THE BUS+ extends the classic design of the SSL Bus Compressor into a high-grade 2U rack design, offering the classic SSL glue and punch in addition to new dynamic colouration and advanced processing tools.
Solid State Logic (SSL) has just announced their new THE BUS+, the ultimate and most versatile incarnation of its legendary Bus Compressor. The Bus Compressor, which is relied upon by many of the world's top engineers and producers for making their mixes sound bigger and more complete with drive and energy, is perhaps the most significant, single piece of analogue processing equipment that is synonymous with the SSL sound.
THE BUS+ is a new 2U rack unit that builds on the original bedrock design of the Bus Compressor, which first appeared on SSL's 4000 B console in 1976. Remaining faithful to the original circuit design, THE BUS+ features 2181 THAT VCA's in its audio path and offers the classic time constants and compression ratios which have glued records together for over four decades. Analyzing feedback from key-users and looking at modern production workflow, including how the plug-in equivalents are being utilized, several new processing tools and sonic colouration options feature on THE BUS+ including, four modes of operation: Classic Stereo, Σ S/C Stereo, Dual Mono and Mid-Side, and three distinct compression colours: LOW THD, F/B and 4K MODE. New time constant settings, including ‘Auto 2’ and compression ratios are also added to the THE BUS+ to create ‘the compressor package’.
D-EQ
In conjunction with the technical and general feature improvements, The Bus+ incorporates an all-new Dynamic Analogue Equalizer section, which SSL have named the D-EQ. The D-EQ is a powerful 2-band Dynamic EQ that can be placed before or after The Bus Compressor. Many engineers are familiar with Dynamic EQ plug-ins inside the DAW but analogue Dynamic EQs are few and far between. A Dynamic EQ is a more 'intelligent' form of EQ that changes the gain of an EQ band proportionally in response to the signal level once above a set threshold. It allows you to modify the contrast between background material (under threshold) and forward material (above threshold). The D-EQ is built upon a specially adapted version of the Bus Compressor side-chain circuit, which contributes significantly to its powerful, yet musical sonic character. Being able to use the D-EQ in conjunction with The Bus Compressor makes for some very exciting dynamic and tonal options indeed.
To round things off, innovation is found in almost every area of THE BUS+, including the use of stepped pots, read by a microcontroller that manages the analogue circuit, making make THE BUS+ not only perfect for mixing but also for precision-tasks such as mastering.
THE BUS+ key features:
- 4 modes of operation - Classic Stereo, Σ S/C Stereo, Dual Mono or Mid-Side.
- The authentic SSL Bus Compressor circuit, including 2181 THAT VCAs for superior analogue performance.
- 100% analogue circuit, controlled digitally using stepped front-panel pots
- Three distinct compression colours: LOW THD Mode, F/B Mode, 4K Mode.
- Negative Ratios - for creative pumping effects and control of particularly loud signals.
- New Attack and Release options, including the new 'Auto 2' setting.
- MIX control for instant parallel compression.
- External side-chain inputs and sends.
- An all-new, powerful 2-band analogue Dynamic EQ (D-EQ).
- Unlockable Transient Expander.
Shop THE BUS+ is available now from RSPE Audio.
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Solid State Logic (SSL) THE BUS+ Stereo Bus Compressor & Dynamic EQSpecial Price $2,899.99 Regular Price $3,479.99