Fusion HF Compressor
by Solid State Logic · Compressor · High-frequency compressor
Not rated yet
A plugin version of the high-frequency compressor from SSL's Fusion analog processor, which smooths harsh top end with a tape-like roll-off.
Only the band above an adjustable crossover is compressed, so you can brighten a mix or master and keep the treble under control.
Best for: Mix Bus, Mastering, Vocals, Drums. Genres: all genres.
Keywords: bus processing, bright, mastering, mix bus, smooth, full mix, multi-band, auto-gain, drums, hardware emulation, mixing, tape, tracking, transparent, vocals.
What it does
Fusion HF Compressor offers "High Frequency Smoothing, Analogue Rounding," modeled on the HF compressor circuit in SSL's Fusion stereo processor.
- X-Over: sets the frequency above which compression is applied.
- Threshold and Mix: set the amount of compression and blend it with the original signal.
- Auto Gain: applies make-up gain to the compressed high frequencies only.
- Tuned timing: ratio, attack and release are optimized for transparency.
- Eco Mode and presets: reduced latency and CPU for tracking, with presets from Sean Divine, Adrian Hall and Caesar Edmunds.
The current version is 1.3.3. A 14-day trial is available.
Source: Solid State Logic product page
When to use it
Pick Fusion HF Compressor for a quick, analog-style way to tame the top end of a bus or master with only a few controls. It is simpler than oeksound soothe3, which removes harshness dynamically across the spectrum, and multiband compressors like FabFilter Pro-MB can do similar work with more setup.
- Best for: mix bus, mastering and stems where the top end needs to be bright but not harsh.
- Genres: all genres.
- Look elsewhere if: you need precise resonance control; soothe3 or Pro-MB are more surgical.
- Standout: compressing only the high band, so you can add air with EQ without harshness.
What producers say
Reviewers praised how smoothly it controls high-frequency peaks, with price as the main gripe.
- MusicTech (2022) scored it 8/10, citing "effortless control over intense high frequency transients."
- MusicRadar / Computer Music (2022) said it reduces high frequencies "in a way very different to an EQ."
- Gripe: MusicRadar found the interface large for so few controls and the individual price steep.
- SSL Fusion Violet EQ, HF Compressor and Transformer review - MusicTech
- Solid State Logic Fusion Violet EQ and Fusion HF Compressor review - MusicRadar
Where to buy
- Best Service: $24.99
- Solid State Logic: $24.99
- Plugin Boutique: $24.99 (regular $99)
- AudioDeluxe: $24.99 (regular $99)
Tutorials and reviews
- SSL Fusion HF Compressor Plug-in
- SSL Fusion HF Compressor VS Plugin
- Hats off to SSL Fusion HF Compressor Plug in
- SSL Fusion HF Compressor Plug-in feat. Sean Divine
- SSL Fusion Plugins HF Compressor
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