Drop me a comment if you would like to see a shootout between this and any other units!

@DavidGilden

7 ай бұрын

Yeah for sure, let’s do it!

@theappearedone

7 ай бұрын

Against the new RND thing would be great

@beat23studio

7 ай бұрын

SSL Fusion v RND Master bus processor. I own both but would love to hear your opinion.

@jamespark1855

7 ай бұрын

This and the neve mbt

@jonathanmoellman

7 ай бұрын

Hell yeah, let's have it!

Colt. Dude. For real. This is one of the BEST reviews you’ve ever done. Hearing the differences was nucking futs. Really man. Well done. This is now HIGH on my my wishlist at Sweetwater.

Did you not find out about the secret extra color? Push and hold the HF comp IN button for 5 secs, and it becomes a SSL LMC circuit, really really cool!

@ColtCapperrune

7 ай бұрын

What??!! How did I not know about that?? Thanks I’ll check it out!

@Lillandon1234

7 ай бұрын

@@ColtCapperrune yeah bro it becomes a threshold knob and then a mix blend knob. Super cool on drums etc!

@beat23studio

7 ай бұрын

Yes. The Fusion LMC circuit comp is an extra cool feature. Another feature is that you can even play some sort of simon memory game with it too. This latter one won’t due anything to the mix lol. @ColtCaperrune.

@berntfuruberg9423

7 ай бұрын

What!!? How did I not ... I mean.. okey need to test that out right away in my studio. Wow thanks for sharing that secret little tip!

@Lillandon1234

7 ай бұрын

@@berntfuruberg9423 yeah dud it rocks!

Great review Colt! I ended up selling my Fusion and bought a pair of RND 542s, SPL BIG along with the SSL Bus+ and absolutely love this on my mix bus. Keep those videos coming! 👍🏻🔥🔥

Thank you for all your videos!

@ColtCapperrune

7 ай бұрын

Thank YOU for watching!

awesome video about the ssl fusion! Thank you very much.

@ColtCapperrune

7 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

This single unit helped me learn so much as well as made my mixes better. It caused me to think differently about music. I love this thing!

just subscribed. thanks for the video

Great video. I love my fusion. The space and width parameters are fantastic, especially on ambient music when I'd like to create more space w/ low-mids.

I have a Fusion that I use every day. It was my first serious piece of outboard gear, and I love it. Now I've also have an EL7 Fatso that I insert on the Fusion (mostly Pre-EQ). The thing about the Fatso is the Warmth control, that allows me to control high freq transients even better than the HF Comp on the Fusion. The best way I've found to use the Fusion is swapping the comp mode to LMC and adjusting the threshold whilst on 50-50 blend with the original signal. If I see need for the HF compressor, I simply insert the plugin version, which is great and, to me, indistinguishable from the hardware module. If you haven't tried the LMC comp mode on the Fusion yet, try it. Blending it with the dry signal makes wonders to mixes. My 2c. Cheers.

I keep my Fusion on the drum buss with a STAM SA4000MKIII in the insert now. I have the Neve MBT on my 2Buss. The Fusion was too good to just retire or sell, so I found another application for me to use it on. Works great and fits my needs.

My review is the first one on Sweetwaters page under David Rockower if you want to read my thoughts in depth. I walked into purchasing this unit this year knowing that it would have its own thumbprint compared to other units that would fit the same role, and feel that a new buyer should as well, as they are all sonically excellent. 9 months later I still use it on almost everything I do from my studio. There are some projects where its just not the right tool, and those are usually anything that is decidedly meant to be classic - (for example I've done a few big band tracks here). It still sits on my master buss chain for almost everything. As I dove deeper into the unit, I am still impressed with how much thought went into this, and what I can learn from the insight of such an experienced manufacturer. If anyone reading this decides to pull the trigger on this unit, I feel it is unlikely that they will not be pleased! The reality is, when you buy something like this, its a VERY solid buy because it hardly loses value, can actually INCREASE in value, or - youll like it so much that you never sell it. You pretty much don't have anything to lose.

