Native Instruments Solid Bus Comp

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4.0 (38)

2 Critic Reviews

6 Reviews

Find out who is using Native Instruments Solid Bus Comp

3 wishlisted

57 saved

Page last updated Nov 21, 2025

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Description

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The Native Instruments Solid Bus Comp is a versatile and powerful dynamics processor that brings the magic of classic analog compressors to your digital audio workstation. Ideal for musicians and producers who aim to polish their mixes with precision, this plugin captures the essence of legendary studio consoles, offering a tight and impactful sound that's crucial for mastering and bus compression. Perfect for group tracks and final mixes, the Solid Bus Comp ensures your sound maintains clarity and punch without losing warmth or detail.

This plugin is designed to deliver a transparent compression that enhances audio tracks without coloring them unnecessarily. Users can enjoy the flexibility of a sidechain input and a dry/wet knob, allowing for parallel compression, which is a staple technique for achieving a modern sound. Whether you're working on pop, rock, electronic, or any other genre, the Solid Bus Comp gives your tracks the lift they need while maintaining their sonic integrity.

Compatible with most major DAWs, this software is easy to integrate into your existing setup, making it a must-have for both beginners and experienced engineers looking to refine their mixes. With its intuitive interface and high-quality sound processing, the Solid Bus Comp is a reliable tool you'll find yourself reaching for time and time again.

Key Features:

Classic analog-style compression
Ideal for mix bus and group tracks
Transparent sound with punchy dynamics
Sidechain input for creative compression techniques
Dry/Wet control for parallel compression
Compatible with all major DAWs
Intuitive interface for easy operation

Product specs

Plugin Format

AU, VST

Videos

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CROSSBEATS MUSIC PRODUCTION

Waves SSL G vs NI vs UAD - BUS Comp Comparison - On Hip hop.

CROSSBEATS MUSIC PRODUCTION

Komplete 201: Komplete's Mixing Plugins - 3. Solid Bus Comp

macProVideoDotCom

SSL Bus Comp Plugin Shootout

Vintique Sound

Bus Compressors Comparison - UAD SSLG, Waves, Native Instruments, Neve, Elysia

CROSSBEATS MUSIC PRODUCTION

Reviews

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PROS

Delivers solid bus compression particularly effective on drum buses
Capable of hard limiting without muddying the sound
Integrates well with Maschine Studio setups

CONS

Perceived as grainy and heavy-handed by some users
Comparatively less grit than competing products like Waves
Requires careful handling to avoid over-compression
Some users find it unimpressive against competitors like Ozone

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Native Instruments Solid Bus Comp.

Use cases and applications

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The Solid Bus Comp is favored for mastering in TV shows, commercials, and music, highlighting its versatility across different media.
Source
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The Transient Master is praised for its incredible performance, particularly in non-traditional roles beyond standard compression tasks.
Source

Features and functionality

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The Solid Bus Comp excels in creative applications, such as acting as a reverb and noise suppressor when alternatives like iZotope aren't preferred.
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Despite updates to other Native Instruments plugins like Raum and Dirt, Solid Bus Comp lacks resizing capability, which is a common user request for better workflow efficiency.
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Comparisons

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While Pro-Q2 is a top choice for EQ, Native Instruments' Passive EQ is preferred when additional character is needed, showing its niche strength among competitors.
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Some users suggest opting for Cubase's stock compressors for side-chaining, as they offer native support unlike Solid Bus Comp.
Source

User experience

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Solid Bus Comp, along with Supercharger and vintage compressors, are frequently integrated into productions, indicating their reliability and consistent performance.
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Transitioning to high-resolution displays has highlighted the need for scalable interfaces in Native Instruments software, affecting user satisfaction for those using advanced setups.
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Software and compatibility

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Solid Bus Comp does not support side-chaining, a limitation noted by users trying to use this feature in Cubase AI 9.
Source
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Users express frustration about the lack of resizable interface for Solid Bus Comp, especially noticeable on 4k monitors, impacting usability with FL Studio 21 on Windows 10.
Source

Critic Reviews

Native Instruments Solid Mix Series review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Native Instruments' Solid Bus Comp impresses with its SSL-inspired design, delivering the tonal power and musicality of classic hardware. The inclusion of parallel processing adds versatility, rarely seen in similar emulations. However, the necessity to operate within the Guitar Rig 5 shell detracts slightly from its appeal, introducing unnecessary complexity. Overall, this is a robust and capable tool for those seeking that sought-after SSL sound.

positive

Full Review

Ten of the Best: Compressor Plugins 2020 - Page 4 of 11 - Attack Magazine

attackmagazine.com

Full Review

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 6 Reviews and 38 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

modulate

410

almost 4 years ago

Ok

Nothing wrong with it, seems to do what it should, but I think I prefer the Waves version because it seems to give a bit more grit. It's one of those things that is down to the intangible small differences.

Roles:

Guitarist Keyboardist Composer

Genres:

Electronic Orchestra Stage & Screen

john_withers

815

over 7 years ago

Don't really use

Came free with Maschine or something but I don't really use it so hard for me to rate it but when I have opened it it hasn't impressed me compared to what's in say Ozone.

xaqary

5454

about 9 years ago

Piece of crap.

This thing sucks. Sorry. It's a grainy, heavy handed take on the original & in general there are far better versions of this out there. It's a standard lil' "Glue" compressor. If only that myth would die. Never gets used. Came with my Maschine Studio. I'd have never picked it up otherwise.

ixen

101

over 11 years ago

This buss compressor came with maschine and is a very solid compressor. 4/5

Pros: Can do hard limiting without muddy sound, solid buss compression.

Cons: Can over compress an times.

4/5

hexcode

397

about 9 years ago

Oh, the Solid Bus Comp!

Native Instuments made a very good compressor VST!

Roles:

Music Producer

Genres:

Electronic Dance music Hardstyle

xaqary

5454

9 years ago almost 9 years ago

Really? What do you like about it?

cole199910

294

about 11 years ago

Great

I use if for my drum bus and it works pretty well

Artist usage

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Dada Life

Music Producer

Verified via Facebook

In this drum-and-bass bus tutorial video on Facebook, Dada Life can be seen using the Native Instruments Solid Bus Compressor at 0:52.

Odesza

Music Producer

Verified via YouTube

You can see Odesza using the plugin at 0:45 when they're making "Meridian"

Pole Folder

Keyboardist, Composer

Verified via Instagram

Mixing session - Reworck. #mix #studio #session #polefolder #reworck #jett #nativeinstruments #solidbuscomp #ableton #brussels #2015releases

avior

Composer, Music Producer

Verified via Equipboard

A pretty good compressor VST by NI which i usually use for mastering my tracks. You can use it on the master channel with a low-level ratio to get a kind of "Audio-Glue" effect.