Solid State Logic’s Bus Compressor has had a face lift to drag it into the modern era. While 2022 saw the brand reimagining compressor with new tools for the 2U rack edition, the Bus+, the Bus Comp Classic comes as a “faithful” yet refined return to the original 1U format.

The Bus Comp Classic comes as a nod to the original 1976 Bus Comp, with a few workflow and performance tweaks. At its core, the crux of the compressor’s original sound and response is the same – but the addition of Variable VCA Drive expands the compressor’s potential beyond the original’s single sonic signature.

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It’s a perk that allows users to utilise different eras of SSL console character with the flick of a switch. When disabled, the VCAs are primed and ready to tackle low distortion with clarity – much like SSL’s SuperAnalogue series, such as the Super 9000 Channel Strip. Then, when enabled, the VCAs are rendered unbalanced. It’s a tweak that allows you to progressively introduce harmonics, controlling how gradually you can add more colour and saturation to your sound, like sprinkling in the character of SSL’s FX384 or 4000 Series.

Alongside this more complex approach to its harmonic character, the Bus Comp Classic’s main goal is to re-introduce the magic of the original Bus Comp to a new audience. As SSL put it, the “heart” of the teach is its high-performance THAT 2181 VCAs in the audio path, paired with SSL’s unique side-chain architecture, which incorporates a VCA within its feedback loop. The combo allows you to re-experience the response and transients of the original tech.

Elsewhere, there have been a few improvements on the Bus Comp Classic’s drums, stems and parallell chains compression. There’s also a few improvements to its Ratio, attack and Release settings, as well as some precision-stepped control tweaks and a genuine stereo external side-chain input to extend the Bus Comp Classic’s possibilities, but, again, the classic feel of the Bus Comp remains untampered.

This commitment to re-creating the original Bus Comp’s immediacy should be great for creative brainstorming. As SSL explains, the compressor “delivers the movement, cohesion and control” without a hitch, while providing a precision and repeatability that engineers will find perfect for the studio.

The Bus Comp Classic is available now for around £1,299. For more information, head to Solid State Logic.

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