Waves SSL 4000 G-Master Bus Compressor
Glue on the mix bus, a transparent touch in mastering
The legendary SSL 4000 G-Series bus compressor is the sound of “finished” records. The Waves model captures the punch and cohesion of the analog classic inside your DAW.
Why I use it
- Mix-bus glue: 2–3 dB of GR to pull the mix together and tighten the image.
- Transparent mastering touch: gentle control that preserves energy and transients.
- Tone: subtle harmonics and that SSL punch.
Highlights
- Authentic G-Series stereo bus compressor model
- Sidechain HPF 21–500 Hz to prevent low-end pumping
- Auto Fade (1–60 s) via Rate-S control
- Mix knob for parallel compression
- Analog switch for optional noise/harmonics
- Classic Gain Reduction VU meter (18 dBu ≈ 0 dBFS calibration)
Controls
- Threshold: −15 to +15 dB
- Make-Up: −5 to +15 dB
- Attack: 0.1 / 0.3 / 1 / 3 / 10 / 30 ms
- Release: 0.1 / 0.3 / 0.6 / 1.2 s or Auto
- Ratio: 2:1 / 4:1 / 10:1
- Trim: −18 to +18 dB
- In: bypass
My go-to settings
Mix Bus: Ratio 2:1, Attack 30 ms, Release Auto, GR ≈ 2–3 dB, light Threshold, Make-Up to taste.
Mastering: Ratio 2:1, Attack 10 ms, Release Auto, very light Threshold (~1 dB GR), Mix ≈ 80%, Analog on.
Takeaway
Used with restraint, SSL G-Bus adds cohesion and polish that feels “record-ready”.