Waves Audio SSL G-Master Buss Compressor User Guide

Waves SSL 4000 Collection

SSL G-Master Bus Compressor

1. Introduction

The unique sound of Solid State Logic’s 4000 Series analogue mixing consoles is sought
after worldwide. Engineers of pop and rock music, broadcast transmissions and television
post-production value the SSL 4000’s flexible dynamics chain as much as the trademark
SSL “punchy” sound. Waves and SSL engineers have worked together for over a year to
recreate the sound characteristics of the classic SSL 4000 Series E and G Series
consoles. Now, those who “mix in the box” can achieve the sound they thought they’d lost
when they moved to the digital world.

The SL4000 console was the first mixing desk to incorporate dynamics processing into
every channel, as well as a master bus compressor in the console’s center section. The
ability to 'patch' into the SL4000's master bus compressor and to control its sidechain from
an internal sub-mix allowed sound engineers to discover unique, history-making

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applications of this console technology. Whether used to record instruments such as
piano and drums or for final mixing, these innovative console sections - master bus
compressor, EQ and dynamics - opened up a new world of opportunities. For years,
workstation users have sought this unusual flexibility and signature sound. But
conventional dynamics and EQ plug-ins couldn’t produce the unique SSL color.

The Waves SSL 4000 Collection is the result of a partnership between Waves Audio and
Solid State Logic. These processors faithfully recreate the same EQ and dynamics
characteristics which made legendary the SL4000 consoles. Plus, the interface accurately
reflects the classic SSL console. Couple all of this with state-of-the art Waves software
and you suddenly find yourself working with the same tools that have provided countless
hit mixes for the world's best audio engineers.

The Waves SSL 4000 Collection consists of three separate sections:

• The SSL E-Channel

• The SSL 4000 G-Master Bus Compressor

• The SSL G-Equalizer

2. Description of the SSL G-Master Bus Compressor

The SSL G-Master Bus Compressor plug-in is modeled after the renowned SSL G Series
stereo bus compressor. The compressor’s gain reduction meters are fitted to the classic
SSL console range and displayed in dBu rather than in dBFS. There is an external side
chain source select.
Meters are calibrated to 18 dBu = 0 dBFS.

Key Features

• Classic SSL G Series stereo bus compressor.

• Gain reduction meter is fitted to the characteristic SSL console range.

• External sidechain source select (in host applications which support this feature.)

• Autofade with rate control for automatic linear fade-in/fade-out.