Hi everyone! With the new SSL Native Bus Compressor 2 just announced, I need to do a new shootout! If anyone would like to send me one of their songs to run through my hardware and compare it to the new Bus Compressor 2 plugin, please leave a comment below with a link to your song and/or your Instagram, Twitter or Facebook profile so I can message you with the details. All genres needed for the shootout! Song must have vocals. Thank you!
Great vid man , I also own a hardware ssl g comp , I was really impressed how the plug in variants held up , imho the differences between the hardware and every plug in used sounded very very similar . The biggest diff I could hear was a subtle minute diff in the clarity of the arp being more clear when using the hardware , between some of the plug ins I could hear some offer a little more punch which may or may not be needed the slate comp in the video seemed to over pump while other plug ins came very close ! Close enough I’m considering selling my 500 series bud comp . Thanks again for the vid ! 100 !
Seriously. I just finished up a GSSL (Gyraf SSL clone) and it puts any plugin I've used to shame. Plugins just can't seem to get the stereo imaging quite right. I used to think old school analog gear was overhyped, not anymore.
Right?! Totally. I won't be selling it. 🙂 I need to do an updated shootout with the new Native SSL Bus Compressor 2 though! Thing sounds great from what I've heard. Thanks for watching! ✌🏼❤️
Thanks Brad! Absolutely! I totally agree. I'm about to release a follow up to this video using different genre audio examples, different compression ratios and adding the Wes Audio DIONE hardware and the latest SSL Native G Bus 2 plugin. Please subscribe and turn on notifications if you're interested in that one. Thanks again!
Thanks Ryan! I really appreciate that. I am very excited to be able to do them these days. I am sincerely very passionate about audio hardware and software, and anything to do with recording, mixing and mastering. I've been practicing for 26 years now! I'm hoping to do many more shootouts. Thanks again!
Great demo Les! I also prefer the hardware version. I’m lucky, I have an incredible clone which some argue sounds better than the real thing from Vienna’s own Bernd Unterweger. In your test, i thought UAD came closest to your hardware and after than came the Waves, and then the Cytomic was my favorite in 3rd place. I’m curious what your top 3 plug-ins were. My go to is usually Cytomic for its warm sound as I do a lot of songwriter stuff that’s less dancy. Happy New Year!
@@zinitv Thanks for you comment! I would love to hear your hardware one day! I'm sure it sounds great! My go-to was always Cytomic before I bought the hardware. After this test, I think I would go with the Townhouse or Slate FG-GREY. FG-GREY if I wanted something that sounded closest to my hardware, Townhouse if I wanted more analog mojo. I also really like Ableton's free Glue Compressor! But that shouldn't be much of a surprise since it's made by Cytomic.
Hi Dirk! Thank you! Yes, that should be noted. The Townhouse Compressor was created using console components supplied by Solid State Logic (SSL) and pre-dated the SSL G Bus Compressor. There was only one unit ever made. Since it was designed as a buss compressor and used SSL components, I really wanted to include it in the shootout. Plus, this was the closest Plugin Alliance had! Can we expect a bx_SSL G Bus Compressor in the near future?! Thanks again!
Also it seems to me that high pass filter on Townhouse isn't set to 105 Hz which will ofc sound different and will react more to low end frequencies. I would turn that V-Gain (which basically raises noise floor) down or completely off, and unfortunately Native SSL v6 and Townhouse don't implement oversampling so I would try them inside Metaplugin with 4x oversampling setting and see then how it would compare. I think you can get it closer, even though those plugins are models of different hardware than your version of SSL bus compressor...
Hi Daniel, thank you for your comment! Yep, I can assure you the HP on the Townsend was set to 105 although I can see how you might have thought it wasn't because it appears to be set so low but that's because the HP filter on the Townsend goes up to 666 Hz. The V Gain simulates the noise typically present in analog circuits so where we’re comparing the plugin to my analog hardware, I thought it would be best to keep that on at the default setting. As far as Native SSL or Townhouse not having oversampling, well we're comparing the plugins as they are to the hardware so using Metaplugin (which I own) didn't seem to be fair. You can always get plugins to sound closer if not spot-on to hardware with a little extra work but the point of plugins, hardware, good microphones, etc. is to reduce the effort to obtain the results you want in less time. The one thing none of these plugins could emulate compared to the hardware was the wide soundstage and the seemingly untouched transients. I have yet to find a way to capture that in the box. Thanks again! ✌🏼❤️
@@LesVegasMusic okay that's fair enough, for that reason I would suggest you to use Unisum Mastering compressor on your mix buss, but be careful that thing is goes deeper than any other compressor goes ;) As result adds depth and is ultra transparent (using high or pristine quality settings) For SSL style compressor, I don't know any better than Bx Townhouse, Native SSL from your video other than that you should definitely check out Plugin Alliance VSC-2 or even Original company's plugin emulation of this quad SSL style compressor. Aand if you want something that adds both depth and color check out Softube Germanium comp!
@@danielkisel5661 I haven't tried Unisum yet. I'll check it out! All other plugins you listed are excellent suggestions! Thank you. Hope to see you around brother. ✌🏼❤️
Official SSL bus compressors almost sound like they are doing some kind of multiband compression, or if not, some kind of frequency shift that brings the mids forward, and it has a sweet spot in the hi-mids. That, along with it's perfect, tidy and tight rms control, noticeable on the drums, without pumping the rest, are just two traits that make that SSL sound. It's a pain in the ass because nothing else does it right except for SSL. I've heard it take mediocre songs and immediately give it that 'song on the radio' sound. It officiates it into a professional finished and familiar sound we accept. Sadly, none of the plugins were bringing the mids forward or that hi mid sweet spot. Maybe there is a plugin we can add after that does some frequency based phase rotation, and maybe theres a clean compressor that can help tighten up the compression. But i doubt it would have that mojo. If i were to choose from the plugins here, i would go with Sand because it was closest in terms of sounding controlled, then maybe Buster ! I think DMG Trackcomp needs to be tweaked here to get it right, and it's possible it could be the best. Good video :)
@Bon Tempo. Thanks for watching and for your comment! Great conclusion! I hear you. I have the SSL G-COMP 500-Series and the new SSL Bus+ and nothing compares exactly. That's why I keep the hardware. I will be doing an updated video on this and including the updated SSL Native Bus Compressor 2 plugin. We'll see how close that one comes! Do you have the SSL Bus Compressor hardware in one form or the other?
@@LesFrancoeur Yes the X-series rack at home, and i have free access to fully kitted studios. But i want plugins to keep pushing until they are as good as hardware, because working ITB brings so much more power and possibility. I'd also like to consume less electricity and not worry about wear and repair ! lol. How do you find the G-Comp 500 series vs the new SSL Bus+ ? The examples online so far of the new SSL Bus+ do not sound impressive to me, quite bland, it's not the classic SSL bus comp sound either. I look forward to the new comparison video ! Would you consider using DMG trackcomp again and see if it can be dialed in more ?
Oh yes. The X-Rack is excellent! When I did this test, DMG Trackcomp was definitely one of my favorites. I also made a video comparing the SSL Bus+ vs the G-COMP. My viewers are saying the same as you regarding the Bus+. I agree when the settings are set the same, but what I realized with the Bus+ is that with all the new features including the Low THD mode and 9 levels of 4K mode that I can always get the Bus+ to sound the same as the G-Comp and then improve upon it. Check it out! I tried it out on three different songs and genres and using multiple settings. th-cam.com/video/rfQGqBNeYxw/w-d-xo.html
if you compare the tone, stereo image and how it pushes the groove to the hardware i think that the SSL Native, (surprisingly) the Analog Obsession Buster and maybe the DMG had the closest feel to the real one.
That was the first time I tried TrackComp and I love it. I can't believe all the models it has in it. I'm very interested in trying all those out! Thing sounds great!
The hardware just is a little bit more present in the upper mids (which seems to be common to me between most hardware and plugins). It also has slightly better imaging. The ambience def seems wider. All of the plug-ins sounds good and very usable.
