most people can't tell the difference and the plugins sound great but its more of a subconscious feel thing. One of those things I would say only matters when you've got the room and recording setup you want THEN you can strive for that extra .5% So if your on the go or not in a position where you have the setup you want the plugin is a no brainer Great plugins- even better hardware- IMO

[@LesVegasMusic]

@Adam Anderson. Thank you so much! I really appreciate that. And I agree with your conclusion 100%. I couldn't believe how closely they matched but yes, like with all hardware, there's always that touch of of analog magic that it imparts. I find this is especially true for tube gear. It's just an ever-so-slight difference with solid state equipment. The plugins are fantastic and with the Fusion plugins on sale for $34.99 each all this week, they're a no brainer! I hope to see you here again for my next hardware vs plugins shootout.

[@uprightme]

Your point of view is correct. I also watched this video in the studio and felt the same way as you.

[@ytb917]

the most scientific comparison possible. he deserves a free fusion for this kind of effort.

[@LesVegasMusic]

Thank you! 🙌🏼

[@floor_baba]

came for the gear talk, stayed for this absolutely massive dance tune. awesome work

[@LesVegasMusic]

@floor_baba Thanks so much! I really appreciate that. 🙌🏼

[@tonybrooks9000]

Wow that hardware all circuit comparison in the end is crazy , sadly it’s almost clear as day who takes the cake , beautiful

[@LesVegasMusic]

@tonybrooks Thanks for watching and for your comment! I totally agree! That all color circuits in comparison is what made me feel l should make this video to show everyone what it can do! I really love the Fusion. I think it's a great deal for all that it can do. Thanks again! ✌🏼

[@Seanrayamusic]

I wish all comparison videos were like this. Exactly what I was looking for. ty!

[@LesVegasMusic]

I appreciate that Sean! Thank you!

[@nathanieljohnsonjr775]

I didn't need to be sold on the hardware again, but, here we are. Thanks

[@LesVegasMusic]

Haha. I know it. Right? 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@donnas8408]

Had fusion was cool but not cool enough sold it for RN MBP smokes this

[@vigilantestylez]

Hardware by a hair. The plugins sound 95% identical. I saw another comment about a guy who used Harrison Mixbus 32C as a comparison, and Harrison's sound comes from using the channel strips too. Engaging the EQ and compressors etc. It's not really a summing mixer because there is no crosstalk or noise in Harrison Mixbus 32C. There are channel strips with very subtle saturation, then tape drive on the busses. So the key to getting the "Harrison 32C sound" in Mixbus is to mix in it with the channel strips, not just doing a passthrough. The depth in Harrison Mixbus comes from their gain staging. It's not a summing box. About the SSL Fusion plugins, they sound close enough to me, but the hardware is nicer, but maybe not $1100 nicer. But then again if you're paying that much for the plugins, might as well get the hardware, so you don't have to worry in the future about an update making the plugins incompatible with the newer OS's.

[@scrambledeggs88]

Hardware is thicker sounding with more pleasing transients

[@LesVegasMusic]

@scrambledeggs88 Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!

[@kanedmx]

Money is also thicker 😂

[@matdante]

The mids and high end sounds much open in HW

[@LesVegasMusic]

Hey Mat! Thanks for you watching and for your comment. Agreed. There's just something about the soundstage on the hardware that makes the high end dance!

[@jerrylmusic]

Thank you for your nice comparison … short, focused and very valuable. I have both the hardware and the VST‘s so I can say It reassures me that even the manufacturer can't outperform the hardware in its own products. As the name in a pun already says it from the wording. Units have a heart which lives and have its own character.

[@LesVegasMusic]

Hi @jerrylmusic! You're welcome! Thank you for watching and for your comment. Yes, they're quite close in many ways. Will you sell your hardware?

[@jerrylmusic]

Hi Dear, I already have the hardware , it was the first Hardware I have bought for my hybrid studio , than I became addicted to this kind mojo 😂😂 are you on insta?

[@LesVegasMusic]

​@@jerrylmusic Same here. I was just wondering if you plan on keeping the hardware now that you've had the chance to compare and seem to like the plugins equally as much as the hardware. Yeah man, let's follow each other on insta! instagram.com/lesvegasmusic/

[@otorres2393]

I recently went through this same test in my studio, and IMO the plugins were indistinguishable from the hardware. Even when using the entire chain in the same order as the hardware. What I found is you have to be VERY careful on level matching from one plugin to the other. Something I didn't see mentioned in this video is what was the pan law setting of the DAW when testing ITB. My DAW (Nuendo) is set to -6db, and again, all the width and depth was there with the plugins, just like the hardware. Pan law differences from the hardware vs what your DAW is set to can have a huge impact in testing like this. Thus giving listeners the impression that the hardware is "wider" and has more "depth".

