Solid State Logic SSL Fusion Stereo Analogue Color Mix Bus Processor

Fusion is an all-analog 2U stereo outboard processor created for the modern hybrid studio. It introduces six completely new analogue colouration tools designed to bring the perfect combination of added tonal character, weight, and space to your mix bus or stereo stems, with the detail, warmth, and finesse that only real analogue circuits can provide.

The SSL sonic legacy is built upon a much-emulated collection of analogue audio processing tools that have featured in generations of studio consoles; pristine mic pre's, classic Channel EQ & Dynamics, the legendary Stereo Bus Compressor, the Listen Mic Compressor, and the unique SSL summing bus. Fusion takes SSL into a new era by introducing a suite of analog processing tools offering exceptional tonal character and versatility. Fusion expands the processing palette for hybrid studio owners and is a superb SSL Stereo Bus Compressor partner.

SSL has also always been known for clever connectivity and features that streamline and accelerate production workflow. Fusion fits right in with a collection of workflow-enhancing features, including: +/-12dB Input and Output Trim controls, an Input overload LED, extensive peak-hold metering, a front-end 3rd-order High Pass Filter with three selectable cut-off frequencies, and tri-colour status indicators for the Vintage Drive and HF Comp/LMC sections. A set of XLR connections can be used either as a Stereo Insert for stereo mix bus processing or switched to function as a Mid-Side (MS) circuit,… read more enabling separate compressors or EQ to be applied to the middle (centre) and sides of a stereo signal. In Stereo Insert mode, the insert point can be switched to pre-Violet EQ; in MS mode, the insert can be changed to pre-Stereo Image controls. Input and Output connections are via XLR.

Vintage Drive
Vintage Drive is a unique, non-linear harmonic enhancement circuit that brings cohesion and strength to your mix. Drive and Density controls interact to produce harmonic saturation and soft compression from overloading an analogue circuit. It can be used lightly for subtle thickening saturation or driven hard for more extreme distortion.

The Violet EQ
The SSL Violet EQ - an all-new minimum phase-shift, two-band shelving EQ. The first new SSL analogue EQ circuit for over 25 years draws on the SSL legacy of carefully selected frequencies and response curves to create a musical and intuitive EQ designed to dial in low-end weight and high-end sheen quickly. High and Low frequency circuits offer four switched frequency points and +/-9dB attenuation.

HF Compressor
A new high-frequency compressor delivers the distinctive sound of high-frequency rounding in the analogue domain. It affects high frequencies only and is optimised for smooth and transparent harshness reduction and a tape-like high-frequency rolloff-great for taming brittle high-frequency fizz.

Could you listen to Mic Compressor with wet/dry control?
The SSL R&D team has something to tell you. To celebrate the launch of Fusion at AES New York back in 2018 and to thank existing and future Fusion users, the SSL R&D team has unveiled a secret, hidden 6th processor available in ALL Fusions. To access the hidden 6th LMC processor, hold down the HF Compressor 'in' button for 5 seconds and unlock full band LMC mode. X-Over becomes a wet/dry parallel mix control!

Stereo Image
A new Stereo Image enhancer provides a true analogue Mid-Side circuit that manipulates the Side signal, allowing for widening and spatial manipulation of the stereo field.

-Six new SSL analogue colour circuits:
VINTAGE DRIVE - A unique non-linear saturation circuit designed to bring that cherished gradual analogue overload sound you get from pushing vintage equipment into the sweet spot.
VIOLET EQ - a 2-band, minimum phase-shift shelving EQ offering instant low-end weight and glorious high-end sheen. 4 fixed frequency points for each band with -9dB boost/cut.
HF COMPRESSOR - A high-frequency compressor, optimised for smooth taming of unwanted brittle sounds or build-up of top-end fizz.
STEREO LMC - A full range stereo Listen Mic Compressor. A powerful 'crushing' dynamics processor, legendary for drum sounds.
STEREO IMAGE - A built-in M/S circuit allows for sumptuous sculpting of the side-signal to allow for wider mixes with added depth.
TRANSFORMER CIRCUIT - A custom SSL design that introduces subtle low-frequency harmonics for added weight, alongside a touch of added transformer sparkle in the highs.

Master BYPASS switch with two modes of operation:
Red mode: complete bypass.
White mode: bypass that includes the INPUT TRIM control.

Features:

- Built-In Insert Point with two modes of operation
- Stereo mode allows you to integrate additional outboard gear such as the SSL Bus Compressor. Switchable pre/post the VIOLET EQ.
- Mid/Side mode allows you to insert two different mono outboard processors across the mid and side signals of the mix. Switchable pre/post the STEREO IMAGE controls.
- 3rd order HPF (High-Pass Filter) to clean up unwanted low-end.
- SuperAnalogue -12dB centre-indented INPUT and OUTPUT trim controls to help achieve the best possible gain-staging into and out of Fusion.
- Individual bypass switches for each circuit to compare sounds with/without each circuit.
- Master meter, with 3-second peak hold segments. Switches from output to input metering upon pressing the BYPASS switch.
- Input clip O/L LEDs, triggered at +27dBu.
- Balanced XLR input and outputs throughout for easy and professional studio integration.
- Enhanced 'dot-dash' screening around controls to allow for easier and clearer recall.
- Adjustable front-panel meter and switch brightness to match the vibe of your studio environment.

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