I’ve had mine now for about 3 years and it sits on my mixbus for nearly everything. It is in the more “subtle” range unless really pushed and your description of the saturation is the best I’ve heard and concur completely. As with nearly all analog gear, gain staging is crucial but having the separate input/output trims makes it easy. My next stop is something that gets the “creamy” side a bit more, but I don’t think I’m parting with mine any time soon.

Had mine for years now, still love it! It doesn't just live on the main bus, i use it for tracking through, the drive is great for adding character, the tranny either makes things sound better or worse, HF comp as well as drive can tame upper mids and highs... it's a handy bit of kit and really useful!! I like your use of 'grainy' too, i used ti at The Neve factory last year when chatting with their Marketing Manager and couldn't think of a better word at the time, but it IS the right word, totally agree there. The LMC1 is a nice bonus too. 😁The Mid/Side functionality of the insert point is pretty nifty too to add an EQ to EQ in M/S.

Thank you for such an in depth review! Nice jam! Curious to hear it with the neve mbp!

Man I've wanted one for a long time. Isn't in the budget so I've made do with an analog heat I know completely different level and slightly different purpose, but I make it work. I'm glad you finally got one bro, let's put it to work!

perfect timing for this i just got one 2 weeks ago . got rme 802 because before i had the rme adi 2 pro which dint have enough io. so i had to sit with it for a week before i could use it . i think its a good tool its hard to make a mix sound bad with it

1:45 Im always headbanging to this everytime i hear it!!!

Got one for quite few years now, still love it. Never use the drive, do not like it much, but all other elements are, to me, very cool. It's a very good all in one box as a first ever intro into hardware world. The Mid/Side matrix inside it definitely top aswell. I'm planing to get a pair of saturators in 500 serie and use them as M/S saturation on the insert slot. The LMC feature is also a great color tool. To me this definitely a great "mix finisher". Sure we can find better with more budget, but the matrix itself and the little moves we can go on are very fine for the price even tho I still think this could cost slightly less.

@MariooDisco

7 ай бұрын

The vintage drive sounds amazing but for some material it is unusable do to its terrible noise level

@GrumpyGr3g

7 ай бұрын

@@MariooDisco that's why i never use, too noisy for mixbus processing (my main use of the Fusion). But I can imagine with RX after processing a vocal or guitar this can be a great one

My issue with buying something like this now is I like having the ability to work away from my room. Tracking through hardware is great, but “needing” it to mix not so much. Theres also recalls if you change setting per mix. Just my personal take. Keep it up 👊🏾

good vid thanx... do you ever process individual sounds with this box during the mixing process...

had it in my studio, we called it the confusion could'nt figure out if it was making the mix sound worse are not! to I finally figured it out it was the gain staging on it sux!! thin sounding to.

I really like how it sounds

Yes would love to see a shootout as I've been currently looking into getting a Fusion but also contemplating if it's worth it as I already have a Looptrotter Sa2rate2, EQP's and G Comp on my mix bus

Great video! Would you buy a Fusion or a bus compressor first for your mixbus?

Happy ThanksGiving ! I need Saturation on 99.9% of my Mixes/Songs. I do use different types on Sub Mixes or on VOX Trks & 2 BUS.

Hey any plans to do a video with the fusion and the bus+ together been thinking about having those 2 for mix down/mastering

I’m in the box these days but I do thoroughly love the plugins.

Shootout for sure!! Thx! 🙏

Hey Colt after watching this and the MBT video, if you were to choose one for the Mix/Master bus, which would you prefer? Ive (eventually whenever its ready) got a Stamchild and Stereo Pultec on the way and wanted to know which would work best with those. Thanks!

Hi Colt - thanks for sharing - I use it on every mixBus - Try putting a couple of Pultec Style EQs on the insert and use as mid/side …. It’s my secret sauce!