[@superstringsbro]

Can you make a video on this? People would love to see what you’re talking about visually.

[@jaketanner109]

Absolutely what I heard. The hearse are was much wider and sounded far smoother. The plug-ins made it sound too center focused and narrow. SSL is -4.5 right?

[@shangomensy7403]

beautiful video, we just feel a slight difference between the two, we feel a better presence on the hardware than on the plugin but really light, for the price really the plugin is stunning, except my ear I don't really see why investing on the hardware with such a slight difference.

[@LesVegasMusic]

Thanks so much Shango! I love how you point out what we feel opposed to what we hear. The feeling is there isn't it?

[@MrPeter924]

Great video great music so sound great audio. Great show.

[@LesVegasMusic]

Thanks so much Peter! 🙌🏼

[@nunopinheiro75]

Hardware for me, but the plugin does a good job

[@mottamix]

Plugin is good, but the hardware is superior, with more definition, more beautiful treble and better texture!

[@LesVegasMusic]

Agreed. Thank you for watching and for your comment!

[@kevwoodzbeats]

The high fewquencies are the biggest difference for me

[@aaronayalavasquez6669]

Excellent video, thanks for sharing this information!

[@LesVegasMusic]

Thank you for watching and for your comment! I appreciate it. See you out there!

[@LesVegasMusic]

Timecodes 0:16 - Pricing 1:16 - Test Details 2:55 - Audio Demo 3:05 - SSL Fusion - Vintage Drive 3:20 - SSL Fusion - Violet EQ 3:36 - SSL Fusion - HF Compressor 3:51 - SSL Fusion - Stereo Image 4:07 - SSL Fusion - Vintage Drive + Violet EQ 4:22 - SSL Fusion - Vintage Drive + Violet EQ + HF Compressor 4:38 - SSL Fusion - All Color Circuits

[@riktascale4]

Great comparison. For me the hardware has the edge re: depth, clarity, width and power. The closest the plugin came was the "all color circuits in" comparison.

[@LesVegasMusic]

@migibeats Thank you! Yep. I think you're right. Do you have the Fusion hardware or plugins? Thinking about getting it?

[@TaiChiRehab]

@@LesVegasMusic Hi - debating which to get - was why I stumbled on your channel. Im in the trap of feeling the analogue and not wanting to spend any much so looking at plugins. But then the plug-ins seem to hold up well and provide good flexibility however.........is it worth it? Like you channel by the way

[@LesVegasMusic]

@@TaiChiRehab Thank you! I know it. I get it! That's why I had to try this for myself and make this video. Well, all the SSL Fusion plugins were just on sale for $35 each. Even at that price for all 5 plugins it would cost $175 to get all the modules the hardware offers - which is a steal when comparing it to the price of the hardware. But right now, the plugins are back to their normal price of $199 each. That's $995 for all! The Fusion hardware is currently on sale for $2,199 - $500 off the usual price of $2,699. So for a $1,200 difference, personally, I would save up a bit more and get the hardware. However, getting the plugins on sale compared to the hardware's normal price - that's over a $2,500 difference! I'd definitely get the plugins for that cost difference. I think the plugins sound remarkably close and as always in my hardware vs plugins videos, I find the hardware to have a slight edge over the plugins. This is the case for the Fusion. It's just a slight difference that won't make or break a hit song, but the hardware will give you that 1% extra. Maybe you can get that 1% extra analog warmth and/or depth from something else you already have? Maybe run the mix through two good stereo preamps or a compressor with tubes or transformers? I bet doing something like that on your mix bus after the Fusion plugins would give you the same or better result as using the hardware.

[@godsprayertemplegiddalurra7048]

Hardware sounds a bit thick for me

[@MarchaanDotson]

Great video! Great music, “Work It Out”. Informative. Thanks.

[@johnjhonny646]

This is a good comparison video. In my opinion, HF comp and stereo imager parts sound completely different from hardware. Please also compare the transformer part.

[@LesVegasMusic]

Thanks John! Agreed. Yeah, I wish I could have compared the transformer but it was working terribly on this tune! I'll have to make another video using a different tune that it works well on. In any case, I found the transformer on both the hardware and the plugin super subtle when compared to the Vintage Drive color circuit.