Thank you for this video! after hearing the hardware compared to the plugins you can hear the depth that the hardware gives you. you can definitely hear it in the bottom. Im monitoring on Yamaha HS8s and shockingly to me the waves sounds the closest. I have the waves, Native instruments solid bus, Uad bus & analog obsession. My top 3 in this order is Waves, analog obsession, & ableton bus compressor (im not a ableton user)
Hey Tbone Beats! You're welcome! Thank you for watching and for your comment. You've got some of the best plugin emulations! You know I was quite surprised by the NI Solid Bus myself. Waves and UAD are good but listen to the kick drum only on those two compared to the hardware unit and you'll hear that they're both really compressing/flattening/cutting the transients off some of the kick drums here and there. It's sporadic but when comparing to the hardware, you'll see it always lets the kick come through. Magic s#it bro! Other than that and the stereo width, many of these plugins are close. With one of your own mixes, go slowly with that native bus comp, push 2 db of gain reduction, level match it with a LUFS meter to what the mix was before you added the G Bus compression and then listen to the difference. Then do the same thing with 4 dB of gain reduction. See which you like best. Maybe try the same with your other g bus emulation plugins. Then you'll know for sure what works best on your productions and it can be a go-to. So glad you enjoyed it. I'll be making a follow up video to this soon with the all new SSL Native G Bus. Along with that new plugin, I'll be trying out all the same plugins, on all different genres of music, and with a subtle 2 dB of gain reduction and then 4 dB on all this time. Please subscribe so you don't miss it and help me on my way to 1,000 subscribers! Thanks again! ✌🏼❤️
Also, if you have a mix you want me to try out in the video, please include a download link here or send it to lesvegasmusic@gmail.com. The song can be any genre but must have vocals. I'll need a premix before any mix bus processing or mastering plugins. Thanks again!
Yes. Thank you! That was an oversight while capturing the live audio during this video. Updated shootout coming! If you download the comparison files, you can just swap the stereo image on the hardware file when comparing against the plugin emulations. Thanks again!
Awesome shootout with some very dope high quality content, you got my sub :) Just got the SSL Native from their valentines sale and oh my god, even If I don't have that much SSL emulations (just the ableton bus comp and the Native Instruments Solid comp), this one feels so much more natural and punchy and warmer, definitelly an improvement to my mixes! But what's more of a highlight is the Channel strip, throw it on a high quality professional mastered track and crank up the high end and it won't even sound harsh compared to other EQ's... Well, back to the compressors, can't wait to try out the Slate Digital one! :)
Hey Kendy! Thanks for you comment. Yeah, totally. You can't go wrong with the SSL Native Bus Comp and Channel Strip combo. Excellent! Yeah, you have to try FG-Grey and FG-Red. Both excellent! Thanks for watching and subscribing. Feel free to share links to your music in the comments on any of my videos. See you soon! ✌🏼❤️
I agree that the hardware unit slightly edges the soft options, however they come close. My personal one of the softies might be the Slate Digital's emulation.
great video.... thanks for doing this.... and nice track! With the hardware unit there seems to be some extra content on one of the sides? I'd say this is a redo because the balance/stereo image is off. And most of these sound exactly the same! lol to my ears anyway..... aside from the hardware example it was difficult to ascertain anything. But my takeaway is that the hardware might only give a 5% improvement at the most.
Hi Louise! Thanks for watching and for your comment. Yes! There will be a follow up to this video coming soon where we'll be giving it another try with a different genre, different settings and adding the latest SSL Native G Bus plugin and the Wes Audio Dione hardware! Thanks again and hope to see you on the next one!
Very interesting, and they all actually sound quite good. I found the Nomad Factory AS to get closest to the hardware, if that's what you're after, particularly in the low end but also in the sense of space created in the mids.. But I like the sound of each for different reasons ultimately. I use the UAD one a lot, but in this shootout it certainly feels a far cry from the hardware!
Subtle difference. I think the AA nudges out the algo stuff and is very close to the hardware, but none of it is very far off; just some tonal differences, but just barely. The Plugin Alliance bx_Townhouse Buss Compressor does a great job, tho.
I like what the AA does that I don’t hear in the others. Feels like it just gets diffuse around the high mids but doesn’t lose clarity or definition. I’ve have several of these and find it depends on the source - between the Slate, UA and a Waves one I usually find I’m covered but the AA is pretty interesting. The hardware, like all hardware vs plugins, seems to have more girth if nothing else.
AA normally demolishes the competition for me but I didn't really like what Sand did to the low end. It sounded amazing in the mids and highs tho. I think the Townhouse compressor was the best plugin overall. If he had done Tim P L Bus we woulda saw some magic though.
Hi Entity! Thanks for your comment. I felt the same way! I'd like to do the test again on a rock mix and see how SAND performs. I really wanted to add the Tim P L Bus but I didn't have a copy of N4 and it's currently selling for €400! Too bad. Maybe the next time around.
@@LesVegasMusic No problem man. This shootout was great. Yea, you gotta try to get N4 next time it goes on sale. It went on sale for less than 100$ a few times this year.
Would be nice to test Tim P L-Bus V2, its my favorite ITB SSL with Sand 3 being my second favorite. Also, funny to hear that I prefer Ableton's stock Glue to the expensive UAD SSL...goes to show that with plug ins, you don't get what you pay for.
I think the hardware sounded incrementally better but it could just be placebo effect from having the time stamps. I probably would think differently during a blind test lol. I have the Slate VBC though and it’s my personal favorite software SSL comp
Hi CityInTheDark! Thanks for your comment. Slate VBC was my favorite plugin emulation as well. That whole suite of bus compressors is excellent. I like the sound of the Townhouse too but what I really like the most about the hardware is the sound stage! It just clears the middle unlike any of the plugins and kick cuts right through on every hit.
You really don't expect us to hear a difference in 1dB of compression? In this range it doesn't matter which one you use. You need to crank it up so the differences are more audible
Hi Petr! Thank you for your comment. Yes! I do. There's a big audible difference there. Plus, 1-2 dB of compression is what should be used on the mix bus in my opinion. 2-4 dB of compression at this stage in the pre-master is pretty heavy. Can you hear the differences? If not, try checking on high quality reference monitors or headphones at low levels. Each one has a substantially different sound.
I can actually hear the differences on my low-end JBL 305 monitors, but even more so with AKG K702 headphones...this is a good comparison. As Les says, this is how mix bus compression is typically used
The differences are clear and I appreciate the subtle approach. You could do a contrast demonstration with alternate material but this was just fine for me, thanks :)
1. Slate Digital - Big Surprise for me, the most identical sounding one 2. SSL Native bus - Loud but not in a bad way, nicely saturated, open 3. Analog Bus - Gentle and warm, not losing transients + the same position Acoustica 4. Townhouse - kinda different sounding (yes it is not ssl bus), but very transparent, fast, surgical one 5. Waves - not harsh, wam sounding 6. T-Racks 7 + 8 + 9. The rest etc All compressors very good, nice sounding... all are pretty much usable for me 10. Native instruments + Nomad - very dull, lack of energy and space ... these two I will not use (even I have that them) extra .... eh... UAD ....mixed feelings but in the end, very bad sounding one. Another (bad) surprise. THANKS FOR THAT VIDEO!!!
Hi Petr. I agree on all counts. Slate Digital was a big surprise for me as well. I completely agree that is was the closest sounding to the hardware. Admittedly, I never paid attention to VBC before. Maybe because it was one of their first plugins and it has been out for so long? Also, because all three are completely in disguise maybe I didn't know what they were emulating for quite some time? I don't know but doing this video has me interested in trying out the entire collection on my mixes going forward. And yes, unfortunately the UAD plugin is always a disappointment in these shootouts. Though it does have the compression effect pretty close, it misses the mark when it comes to letting the transients through, among other things. I love the UAD stuff for so many other plugins. I hope they revisit this one and give it a much needed update like they've done for some of their other older plugins. The modeling technology is better today. I know they could knock it out of the park but this one is not an example of their best work. Thank you! 🙏🏼
@@LesVegasMusic whoaaa... interesting, that we have almost the same ear ;)) About the Slate digital's comp, I am not using it at all, because in the 4K world the UI of this plugin is supertiny in my Nuendo DAW. I can barely read and see what is happening there. The smallest UI of all plugins (and I have thousands of them). But I throwed it in my current project... and wow!!!!! Instant glue, even with the compression it sounds louder (yep little bit more saturated as I expected) but really like the HW stuff. Interesting. I wish they update their UI to resizable or bigger one. About all you wrote here ... 100% agree with you
Wow! I had no idea about the UI on 4K screens. That's unfortunate. There's an opportunity for improve my for Slate Digital. So glad what you saw here helped a mix already! That's really excellent and makes me very happy to hear.
