The followup video showing how THE BUS+ can sound the same or better than the G-COMP is now live at the link below! Please leave a comment on that video letting me know what you think. SSL THE BUS+ vs SSL G-COMP (Head-to-head Comparison) - th-cam.com/video/jg9oX1Wg2Ik/w-d-xo.html
I had both. I could get the bus+ very close with the low THD and 4k option. For me the winner was the dual mono option of the bus+ and the mix knob. I sold the G-comp.
@gregkonji good to hear! Did the same thing here. I do miss the G COMP but it was a one trick pony. This does a lot more and I can still always get the sound I'm going for - plus more!
Very helpful. The Bus+ seems to push back the center stage, vocals, bass and kick take a step back and have less punch. Also, the G is truer to the pre-master in tone and image size. The G adds energy and gives me an up front perspective. So that's five plusses for the G, and five minuses for the plus. I'm buying the G bus. Thanks for the A/B/C!
@@62tunes I'm not sure! I haven't heard the new G COMP and unfortunately, I don't have one here to compare! All I know is the new 500 Series G COMP's are made in China, and the old ones like here in this video were made in the UK. This shouldn't have any affect on the sound or performance, but that's the difference between them besides the color. The new G COMP's are on sale right now for $1,299 (almost 50% off!) and the old ones are selling for about the same or more used on Reverb.com. I'd have to hear them both to know but I can't imagine that sound much difference - they both have the same parts no matter where they were put together you know? Please keep me posted on which you end up going with and how you like it!
@@LesVegasMusic Apparently Dave from Mixing Music Analog and Home Recording Made Easy told me that he found no difference with his blackface SSL Dynamics and the new brushedgrey china ones. But I haven't tested myself
It really depends on what you are after.. the g comp 500 series is a more intimate feeling and "in your face" kind of compression which delivers your ears on a silver plate all the sound. The + gives it compression and an insane 3rd dimention.. it sound soo deep you can here it insanely in the alt rock song. Again.. depands what feeling you want to achive.
The G Bus comes off as way more vibey in these demos, instantly imparting a kind of finished tone. Obviously the BUS+ has a bevy of features one can use to further tweak its behavior and sound, but if I was planning on using these kind of stock settings I'd be inclined to stick with the OG.
Timecodes 0:00 - Intro 0:10 - About THE BUS+ 1:06 - Test Details 2:47 - SSL G Comp vs THE BUS+ on Electronic Dance Music 3:26 - SSL G Comp vs THE BUS+ on Reggae 4:16 - SSL G Comp vs THE BUS+ on Indie Alt Rock
I have the Bus + currently. Had the Fx384, XLogic, and XR626. 384 was the best sonically, but the stereo image was so narrow 👎🏽 XLogic probably my fav, similar to the Fx384, but more hifi. Not as much glue as the 384 however. XR626 very close to the Xlogic but a cleaner sound, not as aggressive as the Xlogic! Loved it In this comparison I prefer the 500 series. It has the ssl glue im used to hearing. Bus + (even on my end) is nice to get the job done, but lacks a bit of glue and doesn't do the hifi thing well, ssl is known for, from the units I've used before. Not to say it's bad, just a totally different sound in my opinion. Even tried the 4k option. It gets close but still not the same vibe.
@mixedbyedd You're welcome! Thank you for watching and for sharing your insight into the SSL G Compressor models that you've owned over the years. All good to know! There's so much debate over them all! I've only owned these two and I love the G-COMP. Before selling it though, I compared them extensively on these three tunes and one other and found I could always match or beat the sound of the G-COMP with a little tweaking of all the new features on The Bus+. The 4K mode really helps with that and the new Low THD mode helps to further clean up the low end as well. When setting them the same way though, like in this video, I preferred the G-Comp nine times out of ten. Thanks again! I hope to see you around again!
Thanks for the video comparing. I've been sceptical in regard of "new gen" SSL devices, such as Fusion and Bus+. 500 series Bus Comp beats the Bus+ for sure. From my experience, og SSL 4000 comp in a rack beats even a 500 model. My plan would be eventually getting a Stam Audio version of a legendary comp.
Hey Ilja! Thank you for watching and for your comment. I was skeptical too, that's why I just had to give this a try. In this test, I preferred the G COMP 500-Series on one song, The Bus+ on another, and on one song, I thought they sounded the same! Haha. It's crazy - but that's with them set to the same settings. After this video though, I went further with it and found I could match the sound of the G COMP 500-Series every time with The Bus+ and all its additional features and settings. With the G COMP, it just do what it do, and it is what it is. So, I find The Bus+ to be 100% more versatile, and with the dynamic EQ and all the modes of operation, it's just a new beast altogether! People have been saying that about the OG 19" rack SSL 4000 comp vs the G COMP 500 series for years! Just like they did about the G Bus Compressor in the console vs. the 19" rack version! So crazy! I have to do a shootout with those too so we can put an end to that one once and for all too! It's funny, in the pro audio industry it's like with every new thing that comes out, people always say the older one is better than the next. Like these companies consistently go downhill and backwards instead of improving and moving forward. I just find it hard to believe myself but maybe… I guess that's the reason I started doing these shootouts! To find out for myself. Nearly every time though, I find that I just consider the two units being compared to be different, not better or worse. Do you have a hardware SSL G bus compressor? If so, which one? Thanks again!
@@theebob2008 Well, I appreciate you taking the time to watch and say that. Thanks so much! Let me know if there's any gear you'd like me to compare or make an audio demo for. I can get my hands on nearly anything if it's still being sold. Thanks again!
G-Comp MK2 sounded like it had more low mid energy and a rounder envelope. Bus + has more open high frequency but fairly polite. I preferred the G-Comp MK2 overall as I usually turn to the SSL Comp for mid low push and rhythm and this one had it.
I respect everyone's preferences here, but to me the bus+ sounds more open with more clarity/stereo image - especially in the first two songs. I actually found the lows a bit muddy in the GComp comparisons. However, on the third tune, I'd give the nod to the GComp - sounds richer/fuller. Listening on ATC monitors here. Cheers!
