SINISTER - What's REALLY Behind the SSL Analog Price Drop!

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  • Опубліковано 2 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 115

  • @EdThorne
    @EdThorne  Рік тому +2

    🔥Analog VS Plugin Comparison PLAYLIST: ua-cam.com/play/PLPGp5cq-hMjzBjc12droMO_0JhhwogFh1.html 🔥

  • @PaulThird
    @PaulThird Рік тому +7

    I'd say that the 500 market has changed the game as there are tons of ssl clones out there. They have the brand and lots of manufacturers will look to profit from that. They need to be more competitive on price to compete at all in such a saturated market.. Add that to the ever growing popularity of plugins. Inevitable

  • @aceedmond8053
    @aceedmond8053 Рік тому +6

    The unpleasant truth is markets are dropping world wide... here in the US lumber and certain products are skyrocketing while other products aren't moving... many people are just broke because of out of control inflation/stagnation...
    Thanks for the vids Ed, Cheers.

    • @EdThorne
      @EdThorne  Рік тому +3

      Sadly, you’re right. I hope we can all weather the storm.

  • @enricoruotolo
    @enricoruotolo Рік тому +1

    Easy answer, for why it’s these two models.
    The old price of the UV eq in relation to the full fusion was not proportionate. Then you have the old 500 gbus price in proportion to the new Bus+

  • @blakematthews6374
    @blakematthews6374 Рік тому +4

    Interesting stuff. I don’t really think that analog sales are really down. It’s more competitive now than ever with so many clones out there, but at the same time, the home studio growth of the past 15 years has grown the market from basically a niche thing to something that most serious musicians have some version of. Yeah, most are sticking with ITB, but considering the market has grown so much, it’s likely at least equal to what it was. Like let’s say there were 100 audio engineers in 1990, and they all used analog gear, well, now there’s 10,000, and 15% use some analog gear, that’s 1500 analog gear users.
    I feel like it’s a combination of a few things, SSL being owned by a new company that isn’t as precious with their pricing as the old owners (not so up their own ass that they think the SSL name warrants a 3x price tag), manufacturing improvements by outsourcing to China, increased competition and a shaky economy. They’ve lowered their price on the 500 series lines, because they appeal to the more budget conscious buyers, while maintaining the price of their higher end lines. Also, the bus comp makes complete sense. It was like $2-300 cheaper than their big Bus+, it made no sense to buy that product at its previous price.
    I do think a more gradual price reduction over the course of 1-2 years for the UV would have been a better business move though. They burned a lot of customers with these price cuts.

  • @Mike_Benz_
    @Mike_Benz_ Рік тому +3

    They did it to make more money, fast. They trialled sale prices with their plugins and saw the results.

  • @hauntedbytheliving1175
    @hauntedbytheliving1175 Рік тому +2

    They hid in the marketing that it’s the Mk 3 g comp, made in China.
    That said who cares about where it was made? I have plenty of gear and if it sounds good it IS good.
    Unfortunately this does NOT sound very good to me.
    It does NOT sound like the SSL comps I’ve used for years in an original g series, a duality and even my friends 500 series Mk 2.
    Gone is the added sheen and thump, just a cheap sounding mid bump consisting of the same frequencies commonly pulled out via EQ.
    The SSL “thwack” is kinda there, but the whole thing has lost the boutique “body” and widening consistent across the versions I’ve used.
    Purchased and returned.
    As for your theories? They shipped their production to China. That’s the price cut.
    If they produce new products they will be expensive “classic/boutique” versions made back in Oxford, England.

  • @kidcremezoo
    @kidcremezoo Рік тому +5

    honestly from an electronic POV the ultraviolet and all the other Entry market gear from SSL (and other) are closer to a smartphone than a proper Analog gear. a bunch of Surface mount component assembled in Asia. extremely complicate to fix if any problem, far from being a future classic gear. if you think 499$ is a bargain, think twice. it's still far too expensive for what you invest in.

