The SSL Bus Compressor In Action

[@TeleCustom72]

I love my SSL G-series mix bus plugins, but this hardware unit just underlines how much better the real deal sounds. I'm actually shocked at just how much difference there really is considering how much music is recorded and mixed in the box now.

[@MELOPSMUSIC]

not that much differece when using acustica plugins like Gold or Titanium.....

[@nomeentertainment997]

I doubt that you originally worked analogously. otherwise your statement would be different

[@Getemprod.]

@@MELOPSMUSIC it still beats acustica i got them and sounds 3D acustica sounds flat in comparison

[@Ancaja123]

just totally insane sounding, especially on the "dance" mix example.

[@phillytee9106]

Got a couple of digital emulations of this, one from SSL themselves but this sounds so good, really smooth or extreme depending on the settings, sounds great. Thanks for the demo.

[@straznobe960]

Great sound demo! When pushed hard, you hear the shape of compression, but you lose the kickdrum. This is why the buscompressor should not be overused. Big thanks for the shootout!

[@fenderguitar9204]

Strazno Be that’s why you have eq! Route your eq after the comp so you can make up for the loss of desired frequency(s)

[@eddierosa98]

You should do a SSL vs Neve 33609!!

[@ANSWERTHECALLOFJESUSCHRIST]

00:54 Old video, but THANK YOU!!! So many reviewers use barely audible settings when comparing dry vs. wet. Not only are those tiny differences only meaningful to their selective egos, but are also impossible to hear in a mix. I'm not going to sell Grammy-winning music. I want to abuse my audio with extreme settings, you know...adventurous results that would run in parallel with the untouched tracks. I want to hear them in equipment reviews, but no...they do these little tiny tweaks that barely tickle the meter needles! "Oh, it's so much more textured and 3D now!" they say, and it's just a half dB of compression that only grazes the peaks. Thanks again, Claudio...almost six years later, and keep courageously tweaking those knobs in your future reviews. I want to hear the "unusable" settings in equipment reviews, such that would offend the fine hearing of those gear snobs who grab their cup of coffee with their pinky sticking up in the air, ha-ha! God bless!

[@aihamkadiri4992]

... ure just missing the point of wat theyre doing. theyrr matching their input gain to the output gain. cuz louder always sound better, there is no ego behind any of that its just proper mixing.

[@AdonisAiolos]

Heres my observation: The analog version of this compressor really glues the whole mix together but to me the most obvious difference between the hardware and the plug in versions is the hardware really smooths out and tight ends the mix very well. The hardware compressor also adds some great musical harmonics across the frequency spectrum and fattens up the mix a lil bit.

[@like-icecream]

+AdonisAiolos no it doesn't

[@socratesandlavagods]

+Drererere Derererere Definitely doesn't thats why people are buying the hardware unit and not using Waves SSL comp.

[@like-icecream]

Waves comp is shite, use the SSL.

[@socratesandlavagods]

It is SSL...it's a Waves plugin...SSL Comp.

[@InvertedPoles]

This comp is really magic ! The sound gets wider and fatter, it seems that it opens up the mix and adds harmonics. The Waves SSL seems dark on a mix but the hardware version sounds so obvious and 3D... I need this !!! :)

[@tanner-rh6oo]

That's why with most plugin compressors, you have to use a eq with them

[@InvertedPoles]

True ! But still the thing is, plugin compressors seem to always fold the sound a bit and make it small. The hardware G comp has a fat and open sound.

[@tanner-rh6oo]

Inverted Poles True, very true!!

[@drspin155]

I found that running a high-passed side chain into that comp (the waves plugin) on the master helps open things up.

[@MatthewPherigo]

I've had the entire waves collection for years and I haven't found a single plugin that has the "spark." Plus, the minute I place a Waves plugin on a bus I hear... *something*. I don't know what it is, it almost sounds like very slight sample rate reduction. I'd normally think it's placebo effect but UBK has noted that before too and I trust his judgement. Sorry for the anti-Waves elitism. For SSL compression, try The Glue. Sounds great, and its oversampling options should come with literally every plugin. Some random non-SSL-styled compressors that sound great: MJUC (has free option), Nightshine (free!), Presswerk, and UBK-1.

