Why Did You Sell Your SSL Fusion?
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- Опубликовано: 26 май 2023
- In this video I discuss why I have recently sold all my Solid State Logic Fusion processors. There is a valid reason for doing this and this is by no means because the SSL Fusion isn't good. This is still my first choice recommendation for anyone starting a mastering chain.
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As a hobbyist who has admittedly let my hobby get way out of control, I’m thrilled with the SSL Fusion and the Bus Plus in the insert. Works for me.
Same here great combo!
@joeydego2
Yeah, but if your mix is already excellent, why would you need to all that?
I've been meaning to put the fusion with the bus plus, I guess they complement each other somehow? Would you recommend the combination?
@@miltonmagik yes. I think it’s a flexible, good sounding chain for the money.
lol comment
the value is not in the cost of an item, but it's usefulness.
Very good statement
Best honest explanation on the fusion I've come across. Makes total sense.
Great delivery of your opinions about the Fusion.
Very appreciated.
Always enjoy the videos, my missis just pointed out the corner of your rack unit in the foreground needs a bit of tlc tho! I have never noticed it before!
I literally hit it yesterday before recording these. Caught it on my trousers as I walked past it. I only noticed it when editing the videos later that evening.
I wanted the fusion and then got a 500 rack with 8 slots and filled it with the spl big, the neve tape emulators and the ssl violet and ssl g comp instead. Now thats my mastering chain for every mix.
To be honest, that is a far better use of the money.
I own the spl big and it sucks.. nasty midrange boost whether you want it or not. Can't imagine having something like that on my master.
The Fusion is my go to Overhead channel mixer. A bit drive, Hpf at 90, Violet lows a bit down, highs a bit up, HF compressor fantastic to tame the cymbals, sometimes a bit of stereo image, Transformer on brings Snare in front. Done!
Yes, I say towards the end of the video this is exactly the reason to keep it once you outgrow it in your mastering chain.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio Exactly, except that I do not master. Apart for mixing, I actually bought it for making my own sound when listening to vinyl or early Cd's.
@@Claude_Hoffmann I'd have one on my drum bus all day long. With a g bus comp on the insert.
@@Claude_Hoffmann That's really cool. You could quite easily and devastatingly give them some new life, and some real sonic character. Was thinking about doing the same thing with my own set up. A lot of the sources/songs I want to work with have already been Limited, brick-walled, or pushed to peak... so I want to see what I can do to lower their levels first, enhance dynamics, then see what I can do- with my own gear, ear, and imagination- to push them forth in a different way. Remaster already mastered sources, whether it was released a year ago, or 70 years ago (on cassette, cd, vinyl or whatever).
What is a good hardware for high frequency compressor or de-essor ??
Sorry but .... Well let me put it this way. If i had a 50k mastering chain I wouldn't probably even look at the fusion, but I don't have such chain, and buying fusion, as my first ever hardware seemed to be my best purchase ever, once i heard what it can do.
And to be honest, this video made me feel bad and embarassed really. It's like a top of the line porsche owner was telling me; you know man, that used car you were saving for, for 3 years is actually a junk, and can't compare to my porsche, sure it's fine to bring your shoppings home but nah, it's junk ... ;) sorry but that's how i see the sense of sharing this video :)
Other than that, keep posting the good stuff :)
You couldn't have watched the full video. If you had you would have realised your comment is the complete opposite point to what I make. I'm guessing you didn't get up to the part where I say the Fusion is the first unit I recommend everyone buy to start their mastering chain for multiple reasons. Then I even go on to say it holds it's value really well and when you eventually outgrow it you can sell it or keep it as a mid side insert. Your comment sounds like something that's come from the first few minutes of watching.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio yep, you're right, watched it at the hurry, nit made it to the end🙈 But to keep my honour 🙃still, having such an amazing mastering chain, i wouldn't probably consider fusion as a buy, as it is pretty obvious it won't keep up with all that big gear😁
First of all, you're doing a really good job. Your sound quality is Good!