    • @EdThorne
      @EdThorne  Рік тому +2

      Maybe. Not sure I’d label any SSL gear as entry level gear. Mid-prices maybe with these models (not inc G-Bus)

    • @kidcremezoo
      @kidcremezoo Рік тому +1

      Well, even the G-bus 500 series is an entry level if you look at it from a building POV. in the last 30 years we'v seen lot of big brand doing that with more or less success. TC electronic with there M-one (quiet good for the price), Lexicon With there LXP serie (worst try ever), Neve withe there DPA & DPX serie (decent compare to vintage original), SSL after making there X-logic rack and module (that were actually extremely well designed and builded) finally flipped to 500 series and entry level well marketed Gear (good design, poor building, overrated). the only think i didn't try yet is the big six, but considering the price for what you get, i'm a bit skeptical to see what'ill found inisde.

    • @EdThorne
      @EdThorne  Рік тому

      @@kidcremezoo Yeh, the build quality of the G-Bud surprised me. Light weight parts, exposed electronics. For the money I paid (full wack 6 months ago) I expected metal casings like the Neve and API stuff.

    • @dimensionstudioslondon
      @dimensionstudioslondon Рік тому

      Ssl is the equivalent of behringer cheap mass produced but over priced.

    • @infojunkie4989
      @infojunkie4989 Рік тому +2

      I paid a little over 340 for my UV as it was on a sale after the price drop. It does feel cheap. Not sure how it would last being taken in and out of the 500 rack too often. These things really should have a tin box. I’ve given up on new SSL gear (analogue anyway) moved onto RND. Much better quality and sound. SSL DAW controllers are good though.

  • @VoodooProjectStudio
    @VoodooProjectStudio Рік тому +1

    Hahahaha, some JZ Mics reference right there...Thanks for the video Ed!

    • @EdThorne
      @EdThorne  Рік тому +1

      I didn’t say a word 😉

  • @bradenzo5386
    @bradenzo5386 3 місяці тому +1

    I was actually going to buy the ultra eq and the G bus in the next couple weeks. Funny Marshall had a decent price drop, on all the studio series amps and the DSL. there is a lot of competition out there these days, but i also question if they are planning for a huge global recession so its better to get some return vs sitting on a ton of product.

    • @EdThorne
      @EdThorne  3 місяці тому +1

      Personally I doubt these companies are that smart but it’s a good theory. I suspect they realised they weren’t selling units and needed to find a way of lower the manufacturing price to reduce the retail price.

  • @siriusfun
    @siriusfun Рік тому +2

    All of the above. Nicely done.

  • @whitelionmuzikproductionz9725
    @whitelionmuzikproductionz9725 Рік тому +3

    I bought the fusion ssl comp and ultraviolet and that chain coupled with my Neve 542 is freakin amazing!!

    • @EdThorne
      @EdThorne  Рік тому

      Solid chain! The G-Bus and 542s live in mine too with some Wes Audio stuff. 🔥

  • @Rhythmattica
    @Rhythmattica Рік тому +2

    Dropping in to also suggest SSL having just acquired Harrison..... Hmmmmmm.. Maybe the Code's written on the wall...

  • @1KMPLX
    @1KMPLX Рік тому +1

    I just bought the UV (I’m expecting it in the mail next week). I am planning on getting two 611 EQ’s in about a month or so. I was planning on getting at least one anyway, but at this price I think I’ll be able to get two. I’m happy with the price drop. To me it allows more people access to these products, and that’s a good thing.

    • @EdThorne
      @EdThorne  Рік тому +2

      It’s a good thing overall, yeh. It just annoyed me paying full price only a few months ago…

    • @dimensionstudioslondon
      @dimensionstudioslondon Рік тому

      You got ripped off. These are cheap because they are made with cheap components. Possibly cost no more than 100 to make. I own 6 at full price. Still paying the Finance to this day. Only for SSL to drop them to half price a couple of months later. This company will not be getting a single penny ever of my money again. There products are cheaply produced and insanely over priced.

  • @judsonsnell
    @judsonsnell Рік тому

    I mean, when you can get a Serpent, Stam, or LinkAudioDesign that are amazingly close to the original circuits - it's hard to compete. Having an original (not a clone) might mean a little in some circles still. That said, I love the UV EQ, i've got it living on my guitar submix bus.