[@ManCalledMif]

Great demo Claudio. What do you think of the SSL Bus+?

[@rectape]

Hi, what do you think about the 500 format counterpart? They got all new version with High pass filter. Thank you.

[@patrickey5552]

Fantastic on the mix bus, just add EQ next to it, maybe the API 5500. What's amazing is how the SSL pulls up the room tone behind the sound which is what gives it that big sound when you punch it in. I've used the SSL on strings and it makes them jump out and oh so punchy.

[@slammah2012]

this is actually not the compressor of the G 4000 series..... it is the compressor of the J 9000 series

[@guitardost]

it was just superb guys...keep it up, you just made me hear the SSL magic..

[@imsrprod]

By the way, Slate VBC Grey version nails the rack unit's sound with a Jenson transformer for more stability when compressing. Also, the Jenson transformer gave it better transient response so if you use the SSL rack at the pop attack setting "10" you would set the VBC Grey at "3" and if you set the SSL Rack at "30" for hip hop then set the VBC Grey at "10" attack setting. Hope this helps. They are working on a version without the Jenson Transformer so it can emulate exactly what the rack version does.

[@kaidoluht1957]

+imsrprod Maybe the ssl sounds very close(no experience yet), it's relatevily clean compared to api 2500. But the api is not even close when i up the make up gain. It can emulate the movement but not the transformers.

[@imsrprod]

Not true. I shot out an API Hardware vs Waves API software and no one could tell the difference. It's all in how you hit the unit (software). Not only did Waves emulate the output transformer but they also put a pad on the output so, if you leave the analog switch in, you can push the output without it clipping. That also pushes the transformer. Try it, you'll be amazed.

[@Joeman7890]

When I saw this the number of views was 33,609. What do I win?

[@Doctormix]

+Joeman7890 Haha! You win one like :)

[@ivanstegachev2870]

It's a sign that SSL isn't the best choise for the mix buss : D

[@luifranco1457]

I like what you did here, haha !

[@mixedbyedd]

How would you say this compares to the Dangerous Mastering Compressor?

[@cartofgiant]

Cool,, hey how is the new studio coming..

[@bahahsmusic6817]

ssl E series console mix bus VS api 2500....???

[@skymanbeatz6601]

Nice vidéo ! Can you make a comparison between the SSL Bus and the Tegeler Creme (without the EQ ) ?

[@oscarrivas7240]

The moment when you change a setting and the music simultaneously ends. 😳

[@oscarrivas7240]

1:33

[@markphilpot4981]

Like most effects, it can be overdone or underdone. It sounds pretty clean while doing it’s job. Their desks are not the equal of the Neve, but none are! My opinion is now, was back in the day and continues to be very Neve! Guilty!🙌🏻 Hands in the air and not sorry! You are entitled to yours!

[@undercrackers56]

Okay, I'll buy it. Do you have change for $100?

[@djentlover]

Suits perfectly for the Slate drums!

[@EpicWinz]

Sounds phenomenal! Nothing really comes close to this. Good demo :)

[@soad33300]

wow i really noticed the bypass a 3:01

[@zanem9022]

Can you recommend me a compressor to pair with 3a clone in 500 series. I prefer color. So phoenix nc90 or rnd 535, or little devil or just ssl comp

[@NessunDorma732]

What an amazing sounding machine !

[@Funkojazzist]

Acustica Audio have got very close to real deal.

[@bap_la_so_1]

omg he has all the great stuffs in the world

[@Anonymous-yw1cv]

...but doesn't know how to use it.

[@charlesbonkley]

Could also be rentals.

[@mixc8]

Excellent video! since I use the actual hardware I like seeing how you use the settings.

[@Doctormix]

+mixc8 Thanks for watching! :)

[@corybergeronrecordings]

4:1 - 30ms Attack - .1 Release - 2-3 db of GR is my fav!!

[@MidxRange]

Is this good for hip hop / trip hop ?

