Warm Audio bus Comp vs SSL G Bus Comp

[@ZilaMike]

What i`m hearning is that the Warm Audio sounds better than the console with the transformers engaged :) GEAR SNOOOOOOBS !

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Well, you're the first one who likes the Warm audio better. Great!

[@ZilaMike]

​@@MixingMusicAnalog Yeah because it`s a bit more dirty and gritty , if i need the clean hi-fi sound i can use a plugin . Also, can we talk about how opinions change based on how much it costs ? If you would have reversed the names on the tracks, and said that the warm sounds cleaner and it doesn`t bring that analog sound like the ssl does, everyone would agree :)))) . I advise people starting out to pick the gear based on what they need in the setup they have, and if they like it or not. Don`t listen to people on the internet because you don`t know if it`s they`re opinion , marketing or just wacky talk to sound like they know something 😘

[@natcoziay]

I have the warm unit and you guys nailed exactly how I feel about it. My warm unit just feels too aggressive. It does get the job done though. I just hear the quality difference.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@legacyShredder1]

To get the bass to bloom properly on the Warm unit you need to really use the external sidechain built in to the unit. It will clamp down on the bass before anything else can be a focal point effecting the whole mix. So I've got a bunch of bus compressors that I use for various duties. I have multiple SSL compressors, Neve (bridge diode) compressors, a couple off branded SSL styled comps, and 3 of the Warm compressors. When the Warm Audio compressors are used with their full feature set including the inserts send/return and the external side chain, they do hold up to the same quality level as other more expensive units in terms of what you can get with the audio. It was a Grammy winning mixing and mastering engineer that turned me onto this specific unit from Warm. He uses them in series for mastering. I don't use them bare naked on their own. I've always got EQ, side chain, send and returns going to various items, and Pultec's in the chain.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Cool. thanks for the info and for sharing!

[@dudemcgee256]

I'm curious as to how you're utilizing the sidechain to get the behaviour you desire out of the unit? I have seen this feature on many modern bus compressors, but not many people talk about how they use it. Thanks for your comment btw, it was very informative.

[@nunoandradebluesdrive]

Cool, I would definitely check one out for my "hybrid mixing" plans.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@demodeiowa]

Been using a Stam Audio bus comp, based on the SSL FX G384, for years and it's held up pretty well.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

That's good to hear!

[@bontempo1271]

Man. I haven't found a clone yet that nails it. It's crazy how they landed on building a compressor that does all those things. Some people say it's the sound we are used to, but the way it stitches things up so neatly, the levelling, the way the vocal melds with the track, that glue, that clarity and definition - it's crazy. It's such a statement. It's like 'here is how we can organise and present your mix for you' - and it just sounds professional because of those traits combined. And now with the sidechain versions you can preserve the low end. I keep my mixbus in hardware because comps like the SSL are that finishing magic touch. Thanks for the video as always !

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

The Wes Audio DIONE is probably the closest I have heard to the SSL G Bus comp. I need to do the video on that one soon.

[@bontempo1271]

@@MixingMusicAnalog Ah cool :)

[@GraffHabit]

I think the stam audio clone is probably the best I think it outshines the modern g bus 500 series

[@joshuavanderstam1345]

I'm happy to send one to this channel!! @@GraffHabit

[@АлексейВискалов-и6х]

Original = invincible and he is the king of the ball! Thanks for the video brothers!!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@JewelzFin]

I'm a huge fan of Warm Audio gear, and the SSL G Bus Comp is my favorite of all time. I have many WA mics, preamps, EQs, etc. But I've never trusted to buy a clone G Bus Comp. In fact, I feel like the Waves G Bus Plugin is better than most outboard clones of it. Great video.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thank you

[@astrangeandmysteriouspodca7168]

The SSL has a bit more mojo...but to the average listener, they will not care. Music is about feeling and connection, not just clarity. The warm audio will do a good job as a bus compressor and music made with it will sound great. Todays equipment will get you a professional sound from the cheapest to the most expensive. Like a famous youtuber always says its not about the gear, so much but about your ear. Thank you for your reviews, really enjoy them.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

I must be that famous KZbinr...LOL because eI have said those exact words on this channel a billion times!

[@jamescave7102]

I am sitting inside my semi truck, the engine is running and A/C running high. I can hear the difference from my everyday cheap headphones. SSL sounds better. Not by a-lot, let’s say different. Original stays original period. Thank you guys for this video.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching James!!