@@LesVegasMusic thanks for replying Les. Love your videos. Just saw your SSL Bus+ match video. You have a new subscriber here! I'm in a smaller room now so I have the scm20a MKII's. Absolutely love 'em!
Thanks for the kind words! Wow! I haven't heard the SCM20a MKII's but I'm sure they're excellent. I'm a big fan of anything ATC. I'd even take a pair of SCM 12's but by the time you get a matching ATC amp, you're at the same price as yours! I really want the SCM25A's or better still, the SCM45A's! Hey, a guy can dram right?! Maybe someday.
Yes, the ATC's are my high-end brand of choice. If I had a bigger room, I'd definitely be going for their larger loudspeakers. You'll get yours soon...let me know how you like them when you do! Cheers!
Great video! I'm listening on computer speakers (2 different computers). The G-Buss 500 keeps the center. where the Bus+ seems to have a little bit of "smear" across it. Both sound great, but the 500 sounds noticeably better. My worthless 2 cents. Thanks for posting!
Hi Steve! Thank you for watching and for your comment! Yes, when set to the same settings, I prefer the G-COMP 500-series 9 out of 10 times! But I find with a little extra tweaking, you can get the same sound as the G-COMP and actually improve upon it with The Bus+.
@johnisrael5183 Awesome! Congratulations! I'm sure you'll love it. After you've had the chance to give it a good try, let me know if you have any questions. You can always message me here or at lesvegasmusic@gmail.com. Thanks for watching!
The G-Comp had a lot more character in the low mids in comparison and sounded more aggressive. The Bus+ was a much more cohesive and smoother compression with a more neutral color over the pre-master eq.
Hi Сергей! Thanks for watching and for your comment! Agreed. Especially on the Spirits of Leo song "Patience". I actually preferred the G Comp 500-Series on the reggae tune "Girlie". Do you have an SSL G bus compressor or thinking of getting one?
@blacksheepshepherds Yes. Each song was precisely level matched using a LUFS meter from beginning to end. You can see the values at 2:32. You can also download the files to compare in your DAW. Link in the description.
Hey Tytan! Thanks for watching and for your comment. Agree 💯. Did the same here! The thing I'm noticing is they can sound the exact same on some songs but I actually prefer the G Comp over the Bus+ and vice versa on others! However, that's when using them with the same settings. With the Bus+, I can always get the same or improved sound as the G Comp with all the different options and features it offers.
Hey John! Thanks for watching and for your comment. Totally. And that's with them set the same way. The Bus+ with all its new options adds a ton of possibilities, and with the dynamic EQ, it's just a totally different beast, but I thought it would still be fun to compare them with the same settings for those who may be interested. There's only a $300 difference between the G COMP and the BUS+ right now so if you're serious about upgrading, consider selling the G COMP as soon as you can before they lower the price! I can't imagine them staying at the same prices they are today with the BUS+ capable of so much more. So, something to seriously consider before you can't get as much as you can today on the used market.
Hey @gregorya.haldan2638! Thanks for watching and for your comment. Not off topic at all! When I was looking for a stereo bus compressor, I tried all styles, including diode-bridge compressors like the 33609, Manley VariMu, and several SSL VCA style compressors. Ultimately, I preferred and went with the SSL G Bus compressor because I found it to be the most versatile across multiple genres. Since, on any given day, I produce my own original rock, pop, hip hop and/or electronic dance music. The SSL just seemed to work well on all those genres where the other style compressors seemed to work better on one genre or another. At least on the source material I tested them on. I liked the 33609 best on rock and the Vari-Mu best in mastering applications. With that being said however, if I had all three, believe me, I would be trying all three on each and every mix. Unlike many others might tell you, that "they're all just different colors or flavors", I don't like to explain it like that. When it comes to bus compressors, I look at them all being the same flavor, just different brand names. Kind of like peanut butter, for example. You've got Jiffy, Skippy and Peter Pan. They're all different, but at the end of the day, they're all just peanut butter - just different brands of the same thing. 🙂
awesome video. i‘m thinking about getting one piece of hardware for my master bus. i‘m doing a lot of orechestral mockups (williams, michael giacchino, alan silvestri style). but also doing all kind of music when needed. so mockups sound always a bit dead. thinking about buying the SA4000-5 MK2, ssl bus+ or ssl fusion. do you think that make sense? what hardware what you recommend on the master bus? great channel, thank you, all the best
Hello t b! Thanks for watching and for your comment. Yeah, I think a little bus compression may help but you may just need something to warm things up a bit. I always look to tube gear for that. I'd suggest looking into something like an Avalon VT-747sp or Analog Design Black Box HG-2. Throw those suckers on your mix bus chain and hear everything come to life with all the detail, clarity, harmonics and saturation tubes offer. A pair of Rupert Neve Designs 542 Tape Emulators may be worth trying out as well and would be less costly - that is, if you already have a 500-series rack. Keep me posted on what you end up getting or trying out!
@@LesVegasMusic yes I know what you mean. But I have had the feeling that the GComp either work's on a material or not whereas the bus plus can work on anything.
I'll be honest, here it's not doing the classic ssl bus thing right, the G-bus is spot on. I even compensated the audio level just to make sure. But i will eventually demo the unit because i had hopes for it with all it's new cool features. (even though i'm trying to go all ITB lol)
Yep! I hear you. That's why I'm thinking about making another video showing how with all the new features on the Bus+, it can sound the same or better than the G-COMP! After all the similar comments I've heard regarding the Bus+, I feel like that's the video people need to see and hear.
@Zarabozo the new followup video showing how THE BUS+ can sound the same or better than the G-COMP is now live at the link below! When you can, please check it out and leave a comment on that video letting me know what you think. th-cam.com/video/jg9oX1Wg2Ik/w-d-xo.html
The G bus compressor sounded exactly like it supposed to. It is just glue while the other unit had extra options and didn’t have as much high end presence in it and it didn’t seem as glued together.
