Solid State Logic Fusion Neve Portico 2 MBP Combination Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 พ.ค. 2022
- In this video I review how the Solid State Logic Fusion and Rupert Neve Portico 2 MBP pair together. Are they the perfect combination or do they do the same thing.
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The Neve compressor isn't a rhythmic tool like an SSL or API, but on acoustic music it's insanely transparent and is one of the best features of the MBP.
Wow what a brilliant observation
I am very much looking forward to your video about how you use the Portico 2 as a stereo field editor. I own one myself. And my mixes do lack some stereo width 🤔🤔
Thank you for this review ! I've been considering purchasing the Neve MBP as my main vocal bus compressor, however this review definitely made me reconsider where to spend my next 5K in hardware. I currently own the SSL Bus+, SSL Fusion & Maag EQ4M. They work really well on my mix bus ! What would you recommend as a hardware vocal bus compressor ?
Don't get me wrong the MBP is incredible. But incredible as a stereo field editor. Best I have used. As a vocal bus compressor my favourite was the shadow Hills compressor. But that's a bit out the 5k range. Have a look at my review of the SPL iron. I run vocals through that and you can see just how hard I'm squashing the vocals with it.
I agree the MBP is not a glue-compressor. It's more of a finishing tool. A colleague made an excellent analogy of the MBP. He said it was like a modern day L2. Meaning you can get stealth like peak control in the analog domain. And then you have the SFE to deep dive into the stereo imaging. I think the Bus+ is a superb glue compressor. I have at least 3 vca bus comps, and I have to say there is something to SSL's bus compressors that aren't quite delivered in other clones. They're all good, but they're not the same. The Fusion, as you said, is not something you can compare between the MBP due to some redundancy, and the nature of how you would use it along with the Fusion. Although I really appreciate your views on the Fusion, as I think there are aspects of the Fusion that are very good, if not excellent. I eventually sold mine. I think the HPF is too steep, the vintage drive too noisy and creates a L/R coherence issue that drifts, and the location of the Insert Return. If they would have given the option to put the I/R before the Vintage Drive, it would have been a game changer, versus putting it before the Violet EQ. The dynamic eq on the Bus+ is going to be far more effective prior to the Vintage Drive. But, we all use this stuff differently, so perhaps this is just me that feels this way. I think the Bus+ is one of the best units to hit the market in quite a long time. The MBP, that thing wreaks of high quality on a level that the Fusion could never compete with, and it's not meant to. The Fusion is also an amazing bang for the buck if one is willing to overlook a few things. I actually think the HF Compressor can be sonic magic when it's set just right. The Transformer on mixes that need a good kick in the pants up top, that thing really delivers. But it's not subtle, so its not a good all-around tool. If SSL comes out with a 500 series Vintage Drive or HF Compressor, I'm all over it. I'm looking forward to seeing your Vlog on how you are using the SFE on the MBP. Very good channel....
So having the Bus+ as an insert on the fusion then feed i to the MBP would be the way to go if you have all 3 units?
@@infojunkie4989 I think so. It makes the most sense. Then again, thinking about it, the Bus+ allows for MS, you could also just put it in front of the Fusion as well. This way you're only compressing the mix pre Fusion processing, which could be more desirable or even ideal. And leave the Insert / Return on the Fusion for something else. Perhaps a Vari-Mu comp or some other type of tonal unit, such as a set of Neve 542's. It really all depends on the productions and your style of mixing.
MBP owner here.. I agree with your feedback on the SFE, it’s brilliant. What monitors do you use in your mastering rooms?
The SFE is really impressive on the MBP. In both mastering rooms we Ex machina speakers. Highly recommended and ahead of their time with technology. They are quite something.
There we go again, another awesome treat…😋😋😋🍴 🍴
can you please make a video why its not used for compression
Thanks, waiting for the next video with MBP.
Will shoot the MBP review this week
@@AudioAnimalsStudio Hi!. Would be great to see how you use the stereo field on the Mbp. Best/Mathias
Nice, was really waiting for someone to do this video. I have the Neve MBP, but not the Fusion. I also have the Bettermaker Darth Limiter, which is interesting to compare it's M/S Width and Saturation with the Neve/Fusion.
Curious if you could have only 8 pieces of Analog Mastering Gear, Desert Island Pieces, which would you choose, outside of any routers, monitors etc., which would you choose and would either of these units be included?
Great question tomorrow I'll shoot a video on my 8 desert island mastering units.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio That would be amazing!! Thanks man!