[@dzamusic]

The Neve 33609 is sexy too. But the SSL also looks nice inbetween the Neve sandwitch. Is there or will be there a similar 'in action' vid of the 33609? EDIT: found it ;-)

[@Doctormix]

+Daniel White For anyone else who might be looking, here's the Neve: kzbin.info/www/bejne/npKon6Vnr7SNhpI It's definitely worth a look ;)

[@Doctormix]

+Daniel White Yessss! in fact: www.doctormix.com/blog/neve-33609-compressor

[@PapiCee]

Doctor Mix I love the Neve sound I wanted to check out some other gear for hip hop mostly which from these do you recommend ssl vs API ...Thanx

[@Japsem]

Hi, man Is that compressor the same like SSl Solid State Logic 500 Series?

[@Doctormix]

+Rafael Santiago Yep, the 500 series is just the SSL Bus Compressor adapted for the 500 series format :)

[@strengerKontrapunkt]

Nice Video, what's your adda?

[@PapiCee]

Dr Mix can you steer by in the right direction please I have a 500 series was look to get a compressor like the 500 series SSL G bus can you tell me if I would be able to use just on a vocal or instrument when I'm not using on the bus??? Thank you

[@Doctormix]

Hi Phoenix MatadorTV, just because it's a bus compressor doesn't mean you have to use it on the bus ;) Try it out on whatever source you like.

[@PapiCee]

Doctor Mix thank you great video!

[@GeorgeDiamond]

i love your videos man , keep it up!

[@Doctormix]

Thanks George! Glad you like them! :-)

[@silverclub4163]

yeah it sound amazing when pushed hard! but.... when kick drum disappear all other sounds come up like crazy and when kick drum come back to hit you loose the feel beacouse the drum buss become less loud..

[@princetonaudio]

May I ask what the guitar/amp recording chain was for the lead on dance mix? Thanks Scotty!

[@Doctormix]

+princetonaudio.com Hi Scotty, for this guitar sound we used a Les Paul Ultra II guitar with a Kemper Profiling Amp :)

[@princetonaudio]

+Doctor Mix DM, Thank you so much! May I ask if you could post a link for more info on both the Dance and Rock profile. I really like it. thanks Scotty!

[@musicmagik]

Is there a sonic differences between SSL G bus compressors of Rack-X Rack-500 series versions ?

[@Doctormix]

We haven't actually tried the 500 series so can't say for certain. I believe it's the same circuit though :)

[@musicmagik]

+Doctor Mix Thank you.😀

[@teodortsonev4442]

Amazing compressor!

[@veerchasm1]

I got a Warm Audio Buss Comp coming

[@fenderguitar9204]

Veer Chasm I just ordered mine, I can’t wait!

[@15bleach51]

Would be great if you compare hardware vs plugins emulation

[@leaningtower73]

Although nothing comes close to the original hardware, I think The Glue from Cytomic gets really close. It gives that punch and glueing result which is typical to SSL. My second best emulation would be the Waves plug-in and third the UAD one.

[@aleatoriac7356]

Waves SSL bus compressor does not sound like this. Maybe I'm hitting it with too high transient material? Don't know. I mean the plugin doesn't sound bad... But I cannot get the snap I hear here in this video. Probably just a case of user error. Certainly sounds great!

[@imsrprod]

CODE-STATION The Waves version sounds exactly like this. It's the same. Watch your input levels like you would on a desk and you'll get the same sound. Just remember that most plugins 0db is actually -18/-20 db. Hope that helps.

[@Richard_P_James]

CODE-STATION The hardware costs over 3000 Euro. I just checked :-) The Waves, UAD and SSL plugins are very useable, but they are only equivalents of the hardware.

[@imsrprod]

3k in the UK? Wow, that over priced there! In the U.S., you should be able to get it for less. Anyway, can't speak for UAD but for the Waves/SSL is extremely close to the 4k board SSL. So much so, even SSL said that it was closer to the original than the rack units. The Duende, The Glue and the IK Buss Comp, are all very close to the rack units which have a more updated low end and even with the IK version and "The Glue" have SC options like the rack unit. No use spending 3k no longer on the hardware unless you want the feel of knobs! Which is a good thing but not worth 3k!!!