I fully get your ‘grain’ analogy. I hear in textures. Imo they should have left out the space/density controls. It just over complicates the unit. I’m really hoping we see a 500 series vintage drive and width modules. Would sell like hot cakes. Great review Colt.

Great video. I would love to hear your opinion on the Tagler myth eq, Please

I noticed someone mention the LMC but also if you hold the insert it’ll turn into mid/side mode. Meaning whatever other stereo unit you have chained to the fusion can be toggled between stereo to M/S. I’m sure you probably know this but seeing as the input knob is on “0”, you’ll get even more color out of the transformer button if you drive the input trim.

I really enjoyed the space it gave and the subtle crunch. But it’s way more subtle than the mbt.

Regarding drums and phase, what is your opinion of auto-align from soundradix ?

I use a Warm Audio Bus Comp in the insert of mine pre-eq. It's become my entire mastering chain.

@ColtCapperrune

7 ай бұрын

Good move!

Love SSL EQUIPMENT, I have the plugin version and use it all the time.

great video, awesome rundown of the Fusion, as an owner myself you demonstrated its sound perfectly. I am a bit of a saturation nut too - currently own the LTL silver bullet, the fusion, DIYRE colour Duo with a bunch of colours (amazing unit) as my kindof "pure" saturation boxes. I think you are right in saying that you cant really knock the Fusion in the way that it just gives you that SSL sound. IF that is what you want, the Fusion might be the easiest way to get there, and its impossible to argue the product that it gives you. I describe it as a cheat code for the 2bus. If i don't use every module of the fusion for a particular song, I am at least using one or two. That being said, sometimes i don't use the vintage drive or eq and prefer others. For processing individual/mono tracks, I almost always use the colour Duo or the silver bullet for saturation, as the vintage drive can be a bit noisy, i also have other compressors better suited for that, and Eqs as well. The stereo section I always use on the 2bus in one way or another. But i don't think il ever sell the fusion - as you said, that SSL sound simply suits certain songs so well - especially more modern sounding music. The Fusion just gets you there when you want it.

@IrieTyRay

7 ай бұрын

also, if you do a shootout - definitely include the silver bullet mk 2!!!!! that one needs to be in there

@ColtCapperrune

7 ай бұрын

Excellent synopsis! I’d love to check out the silver bullet.

@IrieTyRay

7 ай бұрын

for 2bus, the silver bullet into the fusion with the vintage drive disengaged is a super tasty polishing chain - with a bus compressor on the insert of the Fusion 😍@@ColtCapperrune

Did you notice the L/R Balance offset the „Vintage Drive“ produces?

Great video Colt! I would love to se a shootout between the Fusion and the Rupert Neve MBT. I'm currently saving for the MBT and have read multiple reviews of producers that prefer it against the Fusion. I know they definitely sound different, but in my case I can only afford one essential piece of hardware for my mix bus, so I would really appreciate some advice on this matter. Thank you so much for always making great and inspiring content!

@ColtCapperrune

7 ай бұрын

I may have to do that shoot out. The saturation on the SSL is tighter, and faster. The MBT is thicker and gooier. The EQ on the MBT, working with the high Pass filter is substantially more powerful and thicker than the fusion and the way the MBT Handles its silk controls, it’s far more versatile saturation. That said, it is double the price, and doesn’t win on everything. Hope that helps!

@josephmcgregor6959

7 ай бұрын

I'm no Colt--just a dummy on the internet, but right now I'm using the Fusion mostly for the SPACE and MBT for the Supersilk. Super expensive way to be inefficient, but no one accused me of being smart.

@ColtCapperrune

7 ай бұрын

I’m also just a dummy on the Internet that makes videos lol. The space control is definitely a different thing than the crossover of the other units!

@CreativeMindsAudio

7 ай бұрын

The more I hear about this the more I want it, but the RND MBT is top of my list for out of the box polish and mastering.

@camilogiraldo6196

7 ай бұрын

Thanks Colt and Joseph for replying. Your opinions are greatly appreciated! I will definitely listen to the shootout in case you decide to do it. Have a great week!

