SSL Fusion HF Compressor by Solid State Logic plugin interface

SSL Fusion HF Compressor: High-Frequency Smoothing Compressor Plugin

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (774 ratings)

SSL Fusion HF Compressor is a high-frequency compressor plugin from Solid State Logic that emulates the HF smoothing circuit of the SSL Fusion stereo hardware processor. It is designed to tame harshness and brittle highs in tracks and mixes.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

The SSL Fusion HF Compressor brings the high-frequency smoothing circuit of the SSL Fusion hardware into plugin form. Only the frequencies above the crossover are compressed, so the effect targets harshness without changing the rest of the signal. Solid State Logic describes the result as a tape-like high-frequency roll-off. The plugin can be placed on individual tracks, stems, or mix and master buses, and it includes MIX and AUTO GAIN controls for dialing in the amount of smoothing and makeup gain.

Best for

Vocal sibilance control
Taming harsh electric guitars
Cymbal and drum harshness
Mix bus high-frequency smoothing
Stem-level harshness reduction

Developer: Solid State Logic
Category: Compressors
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Models the high-frequency smoothing circuit of the SSL Fusion hardware
Compresses only frequencies above the adjustable crossover
THRESHOLD and X-OVER controls for quick setup
MIX control for blending in the processed signal
AUTO GAIN applies makeup gain to high frequencies
Gain Reduction History graph and meter
LISTEN solos the frequencies being compressed
ECO mode for lower latency and CPU use

03In depth

Sound and Character of HF Rounding

The plugin only processes frequencies above its crossover point, which makes it a targeted tool rather than a broadband compressor. Solid State Logic describes the sound as analogue-style high-frequency rounding that tames brittle highs.

The MIX control lets you blend the processed signal back in, so you can set the amount of smoothing without committing to full processing. AUTO GAIN applies automatic makeup gain to the high frequencies, which keeps the overall level consistent as you push the effect harder.

The developer notes that the DSP was modelled from real-life measurements and analogue circuit designs, with input from the original hardware designers.

Workflow, Controls and Metering

The main controls are THRESHOLD and X-OVER, which are kept deliberately simple. The Gain Reduction History graph and Gain Reduction meter show how the circuit is responding, and the classic hardware-style LED indicates when compression is active.

The LISTEN function solos the sibilant frequencies being compressed, which helps you find the right crossover and threshold settings. Built-in help is available by clicking the '?' symbol and hovering over the interface, and built-in undo and redo support is included.

ECO mode reduces latency and CPU use, which makes it practical for tracking and recording. Presets from Adrian Hall, Caesar Edmunds and Sean Divine are included, and SSL's preset management and A/B system works across platforms.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Solid State Logic
Type	Plugin
Category	Compressor
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What is the SSL Fusion HF Compressor used for?

It is used to tame harshness and brittle high frequencies. Solid State Logic recommends it for removing sibilance from vocals, softening electric guitars and taming cymbals in drum tracks.

Which formats and operating systems does it support?

The plugin is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows 10 and 11 and on macOS 11 through 13, all in 64-bit.

What do I need to use the SSL Fusion HF Compressor?

A free iLok account is required to authorize the software. The system requirements list at least 4 GB of RAM, with 8 GB recommended, and a 2.4GHz or faster processor.