Name: Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor - pedal.ly
Brand: Waves Audio Plugins
SKU: SSLGMBTDM
Price: 39.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (34 reviews)

Description

Colorful Compression: The Ultimate Glue for Your Groups and Mixes

Ask any pro engineer—there’s nothing like the SSL G-Master on the stereo bus. Originally strapped across SSL console master buses to “glue” mixes together into a solid, cohesive experience, the SSL G-Master is also ideal for drum buses, backup vocals, and even solo instruments.

The SSL G-Master Buss Compressor’s crucial role in hit after hit has stood the test of time—and Waves’ emulation faithfully re-creates this essential sound.

The Original “Glue” Compressor

Engineers working with the SSL 4000 G-Series Console quickly realized that its master bus compressor, with its uncanny ability to “glue” tracks together in the final mix, was the perfect way to unify the overall sound.

Beyond the Master Bus

This versatile compressor’s intuitive operation, along with the ability to compress gently or add color, has also made the SSL G-Master Buss Compressor a favorite for drums, overhead mics, vocals, piano, and more.

Licensed and Validated by Solid State Logic

To create the world’s finest virtual SSL G-Master Buss Compressor, we went to the source: SSL. This compressor’s vintage feedback-based design sounds smoother than the more common feedforward design.

Timeless, with a Modern Twist

The SSL G-Master Buss Compressor includes the original’s sidechain and fade function, as well as its distinctive analog character with subtle hiss and harmonic distortion. Or, choose a pristine digital implementation.

Presets from the Pros

Choose the right sound fast, by taking advantage of the expertise that’s “baked into” production-ready presets from Chris Lord-Alge, Steve Lillywhite, Dave Pensado, and a dozen other top recording engineers.

Top Features

1. Meticulously modeled from the SSL 4000 G console’s master bus compressor known for mix cohesion

2. Authentic feedback compression circuit for smooth transparent level control

3. Perfect for stereo bus, drum bus, backing vocals, piano, or full mixes

4. Analog-modeled character with optional noise and harmonic distortion

5. Includes sidechain and fade controls just like the original hardware

6. Mix knob for parallel compression ideal for adding glue without losing transients

7. Trim knob allows instant post-comp level adjustment saving time and gain staging headaches

8. Carefully tuned to avoid over compression with a soft-knee curve when hit hard

9. Presets from Grammy-winning engineers including Chris Lord-Alge, Dave Pensado, and Steve Lillywhite

10. Officially licensed and approved by SSL ensuring maximum sonic authenticity

Additional Features

Adds a smooth satisfying quality to your mixes

Dozens of presets from Grammy-winning recording pros

Avoids overcompression—hitting it hard softens the knee

Added Trim control for quick level adjustment

Licensed and validated by Solid State Logic

Dozens of presets from Grammy-winning recording pros

Feedback compression design controls levels unobtrusively

Added Mix control for easy parallel compression

Why You Need Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor

The Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor was created to digitally recreate the revered master bus compressor from the SSL 4000 G-Series console, a legendary piece of analog gear known for its ability to unify a mix with punch and clarity. Waves aimed to bring this iconic “mix glue” into the digital domain, capturing not only the dynamics processing but also the subtle harmonic characteristics and analog noise that contributed to its legendary status. By doing so, Waves offers audio professionals and music creators a way to access the sound and functionality of a studio classic without the cost, maintenance, or physical space of hardware, while also enhancing it with modern features like a Mix knob for parallel compression and a Trim control for quicker workflow integration.

Who This is For

The target market for this plugin includes professional and semi-professional mix engineers and producers working in genres like rock, pop, R&B, and hip-hop—styles where cohesive energy and analog warmth are essential. It also appeals to home studio users and mastering engineers seeking professional-grade results, particularly those who want the SSL sound without the cost or footprint of physical gear. Additionally, existing Waves users or those with other SSL-related plugins are likely to find this a valuable addition to their mixing toolkit, completing their suite of SSL-inspired tools.

What This Package Competes With

In a competitive landscape populated by options like Universal Audio’s UAD SSL G Bus Compressor, Plugin Alliance’s bx_townhouse Buss Compressor, SSL’s own Native Bus Compressor 2, and Arturia’s Comp DIODE-609, the Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor stands out through its balance of authenticity, flexibility, and accessibility. Unlike UAD’s model, which requires proprietary hardware or subscriptions, Waves’ plugin runs natively across platforms. Compared to Plugin Alliance’s more color-enhanced approach and Arturia’s loosely-inspired take, Waves delivers a faithful, officially licensed SSL emulation with unmatched accuracy. It also offers a more intuitive and cost-effective alternative to SSL’s own Native Bus Compressor 2, making it both sonically authentic and user-friendly for a wider audience.