Solid State Logic THE BUS+ Stereo Bus Compressor

Solid State Logic THE BUS+ Stereo Bus Compressor

THE BUS+ is SSL's most versatile version of the Bus Compressor, the centre-section compressor found on SSL consoles since the 4000 B of 1976. The core stays faithful to the original circuit, built with high-grade components including THAT 2181 VCAs, and it can sound clean and punchy like the SuperAnalogue 9000 Series version or gritty like an early 4000 E.

Three compression colours can be combined: LOW THD reduces low-frequency distortion with fast release times, F/B takes the side chain from a feedback position for a more relaxed compression, and 4K MODE runs the VCA unbalanced with adjustable harmonic distortion. The compressor works in Classic Stereo, Σ S/C Stereo, Dual Mono or Mid-Side, with external side-chain inputs, negative ratios, new attack and release options including Auto 2, a MIX control for parallel compression and moving-coil meters.

The D-EQ is a 2-band analogue parallel dynamic EQ that can be placed before or after the compressor, with 16 frequencies per band, compression or expansion and a range of 0.5 to 15 dB. The circuit is 100% analogue but all pots are stepped and read by a microcontroller, which makes settings easy to recall and independent of pot tolerances.

Key features

• Authentic SSL Bus Compressor circuit with THAT 2181 VCAs
• 4 modes: Classic Stereo, Σ S/C Stereo, Dual Mono, Mid-Side
• External side-chain inputs and sends
• LOW THD, F/B and 4K compression colours
• Negative ratios, new attack/release options including Auto 2
• MIX control for parallel compression
• Moving-coil gain reduction meters
• Unlockable transient expander
• D-EQ: 2-band parallel dynamic EQ, 16 frequencies per band, range 0.5 to 15 dB, HF band switchable to bell
• Stepped pots with digitally controlled analogue circuitry for precise recall
• +27.5 dBu headroom, operating level 0 dB, +10 dB or -5 dB
• Sleep and Auto-Sleep modes