SSL THE BUS+
The SSL BUS+ represents the culmination of SSL's mission to create the ultimate and most versatile incarnation of the Bus Compressor, a piece of analogue processing equipment synonymous with SSL's legacy. With a rich history dating back to the first SSL 4000B console in 1976, the Bus Compressor has been an integral part of the production process, providing mixes with the distinctive SSL glue, punch, and energy. The BUS+ retains the fidelity of the original circuit, serving as the foundation for a host of innovative features and processing tools.
Key Features
- Versatile Incarnation:
- Faithfully maintains the essence of the original Bus Compressor circuit while introducing several unique coloration options and advanced processing tools.
- High-Grade Components:
- Utilizes premium components, including 2181 THAT VCAs, ensuring superior analogue performance.
- Four Modes of Operation:
- Offers four modes of operation catering to various compression requirements, providing flexibility across different musical styles.
- Three Compression Coloration Options:
- Introduces three distinct compression coloration options—LOW THD, F/B (FEED-BACK), and 4K MODE—that can be combined to achieve unique compression styles.
- Stepped Controls with Microcontroller:
- All controls on THE BUS+ are stepped and read by a microcontroller, improving recallability and eliminating pot tolerances for precision processing applications.
- Dynamic Analogue Equaliser (D-EQ):
- Incorporates the innovative Dynamic Analogue Equalizer (D-EQ), a powerful 2-band parallel Dynamic EQ that can be positioned before or after the Bus Compressor.
- LOW THD MODE:
- Introduces a special circuit modification in the side-chain to limit low-frequency distortion, providing a cleaner gain reduction, especially with fast release times.
- F/B (FEED-BACK) MODE:
- Takes the signal from a feedback position in the side-chain, resulting in a more relaxed style of compression compared to the traditional Bus Compressor.
- 4K MODE:
- Changes the VCA operation from balanced to unbalanced, introducing a variable amount of harmonic distortion. Allows adjustment of the distortion amount for a colored sound.
- Dynamic EQ (D-EQ):
- The BUS+ introduces the first-ever SSL Dynamic EQ, offering a 2-band parallel Dynamic EQ with 16 frequency points for each band. The D-EQ can enhance the top and bottom end of a mix, providing a powerful companion alongside the Bus Compressor.
- Compression/Expansion Control:
- Each band of the D-EQ has a 31-position stepped control for compression and expansion, allowing precise control over the affected frequency spectrum.
The SSL BUS+ stands as a testament to SSL's commitment to innovation and excellence. By combining the classic sound of the SSL Bus Compressor with advanced features and processing tools, THE BUS+ emerges as an indispensable tool for engineers and producers, offering unparalleled flexibility in achieving a wide range of compression effects and tonal characteristics.
