The SSL G Series Bus Compressor is a legendary piece of studio hardware, renowned for its ability to “glue” a mix together, providing cohesion and punch that elevates a track from good to great. Its unique VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier) design, often characterized by its aggressive yet musical compression, makes it a first choice for many professional mixing and mastering engineers, particularly for adding that final polish to a stereo bus or for imparting a powerful drive to drum tracks. In today’s “in the box” (ITB) production environment, countless software emulations aim to replicate the magic of this iconic hardware. This shootout explores three popular plugin versions: the IK Multimedia T-Racks Bus Compressor, the Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor, and the Native Instruments Solid Bus Comp. Each offers its own interpretation of the classic SSL sound, with varying degrees of accuracy and usability.
IK Multimedia T-Racks Bus Compressor
Among the three, the IK Multimedia T-Racks Bus Compressor has become a personal favorite, particularly for its exceptional performance on drum buses. When applying SSL-style compression to drums, the goal is often to make the compressor “work” the sound, imparting a noticeable pump and weight without completely crushing the dynamics. The T-Racks version excels here. Its nuanced character allows for precise threshold adjustments, expertly capturing the transient impact of kick and snare drums while allowing the natural “snap” and decay to shine through. This plugin delivers a distinct “color” and “weight” that enriches the drum track, providing that sought-after percussive drive and fullness. Its ability to create a powerful, energetic drum sound without sacrificing clarity makes it an indispensable tool in my mixing workflow.
Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor
The Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor offers a slightly different flavor of the SSL sound, often perceived as more forgiving and versatile. While still providing that signature punch, this plugin allows for a more aggressive application without the mix thinning out as quickly as with some other emulations. Before discovering the IK Multimedia version, the Waves SSL G-Master was my go-to for achieving that SSL bus compression effect. On drums, it retains the track’s low-end integrity even when pushed harder, making it a reliable choice for adding density and impact. Its ability to provide robust compression without overly compromising the original tonal balance is a significant advantage, making it a strong contender for various mixing applications beyond just the drum bus.
Native Instruments Solid Bus Comp
The Native Instruments Solid Bus Comp, while part of a reputable suite of plugins, presents a more challenging experience in achieving the desired SSL characteristics. Unlike the other two, where standard SSL knob values often yield immediate and recognizable results, the Solid Bus Comp requires a more in-depth exploration of its attack and release settings. Achieving the ideal balance of compression and transient response demands more significant tweaking and experimentation. While it can certainly deliver a form of bus compression, its unique calibration means that familiar settings from other SSL emulations may not translate directly. Its primary appeal for me lies in its seamless integration within the Native Instruments Maschine ecosystem. When working within Maschine, the convenience of having NI plugins visually integrated into the mixer upon insertion can streamline the workflow. However, for standalone mixing projects where convenience isn’t tied to a specific ecosystem, the IK Multimedia or Waves versions generally offer a more straightforward path to achieving classic SSL bus compression results.
Conclusion
In summary, each of these SSL G Series Bus Compressor emulations brings its own strengths to the table. The IK Multimedia T-Racks Bus Compressor shines with its ability to impart exceptional punch and weight, particularly on drums. The Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor offers a more transparent and forgiving approach, allowing for harder compression while maintaining tonal integrity. The Native Instruments Solid Bus Comp, while capable, requires a more hands-on approach to dial in the desired sound.
For those seeking that classic, impactful SSL sound, both the IK Multimedia and Waves versions are highly recommended. However, it’s worth noting the business model surrounding the Waves Update Plan (WUP). The WUP essentially means that users are effectively “renting” their Waves plugins rather than owning them outright, requiring ongoing payments for updates and continued access to certain features. Considering this, the IK Multimedia version often presents a more straightforward and economically sound long-term investment for achieving premium SSL bus compression.