SSL Compressors

[djmino02]

I'm looking to try some some Duende compressor options out there: SSL X-Comp, SSL Console Channel Strip, and SSL Stereo Bus.

I have NI Solid Bus Comp currently and I'm wondering if there would be any need for the SSL Stereo Bus.

Also, are there any alternatives that I should consider? Thanks!

[Turello]

Imho SSL Bus Comp sounds good/fresh to me for a lot of things (especially for modern productions like RnB, Pop etc), it's different by original G-384 hardware but usefull (seems the new X-Logic)...
At moment I'm in love with the NI Solid Bus Comp, use it (almost) on all, Mastering included (thanks to 1.5:1 ratio)...
Alternatives? Try Cytomic Glue...

[4tune]

Slate
http://slatedigital.com/virtual-buss-compressors/ (ilok 2)

IKmultimedia
http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/trbuscomp/

Cytomic
https://cytomic.com/glue

Psp
http://www.pspaudioware.com/plugins/dyn ... sspressor/

Waves
http://www.waves.com/plugins/ssl-g-mast ... compressor

FXpansion (freeware)
https://www.fxpansion.com/products/dcamfreecomp/

[logburner]

I own the whole Duende bundle including the Channelstrip and X-Comp, but ended up selling the Buss Comp.

I didn't quite enjoy what it does to the sound. While it compresses in natural way, it also degrades the sound in less than ideal way to my ears. I loved the attack behaviour, but not the release and distortion it adds.

Meanwhile X-Comp is still my go to. It's transparent, hardly degrades the sound and the compression is nice and grabby. I haven't found any other compressors capable of the same thing.

Channelstrip is good. I think the EQ section is the best part of it. The compressor is great for snares to get that snappy sound, also useful for leveling things out.

I own The Glue, too. It works perfect for certain materials as it adds its own character. But for buss compression, I generally reach out for DMG Compassion for in depth versatility/flexibility. If I didn't have Compassion, Vertigo VSC-2 would be my default buss compressor.

[Turello]

@4tune: + 1 for PSP!

@logburner: about Buss Comp, it's natural he adds some kind of (subtle) distortion (as it is natural that "that color" can not please everyone!), It is a SSL electronics intrinsic characteristic!!!
Compassion imho is too transparent but + 1 for Vertigo VSC-2, seems underrated but works very well!

[poshook]

I'm looking to try some some Duende compressor options out there: SSL X-Comp, SSL Console Channel Strip, and SSL Stereo Bus.

I have NI Solid Bus Comp currently and I'm wondering if there would be any need for the SSL Stereo Bus.

Also, are there any alternatives that I should consider? Thanks!

try use NI in 2x oversampling, huge results. I use TDR Kotelnikov as 2bus compressor.

[liquidsound]

Voxengo?
viewtopic.php?p=3562519

[Funkybot's Evil Twin]

My favorites are the Cytomic and IK versions of the buss comp. The former sounds amazing but cleaner, while the latter offers more heft and color.

[djmino02]

FXpansion (freeware)
https://www.fxpansion.com/products/dcamfreecomp/

Nice! Gotta love free stuff

[djmino02]

The TRack Bus Comp seems like a viable option. How does it and the NI Solid Bus fare against the SSL?

[4tune]

The TRack Bus Comp seems like a viable option. How does it and the NI Solid Bus fare against the SSL?

Can`t give you a direct comparison but if you are thinking of going T-racks then it is worth noting that you
can get the British channel and the White channel bundled with the bus for about an extra $45:

JRRShop:
Single @$124.99
https://www.jrrshop.com/ik-multimedia-bus-compressor
Bundle $169.99
https://www.jrrshop.com/ik-multimedia-t ... ad-license

Similar at Audiodeluxe:
https://www.audiodeluxe.com/products/ik ... compressor
https://www.audiodeluxe.com/products/ik ... dio-series

Also worth noting that IK have quite deep discounted sales sometimes. May be a bit of a waiting game though.

[sounddesigner]

Another vote for IK Multimedia's Busscomp. I use to own all of the SSL Duende plugins mentioned in this thread and got fed up with SSL's business model and copy-protection so I sold them. I have better plugins now and even if SSL was not so dishonest and heartless I still would sell them cause they are grossly overpriced and under-featured compared to IK and others. Plus now there are several Native compressors I think just sound better than SSL Duende (wich aren't bad sounding, of course they still sound good but others are better IMV). When duende was first released they were amazing and the best compressors Native had to offer IMO but much has changed now IMV.

I think BeatSkillz Bounce Compressor is a SERIOUSE SLEEPER and much better than SSL X-Comp. Bounce is both Mastering and Mixing compressor. Bounce just sounds more transparent, Natural and retains body and depth better than any other Native Compressor I've tried. Try the demo of Bounce compressor and compare it to X-Comp and any other compressor. Here's the link to it - https://www.beatskillz.com/bounce/

[djmino02]

Also worth noting that IK have quite deep discounted sales sometimes. May be a bit of a waiting game though.

good to know

[djmino02]

After doing some research, I might just stick with the plugs I have for now (NI Solid Bus Comp, Waves AudioTrack and C4).

[simon.a.billington]

...
IKmultimedia
http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/trbuscomp/

Waves
http://www.waves.com/plugins/ssl-g-mast ... compressor
...

I Have both these and can actually say that I like both very much.