As an Artist yourself, it may be helpful to know that supposed limitations can be the starting point and spring board for instances of genius, and improvisations that wouldn't have occurred otherwise. This is just something that has to be appreciated, as An Artist. Know, for a fact, that Matisse in his later years, from a hospital bed, was doing what appeared to be very simple "cut outs" that even a child could of done with scissors in their own hand. But, upon further analysis, especially in lieu of his ability and innate Genius; these "simple figures" he made with mere scissors (a single piece of gear/equipment) was then viewed as Celestial, Divine Figures, Divine Poetry itself.
As an artist, this is something you definitely have to understand; because it'll allow you to appreciate your gifts more, and your interpretation of the world, from an artistic stand-point, can only become more enhanced as well :)
Second point, also know that- even with the greatest recording techniques, the greatest mix engineer on earth, or the greatest mastering engineer on earth with the greatest mastering grade equipment on earth- that at the end of the day, "THE SONG IS KING"
There have literally been some songs that were recorded in stairwells, or in allies with natural reverb on an iPhone, or were recorded to Tascam 8-track cassette players that have been Highly Acclaimed. These songs or performances, may not have won Grammys, okay, but these recordings are responsible for huge fan bases, devouted followings, etc.
Mastering is important. I feel that it will always be. But sometimes, there are pieces of work like as in the case of Matisse, where you just kind of have to "step out of the way", not try to add anything extra on top, just let it shine the way it is, how it is.
That being said, you're actually doing a really good job with your Fusion yourself, there's absolutely nothing wrong with what you're doing, at all. But if you want to master a song yourself, and then send your song to a professional ME, and you want to study what THEY would've done, Instead. I think that is also something Very Interesting to do, as well! Either from the prospective of an artist, or someone who wants to be an ME themselves.
All artists, they study the work of the greats who came before them, this is how they learn. This is how they develop their own styles, their own techniques. So I find the same is true for musicians, for recording/mixing/mastering engineers as well.
And some folks, like these guys at AudioAnimals they make it very affordable to get some professional work done. Learning from others in that way is a good way to learn more yourself, and I'm sure you can ask your ME questions like, "what equipment did you use?" and "why did you make this decision as opposed to that one?" etc. So, you not only get your song mastered by professionals with the gear, (and more importantly) Experience, but with the same 50 bucks or so, you're getting literally invaluable advice that may save you Thousands later, as it could be considered Consulting, as well. But you're getting a professionally mastered track on top of it! So, like... yeah lol It just seems like it makes sense, to me.
For professional mastering? I agree with your gripes. As a producer and mixer, all of the elements in the fusion get a fair bit of use. Using it in conjunction with the Big Six and running whole Instrument chains through it? For me, that's where it really shines. Also, running my mix through it, with a dedicated bus comp in the insert. The built in smash comp (hold the bypass of the HF Comp) for a few seconds), together with the EQ and Drive? That's prett cool stuff on drumparallel and Bass. I love the Fusion for the Swiss army knife that it is.
Yes for mixing purposes it is a good tool. Even as a mix bus processor. I'd happily have a Fusion on every channel of the mix. Would actually be great. For mastering though it just ended up not being used.
And did you keep the APB 16? I'm just obsessed with this one since I first heard about it a few weeks ago ❤
Yes, we have an APB-16 in Studio C.
What would be good to replace the HF compressor on the fusion? It tames the cymbals so sweetly. The plugin version is not the same but thinking the FF Pro-MB in dynamic mode. The stereo width is nice but the MBP or MBT would tackle that and a ton more.
I have the MBT coming today to review so I will be uploading a video on if it is the Fusion killer. The Fusion HF compressor is pretty good. That's reason to keep it for some people. That and the mid side insert. I would recommend the Goly cross compressor dynamic EQ. That's a special tool. For me that is doing the job of the Fusion HF compressor.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio The MBT I think is the answer to not only replace the FUSION but to also add some sweet sonics. The sound quality of the RND modules out performs the SSL IMO. The WIDTH on the MBT does have a HF taper but only for the stereo width as it gets turned up. I think the OPTO in the MBT would be great for the HF compression while utilizing the HPSC. The SUPER SILK is a dream.
Hi. the only part i use Fusion now is the Stereo Image. Is there any Hardware out there do this Stuff only? So i can swap Fusion for that Stereo Image only.
I would recommend the Rupert Neve Portico 2. You can use this as a stereo field editor.