Thank you so much for this review! Question if u can only afford one which one would you recommend for mastering purposes?
It really depends on what else you have. I would always recommend the fusion as the first thing in a mastering chain and building from there. Mainly because it allows you to incorporate mid side
@@AudioAnimalsStudio Thank you for answering my question I guess I'm going to buy the Fusion
How does the mbp + fusion vs ssl gbus plus + fusion sound? Or sslgbus plus vs neve mbp? Great explanation on the two though.
The SSL Bus Plus + Fusion is a brilliant combination. Everything the Fusion lacks the bus plus has. They were designed to work together perfectly and they do. The mbp and Fusion don't compliment each other in as well a way. The ssl bus plus + mbp would double up as they are both compressors.
Thanks for your honest opinions! How about SSL THE BUS+ and Fusion marriage? Would it be a good choice for electronic and acoustic hybrid genres such as Synthwave and Funk?
You can watch my review on this pairing here: th-cam.com/video/MSOSgqpfKc0/w-d-xo.html
Great video! Thanks for the content. I’m trying to decide between the MBP and SSL Bus + for my mastering chain. What’s your thoughts on how they compare? Which would you get if you could only have one?
If you are using it for compression of the mix I would recommend the ssl bus plus. I did a review on the bus plus recently on this channel and it was really impressive.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio thanks! Just got finished watching your review of it and the fusion combination. Definitely sounds like a winner. I’m looking for mix compression so it sounds like the bus + is the way to go then.
@@phoenixbt if you can try and get them both on a demo and see which works for your workflow. I love the MBP as a stereo field editor.
So having all 3 would not be waste given each does a slightly different part of the mix better than the other? I.e fusion for 😂flavour), bus+ for glue, mbp for width and depth polish?
Would that be the way to think of them as a toolset?
Ha ha… i should have watched to the end before posting the Q as I think you answered it i. The last 2 mins. Still bought all 3 in the end……, ffs this channel is worse than crack!
Question, I noticed in this video the Portico II MBP SFE to Comp is not engaged. This would put Comp/Lim/Sat A on the Depth and Comp/Lim/Sat B on the Width. It seems in other videos you have this switch engaged. Also, it seems you not hitting the VCA comp in this video at all, but in some of the other videos with the PII MBP you have the SFE engaged and are hitting the VCA comp for a couple of dB reduction. What is your preference using the VCA comp and the SFE option?
For me personally the MBP comp isn't great but it is a brilliant stereo field editor. For this demo it is used as a comp with the fusion. I would never use it like this in a real world situation.
Hi! Great content as always! Huge thanks. Only one thing annoys me a bit and its the music you are using for demoing. I mean yeah a drum loop, a vocal why not test it, but after all they are mastering equipments...they meant to be used on full mixes. I would rather try them on full production materials with vocals, drums, guitars etc. in different genres (hiphop, pop, rock) than just listening to some funky guitar riff on its own. Dont get me wrong its not against the channel it is for the channel.
I was just using the audio the users requested. These are the sources viewers wanted to hear. You are the first to request full mixes. I'll add some full mixes to the audio files that get processed.
I did an A/B comparison between the Portico 2 and the SSL Bus +. I did not expected a big difference, but the Portico 2 was a clear winner on my mix bus (EDM). I think it's much harder to find the optimal settings on the Neve, but when you do, the result is amazing. Much more depth and definition. Starting to love the Portico compressor more than I did.
Besides that, If your mix has some issues, the Portico will tell you immediately. It's very unforgiven. That's a good thing too:-)
The SSL Bus + I use to compres instruments or busses. Does a great job doing that.
still liking the Portico compressor? any thoughts on how to make it work best?
Thanks for the video, awesome! wondering why you don't insert the MBP into the Fusion and why you don't link the channels on the MBP? cheers
The chain was just for demo purposes. The honest reason why I didn't link the MBP is because some people don't understand link mode and comment that I'm only changing the left side. I spent a lot of time explaining that on other videos.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio Cool thanks, I have both units, I have the MBP on the fusion insert, works great! Subscribed :)
@@shinemastering How do you find the combination of these two? I have the Portico II MBP and I'm thinking about getting the Fusion, but I also have the BAX EQ on my list.
@@xXKAROLXx03 Hey, funny you should ask! I've since sold my fusion and replaced with a Heritage Symph EQ. I found I was only using the EQ on the fusion so this is a better combo for me.
awesome stuff sir! been watching your videos and wanted to get your opinion, between fusion/SSL bus plus combo vs Portico/fusion combo, would be appreciated! Many thanks!