[@johncarloscaliajr]

Great comparison

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@masadampc]

Your channel deserves more followers

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

I agree! :)

[@bontempo1271]

100%

[@stayinspired2027]

Do you still own one of these? What do you use it for? Thinking about a new bus compressor sometime in the near future.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

I use the SSL G-Comp every day!

[@1KMPLX]

I have the Nikotronics Buss Cat Compressor. It’s a ssl 500 series clone and only costs about $570. It sounds good to me. It’s a good unit for those on a budget.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

There are a lot of great budget SSL clones on the market

[@Christian_svedin]

Thanks for the test! I had quite the SSL-buscomp addiction a couple of years ago. Probably had 6-7 channels haha! The difference in tonality is there for sure and can work to your advantage. The WA with trafo engaged would probably sound pretty sweet on the drumbus but I do like the openess and nice lowend on of the SSL on the master. It just breaths in a nice way! Try the original G384 and you hear the magic of the past! Cheers

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for sharing!

[@sqwop]

I'm just wondering if that's the case this difference would be obvious if someone was to chain a few comps just for the sake of hearing it better.

[@JasonBuffin]

This is a really interesting test and interesting to hear your thoughts on it. I think it became a lot more subtle difference after KZbin encoding. Without the xformer they are really similar and the WA is definitely usable and if you're mixing into it vs the SSL I think you would get similar results. You might EQ or hit your tape saturators differently or something but the compression characteristics are very similar. I don't think I like the xformer circuit in the WA. I think it over hypes the saturation and sucks the mids out too much. I use the bus comp built into the SSL SiX. It's admittedly limited with only 2 knobs but most people just use the threshold and makeup anyway so as long as they chose good defaults, it works well. I put it on at the very start of every mix so it is just something I mix into along with the rest of my master bus chain. Thanks for the work you guys put into this channel. It has been a lot of help to me. I'm still loving the SPL BiG on your recommendation!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks jason

[@GaragebandandBeyond]

Another great demo! Thanks! Might have been interesting to simply try and make them sound the same instead of going for exactly the same setup parameters on both machines. More using of the ears than the eyes I suppose is what I'm trying to say.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching.

[@manos6426]

The SSL had a little bit more snap on the snare????

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Maybe a little

[@thejoshuatree03]

Interesting to see how much the WA Bus Comp differs from unit to unit. When I engage the transformer on my unit, it is not subtle at all. On your video, as well as Sweetwater's... it sounds much more similar. Another video on youtube had about a 6-8 db increase in volume when they pressed the transformer button in.... Not sure how I feel about such discrepancies.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

I am not surprised one bit that there are large discrepancies with Warm gear. Their inconsistent quality has been something I have heard about for many years. Its the main reason why I would never purchase their stuff.

[@FvtvreClvb]

Are you using balanced cables?

[@BoboRenthlei]

Balanced cable is the solution my friend

[@russellhollar2041]

Thanks guys, just subscribed

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for the sub!

[@kaisersoze9488]

In all stages the SSL Console bus comp sounded better but not by much when the Warm Audio had the transformer engaged.... by 5% difference the SSL console had a more pronounced clarity and snappy snare

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

In the room it was like a 10% improvement to my ears. The Warm was close.

[@kaisersoze9488]

@@MixingMusicAnalog interesting

[@wallace4546]

I really like my Warm Bus Comp but you can really hear the difference in the drums intro. The SSL sounds way better in terms of punch in the snare. The Warm sounds very thin compared, especially with the transformer involved.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks!

[@tribalcowfish]

I'd love to see a comparison between the ssl and the wes audio equivalent

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Coming soon!

[@douggroulx1525]

Great video!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@santiagomorillo8128]

If I had to choose to buy a SSL Bus Comp, I would choose the OG one, the snare on the Solid State's sounds much better and controlled than the warm audio.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@Polentaccio]

Lots of these hardware units are great but head to head, SSL just does " that" thing so well.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks!

[@AlistairMaxwell77]

given how cheap they are on the 2nd hand market the warm audio does pretty well . even if you have something better on your mix bus there are plenty of places to put it that sound good

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Agreed!

