WAVES SSL G-Master Bus Compressor Plugin User Manual

WAVES SSL G-Master Bus Compressor Plugin

Product Information

• The Waves SSL 4000 Collection is a set of processors that recreate the EQ and dynamic characteristics of the Solid State
• Logic (SSL) SL4000 console. The SSL G-Master Bus Compressor plug-in, which is part of this collection, is modeled after the renowned SSL G Series stereo bus compressor. The plug-in accurately reflects the classic SSL console interface and provides unique SSL color that conventional dynamics and EQ plug-ins cannot produce.
• The compressor’s gain reduction meters are fitted to the classic SSL console range and displayed in dBu rather than in dBFS. The meters are calibrated to 18 dBu = 0 dBFS.

Product Usage Instructions

The SSL G-Master Bus Compressor plug-in has several controls and indicators that allow you to adjust the compression ratio, attack, release, threshold, make-up gain, Autofade duration, mix, trim, and analog emulation.

1. Threshold: This control sets the operating level for the knee of the compressor. It is continuously adjustable from -15 dB to +15 dB.

2. Make up Gain: This control compensates for achange in signal level due to compressor activity. It is continuously variable from -5 dB to +15 dB.

3. Attack: This control adjusts the quickness of the compressor’s response to changes. It has six switchable attack rates: 0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, 10, and 30 ms.

4. Release: This control sets the release time of the master compressor. It is switchable between 0.1, 0.3, 0.6, and 1.2 seconds, or to automatic. If Auto is selected, the release time is dependent upon the duration of the program peak.

5. Ratio: This control sets the ratio of signal level to signal gain, i.e., the compression ratio. Ratio can be switched between 2:1, 4:1, and 10:1.

6. Rate-S: This control sets the Autofade duration. It is variable from 1 to 60 seconds. When the Fade Off button is activated, the compressor executes a fade-out over the
   selected duration. When the Fade Off button is toggled (will switch to fade out), the compressor executes a fade-out at the selected speed, toggling it again will switch to fade-in until unity gain is reached, at any point you can toggle it for the third time to skip all the fade status.

7. Mix: This control adjusts the balance between the compressed and uncompressed signal. The range is from 0% to 100% (in 0.1% increments). The default is 100%.

8. Trim: This control sets the output level of the plugin. The range is from -18 dB to +18 dB.

9. Analog: This control enables or disables the emulation of the SSL console’s analog characteristics. By default, all components of the SSL 4000 Collection operate in a mode that enables emulation of the SSL console. However, there may be times when you prefer to use this plug-in without these analog characteristics.

Introduction

The unique sound of Solid State Logic’s 4000 Series analog mixing consoles is sought after worldwide. Engineers of pop and rock music, broadcast transmissions and television post-production value the SSL 4000’s flexible dynamics chain as much as the trademark SSL “punchy” sound. Waves and SSL engineers have worked together for over a year to recreate the sound characteristics of the classic SSL 4000 Series E and G Series consoles. Now, those who “mix in the box” can achieve the sound they thought they’d lost when they moved to the digital world.
The SL4000 console was the first mixing desk to incorporate dynamics processing into every channel, as well as a master bus compressor in the console’s center section. The ability to ‘patch’ into the SL4000’s master bus compressor and to control its sidechain from an internal sub-mix allowed sound engineers to discover unique, history-making applications of this console technology. Whether used to record instruments such as piano and drums or for final mixing, these innovative console sections – master bus compressor, EQ and dynamics – opened up a new world of opportunities. For years, workstation users have sought this unusual flexibility and signature sound. But conventional dynamics and EQ plug-ins couldn’t produce the unique SSL color.
The Waves SSL 4000 Collection is the result of a partnership between Waves Audio and Solid State Logic. These processors faithfully recreate the same EQ and dynamics characteristics which made legendary the SL4000 consoles. Plus, the interface accurately reflects the classic SSL console. Couple all of this with state-of-the art Waves software and you suddenly find yourself working with the same tools that have provided countless hit mixes for the world’s best audio engineers.

The Waves SSL 4000 Collection consists of three separate sections:

• The SSL E-Channel
• The SSL 4000 G-Master Bus Compressor
• The SSL G-Equalizer

Description of the SSL G-Master Bus Compressor

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

Key Features

• Classic SSL G Series stereo bus compressor.
• The gain reduction meter is fitted to the characteristic SSL console range.
• External sidechain source selects (in host applications that support this feature.)
• Autofade with rate control for automatic linear fade-in/fade-out.

SSL 4000 Master Bus Compressor Controls and Indicators

1. The threshold sets the operating level for the knee of the compressor. The threshold is continuously adjustable from -15 dB to +15 dB.

2. Make-up Gain compensates for a change in signal level due to compressor activity. Makeup is continuously variable from -5 dB to +15 dB.

3. Attack controls the quickness of the compressor’s response to changes. Six switchable attack rates: 0.1; 0.3; 1; 3; 10 and 30 ms.

4. The Release time of the master compressor is switchable between 0.1, 0.3, 0.6, and 1.2 seconds, or to automatic. If Auto is selected, the release time is dependent upon the duration of the program peak.

5. Ratio sets the ratio of signal level to signal gain, i.e., the compression ratio. The ratio can be switched between 2:1, 4:1 and 10:1.

6. Rate-S sets the Autofade duration. Variable from 1 to 60 seconds. When the Fade Off button is activated, the compressor will execute a fade-out over the selected duration. When the Fade Off button is toggled (will switch to fade out), the compressor executes a fade-out at the selected speed, toggling it again will switch to fade-in until unity gain is reached, at any point you can toggle it for the third time to skip all the fade status.

7. Mix controls the balance between the compressed and the uncompressed signal. Range: 0% to 100% (0.1% increments)
   Default : 100%

8. Trim sets the output level of the plugin: -18 dB to +18 dB

9. Analog. Classic analog processors necessarily create more noise and harmonic distortions than modern digital devices. This is, in part, what gives analog processors their desired sound. By default, all components of the SSL 4000 Collection operate in a mode that enables emulation of the SSL console. However, there may be times when you prefer to use this plug-in without these special attributes. De-selecting the Analogue will disable analog emulation.

10. In serves as a bypass button. When In is selected, the compressor is active. When deselected, the compressor is in bypass.

Master Bus Compressor Indicators
The analog-style dB Compression indicator indicates the amount of compression (gain reduction) imposed by the Master Bus Compressor, expressed in dB.

WaveSystem Toolbar

Use the bar at the top of the plugin to save and load presets, compare settings, undo and redo steps, and resize the plugin. To learn more, click the icon at the upper-right corner of the window and open the WaveSystem Guide.

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