SSL Fusion Violet EQ: A Mastering Tool for the Masses?

Solid State Logic’s new Fusion Violet EQ is a 2-band minimum phase-shift shelving EQ from the critically acclaimed Fusion Stereo Analogue Colour processor. Being the first SSL analogue EQ design in more than 25 years, Headliner just had to see what all the fuss is about…

SSL’s Fusion Violet EQ is the latest plugin to emulate a big slice of the Fusion cake, and the first emulation of analogue EQ circuitry we have seen from SSL for some time. Circuitry which also features as part of SSL’s equally respected UltraViolet 500 series stereo EQ module. What’s more, if you already subscribe to the SSL Complete Subscription Bundle, this new plugin won’t cost you a bean!

Firstly, for those not in the know, the ‘Fusion’ analogue hardware device is aimed squarely at the mastering industry, but has created somewhat of a stir among individuals who are looking to improve their skill set and try their hand and ears at mastering. It brings together a number of circuits for which SSL is well known, like its signature Saturation, together with a couple of new ones like the Violet EQ.

Master Stroke

Fusion Violet EQ is designed to emulate the minimum-phase shift shelving filters of the original hardware. Four selectable frequencies across two bands with complementary response curves help to add low end weight or gentle reduction of low frequencies if needed, and likewise in the high end to add air and crispness to a mix.

The frequency selection is stepped; the low band offering 30Hz, 50Hz 70Hz and 90Hz and the high band 8kHz, 12kHz, 16kHz and 20kHz. The Gain pot is centred and offers ±9dB of cut and boost. The curves are extremely smooth and musical, perfect in fact for shopping the low end to make sure your mix makes the transition from iPods to dancefloors seamlessly. The high shelving was just right for putting back what compression can often reduce.

When mastering it is often the low and high ends which require the most attention and likewise, good ears and as much experience as you can bring to bear. I remember many years ago sitting in on a mastering session and feeling slightly in the dark as to what was actually going on. I must confess that I struggled to hear the nuances and subtleties of the changes being made and it was only at the end of the session when the 2-track tape was compared to the test pressing from the freshly cut acetate that all became clear. I remember the engineer smiling at me and saying “you have to really train your ears to do this job”, followed by “if it was easy, everyone would be doing it, milk two sugars!”

Mixing the Magic

In today’s topsy-turvy world, I have found putting a high quality EQ on my master bus and adding that little extra to the highs and lows allows me to work at lower overall levels for longer periods of time. It’s a little bit like turning on the loudness button on your 70s and 80s Hi-Fi amp or receiver, but without the colouration and with far more transparency. However, it’s not unusual to find certain mix engineers using similar shelving EQs across the master bus, partly because of that tendency in mastering but also because modern production and mixing often uses larger processing chains that focus more heavily on detail in the midrange. This is very likely to be a contributory factor as to why what was essentially a great analogue mastering tool in SSL’s Fusion has found its way into mix rooms and production studios.

Of course, you no longer have to make that kind of investment or provide the associated rack space to have this little slice of magic at your disposal. I think it speaks volumes that SSL isn’t the only company offering emulations of its historic analogue products. Either way, it is still bringing innovative and beautifully sounding products to the market.

I really love this simple, straightforward and utterly transparent EQ plugin. As well as being a useful tool for the master bus, I’ve also found it perfect for sweetening samples and loops. In fact, anything that doesn’t need bell or notch filters. A very useful button is the Eco button, bottom right, which switches the EQ into low latency mode – very handy for tracking and mixing. And as with all SSL plugins, you have input and output trims for easy gain staging together with comprehensive metering.

For additional tone shaping there’s a high pass filter and a FAT button which adds dimension and weight without adding additional bass, and sounds like harmonic saturation. Again, very musical and just gives added definition to kick drum and bass material without any level change. I think it should be called the sweet spot button!

SSL provides useful presets to get you started, including a selection from producers Adrian Hall, Sean Divine and Wes Clarke. There are the usual A/B save and compare features as well as undo/redo. You can also recall presets you make in one DAW with one format in another: Fusion Violet EQ is available for PC and Mac in 64-bit AAX, VST, VST3 and AU formats.

Conclusion

I like a lot of things about the Fusion Violet EQ, but then I really like the original Fusion hardware. I’ve also been lucky enough to have a hands-on with the UltraViolet 500 series module and that has two additional bands of comprehensive EQ control. The plugin has some very useful additions, especially the FAT button, and is every bit a quality SSL product. It’s clean, musical and utterly transparent. Make sure to take full advantage of the 14-day free trial which is available for any of the SSL plugin ranges.

For our recommended list of the best plugins for mastering, check out our full buyer's guide.