[@pvalenti]

Very much appreciate this comparison. I was looking at the Warm Audio Buss Compressor. It wasnt $600 though, it sells on Sweetwater for $799. The difference between the two was perceivable on cell phone, in the car and in my mixing position. So now Im thinking to save up and get the 500 and a 500 rack. I had been holding off because of the need for a 500 rack...you do save money on 500 series stuff, but you have the initial investment in a 500 rack to consider. Also there's interface to consider, and there's future purchase possibilities as well. In other words, if Im gonna buy a 500 rack it needs to be 10 spaces to give me maximum upgrade space. So I'll need to get a rack with xlr and 1/4" trs connectivity... Long story short...due to your video I'm now not looking at the Warm Audio offering and I'm looking at 500 series gear. So I guess, job well done!!!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching! If you want the real deal, then get the real thing. If you are on a tight budget, then the Warm is a decent solution

[@cristian-marius-albu]

Same opinion that warm is a good unit for its price point. It lacks some clarity and punch. I was close to get the 500 SSL, then after hearing some demos I decided for Bettermaker Bus Comp.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

I never used Bettermaker gear but I hear its really good!

[@cristian-marius-albu]

@@MixingMusicAnalog if you have the opportunity, don't hesitate. It is like WES Dione but better in my opinion. Same digital recall via plugin. On youtube there is only one review unfortunately: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4C1kJyhhrWfldEsi=Sr7gHkOohjvpGh5N

[@barwixmusic]

I'll hold off on putting in my two cents on the differences! Currently working live sound with a loud DJ playing Drake - God's Plan makes for a less than reliable critical listening environment! Love the content and have a good Friday/weekend!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

You as well :0

[@SidLives]

I’m listening on ipad with AKG 240 cans, I can hear difference, I personally preferred the SSL

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Great! Thanks for watching!

[@michaeltablet8577]

Dynamic Duo together again! Thanks guys!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Our pleasure!

[@ParkerMusicInstruction]

Great Vid! Could we see the SSL vs WesAudio DIONE NG500 500 Series Analog Bus Compressor? =) Pretty Please!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Noted! I'll put it on the list!!!

[@MartinArchea]

that would be good one!

[@johndoe-cb5ck]

Can't afford hardware but I have Analog Obsession BusterSe...it sounds amazing for a free plugin. Would like to see a comparison

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

If you like that plugin then you are all set.!

[@quiquepuche6393]

Hi Dave, great content as always! I agree with the observations you guys had and I think what happens is that maybe the SSL bus compressor has more headroom and is more transparent while the Warm Audio may have less headroom and maybe because of that it is grabbing a little more and hyping the hi mid frequencies (i.e. the snare). Did you guys ever try to match the sound of both units without having the vu meter as reference? I wonder if the meters are calibrated differently and maybe the Warm Audio was compressing more which in turn would affect the headroom (or widening, 3-d however you want to call it)? I'd love to see how that Warm Audio bus compressor sounds on the drum bus. By the way, have you guys done a similar comparison with an Audioscape bus compressor?

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks, but I think you're "over-thinking it" LOL. Just teasing

[@badmacbassandbass8118]

Well....I am not convinced the test was really proves the "best" In the sense that you are listening to the same mix thru 2 different devices and choosing the "best" by comparison. Question is can you get the WA to sound the same as the SSL with a bit of eq. When you mix you're probably not going to have the 2 devices to listen to. You will.mak eq or track level adjustments to your taste. The 2 devices sound a bit different. I don't think any would expect them to sound identical. I think the WA sounds great. You would learn it just like you learn your speakers or learn your room. In the test done here, yes the Ssl sounded better to me. But I am convinced you could get a mix that sounded the same with the WA. great video!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

No one said this video was to prove the "best". We said several times that the Warm sounds really good especially for the money but it does not sound like the SSL, not even close. Yes, you can try to match it with some EQ but you can't add the "depth" with and EQ. People on a budget, should consider the Warm but just buy it from a policy where you have a good return policy because Warm has the reputation of spotty quality

[@joeydego2]

Never tried the WA but it’s embarrassing how good the Audio-Scape bus comp is.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

I have not tried the Audio-Scape one yet.

[@joeydego2]

@@MixingMusicAnalog treat yourself don’t cheat yourself! We have the opto, 1176A, bus and 260 comps here. Top of the line stuff and great company!

[@bontempo1271]

@@joeydego2 Have you compared it to the SSl bus comp ?

