Hello, this is Jooyoung Kim, mixing engineer and music producer.
SSL is known for creating excellent plugins but rarely offers deep discounts. This time, they’re offering a significant discount exclusively on the Fusion plugins, so I wanted to share an overview of the SSL Fusion Bundle for those on the fence about purchasing it.
Purchasing through the link above supports me with a small commission, which helps me keep creating content. Thank you!
Now, let’s dive in.
What is SSL Fusion?
The SSL Fusion was introduced in late 2018 as a hardware unit.
This piece of gear falls under the category of enhancers, akin to the SPL Vitalizer or the Overstayer MAS.
It became quite popular due to its feature set and relatively affordable price. However, ever since the Fusion plugin series launched, I’ve noticed an increase in second-hand listings for the hardware on various marketplaces.
While the hardware offers unique textures, I personally don’t use it heavily due to the inconvenience of recall. Many might have switched to plugins for similar reasons.
Also, let’s be honest—printing and tweaking can be quite a hassle!
The SSL Fusion Bundle includes five core functions from the hardware (excluding the hidden “LMC” or Listen Mic Compressor feature). Personally, I was most impressed with the Transformer and Stereo Image plugins. Let’s take a closer look at each.
SSL Fusion Transformer
The Transformer plugin replicates the hardware transformer circuit. Clicking the transformer symbol activates it.
- Shine: Enhances high frequencies.
- LF EXTND: Gently boosts sub-lows.
- Amount: Controls the level of harmonic distortion.
In essence, it’s an enhancer that adds harmonics and high-end sheen. Right from the first test, it added pleasing high frequencies and harmonics, making it versatile for various tracks.
SSL Fusion Stereo Image
The Stereo Image plugin recreates the stereo enhancer from the Fusion hardware.
It offers more than just a width adjustment by including Stereo Shuffling, which allows control over stereo imaging in low-frequency bands.
- Shuffle: Sets the cutoff for low frequencies.
- Space: Adjusts the stereo width of these frequencies.
- Width: Adjusts overall stereo width using M/S processing.
If you’re hesitant about pricier alternatives like Leapwing Audio’s StageOne 2, this plugin provides excellent stereo imaging control, especially for modern music where low-end stereo imaging is critical.
SSL Fusion Vintage Drive
The Vintage Drive plugin adds saturation and harmonic distortion while increasing low-end warmth.
With subtle settings, the low-end boost is manageable, but when pushed, it creates a more aggressive drive. If you’re a fan of the Soundtoys Decapitator or Arturia Dist TUBE-CULTURE, you might find this plugin fits your workflow.
SSL Fusion HF Compressor
The HF Compressor is a high-frequency compressor.
- X-Over: Sets the frequency range for compression.
- Threshold: Controls the compression amount.
This plugin is particularly useful when high frequencies enhanced by the Transformer plugin need some taming.
SSL Fusion Violet EQ
The Violet EQ is a shelving EQ, also available as a 500-series hardware unit.
Its FAT feature subtly boosts specific frequency bands when the HPF is set to 30, 40, or 50 Hz. Otherwise, it’s a clean and straightforward EQ with no added harmonics.
Final Thoughts
The Fusion Bundle is currently available for under $100 during this sale. Whether on a mix bus or master bus, these plugins deliver exceptional results.
Given the sound quality, I now understand why so many hardware units have hit the used market. It also makes me curious about the actual hardware’s performance—maybe I’ll get one someday!
I hope this overview helps those considering the Fusion plugins.
See you in the next post!
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