James Gordon, CEO of the Audiotonix Group (the holding company that acquired SSL in December 2017), comments: “The introduction of Fusion marks the arrival of new studio tools from the studio masters that will color the records we hear in the future. Having been fortunate enough to see and hear the development of this new unit, I think it leaves a strong impression of what’s to come."
Fusion features five analogue processors/stages that can be used discretely or combined: Vintage Drive, Violet EQ, High Frequency Compressor, Stereo Image and SSL Transformer.
Vintage Drive is a unique non-linear harmonic enhancement circuit that brings cohesion and strength to the mix. 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 is 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 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.
The new High Frequency Compressor delivers the distinctive sound of high frequency rounding in the analogue domain. A compressor that effects high frequencies only, optimized for smooth and transparent harshness reduction and a tape-like high-frequency roll off – great for taming brittle high frequency fizz.
A new 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.
Finally, 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.
The SSL sonic legacy is 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 takes SSL into a new era with the introduction of a suite of new analogue processing tools that offer exceptional tonal character and versatility. Fusion expands the processing palette for hybrid studio owners and is a superb partner for the SSL Stereo Bus Compressor.
Fusion will be available worldwide from November 2018. For more info, visit https://solidstatelogic.com/studio/fusion
www.solidstatelogic.com
