Pricing and availability
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Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Universal Audio SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor Collection". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Universal Audio SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor Collection is your gateway to legendary British compression, seamlessly emulating the iconic SSL 4000 console bus compressor. Known for its punchy and cohesive sound, this plugin has been the secret sauce behind countless hit records from artists like Michael Jackson and Adele. Whether you're looking to glue your mix or add subtle dynamic control, the intuitive interface ensures you can dial in the perfect amount of compression with ease.
This plugin goes beyond emulation, offering modern enhancements that cater to today's production needs. The internal sidechain filter allows you to sculpt your low end without the unwanted pumping artifacts, while the mix control provides effortless parallel compression, ideal for drums and vocals. Additionally, the auto fade feature delivers the classic SSL taper up to 60 seconds, and the headroom control lets you tailor the operating level to your setup.
For those seeking inspiration, the plugin includes artist presets from top engineers like Just Blaze, Peter Mokran, and Ian Boxill, giving you a professional starting point for crafting your sound. With the UAD Native version, no Apollo hardware is required, making it accessible to all DAW users. Embrace the power of the SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor Collection and transform your mixes with the quintessential SSL sound.
Key Features:
- Authentic emulation of the SSL 4000 G Bus compressor
- UAD Native version available; no Apollo required
- Internal sidechain filter for reduced low-end pumping
- Mix control for parallel compression
- Auto Fade feature with SSL's signature taper up to 60 seconds
- Presets from renowned mixing engineers
- Intuitive controls for immediate musical results
Product specs
| Software Type | Bus Compressor |
| Platform | Mac, PC |
| Upgrade/Full | Full |
| Download/Boxed | Download |
| Bit Depth | 64-bit |
| Format | AAX, AU, VST3 (UAD Native), UAD DSP |
| Authorization Type | iLok Account Required (UADx Native version) |
| Hardware Requirements - Mac | Intel Core 2 Duo or higher, 4GB RAM minimum |
| Hardware Requirements - PC | Intel Core 2 Duo / AMD Athlon 64 X2 or higher, 4GB RAM minimum |
| OS Requirements - Mac | macOS 10.15 or later |
| OS Requirements - PC | Windows 10 or later |
FAQs
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What does the Universal Audio SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor Collection emulate?
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This plugin authentically emulates the legendary SSL 4000 G bus compressor, known for its ability to add punch, cohesion, and clarity to mixes, famously used on albums like Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and Adele's "25."
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Is the Universal Audio SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor compatible with my DAW?
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The plugin is compatible with major DAWs that support AAX, AU, and VST3 formats, including Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and Ableton Live, on both Mac and PC platforms.
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Does the SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor Collection support parallel compression?
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Yes, it features a mix control that allows for quick parallel compression, making it easy to blend compressed and uncompressed signals for more dynamic control.
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What are the system requirements for using this plugin on a Mac?
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You'll need at least an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB of RAM, and macOS 10.15 or later to run the Universal Audio SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor Collection effectively.
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What is the purpose of the side chain filter in the SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor Collection?
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The side chain filter is designed to tailor the low end, reducing unwanted pumping effects and allowing for more transparent compression on busses.
Videos
Universal Audio
UAD SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor Plug-In Collection Trailer
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Universal Audio SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor Collection.
Comparisons
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The UAD SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor is distinct from the Softube 4000 E strip, offering a unique "Bus Comp" sound not found in channel strip compressors.
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The UAD SSL Compressor is often preferred over the Waves version due to personal preference, despite the latter having no side chain filter.
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Users frequently compare the UAD SSL Compressor to the bx_townhouse, noting the latter offers more coloration and is favored for certain tonal applications.
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The Brainworx SSL 4000 emulation is praised for its superior compression but may cause graphics lag on some systems, unlike Waves.
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Value and pricing
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At $24, the UAD SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor Collection is considered a great deal, especially compared to historical prices.
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Waves' perpetual sale model is criticized for creating urgency, and its low initial cost is offset by expensive upgrade fees.
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Users express dissatisfaction with having to pay again for plugins they already own, noting costs around $10 or £7 for native upgrades despite prior purchases.
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Use cases and applications
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The UAD SSL Compressor is favored for its straight-up SSL comp emulation, making it a top choice for those seeking authentic SSL bus compression.
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Features and functionality
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The UAD SSL plugins are preferred for accurate analog emulations, leveraging deals with hardware makers for technical insights.
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Software and compatibility
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Waves plugins may require costly upgrades for OS compatibility, whereas UAD plugins are used via the interface to save computer processing power.
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Users note that the UAD SSL Legacy version utilizes less DSP due to its older, less complex code compared to the newer version.
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Some users report confusion with UA's native plugin upgrade process, which requires manual coupon application in the cart to reduce the price to $10 or €9.
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Owners mention that owning both UAD-2 versions of SSL plugins is required for receiving a native version coupon, complicating the upgrade for single plugin owners.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
"on the master bus we use UAD fatso, URS channel strip pro, UAD SSL comp, Pultec"
Album Usage
The Universal Audio SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor Collection has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Universal Audio SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor Collection, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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