By combining the infamous SSL Bus Compressor circuit design with 2-band parallel dynamic EQ and recall-friendly stepped controls, THE BUS+ from Solid State Logic ushers in both classic and innovative dynamics processing for anything from single tracks and stems to mixes and masters. Its top-of-the-line analog sonics and immense headroom scream "integrity" while the digitally controlled settings ensure precision, clean switching, and exemption from the unpredictability of traditional analog devices.
With four operating modes—Dual Mono, Mid-Side, Classic Stereo, and S/C Stereo, a stereo mode with a summed sidechain—and compression coloration options ranging from the gritty texture of the 4K console's "Hit Maker" to the transparency of the X Logic variant, THE BUS+ is an impressively versatile compressor. The addition of internal/external sidechains with a variable high-pass filter, a hidden transient expander, and a mix knob for variable parallel compression makes THE BUS+ a crown for any studio.
- Authentic, 100% analog circuit, controlled digitally using stepped front-panel pots
- Four modes of operation—Classic Stereo, Stereo (with summed sidechain), Dual Mono, or Mid-Side
- Huge +27.5 dBu headroom and selectable operating level (0, +10, or -5 dB)
- External sidechain inputs and sends
- Configurable processing order; put the Bus Compressor before or after the D-EQ
- Global bypass, clipping indicators, and manual/automatic sleep modes
- LOW THD Mode reduces low-frequency distortion caused by compression
- F/B Mode alters the compression characteristics for a more "relaxed" style of compression
- 4K Mode's single-VCA operation with variable harmonic distortion brings grit and grunge
- Negative ratios allow for creative pumping effects and control of particularly loud signals
- New attack and release time constants including an additional auto setting
- Precision MDAC-controlled make-up gain in coarse (1 dB) or fine (0.5 dB) steps
- Variable sidechain high-pass filter control up to 300 Hz in 10 Hz steps
- Moving-coil gain reduction meters
- Compress/expand modes with three choices of time constants for each band
- 16 selectable frequency points per band
- Adjustable range per band from 0.5 to 15 dB
- HF band can be switched to Bell shape, with selectable frequencies covering high-mids and highs
- Frequency band static make-up gain for LF and HF bands (in Stereo or Summed S/C Stereo) or LF band (in Dual Mono or Mid-Side)
- G-Series mode changes LF filter to be second order with degree of undershoot/overshoot
- Tricolor activity LEDs to indicate D-EQ activity
- Per-band bypass