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Description

Discover the magic of seamless audio production with the Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor. This plugin is a digital reincarnation of the iconic stereo bus compressor from the Solid State Logic 4000 G Series console, a staple in professional studios worldwide. Known for its legendary ability to "glue" tracks together, this compressor plugin allows you to enhance your mix with cohesive dynamics that stand out.

Engineered with an authentic twin-VCA gain-reduction amplifier design, it captures the unique sound that has been cherished by top audio engineers for decades. Whether you're looking to tighten up your final mix or add a touch of analog warmth, the G-Master Buss Compressor delivers with precision and flexibility. Its gain reduction meter mirrors the distinctive SSL console range, and with features like autofade and external sidechain support, your creative possibilities are endless. Plus, dive into presets crafted by Grammy-winning mixer Chris Lord-Alge to kickstart your mixing journey.

This plugin is more than just a tool; it's a bridge to professional-grade sound, made accessible for every musician and producer seeking that polished finish. Developed under license from Solid State Logic, this plugin ensures an authentic experience right in your digital audio workstation.

Key Features:

  • Modeled after the renowned SSL G Series stereo buss compressor
  • Enhances mixes with classic SSL "glue" effect
  • Authentic twin-VCA gain-reduction amplifier design
  • Gain reduction meter fitted to SSL console range
  • Autofade with rate control for linear fade-in/fade-out
  • External sidechain source select in compatible host applications
  • Analog switch for SSL console emulation
  • Includes presets from Grammy-winning mixer Chris Lord-Alge
  • Developed under license from Solid State Logic

Owner's manual

Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor User Manual

Product specs

Software Type SSL Buss Compressor
Platform Mac, PC
Upgrade/Full Full
Download/Boxed Download
Bit Depth 64-bit
Format VST, AU, VST3, AAX Native
Hardware Requirements - Mac Intel Core i7 or higher (M1 support), 8GB RAM minimum
Hardware Requirements - PC Intel Core i5 / AMD Quad-core or higher (AVX required), 8GB RAM minimum
OS Requirements - Mac macOS 10.15.7 or later
OS Requirements - PC Windows 10 or later (21H2), 64-bit

FAQs

What is the primary function of the Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor?

The Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor is designed to tighten up mixes and add punch, emulating the classic sound of the SSL 4000 G Series console's master bus compressor.

Is the Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor compatible with my DAW?

The Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor is compatible with DAWs that support VST, AU, VST3, and AAX Native formats, making it versatile for use with most modern digital audio workstations.

What are the system requirements for running the Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor on a Mac?

To run the Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor on a Mac, you need macOS 10.15.7 or later, an Intel Core i7 processor or higher (M1 support included), and a minimum of 8GB RAM.

Can the Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor be used for parallel compression on drums?

Yes, the Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor is excellent for parallel compression on drums, providing a punchy and cohesive sound that enhances the overall mix.

How does the Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor differ from other compressor plugins?

The Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor uniquely emulates the SSL 4000 G Series console's iconic sound, known for its ability to add clarity and cohesion to mixes, distinguishing it from other compressor plugins.

Waves Audio

Waves Audio

Mastering with the SSL – Quick Tip by Yoad Nevo

Video thumbnail for Mastering with the SSL – Quick Tip by Yoad Nevo by Waves Audio

Mastering with the SSL – Quick Tip by Yoad Nevo

Waves Audio

Waves Audio

Video thumbnail for Waves SSL Compressor Tutorial | How To Add Punch To Your Mix & Glue Your Mix Together by Ali Nadem

Waves SSL Compressor Tutorial | How To Add Punch To Your Mix & Glue Your Mix Together

Ali Nadem

Ali Nadem

Video thumbnail for Mix Buss Compression  - The Simple Way by Chris Selim - Mixdown Online

Mix Buss Compression - The Simple Way

Chris Selim - Mixdown Online

Chris Selim - Mixdown Online

Video thumbnail for Waves Mix Bus Compression - Episode #3 SSL G-Master Buss Compressor by Production Expert

Waves Mix Bus Compression - Episode #3 SSL G-Master Buss Compressor

Production Expert

Production Expert

Video thumbnail for How to Mix with SSL Bus Compressor Style Plugins by Edible Music

How to Mix with SSL Bus Compressor Style Plugins

Edible Music

Edible Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent for enhancing low-end frequencies without overpowering other elements

  • Brings out the kick drum beautifully, adding punch and clarity

  • Ideal for gluing drum busses, creating a cohesive sound

  • Versatile; works well across various busses, not just master

  • Can transform drum transients from tame to aggressive

  • Helps unify and bring tracks to life

CONS

  • Some users may prefer other compressors, like the 1176, for their specific needs

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor.

Features and functionality

  • The Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor lacks a sidechain high-pass filter, which modern users find essential to prevent low-end pumping.

    Source
  • A common setting involves a wet/dry mix around 40% for a balanced sound, but users adjusting the threshold for 8-10dB of reduction find it effective.

    Source
  • The compressor is frequently praised for its transparency when used subtly, but noted for potentially squashing dynamics if overused during mastering.

    Source
  • Users note the Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor's meter can be frustrating due to its jump from 0 to 4, lacking detailed compression feedback.

    Source
  • The KH Comp from Black Rooster Audio is noted for its adequacy on the mix bus, highlighting personal preference in compressor choice based on usability.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners favor Plugin Alliance's bx_Townhouse for its warmth and adjustable sidechain HPF over the Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor.

