SSL BUS+

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Analogue stereo / dual mono / MS bus compressor

Digitally controlled
Authentic SSL Bus Compressor circuitry with High Performance 2181 THAT VCAs
4 Operating modes: Stereo, S/C Stereo, Dual Mono, Mid-Side
Attack & Release options for more flexibility in detail settings
3 Specific compression characteristics for individual or combined use (4K - Single VCA with VHD, LOW THD with LF reduction, F/B Mode)
Integrated 2-band Dynamic EQ (D-EQ)
Transient Expander
Configurable processing (Compressor pre/post D-EQ)
External Side Chain inputs/outputs incl. HPF control up to 300Hz (in 10Hz steps)
Mix control for immediate parallel compression
Detented potentiometers
Format: 19" / 2 RU
Weight: approx. 7 kg

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

3-Year Thomann Warranty

Available since May 2022
Item number 540426
Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
Compressor Yes
Gate No
Peak Limiter No
2-Channel Unit Yes
Attack/Release Adjustable No

1.888 €

-5% 30-days best price: 1.990 €

All prices incl. VAT

Sales Rank

in Compressors, Gates and De-essers

Comprehensive VCA compressor

With the BUS+, SSL introduces its legendary bus compressor as a hardware device based on the original circuitry that the manufacturer first built into the 4000B mixing console in 1976. Since then, it has enhanced countless world-famous productions, earning its nickname – "The Glue". All of the knobs on the BUS+ are detented, which makes precise control of the different parameters very easy. Compression is available in stereo, S/C stereo, dual mono, and mid/side modes, and the BUS+ also offers different characteristics that can even be combined. It also houses a two-band parametric dynamic EQ with HF and LF gain controls, as well as side-chain inputs and outputs, and also a transient expander. With these features, it adds more punch to successful productions, and does so with a great deal of precision.

Controls on the SSL BUS+ Analogue stereo / dual mono / MS bus compressor

Flexible operating modes

The SSL BUS+ offers three different compression characteristics: The "4K" setting recreates the "unbalanced sound" of SSL's 4000 series mixers, which has variable harmonic overload components. Users who want to do without the harmonic distortions in the low end can choose the LOW THD setting, and for moderate compression and an exclusive effect on the sidechain itself, they can simply use the "F/B" setting. The dynamic EQ only processes signals once they exceed an adjustable threshold, while the static LF gain lowers or boosts the bass by 10dB, and a parallel HF gain can be used in stereo mode. The make-up gain in turn can be switched to "Post D-EQ" if required.

Get the proven SSL sound

The BUS+ is aimed at engineers and producers looking for that special "kick" for their elaborately produced hits. This hardware device delivers the classic SSL sound, which has already proven itself in countless productions. In a 19" rack, the BUS+ takes up 2 height units, and among the high-quality components that are a matter of course for SSL are the 2181 THAT VCAs, which amplify and mute exponentially with low signal distortion over a wide range. Thanks to a microprocessor that "translates" the respective positions of the knobs for the completely analogue circuitry, users can precisely control the BUS+ parameters. The Make-Up, Threshold, and Dry/Wet controls thus ensure a fine resolution of 31 positions.

About SSL

Solid State Logic (SSL), is a renowned British manufacturer of high-end mixing consoles and hardware. It was founded in 1969 by Colin Sanders and is based in Begbroke, Oxfordshire. Initially the company developed transistors to control church organs, hence the name Solid State Logic. At the end of the 1970s they made huge advances in the domain of large mixing consoles with the 4000 series which pioneered the oncoming era of the ‘super’ consoles. Later, the 6000 and 9000 series also proved to be a great success and are still being used in countless recording studios all over the world. In 2005, Peter Gabriel and David Engelke took a majority stake in the company and then sold it to the Audiotonix Group in 2017.

Transient Expander included

The BUS+ from SSL is a first-class studio device that not only offers top-notch audio quality and precision, but also comes with practical functions for reliable and flexible use in any studio environment. For longer sessions, for example, users can set up a sleep mode that is automatically activated when the unit is not in use and reduces power consumption: If desired, it is also possible to calibrate the meter individually. Uniquely, and amusingly, the integrated Transient Expander is activated via an onboard mini-game: The user first has to press the CH1 IN, HF BELL, HF FAST, and LF FAST keys simultaneously, followed by the flashing red MODE button. They then have to work out the colour sequence that the BUS+ has selected at random: If they get this right, they can temporarily use the Transient Expander instead of the dynamic EQ. Of course, the game can be bypassed with a factory reset.

This is what customers who viewed this product bought

44 Customer ratings

5 41 Customers 4 1 Customer 3 2 Customers 2 0 Customers 1 0 Customers

4.9 / 5

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25 Reviews

An absolute beast

Ron Maker 27.07.2022

An absolute joy to have in a rack. It's a highly flexible device with a lot of different/modern controls and routing options. You can go really subtle or aggressive either ways you end up with a musical signal. It's a fantastic addition to the Fusion when used on the Insert. I have used it for almost a month now, I can't find a single negative thing to say about this piece.
Punchy, fat, warm and harmonic!

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AWESOME!

Edski 29.05.2022

Normally I'm the first to say go against the famous brands etc... I'm so happy i ignored myself this time round. This thing is ridiculously power and much easier to use than most people think.

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very versatile bus compressor

foamOfTheDaze 11.09.2022

The SSL Bus + is a very versatile bus compressor, with its 4 mode (stereo, sum stereo, dual mono, mid-side), the low THD which keeps the bass frequencies tidy, and the F/B is very useful for less aggressive grab. being able to add the Dynamic EQ with variable frequency, range, speed, shape and expand/compress make it extremely useful mix bus processor. where the 4k mode, especially above first few levels of distortion is useful for more specific mix channels or drum bus. the build quality and the feature set is impressive for the price. I'm very happy with my purchase.

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The best in the price range

DominykasV 09.10.2025

Have had it for a couple of years now! My first ever outboard compressor.
Over the few years got quite a few to my desk. But SSL is my favourite, it does all well. Mastering, tracking or just messing around. For the price you get the most out of it.

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SSL BUS+

Analogue stereo / dual mono / MS bus compressor