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Solid State Logic SSL Bus Comp Classic Stereo VCA Mix-Bus Glue

Solid State Logic SSL Bus Comp Classic Stereo VCA Mix-Bus Glue

by Solid State Logic (SSL)
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$3,528.00 - $3,528.00
$3,528.00
$3,528.00
$3,528.00 - $3,528.00
$3,528.00
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Classic SSL Bus Compression with Variable VCA Drive

The Solid State Logic Bus Comp Classic brings SSL’s renowned stereo bus compression to a dedicated 1U analogue rack processor. Built around high-performance THAT 2181 VCAs, it combines familiar mix-bus control with expanded ratio and release settings, Variable VCA Drive, an integrated sidechain high-pass filter and a genuine stereo external sidechain.

From subtle mix cohesion to more assertive drum and stem processing, Bus Comp Classic provides a focused, hands-on workflow for modern hybrid studios.

From Clean Control to Harmonic Character

Variable VCA Drive lets you adjust the compressor’s harmonic character. With Drive disabled, the VCAs operate in a balanced configuration for low distortion. Engaging Drive switches to an unbalanced configuration, while increasing the control introduces progressively more colour and saturation. SSL specifies up to 10% THD for deliberately driven processing.

Familiar Controls, Greater Flexibility

Six-position stepped controls for ratio, attack and release make settings easy to repeat. The 2:1 ratio offers a gentle soft-knee response, while higher ratios provide firmer control. SSL’s programme-dependent AUTO release adapts to changing material, making it a useful option for complex stereo mixes.

Shape the Compressor’s Response

The integrated sidechain high-pass filter reduces the influence of low-frequency content on the detector, helping prevent kick drums and bass from triggering excessive compression across the mix. The filter affects the detector rather than removing bass from the main audio signal.

A separate stereo external sidechain input supports advanced routing, including using a full printed mix to trigger compression while individual stems pass through the audio path.

Key Features

  • Dedicated 1U analogue stereo bus compressor
  • High-performance THAT 2181 VCAs
  • Continuously variable VCA Drive for adjustable harmonic colour
  • Six-position stepped ratio, attack and release controls
  • SSL programme-dependent AUTO release
  • Integrated six-position sidechain high-pass filter
  • Genuine stereo external sidechain input
  • Balanced XLR audio connections

Specifications

  • Ratio: Six positions, 1.5:1 to 10:1
  • Attack: Six positions, 0.1 to 30 ms
  • Release: Six positions including AUTO; fixed times from 0.1 to 1.6 seconds
  • Threshold: −20 to +20 dB
  • Make-up gain: 0 to +20 dB
  • Sidechain HPF: Six positions including OFF; 12 dB/octave slope
  • Audio connections: Balanced stereo XLR inputs and outputs
  • External sidechain: Balanced stereo XLR inputs
  • Maximum input/output level: +27.5 dBu
  • Dimensions: 482.6 × 43.18 × 276.86 mm (W × H × D)
  • Weight: 3.48 kg
  • Power: 100–240 V AC, auto-ranging; 12 W