[@backstairsmusic]

The output of the hardware is superior. The sound of the plugins clearly improves over the raw material but it's not any near to the hardware quality.

[@LesVegasMusic]

Hi Backstairs! Thank you for watching and for your comment. Yeah, I love the idea of using the plugins when away from the studio and then replacing the processing with the hardware for the final mix.

[@commonsense5188]

@@LesVegasMusic I'd put money on it that cat couldn't pick what is what in a true blind test.

[@LesVegasMusic]

​@@commonsense5188 Yes. Especially when in the mix, I think it would be hard to tell in a blind test. If you watch a video like this first and you're able to hear/experience the difference one may be able to choose which is the hardware again. The hardware makes the most difference when all circuits are engaged.

[@FrontEndAudio]

Great video Les!

[@LesVegasMusic]

Thanks so much! 🙌🏼

[@Ojini]

Subscription earned! This is how comparison videos should be. Depth & stereo image hands down better on the hardware IMO. Plus, Dan Worrall made a fanstastic video proving that the plugin version of the Violet EQ is basically fluff lol

[@LesVegasMusic]

Thank so much Alpha! 🙌🏼 I really appreciate that. Yeah, I saw that Dan Worrall video. He's the man! 🙂

[@abzee733]

I would love to see a comparison of the Fusion Stereo Widener to the SPL Big. I often heard that the SPL can damage the mix pretty easily when pushed too hard (and pushing it hard happens very fast!). I own a Fusion myself and never had problems with the Stereo Widener. BTW: Great content as allways!

[@LesVegasMusic]

@abzee733 Thanks for watching and for your request. I'll see if I can get my hands on the SPL Big. But yes, I think all stereo wideners are known to hurt a mix when used inappropriately and without intent. Anything SPL makes is excellent, I'd be interested to hear it myself. If you haven't already, you may want to check out my video on the Rupert Neve Designs Master Buss Processor and have a listen to the widener on that. I thought it was quite nice. Thanks again! Rupert Neve Designs Portico II Master Buss Processor (Demo and Overview) kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4qbhqFmgaZqhtE

[@danielkisel5661]

The difference in the cumulative effect is clear and very audible and I think the biggest difference is in the HF compression section, but yeah the 3D sound space of hardware is in different league to software. But tbh I wouldn't buy those plugins for over a thousand bucks... But they also have discounts, rarely but do and that's when you can get each plugin for around 29€ which would be much more reasonable price...

[@LesVegasMusic]

Hey Daniel! Totally agree on all points. The soundstage is definitely different when using the hardware which seems to be the reoccurring theme in all my hardware vs plugins shootout videos. I think we're starting to find out where the plugin manufactures need to focus more attention. Totally agree on the pricing and strategy for purchasing the SSL plugins as well. I think they're excellent plugins and they will get you close to the sound of the hardware but best to use the subscription for a month when you need it or wait until they go on sale. However, where these Fusion plugins are so new I think we're going to be waiting a long time to see them for $49 or less. At least a year... Thanks for watching and for your comment! I always appreciate it and enjoy hearing from you.

[@danielkisel5661]

I'm not 100% sure but I think I saw some of them for 29 or 39 at pluginboutique just few days ago. But yeah there are very few plugins that stand against HW in terms of depth few of them are: Softube Overstayer MAS extended and Softube Germanium. You should try those if you haven't yet!

[@keithmarksteve]

Sounds great…always wanted the hardware but couldnt justify synth money on it…now the plugins are on sale for $35 each at Sweetwater (maybe elsewhere too) I bought the lot!

[@LesVegasMusic]

Yeah man, at $35 each the Fusion plug-ins are steal! Good get! They're great!

[@lucillefrancoeur8235]

Very nice! It’s worth it!

[@headlessmike6499]

Hmmmm.... struggled to tell any difference between the three. You did a great job on the mix without any extra processing. Switched to better wired headphones from wireless bluetooth and still very little difference to my ears..... but I am old and my ears aren't what they were 😄

[@LesVegasMusic]

Hey Mike! Thank you! Yeah, the differences are subtle between the plugins and hardware. I was very pleased with the plugins. However, I will say the Fusion hardware and plugins did a great job bringing out the high and low frequencies and adding a little analog flavor to the original mix. I do prefer the hardware's slight differences but if I didn't have access to the hardware, I could definitely get what I'm looking for with the plugins. Thanks again! See you soon!