  • @cinemalulli
    @cinemalulli Рік тому +2

    Let's say it is the consequence of wanting to make instruments while saving money. The quality of analogue is there, but as long as you're talking about very high-end instruments. Today, with Acustica Audio's Celestial, you practically have an SSL Fusion

  • @LambertDriveStudios
    @LambertDriveStudios Рік тому +1

    Great video ED as always! I haven't conisdered buying any analog gear in a long time but with these price drops it definitely peaks my interest a little more.

    • @EdThorne
      @EdThorne  Рік тому

      Thanks, man! TBH, even with the price drop, I’d be looking at the Serpent SB-4001 or Wes Audio Dione. Or the TK Electronics and Wes Audio Hyperion for a stereo bud comp.

  • @jasperdany
    @jasperdany 7 місяців тому +1

    From what I understand, the 500 series is selling like hot cakes (due to Home studios adopting outboard gear, as the audio/video production standards have increased for semi pros in this digital age), when there is more demand, the production costs are reduced, hence cheaper prices.

  • @samueloluyinkaojomu6548
    @samueloluyinkaojomu6548 Рік тому +1

    Did you build your studio entirely with 500 series hardware. How do they compare to the 19th inch rack of the same gear

    • @EdThorne
      @EdThorne  Рік тому +1

      I haven't really done any 500 vs 19" rack comparisons, I just went for all 500 because it makes sense financially and space-wise. I have some rack gear below the desk (WA2A, WA76, WA BusComp, Audient ASP880, WA412, WA73). I've heard some of the 500 series don't quite match up to the racks, such as the Neve 1073ld vs Rack version because of the limited space/smaller transformers, etc, but what I've got sounds great so I don't think about it, lol.

  • @brianpsionic4089
    @brianpsionic4089 Рік тому +2

    SSL Should offer a discount for UF8 for those who paid $1300 for the VIolet

    • @EdThorne
      @EdThorne  Рік тому +1

      And those who paid $2000+ for the G Bus.

  • @demodeiowa
    @demodeiowa 10 місяців тому +1

    The serpent is a beast

  • @mevtherenegade
    @mevtherenegade Рік тому +3

    Speaking of analog I spy some nice gear in the back you should review. HRK CS566, IGS Rubberbands to name a few

    • @EdThorne
      @EdThorne  Рік тому

      Its all coming this year 🙂🤘🔥

  • @michaelklein4582
    @michaelklein4582 Рік тому +1

    Hi, I a don’t have a bus compressor yet! With the Ssl and the Wes Audio being around the same price right now, which one would you recommend (Besides the fact that WES has digital recall) thanks much

    • @michaelklein4582
      @michaelklein4582 Рік тому +1

      … Or maybe there is another one that you would prefer over both of these?!

    • @EdThorne
      @EdThorne  Рік тому

      @@michaelklein4582 Tough one. I haven’t tried the Wes Audio Dione but have the Rhea and it is great! The G-Bus has a very musical glue, and is just about worth the new price (I felt ripped off for what I got when I paid the old price even before the price drop). All the Wes Audio stuff is amazing though! So versatile!

  • @nomojo1110
    @nomojo1110 Рік тому +8

    Dead? Nope. There's always enthusiasts and purists. Look how well vinyl's doing ;)

    • @EdThorne
      @EdThorne  Рік тому +3

      Very true. I love my analog so it definitely isn’t dead to me!🙂🤘

  • @repmusic
    @repmusic 2 місяці тому

    Interesting, trying to decide between the SB4001 and the G Bus, the additional functionality of the Serpent is tempting but the SSL is the original and does seem to sound better in comparisons / reviews I’ve heard. The SSL has legacy and time on its side, will people still have 4001s in their rack in 5 years, pretty sure they’ll still have G Bus units.. You have both, which do you reach for more often? Do you think they sound similar/same/vastly different. Blend is obviously desired but I’m more likely to use it as subtle mastering glueing rather than crushing and backing off for instance which I’m more likely to do in the box with plug ins, so I can undo it later if needed! Subscribed, please give my channel a quick glance too! Thanks and great content!

    • @repmusic
      @repmusic 2 місяці тому

      I also agree with you about the UV EQ, I use it mostly for the mid bands (and HPF), both mono and stereo..