If you all go back and listen carefully to transcents, low-end release + detail and follow the detail compression of the main synth +the behavior of the vocals in the first 5 of the sample, I think you might come to conclusion that the native instruments won. What do you think? 🤔
Hi Henry! Thanks for watching and for the comment. Native SSL is definitely good but I'm with Petr on this one. Slate sounded closest to my hardware. It was a big surprise for me too.
Hi Andrew! Thanks for watching and for your comment. Totally! I've gotr a follow-up video coming that includes SSL G Bus Compressor 2. We'll be comparing on multiple genres using multiple settings this time too. Do you have the new SSL G Bus Compressor 2? I just bought it when it was on sale along with Channel Strip 2. I love them both!
@@LesVegasMusic yup, recently just bought the g bus compressor plugins... & i love it!! the 1st product i use from ssl is the ssl2+. straight i get addicted with ssl!!
Oh yeah. Definitely. All their stuff is nice and clean but punchy and powerful! I've have an SSL2 myself. Best you can get at that price point! Well, now the UA Volt might come close. I don't know, I haven't tried it yet but I'm sure it's great too.
I also have SSL VHD 500 series preamps. If you can ever get your hands on a 500 series rack, I highly recommend starting with those preamps. You can get them for a great deal. They're slowly becoming my go-to preamps.
@@LesVegasMusic I don't have the real unit of the uad volt 276 on hands, I can't really compare it head to head with the ssl 2+... But I thing I sure about the ssl 2+ has a better AD/DA converter over the uad volt 276.
i suppose its all in what color you want. its like picking a crayon out of a crayon box. i personally liked what the SSL plugin model did and the slate one. Have you tried using the bus compressors by Joey Sturgis Tones.? there is 3 different ones. i think the joel wanasek Mix bus compressor is modeled after the $9,000 shadow hills compressor as far as the transformer models. it also does some things with the no small time button. stereo widening, mid/side EQing, i think some clipping and saturation as well.
@@LesVegasMusic they are actually a full set of plugins but im just showing the mix/master bus compressor in each collection. th-cam.com/video/3npKMy6UTFA/w-d-xo.html
Great comparison, nice! Downloaded the files and on the real SSL it looks like the right channel gets attenuated a bit more, so the vocal got more in the center. On all plugins including the no bus compression version you can hear that the shimmering vocal is more to the right. Could it be that the channels are swapped on the real SSL? It sounds way more a like when the channels are swapped.
Hi Kornel. Thanks for watching and for your comment. I did. At the time of this recording, I only had a UA Apollo. So for the hardware SSL G Comp, I was running it out of the Apollo and then back in again. Of course, the plugins didn't need any ADC since they're digital emulations but yes, they were going though the same DA. Do you have a hybrid home studio setup as well?
You can't really test and compare Compressors on a 1DB GR, it doesn't show anything about them. Try pushing a little Harder and you will see how few of them (most of them) will break down. On the other hand Acustica Audio Sand is just another world in the VST Domain.
Thanks @BasariStudios! I did another test getting 2-4 dB of gain reduction. When you can, please check it out and let me know what you think! th-cam.com/video/qYVV1fi9yIc/w-d-xo.html
hello master, I'm looking for a ssl g comp hardware with a mains power supply included, does this exist or does it necessarily require the power supply for a 500 rack?thks
G Bus Hardware ist the best sounding. Second is Sand from Acustica Audio.. the rest had all that artifical sound..or more of a unpleased feeling, that is not fun to hear it. But the Hardware makes me smile.. even I can’t properly explain why. Almost like the divergent between Vinyl and MP3..
@mistermusicenterprise3148 I know what you mean! That's a god analogy. Analog vs digital. The sound of audio passing through electronics vs the sound of audio rendered as ones and zeros.
If I didn't have the hardware, I would have used the Townhouse Compressor on this mix. I just like the analog mojo it's adding. But since the Townhouse isn't a direct comparison of the SSL G Bus Compressor, I would say my favorite was the Slate Digital VBC FG-GREY just for how closely it matches my hardware. I also really like the Ableton Glue Compressor that comes free in Ableton! ✌🏼❤️
That hardware does have an excellent flavor to it, that the others do not. For me though, the difference isn't worth $2,200. Let me say it clearly... IF I had that hardware, I WOULD use it. :) As things are however, having not been aware of the hardware's existence or characteristics, and truly learning to dial-in qualities which enhanced music in various (proper) ways using other gear and software, I'm comfortable sticking with the various plugins that take my music to the right places. Still... that hardware is something I would have (if the money was no major object), just to add it to my workflow. It's great!!
Hi Cefshah! Thank you for your comment. I feel the same way and did the same thing for a very long time! I wish you all the best with your music. I'm certain you'll be very successful with it!
Very good.... quite close on this youtube video but maybe youtube doesnt do it justice....ssl ones are a little more energetic i thought but not 2000$ more energetic ....
Hi Oz! Right! I agree. Stuff is so close these days and it's certainly not going to make or break a hit song that's for sure! Thanks for watching and for your comment. I hope to see you around again! ✌🏼❤️
Hey Sound Revolt Studio! Thank you for watching and for your comment. Hersh thought the same in a comment below so I double checked. On the DMG, manual release was off and instead set to auto release and attack was set to 30 ms - same as on my hardware. On the hardware, attack times are in milliseconds with the exception of .1 and .3 which are micro seconds. On DMG, .30 as it is set, is in milliseconds.
@@LesVegasMusic So what we see in the video are not the actual used settings? I just downloaded the files and the left channel on the SSL G Bus comp has about +3dB more signal from 600-2,5 kHz. So its not possible to compare the HW to the plugin versions. Also the DMG sounded much opener, when I set it to 30ms, in your version the attack was totally clamped down, which would explain the 0,3 ms attack time. And maybe next time don't add any EQ or at least tell us the exact settings, cause there is no way we can reproduce it without knowing that!
The settings you see in the video are the actual settings used. If you look closely, I have the attack set to 0.30. Not 0.3. In DMG, the way I have it set at 0.30 is 30 ms - same as on the hardware. And yes, unfortunately I had the channels swapped in this video which explains the variation in channels you're experiencing on the left and right. For now, try swapping the channels in your DAW to compare. Agree with not using EQ next time but you do not need to recrecreate the EQ when comparing. I exported the comparison files with the EQ and mix bus compression all applied in the same way and same order as was used on the hardware. The downloadable comparison files are just there to load in your DAW and listen at the highest quality possible instead of streaming from TH-cam. Sorry for the confusion. For the record, DMG was one of the closest to the hardware and is one of my top picks. There will be a series of follow up videos where I’ll be giving it another try with different genres, different settings and adding in the latest SSL Native G Bus plugin. Thanks again and hope to see you on the next one!
@@LesVegasMusic Nope, 0.30 is 0.3 its mathematically the same, its also the same as 0.300000, doesn't matter how many zeros there are after the decimal point. There is a 30ms setting on the DMG Trackcomp and thats the one you should've used. Check the manual if you don't believe me. Especially the part with the "red lines". And swapping the channels on the HW SSL file does not do anything, as there is processing on one channel, which is not present on the other channel. Don't mean to be rude, but if there are done comparisons, they must be done at least with comparable settings.
@@soundrevoltstudio4448 I don't think you're being rude and I totally agree! This was my first hardware shootout done about two years ago and not everything was perfect. I did read the manual and that's the way I understood it but I'm checking again now on Page 14 section 4.3 G-Bus. Like I said, there will be an update to this video and I assure you everything will be spot on! I hope you'll give the next video another try. Here's the video I posted today on the SSL G COMP vs THE BUS+ (Hardware Shootout). Maybe you'll be interested in that one. th-cam.com/video/rfQGqBNeYxw/w-d-xo.html
BTW. If anyone is interested in the Brainworx bx_townhouse Buss Compressor it's on sale today for just $29.99 and with code MEGA-SALE-20OFF, it makes it just $9.99! Promo code is good for today only! This is a steal! If you don't already have it, I highly recommend that you get it now at this price! Don't say I never did anything for you! And you can thank @bx_dirk in the comments below. He's the one who made it! www.plugin-alliance.com/en/products/bx_townhouse_buss_compressor.html
i have ssl duende, macbook 8.1 , logic studio 9, duende opens in logic studio, when i open a buscompressor, it says 'no driver found' whats wrong? tnx! im having now a month this problem :( :( pls someone help??
