SSL Fusion (2018)
A fully analogue stereo outboard processor introduced by Solid State Logic in 2018, designed for mixing and mastering with dedicated analog coloration tools.
Overview
The SSL Fusion is a stereo analog master processor made by Solid State Logic (SSL), announced on October 1, 2018. It's designed to add analog character to the master bus, combining five distinct analog processing sections in one 2U chassis. The unit was marketed as SSL's first new EQ circuit in over 25 years and introduced five completely new analog coloration tools, referred to as "colours," with a sixth added later via a plug-in collection update.
Specifications
| Product type | fully analogue Stereo Outboard Processor |
| Product type | Analog Mixing & Mastering Processor |
| Launch date | October 1, 2018 |
| Unboxed Weight | 5.86kg / 12.9lbs |
| Boxed Size | 550mm x 470mm x 225mm (21.7" x 18.5" x 8.9") |
| Depth | 303mm / 11.9 inches (chassis only) |
| Height | 88.9mm / 3.5inches (2 RU) |
| Width | 480mm / 19 inches |
| Power | 50 Watts maximum, 40 Watts typical |
| Input/Output | ±12dB Input and Output Gain controls |
| Signal handling | easily handles levels up to +27 dBu |
Design
The SSL Fusion features five analog processors: a vintage drive, violet EQ, HF compressor, stereo image enhancer, and transformer. It includes a distinctive high-frequency smoothing circuit and a compressor that affects high frequencies only. The unit was designed with dedicated sections for signal management and offers six analog "colours" for tonal shaping, including SSL's first new EQ circuit in over 25 years.
Context
Two years after the Fusion's launch, SSL completed the Fusion plug-in collection with the addition of the Fusion Transformer, referred to as the "Sixth Colour," expanding the platform's analog modeling capabilities.
Market
User reports indicate the Fusion was frequently used on the mix bus, with one engineer using it on every mix for an entire year. It was found particularly useful on acoustic guitar and bright vocal tracks in hip-hop and EDM, where clarity without harshness is critical. Reviewers noted it was well thought out, practical, and offered broad tonal sweetening capabilities at a compelling value.
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