  • @0tomi
    @0tomi Рік тому +1

    I've been considering an SSL comp for ages (currently using a couple of BAE 10DCFs, which are amazing, but very much "weight/muscle" versus "sheen"). My problem with SSL is they have a line extension/focus problem. If i want the g-bus sound, which is the one? 500? In a Mynx chassis? G 19" rack? I don't like the smell of the Bus+, i was always warned about things that are too good to be true. But the biggest problem is choice -everyone agrees that all these models sound slightly different. And when 4 models exist that sound different, then you have paralysis. Marketing fail, frankly!

    • @EdThorne
      @EdThorne  Рік тому

      You definitely can’t go wrong with this version. Yes, I was annoyed at the price drop and felt massively ripped off but it’s still a very good, clean, gluey compressor! It lives on my mix buss.

  • @franksemi_modular
    @franksemi_modular Рік тому

    @Ed Thorne Music Production Makes lots of sense if they are made in China. I can't see why these kind of modules could cost more than Eurorack modules in general witch is already overpriced. We are use to paying extreme overprice for most eletronics in the West. The production price is properly (if you are from outside China) at least 30 times as little if they are build in china on behaft of someone including workforce and components. My guess is around 40-50 euro for something like this and then comes packaging and shipping witch can be just as much. So depending of the amount lets just say 100 euro including everything pr module witch I think is still high. And if you live in China and a small company produce this even in a smaller scale you could do this for 20-30 euro is my guess. The components cost next to nothing if you are registrated in China. What you pay for is mostly for the development. Thinking about how many they sold and how popular SSL are in general the development cost should been payed for long time ago. Could be that SSL have been wisely thinking.. "what should these modules really cost" and is making these more available for the mainstream by dropping down the prices so everyone can buy ther products. So paying 505 euro for a module SSL is still making a good earning, especially if they start sell more because of this. I just bought the BIGSIX and I ordered two 500-Series UltraViolet EQ's that is on the way now, and I think I will be more happy about them because my expectations will be lower paying only 505 euro rather than if I payed the old price 1195 euro (Thomann prices). I will be buying some of the other SSL's modules next exactly because they lowered the prices. It's a good thing in my opinion, and I hope this can get other manufacturers to lower ther prices too to something that makes sense.

  • @mrvron
    @mrvron Рік тому +1

    SSL and UAD is coming are with a new product.

    • @EdThorne
      @EdThorne  Рік тому

      You’re not the first person to say this… where have you heard that?

    • @mrvron
      @mrvron Рік тому +1

      @@EdThorne am guessing with the price slash and the push to get rid of their current stock.
      UAD: has been doing crazy sale and just now fully branded the sphere microphone which came out yesterday.
      their UAD 2 needs some Upgrade.
      SSL: the discount has the same model as that of UAD we don't know exactly what that would be.

  • @subtonic24
    @subtonic24 Рік тому +1

    When I saw this price drop awhile ago, I thought it was just a promotional thing. When the price stayed like this for months, I came to the conclusion that they are coming out with something new and are trying to clear out inventory quick with this much of a price reduction. We'll see what happens at NAMM! 👀

    • @EdThorne
      @EdThorne  Рік тому +1

      Are you going to NAMM? Looks like I might be.

    • @subtonic24
      @subtonic24 Рік тому +1

      @@EdThorne I can't go this year, but hopefully next year! Have fun man

  • @paolotonolo1140
    @paolotonolo1140 Рік тому +1

    Yes thatcwould suck paying full price. Given the way the economy is, it is no surprise at all though.. to me I am not considered as a professional so it is a godsend and I wish would follow Rupert Neve and such

    • @EdThorne
      @EdThorne  Рік тому +1

      I doubt we’ll see a discount from Rupert Neve. I was very surprised by SSL. The slowly improving UK exchange rate should help things here a little bit.

    • @paolotonolo1140
      @paolotonolo1140 Рік тому +1

      @@EdThorne for sure ..it's shocking news !!

  • @frankjamesbonarrigo7162
    @frankjamesbonarrigo7162 Рік тому

    This comp is the sound of 80s hits

  • @bikesandbeats4693
    @bikesandbeats4693 Рік тому +3

    This killed me. Just bought mine a year ago.