@@LesVegasMusic snow leopard and lion, both same problem, i also checked if the drivers are installed in the map; 'plugins' and they are! so why dont it work, i have now 3.5.2 version of ssl duende.. im crapping out here :( i love ur channel :)
Hmmm. If there has been no changes to your operating system (including security updates) and all software is still compatible with your OS and hardware that is odd. The only thing I can think of is to reinstall Logic or have Logic rescan all plug-in folders. Should work. Thanks for watching!
Haha. I know it. The price is not subtle either! They're not cheap used either however, you can find one for $1,500 from time to time on reverb or ebay. I feel like it's on of those key pieces of gear worth the splurge though. Thanks for watching! I hope to see you again!
Thanks Muzrub! Thanks for watching and for your comment! What's your definition of real music and how is it different than the music in this video? Just let me know and I'll make a video with it.
Aah. So you mean acoustic recordings! Mic'd drums, amps, vocals etc. No problem. I've got a rock track with the former drummer of Skillet that one of my subscribers sent in. I'll be posting a follow-up to this video next week with that track and with different compression ratios! I'll also be adding in the latest SSL Native G Bus 2 and the Wes Audio Dione hardware compressor to the shootout. Subscribe and click the bell button to be notified for that one. Thanks again and see you on the next one!
Hi Vicnest. I tested it and it seems to work here. You may want to try using a different browser, clearing your cookies or changing your download security preferences in your web browser. Please let me know if you still have trouble.
Great! It would be much appreciated a less subtle and polite setting. 2-4 db GR at least. In the 1 db GR range the differences are subtle to the point that it doesn´t really matter which is which.
Thank you for watching and for the feedback Carlos! In hindsight, I think I should have demonstrated both. It's ok. I'm working on a follow-up to this video now that SSL has released SSL Native Bus Compressor 2 and I'll make sure to compare both settings and across multiple genres in the next one. Thanks again! ✌🏼❤️
waves is super tight!. glues but.narrow....Cytomic Glue is a little wider but definitely glues the mix...but the SSL Hardware seperates widens and polishes!!🤬
Hey White Lion Muzik! Thanks for watching and for your comment! Totally agree. Stay tuned for some more SSL G Comp comparisons with the latest Native SSL G Bus plugin on different genres with multiple settings. Thanks again!
literally heard no difference, im more used to hearing it on heavy rock/metal stuff on which the punch is often very evident. but on this track i could not hear anything on this track.
On DMG, your settings are extremely fast. Hold Alt and drag the mouse on attack and release, it will snap automatically to the typical hardware ones you are using, i.e 30 ms & 100 ms. Ur attack and release are not milliseconds but in microseconds. :)
Hey Harsh! Thanks for your comment. On the DMG, manual release was off and instead set to auto release and attack was set to 30 ms - same as on my hardware. On the hardware, attack times are in milliseconds with the exception of .1 and .3 which are micro seconds. On DMG, .30 as it is set, is in milliseconds.
@@LesVegasMusic That brings up an excellent point. Im listening on a conventional 2.1 home sound system (Klipsch). If I cant hear it on this system, it doesnt matter to me.
@@jasonzdora Aah, Yes. I see. This comparison is meant for mixing engineers listening on reference monitors who are concerned what their mix sounds like on every system. Not just one. Thanks again!
@@LesVegasMusic Sounds like gatekeeping to me. I listened with my DT1990 Pro's and A77X's and had a similar experience. Yes there are differences but nothing that blew me away. Like I said at first, it must be my hearing. I can understand, though. You are trying to sell a service. Its good that you have a higher level of awareness.
1 or 2 db of reduction... well it's different vs "NOT MORE 4 db!!" haha! Dan Korneff use 2 ssl Gcomp on his master bus with 10 db of reduction for both^^. His mentor was David Bendeth and others like Andy wallace ^^. 1 or 2 db of reduction is just ONE technique not THE technique. Jesus... "Be crazy when you mix" To me mixing is an art! And art is not a science or "standard" ! Cheers ;)
Thank you for your comment Morgan! I agree that mixing is an art, not a science or standard. Did I say people have to get 1-2 dB or no more than 4 dB of GR when using a bus compressor? Definitely not, because I would never say that. I just shared what I typically do and I hope that bit of information provides beginners and those just starting to experiment with mix bus compression a solid place to start from. Dan Korneff had excellent mentors! Eddie Kramer was my teacher in college. Chris Lord Alge and Tony Maserati were my mentors in the early 2000’s and Dave Pensado and Jaycen Joshua are my current mentors. I hope you enjoyed the shootout and that I'll see you here again! ✌🏼
Hi everyone! With the new SSL Native Bus Compressor 2 just announced, I need to do a new shootout! If anyone would like to send me one of their songs to run through my hardware and compare it to the new Bus Compressor 2 plugin, please leave a comment below with a link to your song and/or your Instagram, Twitter or Facebook profile so I can message you with the details. All genres needed for the shootout! Song must have vocals. Thank you!
Great vid man , I also own a hardware ssl g comp , I was really impressed how the plug in variants held up , imho the differences between the hardware and every plug in used sounded very very similar . The biggest diff I could hear was a subtle minute diff in the clarity of the arp being more clear when using the hardware , between some of the plug ins I could hear some offer a little more punch which may or may not be needed the slate comp in the video seemed to over pump while other plug ins came very close ! Close enough I’m considering selling my 500 series bud comp . Thanks again for the vid ! 100 !
What did you end up thinking of the ssl native one? I trialled it and it sounded amazing
It's excellent! New updated SSL G Bus comparison with SSL Native Bus Compressor 2 coming next week!
The sense of 3 dimensional depth, width and openness in the hardware is just crazy. Big difference for me
@hauntedbytheliving763 Thanks for watching and for your comment! I know it. I feel the same way!
Seriously. I just finished up a GSSL (Gyraf SSL clone) and it puts any plugin I've used to shame. Plugins just can't seem to get the stereo imaging quite right. I used to think old school analog gear was overhyped, not anymore.
IMO:
1. Hardware
2. Townhouse
3. Waves
4. Slate
5. UAD
6. DMG
Honorable mention to Busterse which sounds amazingly good for a free plugin.
I agree with all those picks, including BusterSE only I'd put Slate a little higher up the list.
One of the best comparison videos yet. Nice Job!
I appreciate that Pat. Thanks so much!
SSL Hardware is the clear winner. Depth, width, clarity and punch.
Right?! Totally. I won't be selling it. 🙂 I need to do an updated shootout with the new Native SSL Bus Compressor 2 though! Thing sounds great from what I've heard. Thanks for watching! ✌🏼❤️
@@LesVegasMusic please!
Nice vocals, nice layering, nice compressor, nice everything.
@Underview Thank you for watching and for your comment. See you again!
Very precise & accurate comparison. My vote goes to Waves & Townhouse respectively. Thank you so much for that demonstration buddy (y)
@phobik Thank you for watching and for you're comment! You're very welcome! I hope to see you around here again! ✌🏼❤️
Amazing comparison - thanks! Yes the hardware sounds great, but as a cost-to-benefit ratio all of the software options would do the trick.
Thanks Brad! Absolutely! I totally agree. I'm about to release a follow up to this video using different genre audio examples, different compression ratios and adding the Wes Audio DIONE hardware and the latest SSL Native G Bus 2 plugin. Please subscribe and turn on notifications if you're interested in that one. Thanks again!
@@LesVegasMusic Okay, will do. Can you pls do a jazz genre with gentle mix bus compression? 🙂
Great idea! If you would like me to include one of your jazz mixes, please remove all mixbus processing and send to lesvegasmusic@gmail.com.
Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
3:46 - Hardware SSL G Bus Compressor
4:02 - Plugin Alliance bx_Townhouse Buss Compressor
4:18 - DMG Audio’s TrackComp2
4:33 - Cytomic The Glue
4:48 - Ableton's Glue Compressor - Free in Ableton Live
5:04 - SSL Native Bus Compressor
5:20 - UAD SSL G Bus Compressor
5:35 - Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor
5:50 - Slate Digital’s Virtual Bus Compressors FG-Grey
6:06 - IK Multimedia T-RackS Bus Compressor
6:21 - Nomad Factory AS - Bus Comp
6:37 - Native Instruments Solid Bus Comp
6:53 - Acustica Audio SAND3 COMP
7:08 - Analog Obsession’s BUSTERse - Free Plugin
Nice job man! You’ve got the right personality and spirit for these kinds of shootouts. Hope you do some more in the future!