Hey Joshua! Thanks for watching and for your comment. I'm glad the video was able to help you come to an informed conclusion about the two units. Do you have one of these SSL G Bus comps or are you considering getting one?
@@LesVegasMusic I’m debating on jumping into the 500 series world right now versus standard rack gear. Purchasing gear like that is definitely on my plate. I was excited to see the new version come out. Thank you for checking them out for us. I have experience using the G series, E series and neve consoles. Even got to use that amek that Rupert worked on when I worked at the enterprise off magnolia I think it was. I was an audio engineer in Los Angeles for a long time.
Did you see they dropped the price of the SSL G-Bus 500-Series this week?! Just $1,299! I know that's still a lot of cash but it's also $1,299 off the regular price! Great deal!
@davidwilson4012 Thank you for watching and for your question. No, the G-Series mode was not turned on. The G-series mode only applies to the D-EQ which was turned off completely for this test since the G-Comp doesn't have that option and I was trying to match the settings as closely as possible. And I'm sure you're aware but I want to clear it up for others in this comment, the G-Series mode changes the D-EQ filters to match the sound and behavior from the G-Series SSL EQs and has nothing to to do with the G-Comp. So much "G" language being thrown around, I just wanted to clear that up! Thanks again!
Hey @lottsaview! Thank you for watching and for taking the time to leave a comment. I love the color circuits in The Bus+ as well. I haven't dove into using the EQ just yet. Marc the US National Sales Manager from SSL demoed it for me though and it sounds great! Do you have the latest version of the G-COMP with the brushed metal or is it black like mine?
@@LesVegasMusic Hi! I bought my G second hand and I believe its from 2012 or something. It just that something special, electrifying the audio which I cannot get the bus+ to replicate. I did really plan to sell my G when ordering the bus+ but ended up keeping them both for different reason. The bus+ is a different take on the G.. but its not a G.
@mistermusicenterprise3148 💯. That's why I sold my G-COMP after running this test. I could always get The Bus+ to sound the same or better than the G-COMP. I do still miss the simplicity of the G-COMP though. I could always just plug that thing in and dial in the sound I was after in minutes. With The Bus+, I find myself scrolling through all the 4K mode levels. Maybe too many options for me. I always end up on level four or five though so, that may stop over time. I may still just be in experimentation mode with it.
@@LesVegasMusic Right. To much option are overwhelming a bit. More on the D-EQ section.. and then the option to make the D-EQ post or pre and so on. But F/B and Low THD are so great, so i can use it on mastering as well.. while the G-Bus is more prominent on the buses, I guess. I love my Bus+. There is no plugin - an i have them all - that can do this.
@mistermusicenterprise3148 💯. The F/B and Low THD are clutch. Simple and effective. I also love how things sound in dual mono mode as well. I haven't even touched the D EQ yet. I don't want to get into it right now, but I know it's there and I'm sure I'll end up diving into it on one of my tunes here soon.
@@LesVegasMusic Sincerly, the D Eq is good too. Better then Plugins too, but needs time to .. there is a learncurve. All in all, with the Bus+ needs all a little more time.. but its worthy
Hey Full Albums! The G-Comp definitely let the high frequencies pass a little more on some tunes than others in this test. Is that what you're hearing? If so, good ear!
@FULL ALBUMS Well, here's the thing... the results you hear in this test are with the two units set on the same settings. I found that with the Bus+, I can always get the same or improved sound as the G-COMP with all the new options and features it offers. So, something to consider... However, since this video, the price on a new SSL G-COMP has dropped to $1,299 until the end of the year! That makes it quite a bit less than the BUS+ now and for that price, I'd probably just go with the G-COMP. It's a tough call though because it's nice to have all the new features on the new BUS+ - including the new 2-band analogue Dynamic EQ (D-EQ) which always comes in handy!
Haha. I know what you mean! I'm actually preferring the G-COMP because it IS a one trick pony. You just fire it up and know exactly what you're doing with it. With the Bus+, there are so many options, I actually feel like they get in the way of the process - maybe because it's still new to me and I'm still experimenting with it. I think what's going to happen is I'm either going to end up landing on a setting I like with the Bus+ and then setting and forgetting it, or I'll end up selling the Bus+ and keeping the G-COMP in the 500-Series rack. I really just like the simplicity of the G-COMP. 🙂
@@LesVegasMusic It’s a very tricky one. I’m heavily contemplating the whole issue. I’ve had the Wes Audio NG Bus and as much as I liked the THD and saturation modes it just wasn’t cutting it! Swapped that for the SPL Iron. I’ve worked on the AWS 942 and Duality before and that “Sound” - from what I’m hearing, is coming from G Bus. Perhaps the Bus+ needs a bit more of a push cause it lacks a bit of that tightness. I’ll keep testing though cause it really is a great unit
Yeah, I feel you on the NG Bus. Another great unit, but I just prefer the good ol' fashion G Bus. 🙂 That SPL Iron is on my ultimate wish list, but that won't be coming anytime soon for me. How do you like it? Do you feel it's worth the $? I've been able to match the results with the Bus+ to the G-COMP and one up it by playing with the three different compression colors, low THD mode and 4K modes but all that just to get it to what I am use to from the G-COMP. I don't mess with the transient expander and D-EQ but obviously both great features to have onboard. I just feel like if I needed to do anything like that, I'd probably just do it in the box. 🙂
@@LesVegasMusic Haha! I thought exactly the same about the NG Bus! I want the real thing from the actual company that made it famous. Plus, what’s up with the knobs on the NG Bus? Not very good quality there. As far as the Iron, it definitely holds up to its name and price tag. I could give you all the tipical buzz words to describe it but you gotta play with it to find out yourself. The only sophisticated unit that beats it in this regards to transparency and versatility is the Alpha IMO. I’ll think about the Bus+. Currently have it paired with the Fusion and it does well. 😄
When I print a track using analog hardware I can hear the analog noise in between the lyrics when I start placing plugins, is there anything I can do to reduce it or remove it? Please help
Hi Kazniel! Thank you for watching and for your comment. Yeah, all analog gear has some self noise. Some more than others. A few things you can do to reduce the noise is to first make sure you're plugging in your outboard analog gear into a power conditioner. Next, make sure you're using good cables to connect your gear to your audio interface. Next, make sure you're gain staging properly. Make sure the volume on your guitar or keyboards is 75%-100% all the way up. Then crank up the input on your preamp until signal is peaking around -10 to -12 dB. You can crank the input more if you're looking for more saturation or harmonics, just make sure you back down on the output. That should give you everything you want and less of what you don't but there will always be a little bit of noise coming from analog gear. You definitely want to make sure the noise floor is below -60 dB or you may have a problem with one or more pieces of gear in your chain. Hope something here helps. Which analog gear are you using?