  • @santiagocalleja3926
    @santiagocalleja3926 Рік тому +1

    Bought 3 uv eq in November, still waiting for them to arrive😢

    • @EdThorne
      @EdThorne  Рік тому

      No, really?! Where are you based?

    • @santiagocalleja3926
      @santiagocalleja3926 Рік тому +1

      @@EdThorne Argentina but I sent them to a friend un the US!

    • @EdThorne
      @EdThorne  Рік тому

      @@santiagocalleja3926 Hmmmm… that’s less than ideal. I hope they arrive soon!

    • @santiagocalleja3926
      @santiagocalleja3926 Рік тому

      @@EdThorne I know. I guess so many people picked up these units that they sold out

  • @MerryTech
    @MerryTech Рік тому +1

    Great post, in fact, the plugin version of this just dropped by 90% as well. Crazy times for people like us that have invested in the products over the years. Cheers, Ed!

    • @EdThorne
      @EdThorne  Рік тому

      Which SSL piece have you got? I wish they’d do a single 500 slot mono Fet compressor (only because I’m in the market for one. Looking at the Stams).

    • @MartinArchea
      @MartinArchea Рік тому

      @@EdThorne Wes Audio Mimas

    • @Gang-25j
      @Gang-25j Рік тому

      @@EdThorneyeah if Stan can keep anything in stock lol

  • @LeeLimerick
    @LeeLimerick Рік тому +1

    I'm getting old and lazy. Much as I love the analog stuff that I still have, once I have a vocal track that I like for example, I just save the track preset, then I can just load it back in on another track with a simple click. I'm about 80% thru making an album I started during lockdown. I used a tube mic preamp and now I gotta set it up and get it right again for all the remaining tracks. I really can't be arsed now having to plug in a whole extra cable and twiddle some physical knobs! 🤣

    • @EdThorne
      @EdThorne  Рік тому

      I get yah. This is why the Wes Audio digital recall stuff is so good!

  • @FadeEcomonics
    @FadeEcomonics Рік тому

    SSL is releasing a whole new suite of hybrid products to pair with LUNA. Be sure to purchase all you can now before its gone forever. The GBuss has produced countless hits!

    • @EdThorne
      @EdThorne  Рік тому +2

      Where did you make this up? SSL collaborating with a competitor?

  • @infojunkie4989
    @infojunkie4989 Рік тому

    Once the R&D is paid for these units prob cost

  • @Mheyos
    @Mheyos Рік тому

    there's almost no difference between the 500 unit and the SSL official emulation ...But i agree...; this realy unfair for 500 owners ....
    inow only use Unisson, and camden Ec1 units...
    mix in the box, save money

  • @newtension
    @newtension Рік тому

    analog will live forever!!

  • @014Marines
    @014Marines Рік тому

    My guess is a new lmc 500 series…

  • @curtis2299
    @curtis2299 Рік тому

    Oddly enough the SSL SIX mixer had a $300 price hike.

  • @EpicWinz
    @EpicWinz 4 місяці тому

    People keep buying clones and SSL can't compete. Same thing happened with Victron Energy products. People keep buying Chinese copies, so they dropped their prices.

  • @chainofinvestments8772
    @chainofinvestments8772 Рік тому +1

    Im still trippin off the fact it was 1400$ and now its 499. Got me thinking its a gimmic or they are using cheaper parts. Worst case the world is not seeking an ssl sound

    • @EdThorne
      @EdThorne  Рік тому

      Yeh, I was pissed when I saw the reduction, especially as I was already thinking it wasn’t worth the money… I like my UV EQ on my guitar bus though. I’ll keep it.

    • @blakematthews6374
      @blakematthews6374 Рік тому +1

      At $500 it’s an awesome piece, an outstanding value for what you’re getting. At $1500 it’s not a good deal at all.

    • @blakematthews6374
      @blakematthews6374 Рік тому

      @@EdThorne I like it on guitars quite a bit, I print my main guitars, and a few of my drum tracks through it prior to mixing. It also pairs pretty well with the fusion, I do like a pultec thing boosting and cutting with it (not that it sounds at all like a pultec, just a similar concept).