[@MrMuppetbaby]

Always love the Dave's and their down home style. Great sort of "real world" comparison meaning "as you might find it" going into a studio BUT fair? A thought: You are passing signal through the Origin to get in/out the SSL bus comp and we know that great console just colors the sound somewhat in a very good way. On the other hand you are passing signal through how many feet of patch bay wire and connectors to interface the Warm Audio unit in as it sits there on top of the Origin? We know what wire can do. Also just matching settings physically? I would venture they could be different and a blind test just listening and tweaking might be a fun test. Always great and thought provoking stuff from Uncle Dave. Loving it. Tod in Vegas. :)

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

ok, thanks for your thoughts.

[@MrMuppetbaby]

@@MixingMusicAnalog Thanks for replying Dave. I would greatly appreciate (when time permits) your thoughts on "longer" cable runs between patch bays, gear, and console etc. I am dealing with a complete rewire here at the home studio. Low capacitance, oxygen free, gold plated connectors? What's it all about Dave? I know that going to a high quality wire like Mogami and Canare, brand name connectors, has made a dramatic improvement in my live bass setup. Best, Tod in Vegas :)

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

I use 80% Mogami Gold and about 20% Jumper Z. I have tried using cheaper cables like Hosa and I had issues with noise. All the cables that run from the console to the patchbays are 20 foot runs. I am not an expert on cables, but al I know is that my system is "dead" silent and trouble free since I put all high end cables in

[@MrMuppetbaby]

@@MixingMusicAnalog Often overlooked, the quality of the cables to use. I and 90% Mogami & Canare now and I hope I don't regret "cheeping out" on 2ft. Hosa patch cables. You run a top flight operation there Uncle Dave. Thanks for taking us along. :)

[@JAO53JAO]

Very good comparison. Differences were real, if subtle. I would not call the Origin version of the G Series Console the "real" SSL bus compressor as it is merely the version made for that console, and there are several versions available (as you point out). I would prefer to see the comparison using two external units, just to be absolutely clear that it is not the integration into the console itself that is creating the clarity we hear (in which case I need to buy the console to get that subtle difference). For example, were both units plugged into the same clean power source? Maybe, but probably not, as one is your console. Comparing the SSL single rack G-series bus compressor, (not even a 500 series unit) set up and routed in the exact same way as a Warm Audio unit is routed, would be more fair., and thus more useful for decision making. Similarly, it is possible (likely) that if you compared the 19-inch SSL rack unit to the SSL Origin console bus compressor, that they would not sound perfectly identical and we might prefer one over the other. Unless you convince us that the rack unit SSL (or the 500 series unit) sounds exactly like the console unit, you are comparing a $60K console to a $700 unit. Thanks for the comparison anyway. It was fun to listen to.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

You're over-thinking this my friend. LOL. There is a video coming shortly of the 500 rack SSL comp vs the console comp. and BTW - yes, the console and the Warm were plugged into the same power source. :)

[@RenegadestickyXXL]

I can't really ask for a better comparison. imo, I think they are different. the WA doesn't sound great on this mix vs the SSL. I feel like there could be some bias because you expect the WA to sound like an SSL. When you were mixing the track initially were you thinking about how it would translate to your console compressor? or was it purely 'rough mixing'?

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

I dont understand the question.

[@grumpyoldmanracing]

I can't honestly hear any difference over KZbin. I'm wearing k712 headphones and I can't hear any difference. Am I deaf ?

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

The differences are very subtle

[@mrmorpheus9707]

But the signal is passing thru the console to the bus compressor adding something. Isnt it

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Sure, the compressor is at the end of the chain

[@matthewblake2258]

does the slew rate also play a part in the results? The console wins man

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

No idea what the "slew" rate means, sorry

[@phillipselfaudio1872]

SSL wins by a long shot. Night and day. Way more glued, cohesive, thick, and 3D. WA still had pokey drums, no heft, and a narrower stereo image.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for checking out the video

[@cbkirko]

Anyone have any advice on how to convince my wife a 500 series SSL Comp is a good investment come tax season?? lol. Thanks for the video guys.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Sounds like you have bigger issues than buying a 500 series module...LOL

[@1loveMusic2003]

I can hear the vocal getting slightly more peasant on Warm Audio

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Ok, thank you

[@dextercon]

