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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 ManualProduct 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
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What is the primary function of the Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor?
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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.
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Is the Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor compatible with my DAW?
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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.
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What are the system requirements for running the Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor on a Mac?
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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.
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Can the Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor be used for parallel compression on drums?
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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.
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How does the Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor differ from other compressor plugins?
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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.
Videos
Waves Audio
Mastering with the SSL – Quick Tip by Yoad Nevo
Reviews
PROS
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Excellent for enhancing low-end frequencies without overpowering other elements
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Brings out the kick drum beautifully, adding punch and clarity
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Ideal for gluing drum busses, creating a cohesive sound
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Versatile; works well across various busses, not just master
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Can transform drum transients from tame to aggressive
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Helps unify and bring tracks to life
CONS
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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
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The Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor lacks a sidechain high-pass filter, which modern users find essential to prevent low-end pumping.
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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.
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The compressor is frequently praised for its transparency when used subtly, but noted for potentially squashing dynamics if overused during mastering.
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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.
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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.
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Comparisons
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Owners favor Plugin Alliance's bx_Townhouse for its warmth and adjustable sidechain HPF over the Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor.
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Users often mention the Vertigo VSC-2 as a preferable alternative for preserving low-end integrity in mixes with significant sub-bass content.
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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.
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The Glue is considered sterile at moderate settings by some, while others prefer it for heavier metal due to its effective gluing properties.
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The Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor has converted many users who haven’t used other compressors since adopting it, indicating strong satisfaction.
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Use cases and applications
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Acustica's Sand is praised for its SSL emulation quality, frequently compared against bx_Townhouse and SSL Native, preferred for its convolution-based response.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 47 Ratings
787
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!
41029
does it hang with a real G series console? god I love the channel and bus compressors on the E thru G series
Artist usage
Add artist
Eddie has an instance of the G-Master Buss Compressor open in this Facebook photo.
In a masterclass hosted by Point Blank Music School, Matador demonstrates his use of the Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor, highlighting its versatility across various channels.
Ashley Wallbridge uses the Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor, as seen in his Instagram post where he mentions mastering a new tune.
Used for vocals on "Sum 2 Prove", as stated by mix engineer Tillie in this June 2020 Sound on Sound interview.
"All Lil Baby's vocals go through an aux track," says Tillie, "on which I have the Waves DeEsser, Avid EQ3 7-band, Waves SSL Channel and Compressor, Waves RCompressor, UAD J37 and the FabFilter Pro‑DS de-esser. There are two sends to reverb aux tracks and one to a half–note delay. The Waves DeEsser is there because I felt the vocal was too bright. The EQ3 has a pretty involved curve, with a low cut at 69.8Hz, notches at 184.7Hz and 425.2Hz, and me adding at 2kHz and high end at 5.37kHz, because I wanted some more presence. The SSL Compressor is not doing much, it's just there for vibe. I do the actual compression with the RCompressor.
"The J37 adds analogue vibe — it's one of my favourite plug–ins on vocals. It really brings them to life. I did all the heavy lifting with the first de-esser, and the Pro‑DS is just to catch anything that's the result of the EQ curve that I added. There's also a Vocal Parallel aux with the Softube Tube‑Tech CL‑1B to add more body and a bit of beef. I think that compressor just makes everything sound better. It gives you a different tonal character.
"The first send goes to the Verb aux track, which has the DVerb, set to a Large Hall, and an EQ3 7-band, taking out low end below 100Hz. The second send goes to the Verb 2 aux, with the Waves RVerb, the Waves REQ, again rolling off low end, and the Waves S1 Stereo Imager. I use the Imager on my reverbs probably 75 percent of the time. My style of mixing is very wide, so I tend to spread out my instruments and my effects, and I place things in different places in the stereo mix. I always like to add width and depth, so you can feel things and they are not necessarily right up in your face. But I leave the vocals to be the centre point of the mix."
In this photo taken from Arno Cost's Instagram, visible is a Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor Plugin.
Used on Minogue's vocals for "Dancing", as stated by producer Sky Adams in this July 2018 Sound on Sound interview.
"My vocal chain on the Kylie bus begins with a Logic Channel EQ, with a high?pass at 69Hz; I also boost 285Hz and 3100Hz. Next is the Waves CLA Vocals, with which I again boost some high end and add some compression, and a tiny bit of reverb; altogether it enhances the vocals a bit. The third plug?in is the Waves Butch Vig Vocals, with the de?esser and compressor both at 50 percent and adding some presence and air, all to give it some sharpness. For some reason Butch Vig gives a nice saturation and clarity on vocals, but I find that it only works on the Aston microphone. With every other mic I’ve used it tends to sound too distorted.
“The next plug?in is a Waves dbx 160 for some more compression, then the Waves SSL G?master bus compressor, set to a ratio of 2, attack 1 and release 3, and the Waves C4 multiband set to the Pensado preset, adding above 8kHz, the Waves API 560 EQ adding yet more high end, and the Waves RVox, with the compressor set to 4.2. I find that the RVox really helps to bring the vocal to the front.
“My main reverb in this session, which I used mostly on the vocals, and my favourite reverb in general, is the Toraverb. It’s really hard to find a good reverb, but I freaking love it, and I use it on almost everything. It has a wonderful tail off, and also a delay that works really well. ‘Crystal Cave’ is a favourite preset, which I use mainly on vocals. I don’t mind using the same reverb on everything, but in addition I sometimes use Logic’s Space Designer, which also has a great sound, and a wonderful tail that you can crank all the way up. The latest update, the Chronoverb, is amazing.”
In an Instagram post, Matt Nash shares a screenshot of his Cubase project, featuring the Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor loaded on the master bus.
Album Usage
The Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor has been featured on the following albums:
Emotional (James Hiraeth Remix)
Flux Pavilion & Matthew Koma (2023)
Sum 2 Prove
Lil Baby (2020)
Nobody Compares To You (Remixes)
GRYFFIN (2018)
Dancing
Kylie Minogue (2018)
Get Out Of Your Own Way
U2 (2017)
Perfect Strangers
Jonas Blue & JP Cooper (2016)
Cerulean
Alex Klingle (2015)
The Day Off
Poldoore (2014)
Firework
Katy Perry (2010)
No Line On The Horizon
U2 (2009)
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 Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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