SSL The Bus+ Compressor

SSL THE BUS+ 2‑Channel Bus Compressor – Legendary Glue, Unmatched Precision

Bring classic SSL mix-bus compression to your rack with THE BUS+, a 2U powerhouse featuring THAT 2181 VCA chips, four operating modes (Stereo, Side‑Chain Stereo, Dual Mono, Mid-Side), three compression colours (Low THD, F/B, 4K Mode), a 2‑band analogue Dynamic EQ (D‑EQ), stepped digital controls, variable side‑chain HPF, external side‑chain, transient expander, and precision recallability—all in sleek rack format.

The Glue That Makes ‘80s Consoles Legendary

SSL’s famed mix-bus compressor, originally designed in 1976 for the 4000B consoles, has been reimagined in THE BUS+ with upgraded capabilities to suit modern workflows. Whether you crave transparent SuperAnalogue™ clarity, vintage console grit, or aggressive parallel compression, this unit delivers punch, warmth, and cohesion with authenticity.

Precision Meets Creative Control

Digitally-controlled analog circuitry puts stepped potentiometers at your fingertips, ensuring exact recallability and unmatched stability — perfect for mastering and mix sessions alike. Choose among four stereo modes and three compression colours, and dive deeper with expanded ratio options, adjustable attack/release, onboard transient expander, and D‑EQ with before/after routing options.

Key Features

• Authentic SSL 2181 THAT VCA bus compressor circuit—tight, punchy & gluing
• Four stereo operation modes: Stereo, Side‑Chain Stereo, Dual Mono, Mid-Side
• Three compression colours:
  • Low THD — clean & transparent
  • F/B — relaxed, silky compression
  • 4K Mode — vintage console grit
• Variable ratio & time constants, including mastering-grade 1.3:1, creative negative ratios, and Auto settings
• 2‑band analogue Dynamic EQ (D‑EQ) for dynamic shaping, pre-/post-compression routing
• Transient expander hidden feature — perfect for drum shaping
• Variable side-chain HPF, internal/external side-chain input with XLR/TRS integration
• Stepped, digitally controlled pots — precise recall and immunity to mismatches
• Balanced XLR I/O, configurable processing order, meter solo modes, auto/deep sleep

Technical Specifications

• VCAs: THAT 2181
• Operating Modes: Stereo, Σ Side‑chain Stereo, Dual Mono, Mid‑Side
• Compression Colours: Low THD, F/B, 4K Mode
• Ratios: Classic SSL ratios + extended (1.3:1, 1.5:1, –0.5 to –2.5 creative)
• Time Constants: Manual & Auto 2, fast/slow attack and release
• D‑EQ Bands: LF & HF dynamic analog EQ, placeable pre/post compressor
• Side‑chain HPF: Variable filter control
• Inputs/Outputs: Balanced XLR I/O, external side-chain XLR/TRS
• Controls: Stepped digital pots, microcontroller-driven switching
• Extras: Transient Expander, meter solo modes, auto/deep sleep, relay bypass, master/slave recall
• Rack Size: 2U rack ­– IEC mains supply