Even with my laptop i feel that SSL is more effective( punchy bigger glue) 🙂

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Ok, thanks

[@rsbcenter]

Hi, Uncle Dave been watching your videos lately for the first time, as I was looking into the origin, your mixes are sounding really good even on youtube, I watch the video on UAD audio interface and let me say i think it was ok investment , but you could really have taken it to another level and looked at the merging technologies horus or hapi with the option cards i beleive they cost about the same as 2 uads, but man the quality difference is huge especially since you can record at 32bit 384k or dsd 256k which is rediculous with way better conversion and there are videos out there comparing the merging audio stuff to the uad , there is no comparison, if i get a origin , i would go merging audio and really take make my origin to next level.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Ok, but I dont record here, just mix so unless the recording was done at a higher sample rate, it does not matter on my end. What it was recorded at is as good as it gets.

[@rsbcenter]

Its the units that the top mastering engineers are using because no other units have such a clear and clean preamps and most importantly the converters to transfer tracks is on another level the sonics are out of control will makat mastering quality way beyond the uads. Ii think even the antelope audio units sound better then uad The only thing uad had good is the plugins

[@simonnoble974]

10 x more smack from the SSL, did I say 10x ? Orite maybe a slight exaggeration so 8x then. You get what you pay for.

[@simonnoble974]

Great work tho dudes. Very revealing

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thank you

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

I agree

[@pvampman]

We need a blind test so the viewers can listen with their ears not with their eyes.Then let's read the comments.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Close your eyes during the palyback. :)

[@1loveMusic2003]

Ya kick has more punch on ssl for sure.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@DavidSJ_DAP]

So, anyone want to buy a Warm Audio Buss Compressor?😊

[@craigbrown7929]

Been looking at ones on Reverb for awhile now. I would have liked to try the API 500 stereo compressor but it’s a little out of my budget as is the SSL bus compressor. Still thinking the warm audio is probably the best way to go if cost is an issue.

[@emanuelwhitehead6039]

I do

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks!

[@legacyShredder1]

I have 3 of them already, but I also have 2 vintage SSL bus compressors along with a myriad of other bus compressors of various typologies. The Warm compressor is a fine unit that can get excellent results, but like with anything you have to perform with strengths and weakness.

[@TheOfficialFlat-Ties]

Still got one for sale?

[@88keyz]

👍🏾

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@jongriffin2608]

Almost the same reaction I had to the Warm when I trialled it probably 2.5 years ago. I found it to be pushing the high energy in a way I really did not like, engaging the transformers made things worse somehow, on the one hand it gave it a heft, but at the cost of openness or a rhythmic collapse. We might say that objectively they are similar performing units, one of which is a third the price, but honestly, I don’t care for the Warm at all, its off the mark in many small but crucial ways, the sum of which I found made it unpleasant. It went back to the store the same day. If you are in the market for an affordable, SSL style compressor there are usually genuinely well made, high spec but no name options on the used market for perhaps £500 £600 that have been over specced and over engineered. The Warm Bus compressor made me allergic to the brand honestly.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for sharing. I personally, am not a fan of Warm Audio. Their quality issues alone would keep me from ever buying their products.

[@emanuelwhitehead6039]

I do

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching

[@fabishakenbake1971]

Nothing from warm audio deserves the name. Check out the pultec one they made. It’s worth to invest a few e bucks extra.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Ok, thanks for watching.

[@anthemmakersmusic]

except how much power it can handle. 500 series cant handle the same amount of power as the bus compressor on your console thats the difference.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Ok, thanks

[@michaelbyrne2619]

Absolutely no comparison SSL comp sounds so much better

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@kshep39]

To me the difference was quite clear between the console and the warm audio. The console sounded more open, clear and “3d”. It felt like there was more depth. The warm audio sounded like it was more flat. Difference in snare sound was definitely noticeable

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for sharing

[@deancarr5153]

Warm audio is more trashy but that might have a place

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@THZORROMUSIC]

ssl constanly on 1050 , warm on 740 , get the original !

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@AndrewCCM]

Audioscape G Bus Comp FTW.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

I have not tried their comp yet

[@AndrewCCM]

@@MixingMusicAnalog Sounds very VERY similar to the SSL from what I can tell. But…haven’t been able to test side by side like you did.

[@bontempo1271]

how does it compared to the SSL ?