@@LesVegasMusic Mr Les Vegas you gave me the best answer I've been looking for! My analog gear are Manley core and a Distressor, I'm using them to print vocals
Oh, those are two excellent pieces of gear! Great picks! They should both have relatively low self noise. It wouldn't be abnormal to see the Distressor hitting -89 dB on the digital peak meters in your DAW when plugged in and no sound running through it. This is actually a good thing. You don't want it dead quite and with that analog floor noise, you don't need to use dithering! So, make sure that's off when exporting. No need for it.
Awesome to hear! I'm sure it's great however, I need the attack, release and ratio controls to get the best sound. The Bus+ actually sounds great with all the options. You just have to dial it in for each tune.
I hear you, these controls are important, Deq sounds great, I still tweaked around but I feel low end looses something , gonna recheck all the wiring , and tweak some more, through all modes , thank you!
Well, the price of the G COMP has dropped by 50% until the end of the year. It's a great deal at that price!www.frontendaudio.com/solid-state-logic-500-series-stereo-buss-compressor/
Hi Stefan! Thank you for watching and for your comment. I'm glad the video helped you come to a good conclusion! Do you have the SSL G-Comp or Bus+? Thinking about getting one or the other?
Im gona share a secret Learn to get a great mix in your DAW track by track with Acustica Audio or UAD, preferably AA, then run that pre mastered mix through a mix bus chain with AA or UAD Then run that Pre Master through ANY......HIGH END....STEREO COMPRESSOR, EVEN IF you have to use access analog or mix analog, and that Song will sound just as good AS ANYTHING ON THE RADIO OR ANYTHING OUT OF ANY OTHER HIGH END Studio......
Normal because he didn´t use the 4k mode. The G bus compressor is out of the SSl 4000 consoles. So to get this known mojo out of the SSL Bus+ you have to engage the 4k button.
Hey music galaxy! Thanks for watching and for your comment. I'm glad the video helped you come to a solid conclusion! Do you have the G-Comp? Were you thinking about getting the Bus+?
@@LesVegasMusic I do not own the Bus+ or the G Comp but I worked with producers that own SSL Consoles and the sound is legendary. The G Comp has that sound. The Bus + is sterile in comparison. SSL is offering a lot of features on the Bus+ though, I understand why people like it. I am personally going for music so is G Comp for me
@@musicgalaxy8832 Yep. When the two are set to the same settings like in this video, I prefer the G-Comp nine out of ten times myself. However, I found with all the new features on the Bus+, I can always match the sound of the G-Comp. The 4K mode really helps with that and the new Low THD mode helps to further clean up the low end as well.
Hey Greg! Thanks for watching and for your comment. I'd like to do that one in the future! SSL will tell you there's no difference in sound between any of the hardware though - no matter the power supply. That's why I compare them on this channel though. So we can hear for ourselves and decide which we'd like to buy. Which of these two bus compressors did you prefer?
The followup video showing how THE BUS+ can sound the same or better than the G-COMP is now live at the link below! Please leave a comment on that video letting me know what you think. SSL THE BUS+ vs SSL G-COMP (Head-to-head Comparison) - th-cam.com/video/jg9oX1Wg2Ik/w-d-xo.html
I had both. I could get the bus+ very close with the low THD and 4k option. For me the winner was the dual mono option of the bus+ and the mix knob. I sold the G-comp.
@gregkonji good to hear! Did the same thing here. I do miss the G COMP but it was a one trick pony. This does a lot more and I can still always get the sound I'm going for - plus more!
*I love videos when people take the time to make sure it's high production value. Great Job Les!*😎👊
Thanks so much! I appreciate that.
@@LesVegasMusic Anytime good sir
Very helpful. The Bus+ seems to push back the center stage, vocals, bass and kick take a step back and have less punch. Also, the G is truer to the pre-master in tone and image size. The G adds energy and gives me an up front perspective. So that's five plusses for the G, and five minuses for the plus. I'm buying the G bus. Thanks for the A/B/C!
Awesome! Glad the video helped make your decision. Are you thinking of getting a new G Comp or a used black face like in this video?
@@LesVegasMusic Well… What’s your opinion? I coupé do with a side to side demo of the two…
@@LesVegasMusic I could do with e demo of the two…
@@62tunes I'm not sure! I haven't heard the new G COMP and unfortunately, I don't have one here to compare! All I know is the new 500 Series G COMP's are made in China, and the old ones like here in this video were made in the UK. This shouldn't have any affect on the sound or performance, but that's the difference between them besides the color. The new G COMP's are on sale right now for $1,299 (almost 50% off!) and the old ones are selling for about the same or more used on Reverb.com. I'd have to hear them both to know but I can't imagine that sound much difference - they both have the same parts no matter where they were put together you know? Please keep me posted on which you end up going with and how you like it!
@@LesVegasMusic Apparently Dave from Mixing Music Analog and Home Recording Made Easy told me that he found no difference with his blackface SSL Dynamics and the new brushedgrey china ones. But I haven't tested myself
It really depends on what you are after.. the g comp 500 series is a more intimate feeling and "in your face" kind of compression which delivers your ears on a silver plate all the sound. The + gives it compression and an insane 3rd dimention.. it sound soo deep you can here it insanely in the alt rock song. Again.. depands what feeling you want to achive.