Hello! I'm starting to get some outboard gear for live FOH use. I want a good "mastering" option on my mix bus. I'm in a toss up of the SSL fusion or 500 series rack with a pair of Neve 542s, SSL UVEQ, and SSL G Bus Comp. Could you give some advice on this?
I'd go with the 500 series rack. You can chop and change. Much cheaper too. Have a watch of the video about 500 series gear in this playlist. It'll help you choose.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio So helpful! Thank you!
@@AudioAnimalsStudio On your master bus, in what order would you run these? ^
@@DustinLohr I would go 542, uveq and then into the g bus.
Thanks, Ive got the tegeler Creme on my 2 bus btw, have you tested the GainLab Empress Eq? Very tempted or would you recommend something else?
I've not used the Empress EQ recently so I wouldn't like to comment or recommend. It really depends on what you need an EQ for. If it's your only EQ I'd recommend something like the Goly Porter Grinder which has 4 bands and mid side.
I've used and sold the Empress. It's a very nice EQ - too much hype, but a solid piece of gear. For my personal taste though, I liked some other EQ's better like the Hammer.
@@ignacedhont9816 I see, thanks for info. Yeah its a lot of hype around the Empress but not so easy to test/demo things. I will check out the hammer.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio thanks for the reply:) The Goly is twice the price but what a beaut :) hmmm maby just keep on saving and just be ITB untill i can afford something like the Goly then :)
@Wolffish have a watch of some of the EQ hardware vs software comparisons I have done on this channel. The plugin EQs stand up well against the hardware.
AGREE 100%
I bought one. Sold it one month later. I thought I could have done everything each module does with either a plugin or already owned hardware, but better in each instance.
That‘s a great video, thanks for sharing your thoughts 👍
Would you get the SPL VItalizer mk3-t over the SSL fusion for your mastering?
I would get the Fusion because the width on the Fusion is really good. Plus the added benefit of the insert. The EQ is really good also.
Thanks very much! @@AudioAnimalsStudio
Any thoughts on the SSL UltraViolet EQ ?
It's a brilliant EQ. You can watch my review on our channel on it from quite some time ago.
Transparent. Maybe too transparent. Felt like it wasn't really "doing anything." Was so let down, unfortunately. Because, for 500 USD, man... that would be quite the steal, if I felt like it was actually performing well. But for an extra 500 USD, check out video reviews for the IGS RB500 Pultec EQ (STEREO unit) ... I know, apples to oranges, in terms of what these EQ's are even for at all, but for an extra 500 bucks, you KNOW that thing is actually "Doing Something"
If you spent 400 bucks on your 8U 500 series rack unit, and this thing is taking up real estate... or if you spent 1300 bucks on your Cranborne rack mount, and each 500 series module is taking up some valuable real estate... you want to make sure you're putting the best, Most Necessary units in there to occupy that space. (/opinion)
Your mileage may vary. If you're in the market for Transparency, Okay! Then the Ultraviolet is the one for you. That things has plastic knobs on it, and was going for 1300 dollars, and it's 500 now. I think that thing was definitely not worth 1300 (as far as build quality is concerned). It LOOKS really pretty though. From a UI stand-point, it LOOKS great!
But... the sound? You gotta' really open your ears, think about it. Audition it next to other gear in the same price range, too. Close your eyes, is it really better? You get to decide.
I think not. I was so disappointed, next to other 500 series EQ's. I do say Unfortunately, and mean it, because I was just looking for ANY excuse to get it, as affordable as it is.
For a man who sits in 300k studio yes, sell it, please.