Thanks Ryan! I really appreciate that. I am very excited to be able to do them these days. I am sincerely very passionate about audio hardware and software, and anything to do with recording, mixing and mastering. I've been practicing for 26 years now! I'm hoping to do many more shootouts. Thanks again!
Great demo Les! I also prefer the hardware version. I’m lucky, I have an incredible clone which some argue sounds better than the real thing from Vienna’s own Bernd Unterweger.
In your test, i thought UAD came closest to your hardware and after than came the Waves, and then the Cytomic was my favorite in 3rd place. I’m curious what your top 3 plug-ins were. My go to is usually Cytomic for its warm sound as I do a lot of songwriter stuff that’s less dancy. Happy New Year!
@@zinitv Thanks for you comment! I would love to hear your hardware one day! I'm sure it sounds great! My go-to was always Cytomic before I bought the hardware. After this test, I think I would go with the Townhouse or Slate FG-GREY. FG-GREY if I wanted something that sounded closest to my hardware, Townhouse if I wanted more analog mojo. I also really like Ableton's free Glue Compressor! But that shouldn't be much of a surprise since it's made by Cytomic.
@@LesVegasMusic I’ll download your raw demo file and shoot you back a copy with my hardware :-)
The Townhouse plugin is not modeled after this compressor... but after the one-of-one Townhouse Compressor. Just fyi.
Hi Dirk! Thank you! Yes, that should be noted. The Townhouse Compressor was created using console components supplied by Solid State Logic (SSL) and pre-dated the SSL G Bus Compressor. There was only one unit ever made. Since it was designed as a buss compressor and used SSL components, I really wanted to include it in the shootout. Plus, this was the closest Plugin Alliance had! Can we expect a bx_SSL G Bus Compressor in the near future?! Thanks again!
Also it seems to me that high pass filter on Townhouse isn't set to 105 Hz which will ofc sound different and will react more to low end frequencies.
I would turn that V-Gain (which basically raises noise floor) down or completely off, and unfortunately Native SSL v6 and Townhouse don't implement oversampling so I would try them inside Metaplugin with 4x oversampling setting and see then how it would compare.
I think you can get it closer, even though those plugins are models of different hardware than your version of SSL bus compressor...
Hi Daniel, thank you for your comment! Yep, I can assure you the HP on the Townsend was set to 105 although I can see how you might have thought it wasn't because it appears to be set so low but that's because the HP filter on the Townsend goes up to 666 Hz.
The V Gain simulates the noise typically present in analog circuits so where we’re comparing the plugin to my analog hardware, I thought it would be best to keep that on at the default setting.
As far as Native SSL or Townhouse not having oversampling, well we're comparing the plugins as they are to the hardware so using Metaplugin (which I own) didn't seem to be fair.
You can always get plugins to sound closer if not spot-on to hardware with a little extra work but the point of plugins, hardware, good microphones, etc. is to reduce the effort to obtain the results you want in less time.
The one thing none of these plugins could emulate compared to the hardware was the wide soundstage and the seemingly untouched transients. I have yet to find a way to capture that in the box.
Thanks again! ✌🏼❤️
@@LesVegasMusic okay that's fair enough, for that reason I would suggest you to use Unisum Mastering compressor on your mix buss, but be careful that thing is goes deeper than any other compressor goes ;)
As result adds depth and is ultra transparent (using high or pristine quality settings)
For SSL style compressor, I don't know any better than Bx Townhouse, Native SSL from your video other than that you should definitely check out Plugin Alliance VSC-2 or even Original company's plugin emulation of this quad SSL style compressor.
Aand if you want something that adds both depth and color check out Softube Germanium comp!
@@danielkisel5661 I haven't tried Unisum yet. I'll check it out! All other plugins you listed are excellent suggestions! Thank you. Hope to see you around brother. ✌🏼❤️
Official SSL bus compressors almost sound like they are doing some kind of multiband compression, or if not, some kind of frequency shift that brings the mids forward, and it has a sweet spot in the hi-mids. That, along with it's perfect, tidy and tight rms control, noticeable on the drums, without pumping the rest, are just two traits that make that SSL sound. It's a pain in the ass because nothing else does it right except for SSL.
I've heard it take mediocre songs and immediately give it that 'song on the radio' sound. It officiates it into a professional finished and familiar sound we accept.
Sadly, none of the plugins were bringing the mids forward or that hi mid sweet spot. Maybe there is a plugin we can add after that does some frequency based phase rotation, and maybe theres a clean compressor that can help tighten up the compression. But i doubt it would have that mojo.
If i were to choose from the plugins here, i would go with Sand because it was closest in terms of sounding controlled, then maybe Buster ! I think DMG Trackcomp needs to be tweaked here to get it right, and it's possible it could be the best.
Good video :)
@Bon Tempo. Thanks for watching and for your comment! Great conclusion! I hear you. I have the SSL G-COMP 500-Series and the new SSL Bus+ and nothing compares exactly. That's why I keep the hardware. I will be doing an updated video on this and including the updated SSL Native Bus Compressor 2 plugin. We'll see how close that one comes! Do you have the SSL Bus Compressor hardware in one form or the other?
@@LesFrancoeur Yes the X-series rack at home, and i have free access to fully kitted studios. But i want plugins to keep pushing until they are as good as hardware, because working ITB brings so much more power and possibility. I'd also like to consume less electricity and not worry about wear and repair ! lol.
How do you find the G-Comp 500 series vs the new SSL Bus+ ? The examples online so far of the new SSL Bus+ do not sound impressive to me, quite bland, it's not the classic SSL bus comp sound either.
I look forward to the new comparison video ! Would you consider using DMG trackcomp again and see if it can be dialed in more ?
Oh yes. The X-Rack is excellent! When I did this test, DMG Trackcomp was definitely one of my favorites. I also made a video comparing the SSL Bus+ vs the G-COMP. My viewers are saying the same as you regarding the Bus+. I agree when the settings are set the same, but what I realized with the Bus+ is that with all the new features including the Low THD mode and 9 levels of 4K mode that I can always get the Bus+ to sound the same as the G-Comp and then improve upon it. Check it out! I tried it out on three different songs and genres and using multiple settings. th-cam.com/video/rfQGqBNeYxw/w-d-xo.html
@@LesVegasMusic oh that sounds excellent, i'll check it out, cheers !
@@bontempo1271 Great! Please leave a comment on that video and let me know what you think.
if you compare the tone, stereo image and how it pushes the groove to the hardware i think that the SSL Native, (surprisingly) the Analog Obsession Buster and maybe the DMG had the closest feel to the real one.
Yes. All good choices.
DMG is beast!
That was the first time I tried TrackComp and I love it. I can't believe all the models it has in it. I'm very interested in trying all those out! Thing sounds great!
Nothing beats the hardware. AT ALL!!!
🙌🏼 Thanks for watching!
The hardware just is a little bit more present in the upper mids (which seems to be common to me between most hardware and plugins). It also has slightly better imaging. The ambience def seems wider. All of the plug-ins sounds good and very usable.
Hi James! Thanks for watching and for your comment. I agree!
Thank you for this video! after hearing the hardware compared to the plugins you can hear the depth that the hardware gives you. you can definitely hear it in the bottom. Im monitoring on Yamaha HS8s and shockingly to me the waves sounds the closest. I have the waves, Native instruments solid bus, Uad bus & analog obsession.
My top 3 in this order is Waves, analog obsession, & ableton bus compressor (im not a ableton user)
Hey Tbone Beats! You're welcome! Thank you for watching and for your comment. You've got some of the best plugin emulations! You know I was quite surprised by the NI Solid Bus myself. Waves and UAD are good but listen to the kick drum only on those two compared to the hardware unit and you'll hear that they're both really compressing/flattening/cutting the transients off some of the kick drums here and there. It's sporadic but when comparing to the hardware, you'll see it always lets the kick come through. Magic s#it bro! Other than that and the stereo width, many of these plugins are close. With one of your own mixes, go slowly with that native bus comp, push 2 db of gain reduction, level match it with a LUFS meter to what the mix was before you added the G Bus compression and then listen to the difference. Then do the same thing with 4 dB of gain reduction. See which you like best. Maybe try the same with your other g bus emulation plugins. Then you'll know for sure what works best on your productions and it can be a go-to. So glad you enjoyed it. I'll be making a follow up video to this soon with the all new SSL Native G Bus. Along with that new plugin, I'll be trying out all the same plugins, on all different genres of music, and with a subtle 2 dB of gain reduction and then 4 dB on all this time. Please subscribe so you don't miss it and help me on my way to 1,000 subscribers! Thanks again! ✌🏼❤️
Also, if you have a mix you want me to try out in the video, please include a download link here or send it to lesvegasmusic@gmail.com. The song can be any genre but must have vocals. I'll need a premix before any mix bus processing or mastering plugins. Thanks again!