The G Bus comes off as way more vibey in these demos, instantly imparting a kind of finished tone. Obviously the BUS+ has a bevy of features one can use to further tweak its behavior and sound, but if I was planning on using these kind of stock settings I'd be inclined to stick with the OG.
Love it! I’m impressed with this new BUS+
Yeah. It's great! Thanks for watching!
Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
0:10 - About THE BUS+
1:06 - Test Details
2:47 - SSL G Comp vs THE BUS+ on Electronic Dance Music
3:26 - SSL G Comp vs THE BUS+ on Reggae
4:16 - SSL G Comp vs THE BUS+ on Indie Alt Rock
To be honest, both sound great! The G comp has the dependable SSL glue and classic vibe. The bus+ sounds more hi fi and next generation.
100%. I totally agree!
I have the Bus + currently. Had the Fx384, XLogic, and XR626.
384 was the best sonically, but the stereo image was so narrow 👎🏽
XLogic probably my fav, similar to the Fx384, but more hifi. Not as much glue as the 384 however.
XR626 very close to the Xlogic but a cleaner sound, not as aggressive as the Xlogic! Loved it
In this comparison I prefer the 500 series. It has the ssl glue im used to hearing.
Bus + (even on my end) is nice to get the job done, but lacks a bit of glue and doesn't do the hifi thing well, ssl is known for, from the units I've used before.
Not to say it's bad, just a totally different sound in my opinion. Even tried the 4k option. It gets close but still not the same vibe.
@mixedbyedd You're welcome! Thank you for watching and for sharing your insight into the SSL G Compressor models that you've owned over the years. All good to know! There's so much debate over them all! I've only owned these two and I love the G-COMP. Before selling it though, I compared them extensively on these three tunes and one other and found I could always match or beat the sound of the G-COMP with a little tweaking of all the new features on The Bus+. The 4K mode really helps with that and the new Low THD mode helps to further clean up the low end as well. When setting them the same way though, like in this video, I preferred the G-Comp nine times out of ten. Thanks again! I hope to see you around again!
Thanks for the video comparing. I've been sceptical in regard of "new gen" SSL devices, such as Fusion and Bus+.
500 series Bus Comp beats the Bus+ for sure. From my experience, og SSL 4000 comp in a rack beats even a 500 model.
My plan would be eventually getting a Stam Audio version of a legendary comp.
Hey Ilja! Thank you for watching and for your comment. I was skeptical too, that's why I just had to give this a try. In this test, I preferred the G COMP 500-Series on one song, The Bus+ on another, and on one song, I thought they sounded the same! Haha. It's crazy - but that's with them set to the same settings. After this video though, I went further with it and found I could match the sound of the G COMP 500-Series every time with The Bus+ and all its additional features and settings. With the G COMP, it just do what it do, and it is what it is. So, I find The Bus+ to be 100% more versatile, and with the dynamic EQ and all the modes of operation, it's just a new beast altogether! People have been saying that about the OG 19" rack SSL 4000 comp vs the G COMP 500 series for years! Just like they did about the G Bus Compressor in the console vs. the 19" rack version! So crazy! I have to do a shootout with those too so we can put an end to that one once and for all too! It's funny, in the pro audio industry it's like with every new thing that comes out, people always say the older one is better than the next. Like these companies consistently go downhill and backwards instead of improving and moving forward. I just find it hard to believe myself but maybe… I guess that's the reason I started doing these shootouts! To find out for myself. Nearly every time though, I find that I just consider the two units being compared to be different, not better or worse. Do you have a hardware SSL G bus compressor? If so, which one? Thanks again!
@@LesVegasMusic I appreciate your replies and insight. Thanks for the video!
@@theebob2008 Well, I appreciate you taking the time to watch and say that. Thanks so much! Let me know if there's any gear you'd like me to compare or make an audio demo for. I can get my hands on nearly anything if it's still being sold. Thanks again!
G-Comp MK2 sounded like it had more low mid energy and a rounder envelope. Bus + has more open high frequency but fairly polite. I preferred the G-Comp MK2 overall as I usually turn to the SSL Comp for mid low push and rhythm and this one had it.
I respect everyone's preferences here, but to me the bus+ sounds more open with more clarity/stereo image - especially in the first two songs. I actually found the lows a bit muddy in the GComp comparisons. However, on the third tune, I'd give the nod to the GComp - sounds richer/fuller. Listening on ATC monitors here. Cheers!
@jahborn Thanks for watching and sharing! I really appreciate it. Which ATC's do you have? Those are my dream monitors! 🙂
@@LesVegasMusic thanks for replying Les. Love your videos. Just saw your SSL Bus+ match video. You have a new subscriber here! I'm in a smaller room now so I have the scm20a MKII's. Absolutely love 'em!
Thanks for the kind words! Wow! I haven't heard the SCM20a MKII's but I'm sure they're excellent. I'm a big fan of anything ATC. I'd even take a pair of SCM 12's but by the time you get a matching ATC amp, you're at the same price as yours! I really want the SCM25A's or better still, the SCM45A's! Hey, a guy can dram right?! Maybe someday.
Yes, the ATC's are my high-end brand of choice. If I had a bigger room, I'd definitely be going for their larger loudspeakers. You'll get yours soon...let me know how you like them when you do! Cheers!
@@jahborn Thanks! I will for sure.
Great video! I'm listening on computer speakers (2 different computers). The G-Buss 500 keeps the center. where the Bus+ seems to have a little bit of "smear" across it. Both sound great, but the 500 sounds noticeably better. My worthless 2 cents. Thanks for posting!
Hi Steve! Thank you for watching and for your comment! Yes, when set to the same settings, I prefer the G-COMP 500-series 9 out of 10 times! But I find with a little extra tweaking, you can get the same sound as the G-COMP and actually improve upon it with The Bus+.