[@kelvinfunkner]

hardware. without a doubt!

[@Polentaccio]

Same. Another added benefit which I mentioned in another response below.. it just gets you there quicker. With plugins there is a constant more of this less of that.. oh wait, missing this. Hardware lows and highs are more pronounced as is the width which helps make decisions. You can still do a great job with plugins but no doubt in my mind you mess around more with them.

[@LesVegasMusic]

@@Polentaccio Great point. I find this is true for me as well. With the analog hardware I can easily tell what's best, I make a choice and I leave it there. With the plugins I'm like, what if I just dialed this or that in a bit more and it can become a bit endless.

[@Polentaccio]

@@LesVegasMusic exactly! You nailed it.

[@LesVegasMusic]

Yep. There's definitely something to be said for that. More confidence and satisfaction in your decisions. Seems like an invaluable benefit to me.

[@citytonightproductions]

I own the hardware and honestly it is a game changer in the studio. Been an incredible piece of gear.I don’t have a huge amount of hardware in my studio but this one just takes your mixes and masters to a whole new level. If you have the extra funds handy, I recommend the hardware.

[@LesVegasMusic]

@citytonightproductions Thanks for watching and for your comment! Totally agree. After trying out the hardware, I'm in love. As heard at 4:53, it totally elevated my original mix. It's all about that Violet EQ! Great bottom and top end!

[@citytonightproductions]

@@LesVegasMusic exactly! So good

[@donnas8408]

@city tonight production game changer you say? 😂 are you drunk on koolaid? 😂 game changer it is NOT had it was cool but not cool. Enough in the Violet EQ is boring. Sold it for RN MBP smokes this

[@citytonightproductions]

@@donnas8408 no, drunk on making great music! Everyone has their own opinion on the hardware, personally it’s been incredible for mixing and mastering in my studio. But at the end of the day, listeners don’t give a shit what plugins or hardware you used on you’re two bus, Neve or SSL, if the song is good and the mix is good that’s all that counts!

[@MegaAlonzo93]

Good sound !

[@LesVegasMusic]

Yes! Thank you for watching and for your comment!

[@johnisrael5183]

See...if you already have G Comp...like myself (WA G Comp) your better off getting the fussion instead of the SSL 2 Bus + because I hear the Bus Plus acting more like a Compressor than a Mix Finisher like the Fussion...the fussion, Loop Trotter SA2urate, or the Drawmer Saturator...seems like better ideas if you already have a G Comp

[@LesVegasMusic]

@johnisrael5183 Hey! Thanks for watching and for your comment. Definitely! The Bus+ is SSL's latest G Bus Compressor. The Fusion is SSL's tone and color box. With the exception of the high frequency compressor in the Fusion, the Fusion isn't and shouldn't be thought of as a mix bus compressor. It's meant to compliment the G Bus Compressor. Used together, they're great and you can get some really nice results with those two pieces of equipment.

[@RabbitintheMoon]

Hey,, don't you have to use the Transformer plugin too to have the full Fusion setup?

[@LesVegasMusic]

Hey! Thanks for watching and for your comment. That's right, the Transformer plug-in is part of the Fusion set of plugins and is a feature on the hardware. However, in this video and with this example, the transformer was too much for the track so I didn't have it enabled on the hardware. So, no need for the plugin to accurately compare in this video. The SSL Transformer is a great plugin though!

[@osavsav]

Hi, in what order should the 5 SSL Fusion plugins be placed on the master track?

[@MatthiasLindemann-hp2zr]

Sorry, what was the question again? I was too distracted by my teetering foot.

[@LesVegasMusic]

@MatthiasLindemann-hp2zr Haha! Thanks for watching!

[@vlakanas]

Great vid. Hardware, by far. I have the plug ins, not the hardware. Anybody want some used plug ins? Kidding.

[@LesVegasMusic]

Haha. I think it's so worth it to pick up the hardware. Especially if you can get it new and on sale for $400 off like it is right now or pick up a good used unit on reverb or ebay for around $2k. So worth it. I love the thing. Thanks for watching and for your comment! See you out there!

[@LesVegasMusic]

@@CraigScottFrost Haha!

