SSL Compressor For Mastering?

[bob katz]

Originally Posted by BigJunk

Do any pros use the SSL compressor for a mastering compressor? Someone told me that Brian Big Bass only uses that but couldn't confirm it.
Junk

I have heard second hand that Bernie's house has a MODIFIED SSL compressor for mastering. The attack and release times have been modified and more optimized for mastering. This may totally be a rumor, and I can't reveal my source!

[twwalsh]

i really like it for mastering when used mildly...low ratios and low gain reduction. it all depends on the source material.

[Jason Poulin]

If it can be used on the mixbuss, it can be used for mastering.


Sometimes a mix lacks glue and why not an SSL comp to fit the need.





J.

[MASSIVE Master]

I have a moderately hot-rodded 4000 E/G clone that I use occasionally... Not often, but it comes in handy here and there.

[Andy Krehm]

I bought the Waves SSL plug-in b/c the mix guys that work here wanted it.

One day, when mastering a heavy album, I could not get one track to sit right with the rest so in desperation, I tried the SSL buss comp. It actually did the trick.

I would definitely try it again but I keep forgetting that I have access to it!

[phild]

Originally Posted by BigJunk

Do any pros use the SSL compressor for a mastering compressor? Someone told me that Brian Big Bass only uses that but couldn't confirm it.
Junk

He used one when I sat in with him. It's on a switch. In or out. Looks like an all in-house creation.

[Bob Boyd]

I will have to give kudos to the Waves SSL bus compressor because of one experience...

Last year I was mastering a project for a label and after the entire project was completely mixed and mastered, they had to do a recall because of a lyrics-rights issue. They cut the new vocal part and got it to me quick. I got the new mix and the mix engineer told me that I should be able to do a straight recall on the mastering.

I pulled the mix up and the first thing that caught my eye was the difference in the waveform between the original and their 'recall'. I did an A/B check and sure enough it was far more than a print level difference. After switching back and forth a couple of times, I came to the conclusion that they forgot to engage the SSL's bus compressor. Being up against a hard deadline and knowing they couldn't get back into the studio in time, I inserted the Waves SSL bus compressor in front of my mastering chain and dialed it in. By the time I was done, I was able to use my recall as it was and deliver parts on schedule.

I'm not going to tell you to dump any hardware or that the plug is exactly the same but it saved my butt that day and I'll admit that the A/B between masters was pretty darn impressive.

[Lagerfeldt]

Originally Posted by BigJunk

Do any pros use the SSL compressor for a mastering compressor? Someone told me that Brian Big Bass only uses that but couldn't confirm it.
Junk

I use a modified SSL 4000 clone with a sidechained lowcut from 80 Hz/6dB roll off per octave to make it pump less and get a fuller bottom.

I rarely use that alone though, just one part of the chain.

[Ecktronic]

Originally Posted by BigJunk

Do any pros use the SSL compressor for a mastering compressor? Someone told me that Brian Big Bass only uses that but couldn't confirm it.
Junk

From my experience the SSL can be good as a mastering comp. The limited control can make it not so good for some mixes, but it can really tighten up the low end and bring out the smoothness of the low end pretty well.

Eck

[yeloocproducer]

Originally Posted by phild

He used one when I sat in with him. It's on a switch. In or out. Looks like an all in-house creation.

Yep. It's there. I think the needle only moved like a half a db (if that's really accurate) when I was there. I wonder how the attack/ release are modified... I'm guessing more options on the longer attacks and more options on the shorter releases. Probably has it side chained too, right? Hence the name BBB?

[Lagerfeldt]

That's a VU so remember the needle moving half a dB can be quite a bit more in terms of peak compression. Mine moves about 1.25 dB maximum in most cases.

[xdiffyx]

Originally Posted by Lagerfeldt

I use a modified SSL 4000 clone with a sidechained lowcut from 80 Hz/6dB roll off per octave to make it pump less and get a fuller bottom.

I rarely use that alone though, just one part of the chain.

will it be ok if i use the stereo comp from xrack to my maste rbus

[Bob Olhsson]

Originally Posted by Bob Boyd

...Being up against a hard deadline and knowing they couldn't get back into the studio in time, I inserted the Waves SSL bus compressor in front of my mastering chain and dialed it in. By the time I was done, I was able to use my recall as it was and deliver parts on schedule...

I had an experience like that where one verse needed to be replaced. My client had the Pro Tools files but no time to send them back to New York to be remixed with the new vocal. We popped the 4k channel strips each track, and the compressor on the master, quickly mixed just that that verse, spliced it in and it sounded perfect.

[DBarbarulo]

had one for a while. Difficoult to fit without major mods.

DB

[bendermastering]

The TK Audio BC1 is a good example of an SSL type compressor that's good for mastering.

[soundgeezer]

I use a grey face fx g384 from time to time with max 1db of compression.
Can be too punchy sometimes though ...

[Joe_caithness]

FWIW I use the PSP Audioware SSL style Compressor Buscomp a lot in mastering, such good value for money!

[wcb123]

I love this compressor, I replaced it with the glue bit I miss waves SSL character. There's something about it, and my needle barely moved. I hate compression but there's something about it on the master buss.

Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk

[Weiss]

I often use Itb duende ssl bus comp, its sounds good in some material

[Lagerfeldt]

Today I have an SSL XLogic G-series SuperAnalogue in my setup (I don't have the modified clone anymore), but in my opinion it's not a "mastering" compressor, though it can be used as part of a chain with some mixes.

[abechap024]

*I should read the whole thread before I post* nothing I would've said would've added anymore info. Long live the ssl comp.

[kingofswing]

I love my SSL X-Rack G Comp on the master bus mostly for it's clean super analog sound. I use it with sidechain cables or eq. I guess it may not be the first choice for mastering pro's, but the X rack has recall and so all settings are also recall friendly on the SSL bus comp, so IMO it's more than ideal for mastering in the right situations. The X Rack G Comp has lower ratio of 1.5 and 3, so offers more flexibility, setting recall and sidechain inputs.

[bendermastering]

IMO the sidechain high pass filter in the TK Audio is what makes the unit great for polishing mixes. In fact, I think I never used that compressor without the sidechain filter on.