Thanks for the honest video, I guess you need 100k to get a starting chain to try and have a spare of equipment to play with
Harsh reality. Should I start divorce papers myself or what
While it would be great to have a 100k set up, you can achieve some Good to Great results with just 10 to 15k (for most of us, this is just an extra part time job for a year). The real work however, comes in not just understanding what the best equipment is that you could buy with unlimited money... but to instead understand What Mastering Is at all, study the books already written, LISTEN to mastered tracks done by the world's most renown professionals, experiment with, and get good at the digital plug-in emulations, so you understand the Theory behind the practice of mastering first, before you spend any money on the physical hardware. I emphasize in capital letters the importance of: to LISTEN, because this will inform your decision making process, in regard to how to get the most bang for your buck. And, more importantly, developing your ear, enhancing your ability to LISTEN will inform you in regard to what gear to get, Instead. I was auditioning some 500 dollar EQ's, some in the thousand dollar range, some in the 5 to 10,000 dollar range. I ended up going with the 1000 dollar Stereo Pultec EQ, as opposed to the 2000 dollar Stereo Pultec EQ (made by the same company, mind you); because the 1,000 dollar version was not only smaller in rack size, but it also SOUNDED BETTER, as well! lol ... doing research into your gear, and being Knowledgeable will also help you as well, it could save you so much TIME, and MONEY! Do I want that 5-6000k dollar Manley Backbone? Yes, but do I need it, if the Lynx Hilo is sufficient already with it's many routing options?! AND the Hilo has the advantage of not just being a controller, but an AD/DA as well! So there's the "bang for your buck" scenario we're talking about here. See, I'm currently working on a 15k set-up myself, and have been LISTENING for years, and auditioning various analog gear, doing research, but more importantly, doing so much LISTENING to design the most "bang for your buck system" that I can possibly arrive at. And as much as I want to share that system with someone, because I think it'd be not only highly informative, but fun to do so; I so strongly feel that it'd defeat the entire purpose of a person even getting into Mastering, at all. Because for a person to audition so much equipment, to develop that ear, THAT, right there- has got to the most important part... then the knowledge of mastering techniques, and the gear second. Part of building your own system, and succeeding as an Engineer, is to- of course- study the art and science of engineering yourself, so that you can build your own system. Because, if someone were to put a very good 10k system in front of a person without the ear training- that system would be wasted. So for anybody who may be discouraged, I just want to encourage you, because: if you're going to be into music, and want to be doing music for the rest of your life... then you will most likely be making steps in these more independent directions, and is quite feasible for a person to save up 500-1,000k a year for the next 10 years, if it takes that long, to get that decent system (this is an almost worst case scenario). And, most importantly, the most valuable thing you can do along the way is to learn more about mastering, learn literally every single aspect of those one or two devices that you only have, for the next year, until you get the next one... so that as you incrementally build your system slowly over time (if you end up having to do it slowly), you will be a literal master of every piece of equipment you own before getting that next piece of gear. I feel like this is so crucial to understand, the importance of developing your ear. And this will inform you, moving forward: why is it better to put this source through THESE convertors, as opposed to those? Why is a parametric EQ better for this source than this Pultec? Why is not necessary to throw a HerChild or a Shadow Hills on absolutely every single piece of audio a client gives to me? lol You know, things like that become totally understood, the more you develop your ear. Because, I have found, with people who were able to build their Dream Set-Up, pretty much immediately... you know, they ended up throwing that Shadow Hills on absolutely everything. And, I mean, Absolutely Everything!
So I really want to encourage you. You CAN do it. And you will be More Effective, slowly over time, doing your research, auditioning gear, Developing Your Ear, becoming a literal MASTER of every single piece of gear you already own, even if it's just one or two devices. Sometimes genius itself becomes possible through limitations! Having limitations now will actually inform you Later, of the necessity to be as subtractive as possible when necessary: as this situation may present itself when you find yourself bottlenecked, signal-wise, because you added unnecessary, too much gear to a chain... or perhaps as importantly, when it comes time to purchasing more gear as investments in your studio. Because if you buy something you ultimately don't keep, it took TIME to set it up, register it, update it, etc. It will cost you MONEY when you realize you have to sell it for something more competent later... and if you're lucky, that hundred or several thousand dollar loss can be mitigated by a person doing A LOT of research with A Very Good Set Of Ears, which can only be developed over a significant period of time.
You know why Kobe could make free throws with his eyes shut? The man practiced like there was no end.
You know why Shaq suffered? He didn't have the same level of Focus.
Sorry for the novel that was written here, I just don't want you or anyone to believe "something can't be done". I'd gone a good majority of my life believing other people telling me, "you couldn't do this" or "it can't be done", just to be able to do it myself, and prove that it CAN be done. And do you know what happens when people see you do that thing that they said couldn't be done? They stop telling you it can't be done. And you know what it reveals? YOU transcended a supposed limitation, but they did not.