[@Maxat_Ospanov]

Hey! What studio desk do you use? I want one too :)

[@LesVegasMusic]

Hey Максат! Thanks for watching and for your comment. The desk I have is the Buso Audio Producer 66. I love it! It has 12U of rack space and a pull out keyboard tray. It's ideal for my setup. It's also expandable by an additional 20U rack space under the desktop so it can grow with you. Highly recommend them. Excellent, quality desk. Link below. Thanks again! busoaudio.com/products/producer-classic-61

[@AlainTesla]

hardware>software

[@alexgregory1427]

in this case yes - in most other cases Software 2022 beats crappy made in China hardware 2016 LMAO!!!

[@mistermusicenterprise3148]

On my AKG K 812 its so obvious. The Plugins in comparison is like stacking shit on of another. But the Hardware Fusion let the signal intakt. Plugins have that effect, that You want to take the music off.

[@andrewooleongwei3543]

to me the plugins are come close enough with the hardware. but 1 thing the hardware are so compact... everything in 1 box!!

[@LesVegasMusic]

Hi Andrew! Thanks again for watching. I know it! I feel the same way. I think I could get away with using the plugins for a while and I don't know if the hardware will be my next purchase but I'd definitely like to have one some day. Like you said, so many good, useful processors in one box and no added strain on CPU right?! Do you have the Fusion plugins?

[@andrewooleongwei3543]

@@LesVegasMusic yes, recently just discovered the vintage drive & the stereo image of the ssl fusion plugins... after a few test no doubt!! ssl always are ssl!! if i get a chance i would like to have the fusion hardware!!

[@LesVegasMusic]

Awesome! Yes. Love those two. I find the Violet EQ is also very good on the mix bus or masters.

[@donnas8408]

@@LesVegasMusic had fusion was cool but not cool enough and violet eq not that great sold this for RN MBP smokes this

[@TaiChiRehab]

seems like a volume change between examples - makes it smidge tricky

[@LesVegasMusic]

Hey Gareth! All have been precisely analyzed and level-matched using Expose. There is absolutely zero volume change between examples, so anything you're hearing would be a perceived volume difference.

[@TaiChiRehab]

Thanks for that Les Vegas - the perceived volume seems to change according to my ears - maybe Im hearing something the computers ears cant ??? Should I trust my ears or the computers when mixing??

[@LesVegasMusic]

@@TaiChiRehab Always your ears brother! Always your ears. But for precise level-matching, always the algoriddims! 🙂

[@TaiChiRehab]

@@LesVegasMusic are you saying for precise use an algorithm??? Not sure about that. My ears can tell a difference on most things and algorithms can get things wrong such as estimating perceived volume.

[@LesVegasMusic]

​ @Gareth When I'm actually mixing, like you, I always level-match by ear and that works just fine for me. But for these demos, to keep some sort of standard to base things from, I always export the original unprocessed file and the processed file at the same length and have an application analyze the two files. Then, I use the Integrated LUFS value to precisely level-match since other loudness measurements like RMS don't factor in perceived loudness like the Integrated LUFS measurement does. I find it to be a very accurate and precise method of level-matching the audio samples for these type of videos.

[@johnisrael5183]

I used plugins after mix looped by through hardware, even dbx would work in this option, then I used plugins, guess what? 90% of the Hardware color, so no if you use the plugins correctly save your $1500 if you go dbx route $2200 will set you up a full basic hardware set up to loop your mixes through

[@LesVegasMusic]

Hey John! Thanks for watching and for your comment! That's a great idea! I could setup a chain like the Violet EQ only in separate pieces of hardware using one manufacturer like DBX or several of the most popular saturators, EQs and compressors. Maybe both! I'd love to try that. Thanks again!

[@johnisrael5183]

I think the plugins are actually better than people think from my own experience if used correctly But they seem to be perfect for Pre Mixing and Leveling the Mix Process And after you've Summed through Hardware or just looped your whole mix through Hardware back into DAW as Post Mastering Then You don't necessarily need the most expensive gear just enough to make the Mix Analog with Pre Mastering

[@LesVegasMusic]

Totally agree! That's why I mix with a hybrid setup with just a few pieces of choice hardware like my SSL G Bus Compressor, Rupert Neve Designs Orbit 5057 16 channel summing mixer and Dangerous Convert-AD+ mastering converter. I plan to add a high quality industry-standard hardware mixing/mastering EQ in the chain as soon as I'm able as well. But I love the Fusion. I think it's ideal on the mix bus for sure!

[@donnas8408]

Solid state FUSION plugins BORING SOUNDING

[@LesVegasMusic]

@Donna S Thank you for watching and for letting us know your thoughts!