SSL X-Rack G Buss Stereo Compressor Review /  See All ZenPro Audio Reviews Here: Review Page

The super short story is "ain't nothing like the real thing, baby!". I've heard SSL buss compressor clones that certainly sound nice, maybe even in the ballpark, but when you hear the original it just screams high quality dynamics control as well as that present and excited TONE that SSL is known for. Sporting 6 switchable ratios from 1.5:1 all the way to 10:1, as well as 6 attack times from .1ms to 30ms, 6 release times of .1ms to 1.5 seconds to the classic AUTO mode, variable threshold and makeup gain...the X-Rack version goes out of its way to bring the classic to you in this form factor with a few new options compared to the original G buss compressor. This version features added attack, release and ratio options (but does not have the auto fade function, not much desired in these days of drawing automation with a mouse). It requires the X-Rack or Mynx to power up, and takes up 2 slots.

For the most part you could toss it into fastest attack with AUTO release and gain a substantial amount of control over most any mix. The options are great though, in many cases I enjoy it with a 3ms attack time (allowing a bit more transients on drums to shine through) and AUTO release on most mixes, using about 3-4dB of gain reduction. The perceived volume and punch can be nicely enhanced here, it has great grab but still smooth control, but the TONE sets the SSL back into its own category really. SSL have a way of giving you drastic amounts of control over audio but delivering a slight fizz and excitement / presence almost no matter how hard you twist a knob. Just like the original it has a separate sidechain input that can be used to key the action of the VCA, you could send a kick drum to it for extra pumping on the downbeats, or you could sort of de-ess the mix by inserting a dialed in EQ, among many other uses).

Conclusion: You have to admit that SSL is in the category of gear you would say is "the" buss comp. It was the G buss compressor that has meant so much to so many engineers for decades.  It won't make a bad song good, but it can take a good mix and make it good-er (is that a word?) for sure.