The Ultimate Incarnation of the SSL Bus Comp

Since the first SSL 4000 B console was released in the late 1970s, Solid State Logic’s famed Bus Compressor has been the audio engineer’s tool of choice for gluing a mix together. The Solid State Logic Bus+ continues in this legendary tradition, packing five decades of analog-driven dynamic punch into a modern rackmount processor. Featuring an authentic SSL Bus Compressor with multiple operating modes inspired by XLogic, early 4K designs, and more, Bus+ delivers exceptional sonic flexibility. In addition, the integrated D-EQ provides advanced analog dynamic equalization for precise tonal shaping. With 100% analog circuitry, stepped digitally controlled pots, configurable signal flow, external sidechain I/O, and intelligent power modes, Bus+ represents the most advanced SSL bus compressor ever created.

The De Facto Choice for Gluing a Mix

Few processors are as iconic as the SSL Bus Compressor. First introduced in 1976 as part of the SSL 4000 B console, it quickly became a studio essential for delivering cohesion, punch, and musical compression. Over the decades, SSL adapted this legendary design into rack units, XLogic processors, X-Rack modules, 500 Series formats, and countless plug-in emulations. The Bus+ distills this heritage into a single, powerful hardware unit, delivering the unmistakable SSL buss glue that engineers rely on worldwide, while extending its capabilities far beyond the original designs.

The Most Versatile SSL Bus Compressor Ever

At the heart of Bus+ is a true SSL Bus Compressor circuit built around high-performance THAT 2181 VCAs. Multiple compression characters are available, including ultra-clean Low THD mode, relaxed feedback-style compression, and gritty early-4K-inspired tones. Creative options abound with negative ratios, expanded attack and release choices, Auto 2 behavior, variable sidechain highpass filtering, and a dedicated Mix control for parallel compression. Precision MDAC-controlled make-up gain, classic moving-coil gain-reduction meters, and an unlockable Transient Expander mode further elevate Bus+ into a class of its own.

Powerful 2-Channel Analog Dynamic EQ

Complementing the compressor is Bus+’s unique D-EQ — a fully analog, 2-band parallel dynamic equalizer rarely found in hardware form. Each band offers 16 selectable frequencies, Compress and Expand modes, three time-constant options, and a wide gain range for surgical or musical adjustments. The high band can switch to a bell shape for detailed mid and high-frequency control, while G-Series mode reshapes the low-frequency response for classic SSL behavior. With tri-color activity LEDs, band bypass options, and pristine analog performance, the D-EQ adds the final polish that can transform a good mix into a great one.

What Solid State Logic Says...

If there is a single piece of analogue processing equipment synonymous with Solid State Logic, it is the SSL Bus Compressor. From its debut in the first commercially released SSL 4000B console in 1976 through every generation of SSL consoles since, the Bus Compressor has remained the cornerstone of the console centre section. Trusted by the world’s top engineers and producers, it is renowned for making mixes sound bigger, more complete, and full of energy, delivering the unmistakable SSL glue and punch. With THE BUS+, SSL set out to create the most advanced and versatile incarnation of this legend ever, staying faithful to the original circuit while expanding it with multiple colouration options and advanced processing tools. Whether you need pristine SuperAnalogue™ clarity, gritty early-4000-style character, or aggressive saturated parallel compression, THE BUS+ adapts effortlessly to your workflow.

Dynamic Analogue Equaliser: D-EQ

THE BUS+ also introduces a powerful Dynamic Analogue Equaliser (D-EQ), adding a new level of control to SSL bus processing. This fully analogue, 2-band Dynamic EQ can be positioned either before or after the Bus Compressor, offering exceptional flexibility. Unlike conventional EQ, a Dynamic EQ intelligently adjusts gain in response to signal level once a threshold is exceeded, allowing you to enhance contrast between background elements and forward material within a mix. While Dynamic EQ is common in the digital domain, true analogue implementations are rare, making the D-EQ a standout feature for engineers seeking precision, musicality, and authentic analogue tone.

Designed for Real-World Mixing Workflows

Bus compression is used in many different ways, from ‘set-and-forget’ mixing into the compressor to carefully fine-tuned time constants applied as the final polish. THE BUS+ was shaped with this diversity in mind. By gathering feedback from leading producers and engineers, SSL refined the legendary glue and punch of the original Bus Compressor and enhanced it with modern routing options and advanced processing such as the D-EQ and Transient Expander. The result is a powerful centrepiece that elevates bus processing and adapts seamlessly to any genre or mixing style.