SSL Blitzer is a versatile character compressor plugin designed to emulate the sound and behavior of classic analog hardware compressors. Developed by Solid State Logic, a renowned name in professional audio equipment, Blitzer offers a range of compression styles inspired by iconic units like the 1176 and LA-2A. The plugin features a straightforward interface with intuitive controls, making it accessible to both novice and experienced users. Blitzer’s standout feature is its ability to deliver various compression characteristics, from subtle, warm saturation to aggressive, brick-wall limiting, all within a single plugin. The GUI is clean and modern, with flat knobs and a color scheme that reflects SSL’s signature aesthetic. Blitzer includes 10 unique compression curves across 10 ratios, each with its own distinct shape and tonal quality. This flexibility allows users to achieve a wide array of compression effects suitable for different sources and mixing scenarios.
Pros:
• Versatile compression characteristics emulating multiple classic hardware units
• Intuitive interface with easy-to-use controls
• Low CPU usage while maintaining high-quality sound
Cons:
• Only available as part of SSL’s subscription service, which may not appeal to all users
The SSL Blitzer plugin offers a comprehensive set of features designed to provide users with a wide range of compression options. At its core, Blitzer utilizes 10 unique compression curves across 10 ratios, each with its own distinct shape and tonal quality. This allows for a variety of compression styles, from subtle and transparent to aggressive and character-rich.
The plugin’s interface is divided into several sections, each controlling different aspects of the compression process. The main compression controls include Input and Output knobs for setting levels, as well as Attack and Release knobs for shaping the compressor’s response to the incoming signal. The Ratio selector offers 10 settings, ranging from 1:1 (no compression) to 20:1 (heavy compression), with each setting providing a unique compression curve.
One of Blitzer’s key features is the Drive control, which allows users to add harmonic saturation to the signal. This can be used to introduce subtle warmth or to create more aggressive distortion effects, even when the compressor is set to a 1:1 ratio. The Transients knob is another powerful tool, enabling users to dial back in transients that may have been reduced by the compression process, helping to maintain punch and clarity in the processed signal.
The plugin also includes an Auto Gain function, which automatically adjusts the output level to compensate for changes in input gain. This feature helps maintain consistent levels while tweaking compression settings, streamlining the workflow for users.
Blitzer’s sidechain section offers additional sound-shaping capabilities. A high-pass filter allows users to reduce the compressor’s sensitivity to low frequencies, preventing bass-heavy material from triggering excessive compression. The Detection Sidechain feature provides frequency-dependent compression, with controls for Frequency, Q, and Gain. This allows users to target specific frequency ranges for compression, making it possible to address problematic areas in a mix or to create unique tonal effects.
The Mix control enables parallel compression, allowing users to blend the dry and processed signals. This can be particularly useful for creating punchy, yet natural-sounding compression on drums or other percussive sources.
Perhaps the most unique feature of Blitzer is the Blitz! button. When engaged, this mode overrides the current ratio setting and applies brick-wall limiting with a logarithmic decay. This can create explosive, character-rich compression effects that are particularly effective on drum room mics or for adding energy to full mixes.
Blitzer also includes SSL’s contextual help system, which provides users with information about each control and feature directly within the plugin interface. This can be especially helpful for those new to compression or unfamiliar with some of the more advanced features.
When compared to similar plugins, SSL Blitzer stands out for its ability to emulate multiple classic compressor types within a single interface. While many plugins focus on recreating a specific hardware unit, Blitzer offers the flexibility to switch between different compression characteristics quickly and easily. This versatility makes it a strong competitor to plugins like Universal Audio’s 1176 and LA-2A emulations, or Waves’ CLA-76 and CLA-2A. In terms of its multi-character approach, Blitzer could be compared to plugins like FabFilter Pro-C 2 or DMG Audio TrackComp, which also offer multiple compression styles. However, Blitzer’s focus on analog-inspired tones and its unique Blitz! mode set it apart from these more clinically precise digital compressors. Blitzer’s Drive control and harmonic saturation capabilities also put it in competition with plugins that combine compression and saturation, such as Softube’s Harmonics or Plugin Alliance’s bx_townhouse Buss Compressor. However, Blitzer’s implementation of these features within a multi-character compressor gives it a unique position in the market.
This plugin is best for:
• Mix engineers seeking a versatile, character-rich compressor for various sources
• Producers looking to add analog-style warmth and cohesion to their tracks
• Mastering engineers in need of a flexible compression tool for final processing
• Sound designers wanting to create unique, explosive compression effects
SSL Blitzer is a powerful and flexible compression plugin that offers a wide range of analog-inspired compression characteristics in a single, easy-to-use interface. Its ability to emulate various classic hardware units makes it a versatile tool for mix engineers, producers, and mastering professionals. The plugin’s intuitive controls and helpful features like Auto Gain and the Mix knob streamline the compression workflow, while advanced options like the Detection Sidechain and Blitz! mode provide ample room for creative sound shaping. The addition of harmonic saturation via the Drive control further expands Blitzer’s sonic palette, allowing users to add warmth and character to their tracks. While the subscription-only availability may be a drawback for some, the plugin’s low CPU usage and high-quality sound make it a compelling option for those already invested in the SSL ecosystem or considering a subscription. Overall, SSL Blitzer is a well-designed, versatile compression tool that successfully combines classic analog flavor with modern digital convenience.