SSL Fusion Transformer by Solid State Logic saturation plugin interface

SSL Fusion Transformer: Transformer Saturation Plugin by Solid State Logic

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (854 ratings)

SSL Fusion Transformer is a saturation effects plugin from Solid State Logic that emulates the switchable transformer circuit of the SSL Fusion hardware. It adds low-end thickness, harmonic distortion and high-end sheen to tracks, buses and masters.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

The Fusion Transformer plugin brings the transformer stage of the SSL Fusion hardware into a software form. Solid State Logic says the model combines real-life measurements, analogue circuit designs and input from the original hardware designers. Its controls shape how the transformer colours a signal, from subtle warmth to pushed harmonic drive. Because it is a plugin, it can be used on individual tracks as well as on mix and master buses.

Best for

Adding analogue weight
Mix bus saturation
Master bus warmth
Vocal and drum saturation
Tracking with low latency

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

02Key features

What you get

Modelled on the SSL Fusion Transformer circuit
Adds low-end saturation and high-end sheen to signals
AMOUNT control increases harmonic distortion beyond the hardware
MIX control for non-destructive parallel blending
LF EXTEND switches out the low-frequency roll-off
SHINE adds or removes transformer high-frequency phase effects
ECO mode for reduced latency and CPU use
Built-in help, A/B comparison and undo/redo support

03In depth

Sound, Saturation and Controls

The plugin models a 600-ohm, 1:1-wound under-damped transformer. Driving the circuit adds low-frequency saturation and a frequency phase shift that gives signals a sense of weight and sheen.

SHINE lets you add to or remove the high-frequency sheen and phase effects of the transformer. AMOUNT increases harmonic distortion beyond what the original hardware produces. MIX blends the processed signal with the dry input, so you can set the level of processing without committing to it.

Driving the circuit harder creates a low-end roll-off that grows with input level. LF EXTEND switches this roll-off out when you want to keep a heavier bottom end.

Workflow, Help and Latency Options

ECO mode reduces latency and CPU use, which suits tracking and recording sessions. Built-in help is available by clicking the question mark symbol and hovering over the interface for information on each parameter.

The plugin includes cross-platform preset management, an A/B comparison system and undo/redo support. It also ships with presets from producers and engineers Romesh Dodangoda, Sean Divine and Wez Clarke.

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	Saturation
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does SSL Fusion Transformer support?

SSL Fusion Transformer is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows and macOS and is 64-bit only.

What do I need to run SSL Fusion Transformer?

On macOS, it requires macOS 11 Big Sur through macOS 13 Ventura and at least 4 GB of RAM, with 8 GB recommended. On Windows, it requires Windows 10 or Windows 11 with at least 4 GB of RAM. A free iLok account is required to authorise the software.

Can I use SSL Fusion Transformer on a mix or master bus?

Yes. The plugin can be used across individual tracks as well as on mix and master buses.

What does the MIX control do?

MIX blends the processed signal with the original signal, letting you dial in the amount of transformer processing without changing the effect itself.