I have bus plus. D eq is really helpful to get that punch
Liking that...looks like im only 2 weeks out from having mine...its pre ordered
@johnisrael5183 Awesome! Congratulations! I'm sure you'll love it. After you've had the chance to give it a good try, let me know if you have any questions. You can always message me here or at lesvegasmusic@gmail.com. Thanks for watching!
*Awesome video Les!!* 😎👊
Thanks so much!
@@LesVegasMusic Anytime good sir
*Great video, keep up the good work!* 😎👊
Thank you William!
@@LesVegasMusic Anytime good sir
The G-Comp had a lot more character in the low mids in comparison and sounded more aggressive. The Bus+ was a much more cohesive and smoother compression with a more neutral color over the pre-master eq.
Hi, it seemed to me the bus is little be much aggressive and open on top end, but bus+ top some softer and comfortable
Hi Сергей! Thanks for watching and for your comment! Agreed. Especially on the Spirits of Leo song "Patience". I actually preferred the G Comp 500-Series on the reggae tune "Girlie". Do you have an SSL G bus compressor or thinking of getting one?
Smooth, Insightful, and straight to the point! Appreciate it🙏🏿
Thanks for watching and for your comment Papa Jean!
the G bus has the mojo
were these level matched? g bus sounds audibly louder to me.
@blacksheepshepherds Yes. Each song was precisely level matched using a LUFS meter from beginning to end. You can see the values at 2:32. You can also download the files to compare in your DAW. Link in the description.
I picked the Buss+ because it has more options and dual mono. Both sound great tho.
Hey Tytan! Thanks for watching and for your comment. Agree 💯. Did the same here! The thing I'm noticing is they can sound the exact same on some songs but I actually prefer the G Comp over the Bus+ and vice versa on others! However, that's when using them with the same settings. With the Bus+, I can always get the same or improved sound as the G Comp with all the different options and features it offers.
Now...that sounds good....the SSL B+ actually sounds better......definately upgrading to that by next year...
Hey John! Thanks for watching and for your comment. Totally. And that's with them set the same way. The Bus+ with all its new options adds a ton of possibilities, and with the dynamic EQ, it's just a totally different beast, but I thought it would still be fun to compare them with the same settings for those who may be interested. There's only a $300 difference between the G COMP and the BUS+ right now so if you're serious about upgrading, consider selling the G COMP as soon as you can before they lower the price! I can't imagine them staying at the same prices they are today with the BUS+ capable of so much more. So, something to seriously consider before you can't get as much as you can today on the used market.
Hi Les. Helpful video. Here’s a question that’s off topic, but do you prefer the SSL compressors over the Neve 33609 for mixing? Thanks so much.
Hey @gregorya.haldan2638! Thanks for watching and for your comment. Not off topic at all! When I was looking for a stereo bus compressor, I tried all styles, including diode-bridge compressors like the 33609, Manley VariMu, and several SSL VCA style compressors. Ultimately, I preferred and went with the SSL G Bus compressor because I found it to be the most versatile across multiple genres. Since, on any given day, I produce my own original rock, pop, hip hop and/or electronic dance music. The SSL just seemed to work well on all those genres where the other style compressors seemed to work better on one genre or another. At least on the source material I tested them on. I liked the 33609 best on rock and the Vari-Mu best in mastering applications. With that being said however, if I had all three, believe me, I would be trying all three on each and every mix. Unlike many others might tell you, that "they're all just different colors or flavors", I don't like to explain it like that. When it comes to bus compressors, I look at them all being the same flavor, just different brand names. Kind of like peanut butter, for example. You've got Jiffy, Skippy and Peter Pan. They're all different, but at the end of the day, they're all just peanut butter - just different brands of the same thing. 🙂
awesome video. i‘m thinking about getting one piece of hardware for my master bus. i‘m doing a lot of orechestral mockups (williams, michael giacchino, alan silvestri style). but also doing all kind of music when needed. so mockups sound always a bit dead. thinking about buying the SA4000-5 MK2, ssl bus+ or ssl fusion. do you think that make sense? what hardware what you recommend on the master bus? great channel, thank you, all the best
Hello t b! Thanks for watching and for your comment. Yeah, I think a little bus compression may help but you may just need something to warm things up a bit. I always look to tube gear for that. I'd suggest looking into something like an Avalon VT-747sp or Analog Design Black Box HG-2. Throw those suckers on your mix bus chain and hear everything come to life with all the detail, clarity, harmonics and saturation tubes offer. A pair of Rupert Neve Designs 542 Tape Emulators may be worth trying out as well and would be less costly - that is, if you already have a 500-series rack. Keep me posted on what you end up getting or trying out!
I would also add Manley Vari Mu to that list. Alan Meyerson uses that with T Bar mod. But you really don’t have to hit it that hard.
100%. Good suggestion!
haha - i have also both and noticed a difference though i got the bus+ to sound the same
Yeah man. I'm still experimenting with The Bus+ but I'll tell you one thing, I'm really starting to miss the simplicity of the G COMP.
@@LesVegasMusic yes I know what you mean. But I have had the feeling that the GComp either work's on a material or not whereas the bus plus can work on anything.
The SSL Bus + sounds more like a "Finisher on a mix" than the G Comp, I thnk the G Comp would sound great on "Just Drums, Synths and Baselines....."
Yeah man. I think you may be right. The grit you get with the G Comp may work better on stereo instruments like drums and synths for sure.
I'll be honest, here it's not doing the classic ssl bus thing right, the G-bus is spot on. I even compensated the audio level just to make sure.
But i will eventually demo the unit because i had hopes for it with all it's new cool features. (even though i'm trying to go all ITB lol)
Yep! I hear you. That's why I'm thinking about making another video showing how with all the new features on the Bus+, it can sound the same or better than the G-COMP! After all the similar comments I've heard regarding the Bus+, I feel like that's the video people need to see and hear.
@@LesVegasMusic Yes i look forward to it :)
@@LesVegasMusic Hi! You haven't made such video yet, right? I couldn't find it.
