New analogue compressor installation, the SSL Bus+ Solid State Logic in the SafeandSound Mastering rack
Solid State Logic THE BUS+ SSL Bus+
An entry which reaffirms my approach to a commitment for the best possible mastering results for your music, at a superb price. Taking your music to its maximum sonic potential.
Plug ins have come a long way and I have ear selected the very best that exist for my current and future clients.
However, not every software emulation is a good one, not every tool is necessary and I painstakingly test tools out. Carefully testing them by ear on my own music initially before putting them into service. (and I also analyse them extensively using Plug in doctor to ensure there are no gremlins.) to see if they are good enough for your music.
I use any tool for mastering if it is good enough, that is digital or analogue and I have just installed a Solid State Logic SSL Bus+ compressor. Although it is much more than a compressor. I think it is fair to say this device is an extremely flexible Master Bus compendium. Here is a short off the cuff video from my mobile phone…
I am looking forwards to put the SSL Bus+ through its paces and test its layers of euphony, its amazing compression that can be set very clean and gentle, more punchy and fast or warmer and saturated depending on the copious settings. I use a Manley Massive Passive hardware unit, a Summit Audio valve compressor, a Varis Vari Mu compressor and now add the SSL Bus+ to the analogue rack.
I used an SSL 4000 G+ during training a long time ago and I recall using the “SSL Quad Bus compressor” on an SSL 4000 G+ console. The high end VCA compressor built into the master section.
I have use 4 SSL VCA compressor plug ins and use other VCA compressors as well. I like them, a lot ! All the models sound a little different from each other, some a little more “hi-fi” some pump a bit more, some are slightly smoother in operation. That’s great, as sonic options in mastering audio are very good as long as you know what the sonic characteristics are. As such it is no surprise to have finally purchase an actual SSL VCA bus compressor. And they do not come any finer than the Bus+.
Details count
A little mentioned fact, and one that is very important with regards to this classic compressor is that a HPF (high pass filter) was absent in the side chain on the SSL console VCA bus compressor. Typically this is set to reduce the energy from kick drum’s and bass line’s reaching the detector and causing excessive pumping. Note, I write excessive pumping, consider not engaging the HPF first and listen.
As such, when looking at this classic bus compression it is worth remembering that details can matter. This compressor through the 80s and 90s would have been used without and HPF in the side chain as it did not exist. Something to consider if attempting classic compression sounds.
The SSL Bus+ is a compendium of versatile compression options and then some. “4K” mode, with multiple saturation options (9 levels). “F/B” Feed back mode, “Low THD” mode, variable high pass and multiple new attack and release settings and a new Auto release 2 mode. And that is merely the compressor ! It has 2 dynamic EQ bands and 2 fixed EQ bands the high’s of which can be switched between a shelf and bell response (and many different turnover frequencies can be selected).
Analogue mastering equipment rack
I take my hat off to SSL for this amazing piece of equipment, many of us know what a great sound the SSL bus compressor can produce across mix down and this device is so much more capable than just a bus compressor. Typically it is known for adding punch and “glue” which is an oft used term.
The SSL Bus+ very evidently extends this functionality to become a very versatile and flexible audio device 100 pct suitable for mastering. And that is why I have put one in the studio. SSL style compressor plug ins have become very good,especially a couple of them but the SSL Bus+ adds plenty of extra functionality and tone to the menu.
Analogue and digital mastering tools are great, together often the best.
Analogue is a lot of fun and plug ins are not analogue and they never will be. This is a fundamental fact of audio engineering.
Over the years I have listened and listened and plug ins are amazing these days, I must own have a 100 licensed and dedicated to mastering, (running on an Intel i9 SCAN PC.) they allow me access to the flavour of some analogue equipment that is completely unobtainable, very rare to find or simply too expensive to own. A Fairchild valve compressor being just one great example.
This is great to be able to impart their flavour as a high quality emulation and use these tools to great effect on my clients masters. When you have the right mastering grade monitoring (PMC IB1S) you can discern when they are just right for the job.
However, analogue electronics is its own truly energized system. Electrons passing through circuits cannot be fully emulated and most likely do not need to be. Though they cannot be fully emulated 100pct even at macro voltage and current levels which are not always stable.
In fact, there will always be mV (millvolt) and mA (milliamp) fluctuations and tolerance differences in any analogue electronic circuits. You can see this looking at a computer BIOS and see CPU voltage fluctuations. Slight but they are there despite high tolerance regulation.
Even in superb, well designed circuits using solid state and very tight tolerance opamp packages there are always fluctuations and interactions between stages, small though they are. Not every track or genre needs character or analogue processing, and many have this built in to the mix already, but sometimes it is precisely what it necessary to bring things together, if we are leaving no stone unturned.
On this website I show my room, monitors and equipment in various images so potential clients can see what quality is on offer for mastering. With 15 years dedicated solely to mastering it demonstrates an authentic approach. Committed to a professional toolset and working methodology that many years of experience have helped establish. Mastering grade acoustics, monitoring (PMC IB1S – Hypex 1KW amp – Crane Song Quantum DAC ), analogue tools, the best DSP tools that exist a total of 25 years audio engineering knowledge. (10 prior to mastering as a full time full time employer sound engineer / Head of engineering at a London production company.)
If you need your music mastering I will listen to what your goals and needs are and make sure you get the results you require.
All of this for an amazing price.
I continue my commitment to serious, dedicated mastering at a low rate, from now into the future.
If you want to hear your music sound better, taking your music to its maximum sonic potential please get in contact.
safeandsound123 at googlemail.com (replace at with @ with no gaps)
I look forwards to work with you and your music soon.
Current rates : 1 Track £30 | 2 Tracks £60 | 3 Tracks £90 | 4 Tracks £112 | 10-12 Track album £230 | DDP £35 | Vinyl pre-master add +£10.00 each | Stem mastering (14 stems) £56.00
All my current rates are on this page:
Pricing and payment | Mastering costs