for those of you who have used the waves SSL compressor

[zetaborealis]

I just have one question, and maybe I'm really misunderstanding the fundamental controls, but does the ratio value on this compressor plugin have the opposite effect? as in on a standard compressor, when you turn up the ratio, you get more compression and vice versa, but for some reason with the SSL compressor, the higher I turn up the ratio, the less gain reduction I get..

It's really annoying me, can anyone help me out?

[HIMbeats]

I have never owned a SSL so I am not 100% sure of the following;

Does this only happen with light compression? I ask this because when I worked in a studio in Cali they had an old SSL console (a 4040e I believe) and it used to do something similar. I did not use that room much but if I remember right this was something all SSL's did with low amounts of compression.

As I understand it the threshold rotation point moves with the ratio on these. So at higher levels of compression you will get your normal reductions, but at low levels of compression you will get the reverse effect and hear a slight gain. I believe it has something to do with the consoles needing to use less make up gain as to why they do this. I think it was a feature on the console. If you are using a true emulation, then this may be what is happening. I would check the manual on your plugin and see if it says anything about this.

[moses]

+1 about reading the manual.

[zetaborealis]

Thanks for the responses,
obviously I'd read the manual before bothering to post on the forum, unfortunately the manual (at least the one I have) is not very detailed. Here are some excerpts:

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

MakeupGaincompensatesforachangeinsignallevelduetocompressoractivity.Make up is continuously variable from -5 dB to +15 dB.

Threshold sets the operating level for the knee of the compressor. Threshold iscontinuously adjustable from -15 dB to +15 dB.

I have a feeling it might have something to do with the threshold setting.. I don't think the threshold setting automatically moves simultaneously with the ratio setting as the above poster mentioned, but the fact that the threshold has a range of -15db to +15db confuses me..

Anyway if anyone can clear this up it would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

[sleepy]

It's by design, nothing out of the ordinary is happening. Personally, I'm not a fan of the plugin. I think it's okay as a light compressor on a master bus but 2:1 sounds way oversaturated and I feel it just takes away the life out of almost anything. In general, I've never been a fan of digital "saturation" as it always just sounds like unnecesary lower-end distortion with some harshness from added harmonics in the high end.

I think you're in the right track. For one, you are listening to what is happening and not just mixing by the numbers. Also, you may have just discovered that it's not the compressor for you. Maybe you dislike the quirkyness but you like the sound but you have to learn to deal with that quirkyness.

[epotts06]

SSL comp has auto makeup gain. but if your change your ratio and or threshold it will affect your GR. Ratio + Threshold = GR The manual is not very detailed however the plug in is an modeled after the real bus compressor. They assume you have used the real compressor prior to buying the plugin. That is why it is not very detailed

[CPhoenix]

I think it's okay as a light compressor on a master bus but 2:1 sounds way oversaturated and I feel it just takes away the life out of almost anything.

That's actually one of the reasons I stopped using it. I actualyl like Moses' Toyko Dawn Labs compressor over this now. Maintains the original flavor, just compressed.

[HIMbeats]

IMO for the money there are so many other SSL options to go with unless you are very familiar with the analog console and want the same exact feel. Solid State's Duende and The Glue quickly come to mind. I also like Stipbuss and I also use the comps in Strip Pro a lot too. All of these are priced at about half the price of the 4000 bundle or much less.

+1 for Moses' comp! I know he is a busy man but he could have a plugin following BIGGER than Bootsie if he really want to. His plugin is transparent, GUI is easy to use and it does what it needs to do in a no nonsense sort of way.

[sleepy]

I'm a fan of moses' compressor also. Clean sound, straightforward, and can take a beating when pushing it.

[moses]

Thanks guys, really happy to hear people actually use it! Makes me proud, especially with the fact that a gazillion compressors are available! Working hard on the next processor, will be a de-esser..