@@LesVegasMusic thanks! Let me see what I have.
@@tbonebeats6429 Alright! Awesome!
The real, the hardware unit is unique, but some of the pluggins do a great job, I like SSL Native, and Nomad Factory...
I like both of those as well. I was very surprised by Nomad Factory! I'm so interested to compare the new SSL Native Bus 2.
@@LesVegasMusic Great vídeo, by the way. 👍
Thanks so much!
Strange test. The stereo image of the hardware is turned upside down, I hear the vocals on the left. Left channel is louder.
Yes. Thank you! That was an oversight while capturing the live audio during this video. Updated shootout coming! If you download the comparison files, you can just swap the stereo image on the hardware file when comparing against the plugin emulations. Thanks again!
Awesome shootout with some very dope high quality content, you got my sub :) Just got the SSL Native from their valentines sale and oh my god, even If I don't have that much SSL emulations (just the ableton bus comp and the Native Instruments Solid comp), this one feels so much more natural and punchy and warmer, definitelly an improvement to my mixes! But what's more of a highlight is the Channel strip, throw it on a high quality professional mastered track and crank up the high end and it won't even sound harsh compared to other EQ's... Well, back to the compressors, can't wait to try out the Slate Digital one! :)
Hey Kendy! Thanks for you comment. Yeah, totally. You can't go wrong with the SSL Native Bus Comp and Channel Strip combo. Excellent! Yeah, you have to try FG-Grey and FG-Red. Both excellent! Thanks for watching and subscribing. Feel free to share links to your music in the comments on any of my videos. See you soon! ✌🏼❤️
I agree that the hardware unit slightly edges the soft options, however they come close. My personal one of the softies might be the Slate Digital's emulation.
Thanks for your comment Tomasz! As you'll see on my reply to Andres Villarreal's comment above, I feel the same way!
great video.... thanks for doing this.... and nice track!
With the hardware unit there seems to be some extra content on one of the sides? I'd say this is a redo because the balance/stereo image is off.
And most of these sound exactly the same! lol to my ears anyway..... aside from the hardware example it was difficult to ascertain anything. But my takeaway is that the hardware might only give a 5% improvement at the most.
Hi Louise! Thanks for watching and for your comment. Yes! There will be a follow up to this video coming soon where we'll be giving it another try with a different genre, different settings and adding the latest SSL Native G Bus plugin and the Wes Audio Dione hardware! Thanks again and hope to see you on the next one!
Very interesting, and they all actually sound quite good. I found the Nomad Factory AS to get closest to the hardware, if that's what you're after, particularly in the low end but also in the sense of space created in the mids.. But I like the sound of each for different reasons ultimately. I use the UAD one a lot, but in this shootout it certainly feels a far cry from the hardware!
Subtle difference. I think the AA nudges out the algo stuff and is very close to the hardware, but none of it is very far off; just some tonal differences, but just barely. The Plugin Alliance bx_Townhouse Buss Compressor does a great job, tho.
I like what the AA does that I don’t hear in the others. Feels like it just gets diffuse around the high mids but doesn’t lose clarity or definition. I’ve have several of these and find it depends on the source - between the Slate, UA and a Waves one I usually find I’m covered but the AA is pretty interesting. The hardware, like all hardware vs plugins, seems to have more girth if nothing else.
AA normally demolishes the competition for me but I didn't really like what Sand did to the low end. It sounded amazing in the mids and highs tho. I think the Townhouse compressor was the best plugin overall. If he had done Tim P L Bus we woulda saw some magic though.
Hi Entity! Thanks for your comment. I felt the same way! I'd like to do the test again on a rock mix and see how SAND performs. I really wanted to add the Tim P L Bus but I didn't have a copy of N4 and it's currently selling for €400! Too bad. Maybe the next time around.
@@LesVegasMusic No problem man. This shootout was great. Yea, you gotta try to get N4 next time it goes on sale. It went on sale for less than 100$ a few times this year.
I'll do that for sure. Very interested in hearing and using more stuff from AA.
Would be nice to test Tim P L-Bus V2, its my favorite ITB SSL with Sand 3 being my second favorite.
Also, funny to hear that I prefer Ableton's stock Glue to the expensive UAD SSL...goes to show that with plug ins, you don't get what you pay for.
Hi Nektar. Thank you for your comment. I feel the same way about Ableton Glue Compressor vs UAD SSL!
I think the hardware sounded incrementally better but it could just be placebo effect from having the time stamps. I probably would think differently during a blind test lol. I have the Slate VBC though and it’s my personal favorite software SSL comp
Hi CityInTheDark! Thanks for your comment. Slate VBC was my favorite plugin emulation as well. That whole suite of bus compressors is excellent. I like the sound of the Townhouse too but what I really like the most about the hardware is the sound stage! It just clears the middle unlike any of the plugins and kick cuts right through on every hit.
Great video! The hardware takes the cake. There’s a familiarness there that software isn’t quite duplicating.
Agree 💯. Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment!
The Townhouse , and Slate are almost identical to the hardware.
Hey Nicky! Thanks for watching and for your comment. Totally. Slate for sure!
You really don't expect us to hear a difference in 1dB of compression? In this range it doesn't matter which one you use. You need to crank it up so the differences are more audible
Hi Petr! Thank you for your comment. Yes! I do. There's a big audible difference there. Plus, 1-2 dB of compression is what should be used on the mix bus in my opinion. 2-4 dB of compression at this stage in the pre-master is pretty heavy. Can you hear the differences? If not, try checking on high quality reference monitors or headphones at low levels. Each one has a substantially different sound.
I can actually hear the differences on my low-end JBL 305 monitors, but even more so with AKG K702 headphones...this is a good comparison. As Les says, this is how mix bus compression is typically used
Thanks for your comment Slowpogo! So glad you could hear the differences!
The differences are clear and I appreciate the subtle approach. You could do a contrast demonstration with alternate material but this was just fine for me, thanks :)
1. Slate Digital - Big Surprise for me, the most identical sounding one
2. SSL Native bus - Loud but not in a bad way, nicely saturated, open
3. Analog Bus - Gentle and warm, not losing transients + the same position Acoustica
4. Townhouse - kinda different sounding (yes it is not ssl bus), but very transparent, fast, surgical one
5. Waves - not harsh, wam sounding
6. T-Racks
7 + 8 + 9. The rest etc
All compressors very good, nice sounding... all are pretty much usable for me
10. Native instruments + Nomad - very dull, lack of energy and space ... these two I will not use (even I have that them)
extra .... eh... UAD ....mixed feelings but in the end, very bad sounding one. Another (bad) surprise.
THANKS FOR THAT VIDEO!!!
Hi Petr. I agree on all counts. Slate Digital was a big surprise for me as well. I completely agree that is was the closest sounding to the hardware. Admittedly, I never paid attention to VBC before. Maybe because it was one of their first plugins and it has been out for so long? Also, because all three are completely in disguise maybe I didn't know what they were emulating for quite some time? I don't know but doing this video has me interested in trying out the entire collection on my mixes going forward. And yes, unfortunately the UAD plugin is always a disappointment in these shootouts. Though it does have the compression effect pretty close, it misses the mark when it comes to letting the transients through, among other things. I love the UAD stuff for so many other plugins. I hope they revisit this one and give it a much needed update like they've done for some of their other older plugins. The modeling technology is better today. I know they could knock it out of the park but this one is not an example of their best work. Thank you! 🙏🏼
@@LesVegasMusic whoaaa... interesting, that we have almost the same ear ;))
About the Slate digital's comp, I am not using it at all, because in the 4K world the UI of this plugin is supertiny in my Nuendo DAW. I can barely read and see what is happening there. The smallest UI of all plugins (and I have thousands of them). But I throwed it in my current project... and wow!!!!! Instant glue, even with the compression it sounds louder (yep little bit more saturated as I expected) but really like the HW stuff. Interesting. I wish they update their UI to resizable or bigger one.
