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SSL - Bus Comp Classic Compressor
Different eras of ssl. one classic bus compressor.
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The store is open 10am - 6pm Monday to Saturday and 11am - 5pm Sunday and bank holidays.
The stock information shows the quantity of units that are available to purchase at the Guildford store and the quantity of units that are available at our off-site Guildford warehouse. These stock levels are updated in real time.
Our Click and Collect service is available at our Guildford store from 10am - 6pm Monday to Saturday, and 11am - 5pm on Sunday. You can either choose Click and Collect as your delivery option online or, during store opening hours, call our sales team on 01483 456777 for assistance with placing your order.
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If the only available stock is in our off-site warehouse it can be brought to the store location for you to try - you just need to contact the store within opening hours. Please note any requests received after 3.30pm will not arrive at the store until the following morning.
Please be aware that stock availability can change quickly both online and in-store, so we would always recommend placing your Click and Collect order as soon as possible to reserve your item.
SKU: SSL0149
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Product Description
The Solid State Logic Bus Comp Classic brings one of the most iconic dynamics processors in recording history back in a dedicated 1U format. Faithful to the sound, response and workflow of the legendary SSL Bus Compressor, it combines classic compression with a range of modern enhancements designed for contemporary record-making.
At its heart are high-performance THAT 2181 VCAs and SSL's distinctive sidechain architecture, delivering the punch, movement and cohesion that have made SSL bus compression a studio staple for more than five decades. Variable VCA Drive expands the sonic palette, moving from clean SuperAnalogue transparency through to the harmonic character of classic 4000 Series and FX384 designs, with up to 10% THD available for more aggressive processing.
Expanded ratios, additional release options, SSL Auto Release, a six-position sidechain high-pass filter and a genuine stereo external sidechain provide greater creative flexibility while retaining the immediate SSL workflow. Precision stepped controls also make settings fast to dial in, easy to recall and highly repeatable. Whether used across a stereo mix, drum bus, instrument group or parallel chain, Bus Comp Classic is designed to help recordings come together with control, character and musicality.
Features
- Authentic SSL Bus Compressor Design - Faithfully recreates the response and feel of the legendary SSL Bus Compressor using high-performance THAT 2181 VCAs and SSL's distinctive sidechain architecture.
- Variable VCA Drive - Continuously moves from clean SuperAnalogue transparency through classic SSL console character, with up to 10% THD for aggressive processing.
- Expanded Classic Workflow - Precision stepped controls, expanded ratios, SSL Auto Release, sidechain HPF and genuine stereo external sidechain deliver greater flexibility.
Different Eras of SSL. One Compressor:
Bus Comp Classic brings decades of SSL analogue design together in one versatile compressor. Its Variable VCA Drive control allows you to explore a wide range of sonic character, from the clean, low distortion response associated with SSL's SuperAnalogue generation to the richer harmonic behaviour of classic 4000 Series and FX384 designs.
At its cleanest setting, the VCAs operate in a balanced configuration for clarity, punch and powerful transient response. Increasing the control introduces an unbalanced configuration, progressively adding harmonic colour and saturation. This makes Bus Comp Classic equally suited to transparent mix bus processing and more characterful applications, including driven drums and parallel compression. With up to 10% THD available, it provides a broad palette of SSL character without requiring multiple generations of hardware.
Classic Control. Greater Musicality:
Bus Comp Classic retains the familiar SSL Attack, Release and Ratio controls that have become fundamental to professional bus compression, while expanding their range for greater creative control. Precision six-position stepped controls make it quick to find settings and provide accurate, repeatable results when recalling sessions.
The renowned 2:1 ratio provides an exceptionally gentle soft knee response, allowing gain reduction to develop progressively for transparent mix bus processing. Higher ratios provide increasingly assertive control and density for stems, drum buses and parallel chains. SSL Auto Release adds further flexibility with programme-dependent, two-stage release circuitry that responds dynamically to the material, helping preserve movement, detail and control across complex programme material.
Built for Record Making:
Bus Comp Classic is designed to fit naturally into modern recording and mixing workflows. Across a stereo mix, it can bring lead and backing elements together, add cohesion and control dynamics while retaining the movement and energy of the performance.
Its flexibility also makes it highly effective on drum busses, instrument groups, stems and parallel processing chains. The six-position sidechain high-pass filter reduces the influence of low-frequency material on the detector, helping kick drums and bass retain their impact without causing excessive gain reduction elsewhere. A genuine stereo external sidechain also supports advanced stem printing workflows, allowing the complete mix to control compression while individual stems pass through the audio path. This helps preserve the balance and movement of an approved production across alternate versions and deliverables.
Specifications
- 1U rackmount analogue bus compressor
- Authentic SSL Bus Compressor design
- High-performance THAT 2181 VCAs
- Variable VCA Drive with up to 10% THD
- Balanced and unbalanced VCA operation
- Expanded compression ratio options
- Six-position stepped Ratio control
- Six-position stepped Attack control
- Six-position stepped Release control
- SSL Auto Release mode
- Six-position stepped Sidechain High Pass Filter
- Integrated Sidechain High Pass Filter
- Genuine stereo external sidechain input
- Designed and built by SSL