Maybe one day I’ll pick one up for dirty cheap
The fusion is good for classic style mixes, if you want something contemporary and expensive sounding the MBT is way better, I like my fusion for retro stuff but if it's a modern track I'm using my mbt or hg2 or MBP even
How to connect SSL Fusion with all the Apollo twin?
You can use the line ins and line outs
@@AudioAnimalsStudio thank you I will get Apollo Twin X then 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙌🏾
Hey bro I had the fusion for a year I liked it but still I was not wowed by it until I got the api5500 and now the dangerous compressor plus the neve orbit 5057 for mastering
How many SSL Fusion did you have?
We had 2. One for each studio
I am thinking about parting ways with mines and buss+
Before you do consider it's importance as a mid side insert for an EQ that is dual mono.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio I have the Heritage Audio Symph Eq as a Hardware insert on the mixbuss
@@AudioAnimalsStudio I want the Blackbox and NG Buss Compressor to replace Fusion and Buss+
@Tytan Soundlab that's exactly what I have and it's really good. The NG and SSL bus plus are quite similar. The NG wins it for me which is why I went with it. Plus the added benefit of instant recall
@@AudioAnimalsStudio I have the Prometheus,Dione and Rhea. The recall is a win/win
For the price of SSL Fusion you can get two better 1U rack units or 3 500 units.
Trying to sell mine too not for me
You keep mentioning $1500 pounds or so… am I missing something or is this a used price? Here in US, it well north of $2000 usd new. Typically, $2300 ish
SSL are based in the UK so you would get charged import. Here they are £1500. Bear in mind I'm taking pounds not dollars. The pound is a lot stronger than the dollar. £1500 is $1900 then add the import, that will be why you pay north of $2000.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio makes sense. I had no idea there was that much of a difference however. Geez
Where are you guys looking? Fusion brand new is $2700 USD at all the major online retailers. It used to be $2500 new when it was released but I suppose because of inflation it's now gone up in price. May want to add a correction somewhere.
@@Espresso101 SSL fusion at SX Pro is priced at £1579. They have gone up £79 since this video was posted.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio yeah you guys definitely get a better deal since they're based out there. I didn't think it would be that big of a difference. Can't even imagine the difference with a console.
Try the Cranborne Carnaby EQ, Does the SSL saturation but no noise.
I have these coming in soon to test and review
SSL EQ KILLS THAT CRANEBORNE CARNABY EQ
Your experience is your experience and respected. However, subscriber’s react to your experience rather their own experience.
Which is exactly why I did this video as if you are in my position later in your career be prepared to sell your SSL fusion.
I barely use mine
But if thats all you got, its damn good!!!
Of course. If it wasn't getting replaced by individual products it would stay in the chain. The fact is it just became a mid side encoder decoder at that stage.
This channel is so: ON IT.
Where the heck are they selling fusions for 1500 🤔
In the UK they are sold for £1500 at SX Pro
The fact that they’re made in China i found to be disappointing for the cost
Good call out. Is all the SSL gear made in China?
Sold mine I find it was ok but for the price nope I got the dangerous compressor blows the fusion away plus I got the api5500 and neve orbit
Dirty Industry Secret: A lot of parts for products that are "assembled in the USA or UK" are made in China or Taiwan. Because otherwise, the product will cease to exist!
So, for you to buy a product it has to be made by Nigel and Jonathan? And not by Chang and Bai? Wonder why that it?
How far off would I be if I’d assume your nationality to be English?
I never thought the fusion was that great. The only thing I liked on it was the saturation drive and the ms. But I thought the eq was underwhelming and the hf comp was as well underwhelming, and nothing that a high quality plug-in couldn’t do. Ssl isn’t the same company that made all the legendary gear that it’s known for. Hrk makes something like a fusion in a 500 unit but has a better comp and better sounding eq for much less money. Although it doesn’t have ms.
Yes I do agree. They've massively cheapness the name to favour the more budget market whilst using the weight of the SSL brand. The one and only reason the Fusion stayed in my rack for so long was for the mid side insert.