I prefer the fusion ssl bus plus combo. I'm not a huge fan of the Portico as a compressor. Incredible stereo field editor though. I felt the bus plus perfectly complimented the fusion.
Awesome!! I appreciate it the input! ,I sensed that would be the answer!! 🙌
Between Neve Portico 2 and SSL Bus+ which one would work best for live sound as the last gear on the chain
The Nece Portico 2 would be my choice for live sound
QUESTION: would you pair the fusion with the handcrafted labs vari over the ssl+? I’m looking for the best combo for a newbie to hardware.
I would personally prefer the bus plus to the HCL.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio Are you referring to pairing both compressors or do you mean the HCL over the ssl bus+? Also I like the gainlab audio empress eq and the dangerous 2 bus xt. Do you think 2bus xt would be a necessary purchase? What do you think would be the best combo? Thanks for such a quick response.
@The Real K-Tone best thing to do is demo and try each unit out. Making an informed choice what works for your needs. The varis is OK but wouldn't ever be my choice of compressor.
Thank you for calling out people comparing these two devices lol. I do wish you tried this on a 2-track, although using this combo on buss/groups would also be applicable. I'm also surprised you don't like the neve compression! Overall great content, thanks a lot for this.
The main reason I'm not keen on the compression aspect of it is because there are so many much better compressor on the market and that I own so it doesn't get a look in. For me the MBP is an exceptional stereo field editor. That aspect of it is a far better use of this unit in my opinion. Compressors good don't get me wrong. It's just not as good as other £4k plus dedicated compressors.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio You raise a good point in terms of the price point vs it's competitors. I'm a bit of a neve fan but haven't had much experience with their comps outside of the 88rs plugin, which is 1) a plugin and 2) i only use the comp on that because of convenience of it being there on the strip and it's certainly not my favorite! super interesting.
How does the SSL BIG 500 Series stack up to the Stereo Field Editor in the RND Portico II?
I'm yet to try the SPL big, but I'm hoping they release a 19" rack version. I'd be all over that.
@@AudioAnimalsStudioUsing a 500 series unit in your chain will gut your overhead?
May I ask why you’re not fond of the compressor in the portico, as compared to compressors you favor?
I find there's better compressors out there. The compressor isn't bad or anything. For me it's a far better stereo field editor over an OK compressor.
Does the SFE button put the unit into A/mid and B-sides? Does the unit do mid side?
Yes A is mid B is side
@@AudioAnimalsStudio I have one and when I engage the SFE knob I cant control the compressions setting on A and B. I swear it used to but maybe Im wrong?
I agree that I don't like the Portico 2 as a compressor on the mix bus. It just doesn't sound musical to bass heavy music. It's great on individual instruments though. Especially on acoustic instruments. But after this video I am using it as a stereo field editor. I just don't totally understands how to use that properly. Would be great if you could do a video on that.
Another video request: in which order should you use analog mix bus processing when you don't have the option to adjust that order. This is how my order on the mix bus is set now:
- Crane Song Hedd Quantum DA/AD (DSP can go before the analog chain or after. Have it before now)
- Thermionic Culture The Kite (broadband EQ / Pultec Tric /Tube Drive)
- Zahl EQ 1 (parametric EQ)
- SPL Big (stereo bigness)
- SSL Bus +
- Tube-Tech HLT 2A (tilt EQ/shelves/cut filters)
- Whitestone (saturation)
- Neve Portico 2 (stereo field editor)
Does this order make sense to you? Or would you change something in this order? Would you advice me to buy a device which give me the possibility to change this order? Those devices are often very expensive. Do you know a good option for this?
Sounds like a great video to me🙂
It really depends on what is required of the mastering chain. We have the ability to switch chains using the SPL hermes which is expensive for technically something that doesn't process sound in any way. But it is such an essential piece for the purpose of different chains. It's the most affordable box on the market and exceptional good. I'll have a look at doing this video in full.
I just got the Protico last week … the problem I face right now is … when do I know when it’s to much???!!! this thing is unbelievable….
I had the same issues, i didn’t know when it was too much, it just sounds great on the last chain, like you say: it is unbelievable.
Maybe they should not be compared but the pairing surely helps with purchasing decisions for those who are not privy to hearing them in an audio store. Thanks!
Pairing them helps because that's a practical way of using the two units. Too many people compare them as you get one or the other like they are in some way similar. Hearing them together is the best way to realise this.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio That being said, how did you connect the MBP to the SSL, is it via the M/S?