  • @BeccaLozierTrumpet
    @BeccaLozierTrumpet Рік тому +1

    didn't they move all of their production to China?

    • @EdThorne
      @EdThorne  Рік тому

      Probably.

    • @BeccaLozierTrumpet
      @BeccaLozierTrumpet Рік тому

      @@EdThorne the Fusion and SiX are made in China. Other products are, as well. That's the only reason they are remotely affordable now.
      This was relatively big news a few years back. I'm surprised they've been able to sweep it under the rug.

  • @krisjeneson5017
    @krisjeneson5017 Рік тому +1

    you started by saying how ,much the ultra violet eq sucked ass. then end by saying there's never been a better time to buy an ultra violet ... im confused.

    • @EdThorne
      @EdThorne  Рік тому

      Good spot but I didn’t say the UV sucked I said the low end on it sucks. The other filters are good, so at this price I recommend it. It lives on my guitar bus where I don’t need the low end filters but utilise the rest effectively.

  • @TheIgnoramus
    @TheIgnoramus Рік тому +1

    In short, yes.

  • @thematsc
    @thematsc Рік тому +1

    I will never by any SSL product, ever!!! (And I had two SSL 4000)

    • @EdThorne
      @EdThorne  Рік тому

      Any particular reason?

    • @thematsc
      @thematsc Рік тому +1

      ​@@EdThorneI actually like the UltraViolet I bought for 1250 USD even if I’m now selling it for 400. For the 699 it cost now it’s a bargain.
      What I don’t like is when brands trick me and use me to earn (too much) money. In my 67 year life this is the first time I experience a rip off in person.
      There is no way that the UltraViolet cost much more to manufacture now than a year ago. I mean it’s a 50% price reduction on this unite. Its parts are mostly produced in other country than GB so the cost of manufacturing would be +10-20% not -50%. It was grosly overpriced when it came and thet mor then indicates that SSL are not honest. Its about greed
      In the pro audio industry this is for me a breakage of trust. We, the music producers/studios, are a small group of people that spend our own money and time and we are depending on others to make a living. I will never trust SSL again. They proved them self to be greedy and not any one you can depend on. There are so many others brrilliant manufactures that support us……..🙂

    • @EdThorne
      @EdThorne  Рік тому +1

      @@thematsc I completely agree. Besides maybe another 611 EQ, I won’t but anything from them again!

  • @therealliveguy
    @therealliveguy Рік тому +1

    Answer: They got new shit coming.

  • @kevinlentz7604
    @kevinlentz7604 Рік тому +2

    Analog is not dead❤

  • @nickmandleberg
    @nickmandleberg Рік тому +1

    Shows they were over priced to begin with.

  • @petefaders
    @petefaders Рік тому

    I've been saying this for a year. Here it comes. SELL YOUR GEAR NOW before it's not worth shit. Kids don't care.

  • @dimensionstudioslondon
    @dimensionstudioslondon Рік тому +1

    Cheap components. Made in China. 😂
    The new behringer. Second hand UV worth £300 you been had mate.

  • @MartinArchea
    @MartinArchea Рік тому

    yes, they are made cheap

  • @colourbasscolourbassweapon2135

    nah analog is not dead dude

    • @EdThorne
      @EdThorne  Рік тому +1

      My thoughts too. I love mine!

  • @leonaardegraeve9242
    @leonaardegraeve9242 Рік тому

    So clickbait and publicity after all. What a surprise.

    • @EdThorne
      @EdThorne  Рік тому

      I don’t understand your comment. Publicity?

  • @DarkTrapStudio
    @DarkTrapStudio Рік тому

    "SSL have 50% off and that really piss me off"

    • @EdThorne
      @EdThorne  Рік тому

      Did you watch the rest of the video?

  • @puppet-m
    @puppet-m Рік тому

    Its not ssl anymore its Chinese made cheap crap! plus there just flashing a chip with the plugin schematics and putting ins and outs of the it, so its basically a plugin with ins and outs.

  • @infojunkie4989
    @infojunkie4989 Рік тому +1

    Once the R&D is paid for these units prob cost

    • @EdThorne
      @EdThorne  Рік тому +1

      The Bus+ hadn’t been released when I bought mine but you’re absolutely right now!