The IK Multimedia Bus Compressor is their take on the iconic SSL G bus compressor.
History of the hardware
The SSL G Bus Compressor was introduced in 1987 as part of the SSL 4000 series mixing console, designed to apply compression across a stereo bus instead of individual channels. Originally housed in the console’s center section, it became a common tool for shaping mix dynamics with its VCA-based gain reduction circuit and auto fade function. Over the years, standalone rack units and later 500-series versions were released, preserving the original circuit design while offering more flexible integration into different studio setups.
The Plugin
Compare this to a few other SSL G Bus compressors emulations:
Ideas
- Using the SC High Pass on the input signal or side chain helps preserve bass clarity and minimizes unwanted pumping.
- The “Grit” setting adds more harmonic distortion (as in an out of calibration hardware unit, according to IM Multimedia). You can use it to make all the marketing people happy because it adds “warmth”, “depth”, “vintage”, “glue”, etc. etc. In reality, the increased harmonics will add a bit more distortion to high levels of gain reduction, desirable on occasion especially on drums or bass.
- A 1.5 ratio has been added as an option, which will give a smooth and more subtle compression.
- L/R, Unlinked, M/S. A bunch of modernized options. This wasn’t the sound of the original hardware but after all, this is a plugin.
- The “usual” master bus setting is a 30ms attack, auto release, and a 4:1 ratio, with the threshold set for about 1-2 dB of gain reduction on the loudest parts. Of course you can adjust it however you like, but this is the setting people tend to ask about.
Tests