Also in my studio I noticed a kind of with and life when the units are on the 2 bus vs a flatness when they are bypassed.
@@migibeats104 The signal chain was Fusion then into the Neve.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio yes I knew that from watching the vid but I though there was some otherwise routing than the norm🤷🏾♂️
People are trying to compare but in reality I would buy them both🔥
Yes me too
Snap!
interesting... you putted the fusion as insert in the portico? i have both and trying to find a way to sue them together
I have the same setup for live. Portico as insert in the fusion PreFader
The Portico is on the Fusions insert in this situation for a couple of reasons.
1. it showcases the ability to insert a compressor to the fusion and use it in mid side.
2. It allows you to move the Portico processing to different points of the fusions chain.
To do this take the sends from the fusion to the Portico in. Then Portico outs to the fusion returns.
I agree with you on the portico. Love the stereo processing, but not the compressor
100% agree. As a compressor there are better compressors out there. But as a stereo field editor it is one of the best.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio Excellent. And I notice on your studio B run through video that the portico is the first piece of gear in your rack, so thats a proper vote of confidence :)
Hi - first thanks for also highlight that theres no reason to Compare MBP and Fusion - i also say this since months. just to clarify : u Insert mbp as m/s in Fusion or u sent Outputs of Fusion to mbp as a second unit ? did u also Push on mbp sfe to comp ? for me both are different units for different use areas. Both have also different Genres where they shine. Not every unit is for every Genre. For me ssl Fusion aint a mastering Unit except m/s it i rather for sounddesign or a Bus Unit in mixdown. Mbp is a Mastering comp and in some Genres one of the best picks, but depends on Material for sure and which feeling you Wanja bring to ears - it is a vca with less Color and also can do limiting - so its like day and night what ppl try to compare here if they ask for . And yes i have both Units so i dont guess. but ist only my meanings about it - thanks for the Video maybe u can Insert a manley vari mu in the Fusion ;) better combination if you ask me. maybe the Rhea or dione from Wes will also be a Good Partner for the Fusion .
The MBP was after the fusion in the chain. The bus+ is a brilliant mix bus processor before you hit your mastering chain. The Neve MBP is a far better SFE than it is a compressor. As I said in the video this will be in the hardware review of the MBP. For this video the question everyone asked was how these two paired together. For me not great.
Try to pair Fusion with API 2500+
Try pairing it with the Elysia Alpha compressor, that's a combination
@@AudioAnimalsStudio certainly great combination but Elysia Alpha is the price ceiling. API 2500+ is great but difficult compressor. It has a punch but it’s not such open sounded unit like SSL
neves only good for stereo field editting? that's an expensive stereo field editor. How come you didn't use the channel link on neve? I heard a guy say it sounds better not using the channel link? Any truth to that or is he speaking non sense?
Yes it is an expensive stereo field editor but for me personally it doesn't matter what it costs, it's all about getting the best sound possible and that comes at a cost.
Regarding stereo link I wouldn't say there's any truth in that.
There’s a mastering engineer out there named Jeremy Cox, who reviewed the MBP and he thought the SFE section was useless and mainly used the unit as a peak limiter in the front of the chain. He also believed that the sides were not perfectly matched if run in dual mono. Different strokes for different folks - if it takes your mixes or masters to a place you’re happy with, then it’s worth it.
@@paulmolive1821 the compressor shouldn't get a look in in most mastering chains. An Elysia Alpha or unfairchild is going to blow the MBP out the water every time. You understand and use SFE correctly it's a really powerful unique tool. I'd advise looking again as it would bring a lot more to the table using a great compressor as the peak limit and this as a stereo field editor.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio I use the Shadow Hills hardware right now and was thinking about getting an MBP for mid-side compression, peak limiting, and stereo field editing mainly with my summing mixer. I saw another prominent reviewer’s MBP video a while back and he loved the compressor! I think I was saying that there is endless debate about things online and the only way to really be able to tell for ourselves is to try it. I love seeing these different perspectives… if I had an Elysia Alpha, I wouldn’t use this for compression either.
@@paulmolive1821 try get your hands on one and demo it in a real world situation. Only way to make a 100% accurate judgement of it for you. The only thing I dislike about the MBP is the compressor.
This combination doesn't sound good tbh
Had fusion the violet eq is BORING vintage drive is good and HP filter and transformer the Rupert Neve MBP smokes the SSL fusion- wrong on compressor on Rupert Neve MBP - NEXT…
You shouldn't compare them. They are nothing alike.