Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor
Price: $249
“Another bloody buss compressor?” I hear you ask. “How many of these things do we need?” Good question. That depends on your budget of course, and if you can afford it, your mix will love you if you introduce it to Waves’ fine SSL G-Master Buss Compressor.
Based on the master buss comp of the legendary SSL 4000 G console, the G-Master is ideal for adding that finishing polish to a mix. Use it on drums, vocals, and of course the master buss to meld your sounds together, adding that elusive tightening that separates a run-of-the-mill mix from a strong and professional-sounding one.
The SSL G-Master Buss Compressor, which was developed under license from Solid State Logic, is simple to understand. Set your threshold for where you want the compression to kick in, then adjust attack and release amounts. Ratio and makeup complete the VCA-style compression circuit. There’s also an autofade dial—not likely something you’ll use a lot but when you’re meticulously emulating a classic board, you do it all the way. Lastly, Waves have added sidechain input and a button to toggle on and off the “analogue,” which adds pleasant noise and harmonic distortion present in the original circuit.
As one would expect from Waves, The SSL G-Master Buss Compressor sounds incredible. It’s as transparent as the Invisible Man and adds just the right amount of mojo to anything you push through it. What else can we say but get on the Buss.