It’s that m/s option on the insert that’s got me intrigued, got a lot of stuff that would slot in their nicely 🤔

Please do a shoot out. I am curious what is going to be your master bus chain in your remodeled studio? Can you please tell us?

I've been thinking about getting the SSL Fusion since its release. Purchased other stuff then, which was more versatile (Stereo EQs and compressors etc). Now the price dropped a little bit since its release and I'm thinking about getting one again. The vintage drive, and especially the HF compressor and the stereo image widener are the things I am looking for. Wouldn't need the 2 band EQ thugh, I am very happy with my SymphEQ from Heritage. I'm thinking, should I continue using the Waves C6 for HF compression and the Blackbox HG2 Plugin for drive, and may getting an SPL Big? Or even get the analog version of the Blackbox? Tough decisionas again. Especially at that time of the year, when I have to think about business expences for this fiscal year.

I've had one for a few years now. I have slowly replaced the functionality of the individual features with other units (I never use the DRIVE anymore; I have an HG-2, a Michelangelo, and a Looptrotter), replaced the EQ, and now the HF compressor. BUT, I can't convince myself to pull this out of the rack. I still use the stereo image, particularly the SPACE function, which I haven't found a suitable replacement for yet (I have a BiG and an MBT). I also insert a G Bus into this and that seems to complete this unit. One day I may part ways with it, but it won't be today, nor tomorrow. Most likely I'll pull this and install into a 2nd station. Colt, when are we going to talk photography?

@ColtCapperrune

7 ай бұрын

The HG - 2 is high on my list!! Inserting the G Bus on this does sound like a cool move. As far as photography, I’ll talk that all day any day lol. It’s my second passion. I have an entire photog Instagram, ColtCapperrunephotos. Check it out if you like!

Would you use the SPL Big with the SSL Fusion and would you use it in front or after?

My goodness. The difference was huge. The low end, sep, punch!

Ive been using the SSL fusion plugins on my mix bus for a few months now and love the sounds i get from them. Would be curious to hear a shootout between the hardware and the plugins!

@ColtCapperrune

7 ай бұрын

In my experience, the good plug-ins are about 90-95% of what the hardware is. that last five or 10% is usually where the magic is. Of course, there are many plug-ins that are not so well done lol.

@cytocache1238

7 ай бұрын

MixbusTV covered that already

@AlexShourds

7 ай бұрын

@@cytocache1238 thanks for the tip! I'll check it out

M/S option on the Insert is most excellent as well.

I think its still a super great bang for the buck…you habe the secret lmc and can also usw the m/s insert without running through the whole unit…sure there is gear that does this as well, but not for that price and in one unit. I will probably never sell cause of the mentioned features…❤

The fusion is killer ! I purchased mine last year and absolutely love it Colt! That extra extra headroom ✊️

@donnas8408

28 күн бұрын

It’s only killer cause you wasted your money on it

How do the plugins compare to the box? Close to as good? I’m considering this and or a bigsix. I pay 2 coffees a month for all the plugins. If they are marginally different, or identical to 99% of ears, how can I justify spending a few thousand bucks? Not to mention the convenience/portability of the software…

Would be interested in hearing SLL Fusion vs Dangerous Music's 2-Bus +/Master units, etc.

Seems that would be super useful on sub mixes, I would think that would be dope on a drum bus or a backing vocal bus. Am I thinking of this incorrectly?

@ColtCapperrune

7 ай бұрын

That’s likely where I will use it the most

very good content

Ive got a fusion and an mbt, mbp a black box, you name it. I like the fusion for vintage sounding mixes, if you want a modern sound id recommend the mbt, that thing destroys the fusion if you want sheen and "impressive" sounding mixes. When mbt came out i was wondering what ssl would do about it 😂 i wouldnt think colt would naturally want a fusion if he has an mbt

I love my fusion and when I use with my bus+ is the perfect combo!

