Is the SSL Fusion worth it? Yes, but...

I put my SSL Fusion hardware, SSL plugins, and analog console to the test in this new mix comparison. Can plugins really replicate the magic of analog gear? Or does outboard hardware and console summing truly deliver that unmatched depth and character? Spoiler: One setup hits different!
SHOP THE VIDEO:
Superior Drummer 3
Pro Tools Ultimate

MORE VIDEOS TO WATCH:
Galaxy vs Space Echo RE-2: A Tape Echo Pedal Shootout (No Talking)

Hey, we’re RPMusic Studios, a real-life Recording Studio on the beautiful Eastern Shore of Maryland.
Please like, comment, and SUBSCRIBE if you enjoyed this video. Thanks for watching!
FOLLOW US:

YOUTUBE STUDIO SET-UP:
Cameras Used:
MICROPHONES:
AUDIO INTERFACES:
COMPUTER:
LIGHTS:

Disclaimer: These are affiliate links, which means we receive a commission if you click on them and make a purchase. This is at no additional cost to you, and it helps us fund this channel and bring you more helpful content. We only recommend products that we personally use and love. We appreciate your support!

00:00 - Intro
02:50 - ITB print
03:52 - SSL FUSION PRINT
04:38 - ITB vs SSL FUSION
06:32 - ITB VS SSL FUSION 4 bars of song
07:44 - Console Print
09:18 - All 3 mixes compared

[thing___from___]

I was expecting the Fusion would be better than the ITB, but the console was an eye opener. The width, depth and the sounds were less stressed, had more room, hard to describe, and actually musically meaningful. Great tune, guy. Thanks.

[Rhuggins]

Love the skulls! I have a skull lamp in my studio LOL love that

[Rhuggins]

This is a great example of this type of shootout. The analog unit that has a sound, that is subconsciously obvious to me. I could put words to it if I get cerebral, but staying in the more creative mindset - the analog mix jumps out to me as being more natural and "likera record" sounding. The digital one as more "pointy" and slightly flat. The real fusion has an almost "electric" quality to it, like the edges of the sound are playing at a higher resolution, whereas with the plugin mix I can actually make out the edges of the sound and define them.

[ganyimiklos]

I reached the point where I can say, no way to use digital on my main bus except a limiter.

[dougleydorite]

Damn dude sounds like Mark Lanegan singing! I like it!

[doodoogtube]

🙏🏾Thanks for doing this… and great track by the way.🔥
Unfortunately this is sad but, the reality is the person listening to your music will never listen to it on anything better than EarPods, Bluetooth speakers or the car and all of it will be streamed🤦🏾‍♂. They simply don’t “know” to care. 😔
… I myself is from the old school, so I will always have a booming system in my house and in my car, but with these younger people today, good luck.🙄

So for the convenience of saving “my” time and how well plug-ins sound today, I’d have to choose the in the box approach because the minute difference the average listener will never ever hear isn’t worth the headache or the time with analog gear. So my approach would be to see what I can do with getting more depth in the box and that’ll probably mean using a few additional plug-ins (like Dr. MS and/or the new SPL Big).

Plus Way too many industry professionals are selling their gear and switching to in the box for a reason. These guys have so many years of knowledge and understanding that they could hear a flat in the box mix and know what to do Plugin wise to fix it.

🫡Again, thanks for this awesome vid!👍🏾👍🏾✌🏾

[VinceJackson]

The depth & harmonics of the hardware is sound amazing vs the plugin! ITB can have depth just not with those plugins 😁

[JohnWuMastermind]

Try Session Recall.. Prefer it to taking pictures

[stevenroach]

What little difference I may hear, and I'm not convinced I hear a difference, certainly to me isn't worth the cost difference.