[@Richard_P_James]

imsrprod If I had the choice, I'd still prefer the hardware. But, realistically, that's just not going to happen :-) I have used Waves, SLL Duende and the Slate versions. I haven't tried it, but UAD users are very keen on the SSL emulations. Again, these are just tools to be used.

[@imsrprod]

Hey Richard, I like the hardware too but, to be honest, I don't feel that I need it anymore. The plugins are so close, there is no way in a mix you could tell which is which period. I still like the colors of the hardware and the flashy lights. To be honest, It's all about skill not the gear.

[@Tailphelps]

Truly amazing!!

[@xeeton]

Back in the day they had to do a fade-in by playing the tape backwards and using the auto-fade out button.

[@seNums]

thx man for your great compressor reviews!!! awesome :)

[@Doctormix]

+david seiko Glad you like them! :)

[@JMLRecording]

any owners here use the new Stam Audio SA4000 or TK audio clones? Is this really worth the extra couple grand? Its actually a pretty simple schematic so I wonder if it's worth it to have the brand name on the faceplate...

[@corybergeronrecordings]

I've heard REALLY good things about the Stam Audio version.

[@sushirollusa]

Stan is neat , nothing like the real thing ..

[@indransubramaniam763]

i just luv your postings brother....different interesting gears.can u make a video on dangerous compressor....? it would be great....thnks....

[@hobbobass]

It would be nice to have heard some more realistic attack, release and threshold settings! The kids like it crushed these days i guess

[@RoofLight00]

I love my SSL Duende but this is just another level altogether. Still gonna get me an API 2500 second hand tho....

[@SeqMod]

2:15 onwards... tightness in low end... nice

[@Doctormix]

+synthfreqs Yep! One of my favourite features of this bus compressor is how it controls and tightens the low end. Thanks for watching :)

[@jameswaddington1648]

Hey, really nice vid! I'm new to compression limiting etc. Whats actually going through the compressor at 2 15? Is it the drum bus or whole track? Cheers

[@Doctormix]

Hey James, at 2.15 the compressor is working on the whole track :)

[@jameswaddington1648]

Thanks!

[@chacra6studios79]

This or API 2500????

[@dirkchurlish4074]

I like the Dual Vandergraph more than the 2500, from what I've heard. Can't decide between SHDV and the SSL though.

[@Shape84]

Great!

[@massimoforni5280]

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!! Sorry but in this case there's no chance for the plug-in.

[@rolandgerard6064]

Wow i love it...

[@Donato2082]

WOW!!! it seems so different than plug-in!!!

[@like-icecream]

+Donato2082 there are people who can take the same drum loop from this video and process it using any good SSL plugin like waves and make it sounds exactly the same, this kind of thing happens all the time on gearslutz.

[@Anonymous-yw1cv]

Plugins are fucking garbage for broke millennials.

[@WARDISWARD]

try cytomic the glue or dmg audio ..

[@Byronic19134]

@avoime That dude just an idiot and if I'm being honest, sounds like a millennial himself. Most of the biggest engineers today are doing it all in the box now because they simply don't have the time to run cables or it's just easier to mix at home in ur boxers.

[@obatron1]

$4000+ rack vs $100 plug-in.

[@Worshipcaster]

goddam! nice tone

[@charlesbonkley]

Am I way off base here, or did this video prove that the bus comp isn't really necessary for electronic music, or did not have much of an effect on the dance track? Not knowing the source material, which could have already been compressed/mastered, I certainly got this impression. Definitely, the characteristics and compression artifacts were VERY noticeable on the rock material but all were pretty lost on the good mix/consistent-loudness-of-the-kick in the dance track.

[@getmeoutofsanfrancisco9917]

If you are trying to look at it from a perspective of signal chain “standards” In music, you’re not going to find an answer.

[@imsrprod]

Good video!!!

[@mrcgeraldes]

I would expect something more vivid and energetic on the dance music bus compression

[@RomeoTrauma]

awesome

[@biostunes14]

that auto fade!

[@pnr5443]

G comp vs api2500 which one for mixing

[@TheZaxx91]

hey is it made in England or China (like the Fusion) ?

[@BenKash308]

Fusion and SiX are made in China. Everything else is made in England.