I got mine used. Lots on the market

Hi Colt, just was curious why you said 2024...I know its not far away but I was curious??

Hell yea! I bought this back a couple of years back. Absolutely love it. You know it’s worth it if a company makes a plug-in version of hardware. 👍🏻

@donnas8408

28 күн бұрын

No, that means they’re not selling as many fusion so they’re trying to sell the plug-ins not to mention they’re beyond shameful dividing up to SSL fusion into several many different different plug-ins to suck more money out of you

If you dig saturation, you gotta check out the Silver Bullet. The first dedicated box to do it and some say to this day, the king. Would love to see your reaction!

@Reggi_Sample

7 ай бұрын

Messed around with this through analog access, really like the sound of it, can drive and keep the low end nice and tight (if you wanted). Multiple flavours

@tikolasola

7 ай бұрын

@@Reggi_Sample I use it on my mixbus. Everything I do goes through Api --> Neve --> SSL or Neve --> Api --> SSL. Sounds amazing if you run all stems through the Neve flavor before running the mix through, or Api if you want a bit more aggressive sound.

@dougleydorite

7 ай бұрын

First dedicated box to do it? What!?

@tikolasola

7 ай бұрын

@@dougleydorite transformer saturation & eq :)

I've been looking at one since a while too, however (and I got two RMEs of the new generation, plus an 8-pre ES for Loopbacks) I'm not sure I'd get as good a result than I'm getting with top plugins out of a sum or master loopback without upgrading my DA/AD conversion. That increases the cost significantly, and it gets confusing to the point where a RND Mbp (my other eye is set on that one) would be in range.

@TheOneMonk

7 ай бұрын

Hmm…what is not to like with RME DA/AD ? Which interfaces do you have?

Yes use the blackbox !!!

@colt what is your go to saturation

@ColtCapperrune

7 ай бұрын

Currently, the only thing that is on every single mix is my signature preamp on the mix bus. And then I’m adding additional saturation with this, or the MBT, or plug-ins, depending on the song

Sold mine a week ago on reverb after having it for a year

halfway through the video and this box seems 100% worth it

I don't know about you but i do prefer the SSL Bus + i would go for it. Personal opinion... Great video colt🎉

All the demos I've seen gave the impression of a tool too subtle to really grab my interest. Maybe we're losing too much information in YT conversion, but to me it didn't seem to do much. Lemme finish watching yours though...

It is worth it to me. I like it very much.

A bit off topic... What is the 6 space 500 series rack that is showed with the Capirrune Pre's in it? Where do I get one!?

@ColtCapperrune

7 ай бұрын

It is the new CAPI snack pack! Not sure if it’s been released yet, or if it’s coming soon. But it is a very cool little six space!

@AdamGeesaman

7 ай бұрын

Looks like the perfect size for my needs, and it's super clean looking. I'm excited for the release!

Please SSL Fusion and Solid State Logic SSL UV EQ Module 500 is a great combination for Mastering? 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 tkx

Heck yeah, it's worth it! I prefer the combination of this unit and a dedicated bus compressor over something like the MBT, because I feel like it'd be more versatile that way.

@Kellow7

7 ай бұрын

the mbt is better, the problem is the price

@vigneshkarthikeyan8174

7 ай бұрын

@@Kellow7better is definitely not true as a blanket statement. I think both of them work well together

Hello dear, greetings from Argentina, I would like to ask you to compare this unit with the other similar options on the market😀

Who is the artist? Sounds good

What do you think about the Neve MBT?

@ColtCapperrune

7 ай бұрын

I’ve done a whole video on it! Absolutely love it!

The new SPL Vitalizer MK3 - T is the bomb, the secret weapon 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

@AndyKingCo

6 ай бұрын

Have you tried it yet?

Also been eyeing this one for awhile, just still paying off my desk. Hoping a guitar pedal will keep the G.A.S at bay 😂

Omg. I knew I an travel in time. I’m in 2024!!! Only this morning it was 2023. Wow…

I'll just stick with my UC1 and put a fusion sticker on top😂

this thing is being bashed sometimes at 900e in DE.. might pull the trigger :)

Idk Colt, you don’t look too convinced 😅 I own one of these, it was my first outboard gear.