@@Zarabozo Not yet, but I really need to! 🙂I have a couple videos I'm wrapping up now. I'll move onto this one next.
@Zarabozo the new followup video showing how THE BUS+ can sound the same or better than the G-COMP is now live at the link below! When you can, please check it out and leave a comment on that video letting me know what you think. th-cam.com/video/jg9oX1Wg2Ik/w-d-xo.html
The G bus compressor sounded exactly like it supposed to. It is just glue while the other unit had extra options and didn’t have as much high end presence in it and it didn’t seem as glued together.
Hey Joshua! Thanks for watching and for your comment. I'm glad the video was able to help you come to an informed conclusion about the two units. Do you have one of these SSL G Bus comps or are you considering getting one?
@@LesVegasMusic I’m debating on jumping into the 500 series world right now versus standard rack gear. Purchasing gear like that is definitely on my plate. I was excited to see the new version come out. Thank you for checking them out for us. I have experience using the G series, E series and neve consoles. Even got to use that amek that Rupert worked on when I worked at the enterprise off magnolia I think it was. I was an audio engineer in Los Angeles for a long time.
Did you see they dropped the price of the SSL G-Bus 500-Series this week?! Just $1,299! I know that's still a lot of cash but it's also $1,299 off the regular price! Great deal!
@@LesVegasMusic Thanks for the heads up!
I didn't notice, did you have the G-series mode turned on the bus+
@davidwilson4012 Thank you for watching and for your question. No, the G-Series mode was not turned on. The G-series mode only applies to the D-EQ which was turned off completely for this test since the G-Comp doesn't have that option and I was trying to match the settings as closely as possible. And I'm sure you're aware but I want to clear it up for others in this comment, the G-Series mode changes the D-EQ filters to match the sound and behavior from the G-Series SSL EQs and has nothing to to do with the G-Comp. So much "G" language being thrown around, I just wanted to clear that up! Thanks again!
Have both but Bus+ can't make the audio dance like the G. I keep the bus+ for the coloration and eq. The G will stay with me. G is magic.
Hey @lottsaview! Thank you for watching and for taking the time to leave a comment. I love the color circuits in The Bus+ as well. I haven't dove into using the EQ just yet. Marc the US National Sales Manager from SSL demoed it for me though and it sounds great! Do you have the latest version of the G-COMP with the brushed metal or is it black like mine?
@@LesVegasMusic
Hi! I bought my G second hand and I believe its from 2012 or something. It just that something special, electrifying the audio which I cannot get the bus+ to replicate. I did really plan to sell my G when ordering the bus+ but ended up keeping them both for different reason. The bus+ is a different take on the
G.. but its not a G.
Its also interesting that in your video, it sounds exactly like I am experiencing it. They do not do the same thing to my ears
Totally! I plan to do another video demonstrating how I can get them to sound pretty spot on, but you're right in saying they don't do the same thing.
@@LesVegasMusic you figured it out? Got the bus+ brandnew. Appreciated any tips.
With the 4000/4K Bottom engaged, it’s sounds the same.
@mistermusicenterprise3148 💯. That's why I sold my G-COMP after running this test. I could always get The Bus+ to sound the same or better than the G-COMP. I do still miss the simplicity of the G-COMP though. I could always just plug that thing in and dial in the sound I was after in minutes. With The Bus+, I find myself scrolling through all the 4K mode levels. Maybe too many options for me. I always end up on level four or five though so, that may stop over time. I may still just be in experimentation mode with it.
@@LesVegasMusic Right. To much option are overwhelming a bit. More on the D-EQ section.. and then the option to make the D-EQ post or pre and so on. But F/B and Low THD are so great, so i can use it on mastering as well.. while the G-Bus is more prominent on the buses, I guess. I love my Bus+. There is no plugin - an i have them all - that can do this.
@mistermusicenterprise3148 💯. The F/B and Low THD are clutch. Simple and effective. I also love how things sound in dual mono mode as well. I haven't even touched the D EQ yet. I don't want to get into it right now, but I know it's there and I'm sure I'll end up diving into it on one of my tunes here soon.
@@LesVegasMusic Sincerly, the D Eq is good too. Better then Plugins too, but needs time to .. there is a learncurve. All in all, with the Bus+ needs all a little more time.. but its worthy
is it me or The Bus+ is just darker sounding?
Hey Full Albums! The G-Comp definitely let the high frequencies pass a little more on some tunes than others in this test. Is that what you're hearing? If so, good ear!
@@LesVegasMusic definitely, which is unfortunate as I wanted to buy the bus+, now I'm not so sure
@FULL ALBUMS Well, here's the thing... the results you hear in this test are with the two units set on the same settings. I found that with the Bus+, I can always get the same or improved sound as the G-COMP with all the new options and features it offers. So, something to consider... However, since this video, the price on a new SSL G-COMP has dropped to $1,299 until the end of the year! That makes it quite a bit less than the BUS+ now and for that price, I'd probably just go with the G-COMP. It's a tough call though because it's nice to have all the new features on the new BUS+ - including the new 2-band analogue Dynamic EQ (D-EQ) which always comes in handy!