About all you wrote here ... 100% agree with you
Wow! I had no idea about the UI on 4K screens. That's unfortunate. There's an opportunity for improve my for Slate Digital. So glad what you saw here helped a mix already! That's really excellent and makes me very happy to hear.
If you all go back and listen carefully to transcents, low-end release + detail and follow the detail compression of the main synth +the behavior of the vocals in the first 5 of the sample, I think you might come to conclusion that the native instruments won. What do you think? 🤔
Hi Henry! Thanks for watching and for the comment. Native SSL is definitely good but I'm with Petr on this one. Slate sounded closest to my hardware. It was a big surprise for me too.
you should try out the ssl g bus compressor 2, that might come much more closer to the g bus hardware
Hi Andrew! Thanks for watching and for your comment. Totally! I've gotr a follow-up video coming that includes SSL G Bus Compressor 2. We'll be comparing on multiple genres using multiple settings this time too. Do you have the new SSL G Bus Compressor 2? I just bought it when it was on sale along with Channel Strip 2. I love them both!
@@LesVegasMusic yup, recently just bought the g bus compressor plugins... & i love it!! the 1st product i use from ssl is the ssl2+. straight i get addicted with ssl!!
Oh yeah. Definitely. All their stuff is nice and clean but punchy and powerful! I've have an SSL2 myself. Best you can get at that price point! Well, now the UA Volt might come close. I don't know, I haven't tried it yet but I'm sure it's great too.
I also have SSL VHD 500 series preamps. If you can ever get your hands on a 500 series rack, I highly recommend starting with those preamps. You can get them for a great deal. They're slowly becoming my go-to preamps.
@@LesVegasMusic I don't have the real unit of the uad volt 276 on hands, I can't really compare it head to head with the ssl 2+... But I thing I sure about the ssl 2+ has a better AD/DA converter over the uad volt 276.
Great video. Thank you 🙏🏽
@MGDee Thank you for watching and for your comment! See you on the next one! ✌🏼❤️
i suppose its all in what color you want. its like picking a crayon out of a crayon box. i personally liked what the SSL plugin model did and the slate one. Have you tried using the bus compressors by Joey Sturgis Tones.? there is 3 different ones. i think the joel wanasek Mix bus compressor is modeled after the $9,000 shadow hills compressor as far as the transformer models. it also does some things with the no small time button. stereo widening, mid/side EQing, i think some clipping and saturation as well.
Hi Robert. No, I haven't tried the Joey Sturgis stuff. It's the first I'm hearing of it. I'll check it out. Thank you!
@@LesVegasMusic th-cam.com/video/TrzIUixrm80/w-d-xo.html
@@LesVegasMusic th-cam.com/video/VAUi1hdduh4/w-d-xo.html billy decker who does country mixes
@@LesVegasMusic they are actually a full set of plugins but im just showing the mix/master bus compressor in each collection. th-cam.com/video/3npKMy6UTFA/w-d-xo.html
muy bien !!!!!!!!!!!! excelente revision !
Muchas gracias Jorge! Thanks for watching and for your comment. I hope to see you around again! ✌🏼❤️
1. SSL Hardware // 2. BUSTERse (free one!!) // 3. Waves // 4.UAD .....IMO:)
@K.A.Gosudarski Good picks!
Great comparison, nice! Downloaded the files and on the real SSL it looks like the right channel gets attenuated a bit more, so the vocal got more in the center. On all plugins including the no bus compression version you can hear that the shimmering vocal is more to the right. Could it be that the channels are swapped on the real SSL? It sounds way more a like when the channels are swapped.
Good morning SPLIT! Thank you! That's an excellent observation. I'll look into it! Thanks again.
Did you run all the plugins through the same DA and ADC as the hardware?
Hi Kornel. Thanks for watching and for your comment. I did. At the time of this recording, I only had a UA Apollo. So for the hardware SSL G Comp, I was running it out of the Apollo and then back in again. Of course, the plugins didn't need any ADC since they're digital emulations but yes, they were going though the same DA. Do you have a hybrid home studio setup as well?
You can't really test and compare Compressors on a 1DB GR, it doesn't show anything about them. Try pushing a little Harder and you will see how few of them (most of them) will break down. On the other hand Acustica Audio Sand is just another world in the VST Domain.
Thanks @BasariStudios! I did another test getting 2-4 dB of gain reduction. When you can, please check it out and let me know what you think! th-cam.com/video/qYVV1fi9yIc/w-d-xo.html
hello master, I'm looking for a ssl g comp hardware with a mains power supply included, does this exist or does it necessarily require the power supply for a 500 rack?thks
G Bus Hardware ist the best sounding. Second is Sand from Acustica Audio.. the rest had all that artifical sound..or more of a unpleased feeling, that is not fun to hear it. But the Hardware makes me smile.. even I can’t properly explain why. Almost like the divergent between Vinyl and MP3..
@mistermusicenterprise3148 I know what you mean! That's a god analogy. Analog vs digital. The sound of audio passing through electronics vs the sound of audio rendered as ones and zeros.
The HW just can’t be beaten, it has more depth and a 3d sound the software just can’t replicate that.
Hi Juan! Thanks for your comment. Agreed. 100%.
Which one was your favourite? From the plugins, of course.
If I didn't have the hardware, I would have used the Townhouse Compressor on this mix. I just like the analog mojo it's adding. But since the Townhouse isn't a direct comparison of the SSL G Bus Compressor, I would say my favorite was the Slate Digital VBC FG-GREY just for how closely it matches my hardware. I also really like the Ableton Glue Compressor that comes free in Ableton! ✌🏼❤️
That hardware does have an excellent flavor to it, that the others do not. For me though, the difference isn't worth $2,200. Let me say it clearly... IF I had that hardware, I WOULD use it. :)
As things are however, having not been aware of the hardware's existence or characteristics, and truly learning to dial-in qualities which enhanced music in various (proper) ways using other gear and software, I'm comfortable sticking with the various plugins that take my music to the right places. Still... that hardware is something I would have (if the money was no major object), just to add it to my workflow. It's great!!
Hi Cefshah! Thank you for your comment. I feel the same way and did the same thing for a very long time! I wish you all the best with your music. I'm certain you'll be very successful with it!
Very good.... quite close on this youtube video but maybe youtube doesnt do it justice....ssl ones are a little more energetic i thought but not 2000$ more energetic ....
Hi Oz! Right! I agree. Stuff is so close these days and it's certainly not going to make or break a hit song that's for sure! Thanks for watching and for your comment. I hope to see you around again! ✌🏼❤️
damn link to files are deleted
Thanks for letting me know. The link has been updated. www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/bq8smgfso366rtwg3xb27/h?dl=0&rlkey=iov7sjg4ula7qygg15cmgsah7
This test is flawed for DMG TrackComp2. You used 0,3 ms instead of 30ms on that compressor.
Hey Sound Revolt Studio! Thank you for watching and for your comment. Hersh thought the same in a comment below so I double checked. On the DMG, manual release was off and instead set to auto release and attack was set to 30 ms - same as on my hardware. On the hardware, attack times are in milliseconds with the exception of .1 and .3 which are micro seconds. On DMG, .30 as it is set, is in milliseconds.
@@LesVegasMusic So what we see in the video are not the actual used settings?
I just downloaded the files and the left channel on the SSL G Bus comp has about +3dB more signal from 600-2,5 kHz. So its not possible to compare the HW to the plugin versions. Also the DMG sounded much opener, when I set it to 30ms, in your version the attack was totally clamped down, which would explain the 0,3 ms attack time.
And maybe next time don't add any EQ or at least tell us the exact settings, cause there is no way we can reproduce it without knowing that!
The settings you see in the video are the actual settings used. If you look closely, I have the attack set to 0.30. Not 0.3. In DMG, the way I have it set at 0.30 is 30 ms - same as on the hardware. And yes, unfortunately I had the channels swapped in this video which explains the variation in channels you're experiencing on the left and right. For now, try swapping the channels in your DAW to compare. Agree with not using EQ next time but you do not need to recrecreate the EQ when comparing. I exported the comparison files with the EQ and mix bus compression all applied in the same way and same order as was used on the hardware. The downloadable comparison files are just there to load in your DAW and listen at the highest quality possible instead of streaming from TH-cam. Sorry for the confusion. For the record, DMG was one of the closest to the hardware and is one of my top picks. There will be a series of follow up videos where I’ll be giving it another try with different genres, different settings and adding in the latest SSL Native G Bus plugin. Thanks again and hope to see you on the next one!
