Solid State Logic (SSL) has announced the introduction of THE BUS+, the latest incarnation of its original Bus Compressor that first appeared on the company’s 4000 B console in 1976.
Housed in a 2RU chassis, THE BUS+ is equipped with the authentic Bus Compressor circuit as well as 2181 THAT VCAs in its audio path, designed to offer the classic time constants and compression ratios of its predecessors. Several new processing tools and sonic coloration options are provided as are four modes of operation: Classic Stereo, Σ S/C Stereo, Dual Mono and Mid-Side, and three distinct compression colors: LOW THD, F/B and 4K MODE. New time constant settings, including “Auto 2” and compression ratios, are also onboard.
Andy Jackson, SSL product manager studios, states, “From the outset of this project, our goal was to make the best incarnation of the Bus Compressor ever and we are happy that we have achieved this. Using our original Bus Compressor design as the foundation, we’ve extended its sonic palette to make THE BUS+ an eminently versatile cornerstone piece of equipment for the modern studio and one that is ready for any genre of music.
“We’ve enhanced the Bus Compressor in almost every aspect,” he continues. “New Attack/Release settings, three compression colors which can be used individually or combined and an extremely powerful analogue Dynamic EQ section — these take THE BUS+ right to the forefront of what dynamic processors are capable of.”
THE BUS+ also provides a two-band parallel Dynamic Equaliser (the D-EQ) with compression/expansion modes and adjustable frequency selection. The use of stepped pots, read by a microcontroller that manages the analogue circuit, make THE BUS+ well suited for applications such as mastering as well.
THE BUS+ is available now through SSL’s network of authorized dealers and priced at £1699 (ex.VAT) / $2899 / €2099 (ex. tax). Go here for more specifics.
