Solid State Logic SSL Fusion Stereo Image

What is the SSL Fusion Stereo Image For?

SSL Fusion Stereo Image is a stereo image management plug-in designed for mixing and mastering. It allows you to work on the sense of width, center stability, and spatial perception in a musical way, avoiding the typical artifacts of a simple stereo widener. Placed on a stereo bus, a group (drums, synths, choirs), or a stem, it helps to open up the mix while maintaining a solid center foundation, essential for vocals, snare, or bass.

Its Mid-Side approach conceptually separates the signal into Mid (center) and Side (width). Instead of aggressively altering the center, the plug-in mainly targets the side component to refine the balance between focus and diffusion. The result: a clearer stereo, a better-organized stage, and safer control for modern productions (pop, rock, electro, hip-hop, cinematic).

Main Features

Mid-Side Processing with "Stereo Shuffling"

The core of SSL Fusion Stereo Image is based on a technique called stereo shuffling. The idea is to use an equalization-like behavior applied to the Side signal, especially on the low frequencies, to balance perceived width without muddying the center. By reducing certain low and low-mid frequencies on the sides, the center gains precision and clarity. Conversely, by boosting these areas on the sides, the image can become wider and more enveloping, with a deliberately more diffuse center.

Space and Shuffle Controls: Width with Intention

The Space and Shuffle controls work as a frequency/boost-cut duo dedicated to "shuffling." Space allows broad amplification or attenuation of low frequencies in the side signal, while Shuffle adjusts the cutoff frequency that determines Space's area of effect. This interaction makes the adjustment particularly musical: you're not just "pumping" the stereo; you choose where and how it spreads, which is crucial to avoid an unstable low end or a mix that collapses in mono.

Width: Widen or Narrow the Stereo Image

Once the side component is sculpted, the Width control applies gain to the Side signal to widen or narrow the overall stereo image. This is an ideal final step to dose the openness of a chorus, reframe ambiances, or add more dimension to pads and reverbs, while maintaining a coherent center for main elements.

Vector Oscilloscope and Phase Control

To keep an eye on the impact of your settings, SSL integrates a very readable vector oscilloscope with a central polar display illustrating the incoming stereo image and its real-time transformation. Traces close to the 45-degree diagonals indicate in-phase information, useful for quickly judging mono compatibility and stereo field stability. Additionally, the Solo Side and Mid/Side monitoring functions facilitate targeted listening of components, allowing you to refine decisions without working blindly.

Studio Workflow: Presets, A/B, and Modeling

SSL Fusion Stereo Image offers preset management and an A/B comparison system to instantly compare two settings. The plug-in is modeled from real measurements, analog circuits, and with involvement from the original analog designers, for a response faithful to the SSL spirit. It also comes with signature presets by renowned producers and engineers, perfect for quick starts and understanding typical uses depending on the source.

Technical specifications