At Audio Animals we currently own 3 different SSL compressors. 2 mono SSL 4000 E Series compressors, 2 mono SSL 9000 K series compressors, 2 stereo K series compressors and a stereo G series bus compressor. All 3 compressor types have their own unique qualities when mixing and recording. Combined with the SSL 4k E series EQ you have what we call the soul strip. Every soul sounding vocal is run through the 4k EQ and compressor. This compressor is incredibly punchy, will do wonders for your drums. Kicks punch through the mix and take a prominence. The gate is wonderfully sharp and snappy. One great feature with the SSL compressors is the automatic make up gain. Not only is this incredibly useful as you are not tweaking the gain as you compress your sound but also allows a free hand to adjust the Eq or gate whilst compressing your signal.
The SSL 9000 K series compressor has a slightly different sound to the 4k which is ideal for pop vocals. We call this the subtle strip. We use this compressor a lot on softer vocals, hats and synths. Often we use the stereo compressor as a stereo bus compressor. Not always does it work for stereo bus compression but in many cases we will use this compressor on a drum bus or lead bus. The 9000 series compressor is the typical SSL style compressor found in all Duality and AWS consoles. SSL has that unique distinct sound every artist is after.
The SSL G series bus compressor is known throughout the industry as the glue. A distinct compressor well known as the must have bus compressor for drums. With a slow attack and short release setting you can gain an incredible punchy and unique drum sound. The G series bus comp can be used on various other audio sources not only on drums. Works wonders across a vocal bus or acoustic guitar bus.