    Source
  • Users often mention the Vertigo VSC-2 as a preferable alternative for preserving low-end integrity in mixes with significant sub-bass content.

    Source
  • The API-2500 by Waves is favored for metal mixes, offering "hard" settings for more tone and a channel link mode for flexible stereo compression.

    Source
  • The Glue is considered sterile at moderate settings by some, while others prefer it for heavier metal due to its effective gluing properties.

    Source
  • The Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor has converted many users who haven’t used other compressors since adopting it, indicating strong satisfaction.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor is often used with a 4:1 ratio, 30ms attack, and auto-release for optimal glue, but results may vary by genre.

    Source
  • Owners commonly achieve optimal results using the SSL G-Master Buss Compressor on the mix bus for gentle glue compression, limiting gain reduction to 3-4dB.

    Source
  • A common technique involves routing the entire mix through an aux fader to a hardware SSL G-Master Buss Compressor, allowing for listening-based adjustments rather than relying on meter readings.

    Source
  • Acustica's Sand is praised for its SSL emulation quality, frequently compared against bx_Townhouse and SSL Native, preferred for its convolution-based response.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users suggest trying Cytomic's The Glue, especially since it's available within Ableton Live, as an alternative to the Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 47 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
liam_phillips

AWESOME for drums or master busses.

Here me out, I know that the G-Master Buss compressor is built for master bus compression (hence the title), but it works well on all busses. I love what it does to drum busses. In a pinch, you can tame your drums, or turn them into metal beasts with how hard it hits transients. I would highly suggest trying it out!

naartjie_official

:D

This is perfect for glue-ing your drums together, really nice buss compressor.

jimmarchi1

does it hang with a real G series console? god I love the channel and bus compressors on the E thru G series

carlosfbanegas

Great

It helps me glue everything toguether!

I

This compressor brings tracks to life

Artist usage

Add artist
See how The Edge uses Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor

The Edge

Guitarist

U2

...
Verified via Soundonsound

As stated by producer Declan Gaffney, the Waves SSL Master Bus Compressor was used for "Get On Your Boots".

Declan Gaffney incorporated extensive master processing into his mix. Dynamic control was provided by the Waves SSL Master Bus Compressor and Massey L2007 limiter, while Waves' VEQ4 added tonal changes.

An image of the settings can be found here.

See how Kaskade uses Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor

Kaskade

Music Producer

Kx5

...
Verified via Soundstosample

When Kaskade does his own mastering, he mentions using the Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor Plugin.

See how Eric Prydz uses Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor

Eric Prydz

Music Producer

Eric Prydz & Steve Angello

...
Verified via reddit

To the question: ''What's your favorite non-analog compressor?'' Eric answered: ''I have one that i always use...but it's my secret But i do like...waves SSL comp''

See how Flux Pavilion uses Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor

Flux Pavilion

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

@ around 18:00 Flux Pavilion talks about using the SSL Compressor.

See how The Glitch Mob uses Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor

The Glitch Mob

Music Producer

...
Verified via waves.com

On the EQ side of things, we will lean heavily on both the Waves SSL E-Channel and G-Channel to help give our kicks and snares the correct tone.

See how Tritonal uses Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor

Tritonal

Music Producer

...
Verified via waves.com

“Waves plugins are a constant on our tracks: L3 is the final limiter on many Tritonal singles; H-Delay is our go-to tape delay plugin; SSL G-Master is the first on our master chain on most records.“

See how Adam Clayton uses Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor

Adam Clayton

Bassist

U2

...
Verified via Soundonsound

As stated by producer Declan Gaffney, the Waves SSL Master Bus Compressor was used for "Get On Your Boots".

Declan Gaffney incorporated extensive master processing into his mix. Dynamic control was provided by the Waves SSL Master Bus Compressor and Massey L2007 limiter, while Waves' VEQ4 added tonal changes.

An image of the settings can be found here.

See how Bono uses Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor

Bono

Singer, Guitarist

U2

...
Verified via Soundonsound

As stated by producer Declan Gaffney, the Waves SSL Master Bus Compressor was used for "Get On Your Boots".

Declan Gaffney incorporated extensive master processing into his mix. Dynamic control was provided by the Waves SSL Master Bus Compressor and Massey L2007 limiter, while Waves' VEQ4 added tonal changes.

An image of the settings can be found here.

See how VINAI uses Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor

VINAI

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram photo, posted during October 2015, they say: "Master Master Master ????????????" and we can see on the monitor SSL Master Buss Compressor.

See how Rick Beato uses Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor

Rick Beato

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "How To Use Compression on Your Mix," Rick Beato is seen using the Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor at timestamps 2:34, 4:46, and 5:13.

See how Doctor P uses Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor

Doctor P

Music Producer

...
Verified via reddit

In his reddit AMA, Doctor P say he uses the following

"instruments: massive kontakt battery nexus diva korg legacy collection minimoog processing: fabfilter pro q camel phat waves C1 waves SSL comp SPL tube tech izotope ozone wow i never realised how small the list of my plug ins would be"

See how Thomas Gold uses Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor

Thomas Gold

Music Producer

Thomas Gold and Chriss Ortega

...
Verified via YouTube

"Next one is some, uh, musical compression... it's a single-band compressor, it's the SSL compressor from Waves. One of my favorite tools, sounds absolutely great and it's perfect for this kind of music." (18:51)

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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plextrovision

plextrovision

Gear IQ 89

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