In the latest edition to our How To Listen series, award-winning engineer Fab Dupont explains one of the most famous compressors of all time, the SSL Bus Compressor.
Known for it's predestined use on the 2 bus of SSL consoles, it was quickly revered by many engineers as the secret glue for mixes. Fast forward 30 years, and there is a myriad of emulations in both the hardware and software domains, and it continues to find it's way on to countless productions.
In this tutorial, Fab explains:
The controls of the SSL Buss Compressor
What an I/O Loop Insert is so that you can hear the tonal impact of going through converters when using hardware inserts
How to calibrate levels when using external hardware for a fair level matched comparison
The effect of Pan Law
Multiple styles of compression on the 2 Bus, Drum Bus, and Synth Bass, giving you a wide range of options with one compressor.
How to listen to the differences between the hardware and different software emulations.
After you have seen the video, download the presets Fab creates in the video and the example files to put what Fab taught you to use.
Learn how to get the most out of one of the most coveted compressors in history, from Fab Dupont. Only on pureMix.net
UAD SSL G Bus Compressor
Process.Audio Decibel
Solid State Logic XLogic G Series Compressor
4.9
40 reviews
vanaeken •Sunday, May 14, 2023
Absolute wonder, as always!
mvd83 •Wednesday, April 5, 2023
I learned a lot about the SSL comp! Thanks a lot!
CucumBoon •Wednesday, March 10, 2021
Hi Fab, May i know whats the Song title?
billabong859 •Monday, February 22, 2021
Awesome that you take so much time truly comparing it. I really like when you teach "what to listen for"! That is gold for me.
I rewind your lesson a lot and listen a few times, but it immediately clicks with me when you point out the differences.
eduguitar •Tuesday, January 12, 2021
Great lesson!!! Top basics!!
Castor X •Friday, December 25, 2020
ich liebe diese detaillierten Vergleiche und Erläuterungen. Da ich das UAD Plugin selbst habe ,hat mir des Video wieder sehr geholfen.
Mitchell Faraday •Thursday, October 29, 2020
So much useful information here! This is a goldmine ahah
mminjarez •Friday, August 14, 2020
I thought Fab's outboard SSL sounded way better. Does anyone know if the Stam SA4000 MK2 is a close comparison?
Muzzamay •Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Thanks for the great video and info. It's become very apparent to me from this that I cannot hear all the subtle differences Fab is demonstrating here. I hope it's just due to my monitoring sucking and not that my ears are no good (career change required). I'll try adjusting my monitoring environment until I find a result that does allow me to hear the differences provided in this video. If I can succeed, then I'll know I actually have a fighting chance of making better sound design decisions and choices for myself in the future with my gear - I must've just been guessing up to now - crykie!
gabrielmolina66 •Sunday, May 17, 2020
Incredible video, thank you so much!
bob.se •Thursday, March 26, 2020
Your lessons are changing my life. blessings to you and the whole pureMix Crew
Tazmanian Ninja •Thursday, March 5, 2020
17:52 In a matter of fact tone: "This is the smell of the 80s."
Best laugh I've had today :D
MoeMuzik •Friday, February 28, 2020
Awesome video thank you.
kaystrings •Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Fab i have been following you for a long time everywhere i see your video lecture, its a must watch for me. very technical stuff, you make them very easy to understand you are FABULOUS!!!
beau.s •Thursday, January 9, 2020
Fab this was fab! I have the Tegeler Creme (VCA SSL-like buss compressor), a Stam SA4000 clone, and a Schwerkraft Maschine which has a VCA/SSL mode on it. Going to load up the UA plugin and do some comparing between the units as you've suggested. Excited to hear the actual differences! Internalizing tonal differences is going to be so useful. I appreciate you taking the time to do this! Sometimes when I am mixing, the analog stuff just can't be beat. Other times, I have an all digital mixbuss going that can't be beat. It really just comes down to the characteristics needed for that mix.