[@hauntedbytheliving1175]

I miss the days that this was true. Now everything except their premiere large format consoles is made in China. Even the SSL “Origin” large format console is made in China. Spoiler alert: It does NOT sound the same. It’s hardware that sounds like plugins. :/

[@sayan1667]

Now i understand why the music of Swedish House Mafia sounds so different from other House Music producers.

[@scrummyvision]

Cool but more narration would be awesome

[@treztracks]

EXTRA coool

[@MrAcapela]

cool

[@joeyf808]

Nice! plugin doesn't​ come close.

[@carlosqueiros1]

"Increase the attack"....

[@tanner-rh6oo]

What you manage to actually prove was ANY COMPRESSOR sounds horrible, be it software or hardware, at "EXTREME" settings

[@petter9078]

Kinda sounds terrible without the sidechain on. Since you are compressing the lows so hard and it gets distorted =/ I agree. But if you mix in compressed signal with uncompressed you manage to add more of the sound you wont hear.

[@Breakbeat90s]

sidechain off= kicks pumping sidechain on=other loud instruments like snares makes the track pump (if u pull the threshold all the way down)

[@Anonymous-yw1cv]

Nobody ever goes beyond 4db, this guy has zero idea what he is doing.

[@WARDISWARD]

sure he does , he just goes beyond 4db :)

[@ben-7403]

People go beyond 4db all the time, just depends on the application.

[@АбакарИльясханов-й5з]

Give me this device, please)))

[@Doctormix]

Hahaha!

[@АбакарИльясханов-й5з]

I so dream about it))))

[@gidijonen7966]

Using an SSL-G series compressor on a dance music kick makes no f*cking sense whatsoever

[@Doctormix]

Says Deadmouse. I don’t have to agree 100% though. I would say, which ssl bus compressor? The xl or the gray one or the 500 Series, or which plugin version? It’s a good headline and I partly agree. However: it depends on the song ;-)

[@MelomanTheNerd]

Deadmau5 wasn’t talking about the entire 2mix (per the SSL comp) he was referencing side-changing the instruments to the kick and was strongly suggesting NOT using a “sloppier” sounding compressor, ie, a slower compressor, to achieve the EDM pumping effect. It follows too; variable release times on the G/J-series compressors aren’t going to give you that security.

[@Acedia8938]

warning: using this on a dance music kick makes no fcking sense whatsoever

[@lllllllllllllllllllll1lll1]

French house and italo disco genres do.

[@junosensis]

Sorry but you dont use the comp the good way ... for exemple, at the final 'rock' sample, you say it sound great, but the setting you made is barrely just push the makeup gain ... no need a 2000$ gear for that...

[@lillilelli]

hahahahah anche? ma sei l'uomo del secolo allora! sissignore! :)

[@Yohanyothan]

This on a dance kick makes no sense whatsoever.

[@Ls-bt7op]

u are doing it wrong

[@zingdangus5531]

How to totally ruin a perfectly good piece of music - compress the living shit out of it...........

[@allaboutthatphatbass2968]

ZING DANGUS it actually doesn't sound terrible.

[@DjemGuitar]

compressing the fuck out of the drums and mixing it in with the original actually sounds awesome!!

[@tgbitw17]

depends on what you're after. just like every other effect, there's a time and a place.

[@DjemGuitar]

yeah I agree, I just meant when the situation is right aha

[@the80386]

this could add a lot of power if you put it in another track and slowly mix it back to the dry drums

[@Anonymous-yw1cv]

Clearly someone doesn't know how to use the SSL.

[@Doctormix]

Who’s that? You?

[@Doctormix]

Just plese ask, and I will explain

[@Anonymous-yw1cv]

Everyone does 3db, 4:1, 30 att, auto release. Some other modes can work, but none of the modes shown here.

[@Doctormix]

Anonymous really? Everyone has the same song, the same levels, the same release settings? Please explain more to me

[@Doctormix]

Anonymous and still you haven’t revealed who doesn’t know how to use an ssl! Please explain the lovely people on this channel who would that be

[@zeroUnitygain]

I got an AudioScape Comp, wayyyyyy better!

[@zeroUnitygain]

Everton Sebben ??