@ColtCapperrune

7 ай бұрын

There has been songs where it felt like the best option in my room. But it definitely doesn’t win on everything.

the neve mbt blows it away now :o i sold my fusion

Another secret function the fusion has is a "simon says" game... if you turn it on, and then push and hold all the IN knobs for 5 seconds, the game will start...

please do a "ssl fusion" vs. "alternative".

@kenny6105

7 ай бұрын

closest things IMO are things like the Neve MBP+ as well as the LTL Silver Bullet/ SB2. but they all do the job in slightly different ways

@FirstMonkeyapa

6 ай бұрын

There's also this amazing plugin called Celestial by Acustica Audio. It's an emulation of the Fusion, and I find myself using it all the time. Definitely worth checking out!

Love this thing so much! I have it paired with a BiG SiX in my home studio. Killer combo!!!

you know if you hold down the HF compressor button it becomes a LM comp... not everyone knows this and its not brought up in most tutorials

The only thing that I dislike about this box (as an owner of one) is the heat this thing puts out. You cannot rack this near ANYTHING as this bad boy is a little toaster oven. I've never seen anyone talk about outboard heat/rack management in a video before. Ideas maybe?

@ColtCapperrune

7 ай бұрын

It really does get hot!

heyyyyyy we asked and he got it!..well kinda we said a bus+ lol but it's ok i'll settle for now

Time Machine video

But how does it compare to the MBT?

@ColtCapperrune

7 ай бұрын

The saturation on the SSL is tighter, and faster. The MBT is thicker and gooier. The EQ on the MBT, working with the high Pass filter is substantially more powerful and thicker than the fusion and the way the MBT Handles its silk controls, it’s far more versatile saturation. For the music I work on I think the MBT wins about two out of three times. But occasionally it feels a bit too much and I reach for the SSL if I want something tighter. That said, it is double the price, and doesn’t win on everything. Hope that helps!

@wallykuhlenberg

7 ай бұрын

@ColtCapperrune it does. I'm more impressed with your timing of reply lol. Very impressive engagement. I just got the 5057 last week and am looking for the next piece and here comes the Fusion popping back up when I just knew I would get the MBT next smh

@b.hornetiii.6771

7 ай бұрын

@@ColtCapperrune Which one is better for fast paced EDM music, would it be SSL? Is transformer on SSL on a colder side comparing to Neve MBT or is it enough to add a little extra mojo on to mix?:) Neve is great but I'm afraid that maybe is too "sticky" and "closed" for EDM. I heard on one of your video that MBT is fantastic on rock music etc. guitars are something else going trought it, but again, maybe MBT is too much spice for EDM or not?

Is this guy in the future?

Yes! It is worth to buy it in 2024 because I just got one! hahahaha!

Shootout opponents: Black Box HG-2 SPL Tube Vitalizer Sonic Farm Creamliner Thermionic Culture Vulture RND - Master Bus Transformer Overstayer Saturator NT-02A Empirical Labs EL7 FATSO Elysia karacter

The SSL Fusion and the SSL Bus+ love each others … both units are a long live Investment !

@donnas8408

28 күн бұрын

Wrong

I'm trying really hard to forget that this unit exists, don't want to have to live off beans in 2024

For the price of a Slate subscription, you could also check this out in VST form. I don't have a hardware unit to compare, but have been impressed with the SSL Fusion modules so far.

Had one. Sold it in 2 months. For me I could accomplish everything this did but better. EQ (I have better hardware AND software options.) Compressor EQ (I have better hardware AND software options.) Stereo field. EQ (I have better hardware AND software options.) ect. Cool unit but over hyped as far as im concerned.

The Fusion is definitely our best buy of 2023 💯 😊

Shootout

try to pair it with ssl bu+ compressor......is unreal