SSL Fusion Stereo Outboard Processor

SSL Fusion Stereo Outboard Processor

Fusion is an all-analogue 2U outboard processor created for the modern hybrid studio. Introducing five analogue colouration tools that have been designed to bring the perfect combination of added tonal character, weight and space to your mix bus or stereo stems; along with the detail, versatility, warmth and finesse that only real analogue circuits can provide.

The SSL sonic legacy has been built upon a much-emulated collection of analogue audio processing tools that have featured in generations of studio consoles; pristine mic pre’s, classic Channel EQ & Dynamics, the legendary Stereo Bus Compressor, the Listen Mic Compressor, and the unique SSL summing bus. Fusion expands the processing palette for hybrid studio owners and is a superb partner for the SSL Stereo Bus Compressor.

Fusion features five analogue processors that can be used discretely or combined:

Vintage Drive

Vintage Drive is a unique non-linear harmonic enhancement circuit that brings cohesion and strength to your mixes. Drive and Density controls interact to produce harmonic saturation and soft compression derived from overloading an analogue circuit. It can be used lightly for subtle thickening saturation or driven hard for more extreme distortion.

The SSL Violet EQ

An all-new minimum phase-shift, two-band shelving EQ. The first new SSL analogue EQ circuit for more than 25 years draws on the classic SSL legacy of carefully selected frequencies and response curves to create a musical and intuitive EQ designed to quickly dial in low-end weight and high-end sheen. High and Low-frequency circuits each offer four switched frequency points and +/-9dB attenuation.

High-Frequency Compressor

A High-Frequency Compressor that delivers the distinctive sound of high-frequency rounding in the analogue domain. A compressor that affects high frequencies only, optimised for smooth and transparent harshness reduction and a tape-like high-frequency roll-off – great for taming brittle high-frequency fizz.

Stereo Image Enhancer

A Stereo Image enhancer provides a true analogue Mid-Side circuit that manipulates the Side signal, allowing for widening and spatial manipulation of the stereo field.

SSL Transformer Circuit

A switched, custom-designed SSL Transformer circuit introduces subtle low-frequency saturation, alongside a high-frequency phase shift. The result is a simultaneous thickening of the low-end and an added sparkle to the high-end.

Expertly designed for today’s hybrid studio

SSL has also always been known for clever connectivity and features that streamline and accelerate production workflow. Fusion fits comfortably with a collection of workflow-enhancing features including +/-12dB Input and Output Trim controls, an Input overload LED, large peak-hold metering, a front-end 3rd order High Pass Filter with three selectable cut-off frequencies, and tri-colour status indicators for the Vintage Drive and HF Comp sections.

A set of XLR connections can be used either as a Stereo Insert for stereo mix bus processing or switched to function as a Mid-Side (MS) circuit enabling separate compressors or EQ to be applied to the middle (centre) and sides of a stereo signal. In Stereo Insert mode the insert point can be switched to pre-Violet EQ and when in MS mode the insert can be switched to pre-Stereo Image controls. Input and Output connections are via XLR.