The Solid State Logic (SSL) Fusion is an all-analog 2U rack-mount stereo outboard processor designed for mixing and mastering applications.
It combines several analog tools in a single device: Vintage Drive, Violet EQ, High-Frequency Compressor, Stereo Image Enhancer, and SSL Transformer. You can utilize these coloration tools individually or in combination to shape the tone and character of your mix.
In this article, we provide suggestions, tips, and use cases to show you how to get the most out of the SSL Fusion. Though the focus will be on using the SSL Fusion in the Analog Matrix Plugin, you can apply many of the examples to a Fusion you may have in your own studio.
The Fusion is a great choice for audio professionals looking to add some warmth and character to their recordings while maintaining precise control over their mix.
Below is an image of the SSL Fusion as it appears in the Analog Matrix Plugin user interface. Though a couple of the knobs are in different locations, they operate the same. When using the Analog Matrix Plugin, you are connecting to the actual hardware in the cloud and streaming in real-time to a robotically controlled SSL Fusion.
This nonlinear saturation circuit adds harmonics, soft-clipping, and natural compression to your signal. Use it to add analog glue and cohesion to your mix bus or to create more aggressive saturation effects on individual stems such as drums or bass. The Vintage Drive has two controls: Drive and Density.
The Drive knob adjusts the amount of saturation, while the Density knob changes the character of the saturation, from subtle to aggressive. A tri-color LED indicates how hard the circuit is being driven: green for mild, orange for moderate, and red for heavy. You can adjust the amount of drive and density to achieve different levels of analog warmth and punch.
This is a 2-band shelving EQ that lets you boost or cut the low and high frequencies with four selectable frequency points each. This EQ is designed to be musical and intuitive, adding low-end weight and high-end sparkle to your mix. Use it to fine-tune the low-end and high-end balance of your mix or to add some extra brightness or warmth to specific instruments or vocals.
Use subtle boosts or cuts (±3 dB) to shape the overall tone, and focus your ears on the low-end (30-100 Hz), low-mids (200-800 Hz), and presence (3-6 kHz).
The Violet EQ can be used to add low-end heft and high-end shimmer to your mix, with minimal artifacts or harshness. Here are some suggested settings:
This compressor helps smooths out harsh or brittle highs and enhances your mix’s perceived loudness and clarity. Use the HF Compressor to tame harsh or sibilant highs on vocals, guitars, or cymbals, or enhance your mix’s loudness and presence without clipping.
Set the threshold to catch harsh frequencies in the 3-10 kHz range and adjust the recovery time based on the material (fast for vocals, slower for instruments).
The HF Compressor can be used on any type of instrument or vocal, but it works especially well on cymbals, acoustic guitars, pianos, and vocals. Here are some suggested settings:
This stereo enhancer widens or narrows the stereo field of your mix. You can use this tool to create more depth and space in your mix, correct phase issues, and balance the stereo image. It has two controls: Width and Space. The Width knob adjusts the level difference between the left and right channels, while the Space knob adjusts the phase difference between the mid and side channels. You can also switch to Mid-Side mode and process the mid and side signals separately using the insert, send, and return connections.
Use this tool sparingly to maintain mono compatibility; a slight increase (around 10-20%) is often sufficient for enhancing the stereo image.
The Stereo Image can be used on any type of instrument or vocal, but it works especially well on pads, strings, keyboards, and vocals. Here are some suggested settings:
One of our favorite features is the pair of custom SSL transformers that add subtle harmonic distortion and low-end weight to your mix. If you prefer a cleaner sound, you can bypass them, but we recommend that you engage them for some transformer magic. These transformers impart a characteristic SSL sound that is rich, smooth, and punchy.
Experiment with engaging the transformer at any point during the mixing process.
The SSL Transformer can be used on any type of instrument or vocal, but it works especially well on drums, bass, guitars, and synths. Here are some suggested settings:
Experiment with different combinations of coloration tools and settings to find what works best for your mix. You can also bypass each section individually or globally to compare the effect on your signal.
Use the input trim control to adjust your signal level before it hits the coloration tools. This can affect how much saturation, compression, or distortion you get from each section. Use the output trim control to match the level of your processed signal with the original signal.
In the mixing stage, the SSL Fusion can be applied to individual tracks or subgroups to shape and enhance the sound. In the mastering stage, it can process the stereo mix, adding final touches of warmth, color, and spatial enhancement.
The Fusion can be used for any instruments or vocals needing analog color and character.
The Fusion can also be used as a stereo insert or a mid-side processor for more creative applications. Avoid over-processing; subtle adjustments often yield the most desirable results.
The Solid State Logic Fusion is a versatile and powerful analog processor that can add color, character, and dimension to your stems or full mixes. By using its different circuits and controls, you can achieve a variety of sounds and tones that will enhance your productions.
We hope we have provided you with enough examples and have shown you how to get the most out of the SSL fusion!
For additional detailed information please refer the SSL Fusion Manual and User Guide.
USE COUPON CODE AT CHECKOUT: fusion-50
*(expires July 10th, one time use)