@@LesVegasMusic Nope, 0.30 is 0.3 its mathematically the same, its also the same as 0.300000, doesn't matter how many zeros there are after the decimal point.
There is a 30ms setting on the DMG Trackcomp and thats the one you should've used. Check the manual if you don't believe me. Especially the part with the "red lines".
And swapping the channels on the HW SSL file does not do anything, as there is processing on one channel, which is not present on the other channel.
Don't mean to be rude, but if there are done comparisons, they must be done at least with comparable settings.
@@soundrevoltstudio4448 I don't think you're being rude and I totally agree! This was my first hardware shootout done about two years ago and not everything was perfect. I did read the manual and that's the way I understood it but I'm checking again now on Page 14 section 4.3 G-Bus. Like I said, there will be an update to this video and I assure you everything will be spot on! I hope you'll give the next video another try. Here's the video I posted today on the SSL G COMP vs THE BUS+ (Hardware Shootout). Maybe you'll be interested in that one. th-cam.com/video/rfQGqBNeYxw/w-d-xo.html
BTW. If anyone is interested in the Brainworx bx_townhouse Buss Compressor it's on sale today for just $29.99 and with code MEGA-SALE-20OFF, it makes it just $9.99! Promo code is good for today only! This is a steal! If you don't already have it, I highly recommend that you get it now at this price! Don't say I never did anything for you! And you can thank @bx_dirk in the comments below. He's the one who made it! www.plugin-alliance.com/en/products/bx_townhouse_buss_compressor.html
Wave in this test for me.
i have ssl duende, macbook 8.1 , logic studio 9, duende opens in logic studio, when i open a buscompressor, it says 'no driver found' whats wrong? tnx! im having now a month this problem :( :( pls someone help??
Thanks for your comment Jonathan! Which MacOS are you running?
@@LesVegasMusic snow leopard and lion, both same problem, i also checked if the drivers are installed in the map; 'plugins' and they are! so why dont it work, i have now 3.5.2 version of ssl duende.. im crapping out here :( i love ur channel :)
Hmmm. If there has been no changes to your operating system (including security updates) and all software is still compatible with your OS and hardware that is odd. The only thing I can think of is to reinstall Logic or have Logic rescan all plug-in folders. Should work. Thanks for watching!
The difference is not subtle. This video push me to search for price of SSL G Bus 500 hardware unit. Man it is expensive😅
Haha. I know it. The price is not subtle either! They're not cheap used either however, you can find one for $1,500 from time to time on reverb or ebay. I feel like it's on of those key pieces of gear worth the splurge though. Thanks for watching! I hope to see you again!
TH-cam compression made them all not noticeable blind
Hey Daniel! Thanks for watching and for your comment. Which monitors or headphones are you listening on?
cool, wish someone could make a video about these topics with real music anyway...
Thanks Muzrub! Thanks for watching and for your comment! What's your definition of real music and how is it different than the music in this video? Just let me know and I'll make a video with it.
@@LesVegasMusic i would say stuff recorded through a microphone, with a real performance of a musician. Real drums in particular. Cheers
Aah. So you mean acoustic recordings! Mic'd drums, amps, vocals etc. No problem. I've got a rock track with the former drummer of Skillet that one of my subscribers sent in. I'll be posting a follow-up to this video next week with that track and with different compression ratios! I'll also be adding in the latest SSL Native G Bus 2 and the Wes Audio Dione hardware compressor to the shootout. Subscribe and click the bell button to be notified for that one. Thanks again and see you on the next one!
@@LesVegasMusic thank you, very kind
Dropbox link no longer works?
It should! Let me check that! Sorry you're having troubles. I'll look into it now and let you know.
Hi Vicnest. I tested it and it seems to work here. You may want to try using a different browser, clearing your cookies or changing your download security preferences in your web browser. Please let me know if you still have trouble.
@@LesVegasMusic Link now works, my network bug here. Sorry and thank you :)
@@vicnest Great! Thanks for letting me know! I was worried about that. You're very welcome. Thank you!
Great! It would be much appreciated a less subtle and polite setting. 2-4 db GR at least. In the 1 db GR range the differences are subtle to the point that it doesn´t really matter which is which.
Thank you for watching and for the feedback Carlos! In hindsight, I think I should have demonstrated both. It's ok. I'm working on a follow-up to this video now that SSL has released SSL Native Bus Compressor 2 and I'll make sure to compare both settings and across multiple genres in the next one. Thanks again! ✌🏼❤️
waves is super tight!. glues but.narrow....Cytomic Glue is a little wider but definitely glues the mix...but the SSL Hardware seperates widens and polishes!!🤬
Hey White Lion Muzik! Thanks for watching and for your comment! Totally agree. Stay tuned for some more SSL G Comp comparisons with the latest Native SSL G Bus plugin on different genres with multiple settings. Thanks again!
literally heard no difference, im more used to hearing it on heavy rock/metal stuff on which the punch is often very evident. but on this track i could not hear anything on this track.
Thanks for your comment Prashurya. The differences can be subtle to some. Which reference monitors or headphones are you listening on?
Maybe youtube audio compression
In another channel, compare like this. I like ik multimedia close enough to hardware.
On DMG, your settings are extremely fast. Hold Alt and drag the mouse on attack and release, it will snap automatically to the typical hardware ones you are using, i.e 30 ms & 100 ms. Ur attack and release are not milliseconds but in microseconds. :)
Hey Harsh! Thanks for your comment. On the DMG, manual release was off and instead set to auto release and attack was set to 30 ms - same as on my hardware. On the hardware, attack times are in milliseconds with the exception of .1 and .3 which are micro seconds. On DMG, .30 as it is set, is in milliseconds.
Listening to it without watching the video, nothing knocked the others out. I guess my ears arent as good as yours :)
Ha! Thanks for listening Jason. It could be our ears or it could be what you're listening on. What are you using for reference monitors/headphones?
@@LesVegasMusic That brings up an excellent point. Im listening on a conventional 2.1 home sound system (Klipsch). If I cant hear it on this system, it doesnt matter to me.
@@jasonzdora Aah, Yes. I see. This comparison is meant for mixing engineers listening on reference monitors who are concerned what their mix sounds like on every system. Not just one. Thanks again!
@@LesVegasMusic Sounds like gatekeeping to me. I listened with my DT1990 Pro's and A77X's and had a similar experience. Yes there are differences but nothing that blew me away. Like I said at first, it must be my hearing. I can understand, though. You are trying to sell a service. Its good that you have a higher level of awareness.
1 or 2 db of reduction... well it's different vs "NOT MORE 4 db!!" haha!
Dan Korneff use 2 ssl Gcomp on his master bus with 10 db of reduction for both^^. His mentor was David Bendeth and others like Andy wallace ^^.
1 or 2 db of reduction is just ONE technique not THE technique. Jesus...
"Be crazy when you mix" To me mixing is an art!
And art is not a science or "standard" !
Cheers ;)
Thank you for your comment Morgan! I agree that mixing is an art, not a science or standard. Did I say people have to get 1-2 dB or no more than 4 dB of GR when using a bus compressor? Definitely not, because I would never say that. I just shared what I typically do and I hope that bit of information provides beginners and those just starting to experiment with mix bus compression a solid place to start from. Dan Korneff had excellent mentors! Eddie Kramer was my teacher in college. Chris Lord Alge and Tony Maserati were my mentors in the early 2000’s and Dave Pensado and Jaycen Joshua are my current mentors. I hope you enjoyed the shootout and that I'll see you here again! ✌🏼
Lovely 😍💋 💝💖❤️
Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
3:46 - Hardware SSL G Bus Compressor
4:02 - Plugin Alliance bx_Townhouse Buss Compressor
4:18 - DMG Audio's TrackComp2
4:33 - Cytomic The Glue
4:48 - Ableton's Glue Compressor - Free in Ableton Live
5:04 - SSL Native Bus Compressor
5:20 - UAD SSL G Bus Compressor
5:35 - Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor
5:50 - Slate Digital's Virtual Bus Compressors FG-Grey
6:06 - IK Multimedia T-RackS Bus Compressor
6:21 - Nomad Factory AS - Bus Comp
6:37 - Native Instruments Solid Bus Comp
6:53 - Acustica Audio SAND3 COMP
7:08 - Analog Obsession's BUSTERse - Free Plugin