Man it’s a shame but I gotta say I’m loving the G Bus so much. One trick pony but it does it really well! SN: I have the Bus+ 😅
Haha. I know what you mean! I'm actually preferring the G-COMP because it IS a one trick pony. You just fire it up and know exactly what you're doing with it. With the Bus+, there are so many options, I actually feel like they get in the way of the process - maybe because it's still new to me and I'm still experimenting with it. I think what's going to happen is I'm either going to end up landing on a setting I like with the Bus+ and then setting and forgetting it, or I'll end up selling the Bus+ and keeping the G-COMP in the 500-Series rack. I really just like the simplicity of the G-COMP. 🙂
@@LesVegasMusic It’s a very tricky one. I’m heavily contemplating the whole issue. I’ve had the Wes Audio NG Bus and as much as I liked the THD and saturation modes it just wasn’t cutting it! Swapped that for the SPL Iron. I’ve worked on the AWS 942 and Duality before and that “Sound” - from what I’m hearing, is coming from G Bus. Perhaps the Bus+ needs a bit more of a push cause it lacks a bit of that tightness. I’ll keep testing though cause it really is a great unit
Yeah, I feel you on the NG Bus. Another great unit, but I just prefer the good ol' fashion G Bus. 🙂 That SPL Iron is on my ultimate wish list, but that won't be coming anytime soon for me. How do you like it? Do you feel it's worth the $? I've been able to match the results with the Bus+ to the G-COMP and one up it by playing with the three different compression colors, low THD mode and 4K modes but all that just to get it to what I am use to from the G-COMP. I don't mess with the transient expander and D-EQ but obviously both great features to have onboard. I just feel like if I needed to do anything like that, I'd probably just do it in the box. 🙂
@@LesVegasMusic Haha! I thought exactly the same about the NG Bus! I want the real thing from the actual company that made it famous. Plus, what’s up with the knobs on the NG Bus? Not very good quality there. As far as the Iron, it definitely holds up to its name and price tag. I could give you all the tipical buzz words to describe it but you gotta play with it to find out yourself. The only sophisticated unit that beats it in this regards to transparency and versatility is the Alpha IMO. I’ll think about the Bus+. Currently have it paired with the Fusion and it does well. 😄
When I print a track using analog hardware I can hear the analog noise in between the lyrics when I start placing plugins, is there anything I can do to reduce it or remove it? Please help
Hi Kazniel! Thank you for watching and for your comment. Yeah, all analog gear has some self noise. Some more than others. A few things you can do to reduce the noise is to first make sure you're plugging in your outboard analog gear into a power conditioner. Next, make sure you're using good cables to connect your gear to your audio interface. Next, make sure you're gain staging properly. Make sure the volume on your guitar or keyboards is 75%-100% all the way up. Then crank up the input on your preamp until signal is peaking around -10 to -12 dB. You can crank the input more if you're looking for more saturation or harmonics, just make sure you back down on the output. That should give you everything you want and less of what you don't but there will always be a little bit of noise coming from analog gear. You definitely want to make sure the noise floor is below -60 dB or you may have a problem with one or more pieces of gear in your chain. Hope something here helps. Which analog gear are you using?
@@LesVegasMusic Mr Les Vegas you gave me the best answer I've been looking for! My analog gear are Manley core and a Distressor, I'm using them to print vocals
Oh, those are two excellent pieces of gear! Great picks! They should both have relatively low self noise. It wouldn't be abnormal to see the Distressor hitting -89 dB on the digital peak meters in your DAW when plugged in and no sound running through it. This is actually a good thing. You don't want it dead quite and with that analog floor noise, you don't need to use dithering! So, make sure that's off when exporting. No need for it.
Thank you so much for all the knowledge sir you gained a new subscriber! Much blessings 🙏💯
@@kaznielflores8473 Thanks so much! 🙏🏻
i thing the bigsix onborad Gbus puts the ssl bus plus to shame, thanks
Awesome to hear! I'm sure it's great however, I need the attack, release and ratio controls to get the best sound. The Bus+ actually sounds great with all the options. You just have to dial it in for each tune.
I hear you, these controls are important, Deq sounds great, I still tweaked around but I feel low end looses something , gonna recheck all the wiring , and tweak some more, through all modes , thank you!
G comp has a better sound to my ears. Bus + has more options. Theres a reason the Bus+ is near the same price but with more features...
Well, the price of the G COMP has dropped by 50% until the end of the year. It's a great deal at that price!www.frontendaudio.com/solid-state-logic-500-series-stereo-buss-compressor/
SSL G Bus Compressor 500 sounds much clearer/punchier to me...the bus plus loses energy each time
Hi Stefan! Thank you for watching and for your comment. I'm glad the video helped you come to a good conclusion! Do you have the SSL G-Comp or Bus+? Thinking about getting one or the other?
Im gona share a secret
Learn to get a great mix in your DAW track by track with Acustica Audio or UAD, preferably AA, then run that pre mastered mix through a mix bus chain with AA or UAD
Then run that Pre Master through
ANY......HIGH END....STEREO COMPRESSOR, EVEN IF you have to use access analog or mix analog, and that Song will sound just as good AS ANYTHING ON THE RADIO OR ANYTHING OUT OF ANY OTHER HIGH END Studio......
Good tip John! Thanks for sharing!
To my ears the g comp has the ssl mojo.
The bus+ is completely sterile. 👎🏼
Normal because he didn´t use the 4k mode. The G bus compressor is out of the SSl 4000 consoles. So to get this known mojo out of the SSL Bus+ you have to engage the 4k button.
G Comp kills the Bus+ sorry. The bus+
sounds like a toy in comparison. If you know how to listen for musicality…well, fact!
Hey music galaxy! Thanks for watching and for your comment. I'm glad the video helped you come to a solid conclusion! Do you have the G-Comp? Were you thinking about getting the Bus+?
@@LesVegasMusic I do not own the Bus+ or the G Comp but I worked with producers that own SSL Consoles and the sound is legendary. The G Comp has that sound. The Bus + is sterile in comparison. SSL is offering a lot of features on the Bus+ though, I understand why people like it. I am personally going for music so is G Comp for me
@@musicgalaxy8832 Yep. When the two are set to the same settings like in this video, I prefer the G-Comp nine out of ten times myself. However, I found with all the new features on the Bus+, I can always match the sound of the G-Comp. The 4K mode really helps with that and the new Low THD mode helps to further clean up the low end as well.
Should have compared it to an actual xlogic rack g compressor, the 500 series only has 250 ma of power supply
Hey Greg! Thanks for watching and for your comment. I'd like to do that one in the future! SSL will tell you there's no difference in sound between any of the hardware though - no matter the power supply. That's why I compare them on this channel though. So we can hear for ourselves and decide which we'd like to buy. Which of these two bus compressors did you prefer?