Solid Bus Comp

Bus compression with controllable timing

SOLID BUS COMP models the stereo compressor associated with the console that inspired the Solid Mix Series. Its threshold, stepped ratio and attack/release controls make the relationship between compression amount and rhythmic response explicit. A slower attack can preserve transient impact while release determines how the gain recovers between events.

More than a stereo insert

Stereo linking makes both channels follow the same detector, helping maintain a stable image. Unlinking allows independent processing. The sidechain can substitute a separate control signal for the normal input detection, and the dry control supports parallel compression without a second host track. Start with moderate gain reduction, set attack and release against the groove, then match level before assessing whether the bus feels more cohesive.

Source: Manual, “The SOLID BUS COMP,” p. 8; “The Main Interface,” pp. 11–13.

Compression amount

Threshold sets the level above which compression acts; lowering it increases the portion of the signal being controlled. Ratio determines the strength of that reduction, from gentle compression to a much firmer response. Makeup restores level after setting the compression. Use the COMPRESSION meter to see reduction rather than judging only from output loudness.

Time response

Attack offers 0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, 10 and 30 ms settings. Faster choices catch more of the initial transient; slower choices allow more attack through before gain reduction develops. Release offers 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 seconds, plus AUTO, which follows the audio content. Set release while listening to a representative passage: very fast recovery can emphasize pumping, while slower recovery can hold the bus down across successive hits.

Detector and stereo

Enable the SC Gain button to use an external sidechain routed from the host. Its SC Gain knob changes the detector signal level rather than directly turning up the audible track. Link L/R, enabled by default, uses the mono sum to drive common gain reduction on both channels. Disable it only when independent channel compression is intentional.

Parallel blend and comparison

Dry adds the original signal back alongside the compressed path; fully counterclockwise removes that dry contribution. Output controls the processed output level, so reassess the final balance after adding Dry. The header's A/B comparison and copy commands let you compare a restrained bus setting with a heavier parallel treatment without rebuilding either one.

Source: Manual, “The Menu Bar,” pp. 9–11; “The Main Interface,” pp. 11–13.