Electronic musician and synth pioneer Lisa Bella Donna has been as prolific as ever, releasing no less than 13 albums since the beginning of last year. With each new recording she continues to refine her working process in the studio, so she is able to capture her signature detailed sounds — each representing a unique and delightful journey for the listener. After acquiring a Solid State Logic SiX mixer back in 2020, she has since extended her SSL-centric studio ecosystem with a BiG SiX desktop analogue mixer, a Fusion multi-effect processor and THE BUS+ compressor.

“It all started with the SSL SiX a few years ago, and now that the BiG SiX is in my set up, it has pretty much been on every record ever since,” she says. “The mixing faculties on BiG SiX are remarkable and the interface so flexible — I loved using it so much in the studio, that I decided to put it in a rack so I could use it on the road as well.”

Bella Donna’s most recent album, Electronic Voyages, available in both digital format and limited-edition vinyl, is an instant classic in the Berlin School heritage of modern synth music. Consisting of long-form instrumental tracks including “Double-Image”, “Inner Space”, “Metempsychosis”, and “Cosmotopia”, each of the album’s ‘four phases’ take listeners on a journey through different spectrums of synthesis — each with its own nuanced and expertly composed collection of sounds.

Electronic Voyages and a hybrid workflow with BiG SiX

On Electronic Voyages and other recent work, Bella Donna has evolved her workflow into a hybrid of analogue tracking, mixing with a combination of plug-ins and outboard gear, and finally, analogue summing to create her final stereo mixes. “I love tracking with the BiG SiX, you can get beautifully clean/flat sounds going to tape or digital, as well as pushing those faders and that will open up a wide variety of colors, tones, and transients going in, depending on your gain staging.

However, for me, mixing down with it is an especially rewarding experience, because you can choose a strictly analogue signal path, or combine extensive implementation of plug-ins with things like reverbs and delays on specific channels,” she says. “And when you pull these faders up, and dial in a little bit of EQ and compression, it is just remarkable. My last 14 records were all mixed manually through the SSL BiG SiX.”

“I feel the BiG SiX preamps play a big role in squeezing the juice & soul out of my tracks,” Bella Donna says. “I manually dial up the EQs on the BiG SiX pretty aggressively at times. — even without stereo imaging and delays, you can add oxygen to a mix and evoke a highly dimensional sound with its EQ because you are able to carve out minuscule modulations living in that soundscape. Also, the preamps can beautifully capture and harness the mammoth power and dynamics of the Moog Modular & Moog One while retaining the range and transient response of those instruments.”

A perfect form factor
For Bella Donna, the BiG SiX contains the perfect form factor and level of control she requires while tracking and mixing. “One of the things that I loved about putting the BiG SiX in my studio is that it is helping establish a precedent of how many channels I typically want to use on a recording,” she explains. “For instance, Electronic Voyages is no more than eight channels, yet my entire room is full of modular synthesizers. All the trunk lines from my modular system are all hardwired into a patchbay that routes directly into the BiG SiX.”

On Electronic Voyages, Bella Donna tracked everything directly from BiG SiX to an eight-channel tape deck; this was then transferred to the computer for more overdubs and treatment before sending back through the BiG SiX for final summing. While tracking, she says she typically runs stereo groups into the BiG SiX for her synth voices and assigns drums, percussion or sub bass frequencies to the mono channels.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Bella Donna likes to ‘print’ exactly what is coming out of her system: “For lot of what I do, everything is committed coming right out of the modular into the BiG SiX, to magnetic tape. Then I will transfer the tapes into digital. From there, I’ll ornament the pieces with any needed overdubs, and create mix down and effect buses which I then route through the BiG SiX and perform my final mix to a digital 2-track & Otari MX-5050 Simultaneously.”

Synth magic with Fusion and THE BUS+

One of her more recent ‘secret weapons’ is the THE BUS+ outboard compressor, which she also uses for both tracking and mixing. “I have a series of (8) Moog 960 sequencers in my modular, and I will have a set of these sequencers doing the main theme in a piece of music, as well as another 960 controlling mixing and panning of various stereo synth voices. I will have an additional 960 sequencer routed to the side chain of THE BUS+. Using this method of side chaining on THE BUS+, I can gate or attenuate the amount of compression I want to use for a specific step on the sequence to the exact nuance.” THE BUS+’s multi-band & mid-side compression is fantastic,” she continues. “Being able to achieve evolving movement out of an envelope by compressing or expanding frequencies is great. THE BUS+ is just a perfect fit with electronic music.”

Bella Donna also uses the SSL Fusion — not only on her sequences, but other effected ‘sparkly parts’ of her compositions that bring more dimension: “What’s really fun to do is to have a side-chain sequence activating the Fusion, cranking up the Vintage Drive and Stereo Image width knob simultaneously, and then pulling the drive back and the Width up as the track recedes dynamics. The FUSION can really clean up your mix without ever sterilizing it.

The HF Compressor is incredible for work that I do with vocalists and drummers. You can really retain the range of the tones you are crafting, but creating room for everyone in the mix.”

The FUSION offers tremendous clarity and weight to a mix when needed, without clogging up a mix. It also adds so much width and dimension. The Violet EQ is amazing on instruments like my vintage ARP String Ensemble that I use on almost every release. The Violet EQ is also magic on the master bus of a mix as well. The Fusion offers a very musical and balanced signal path to any mix. I was truly thrilled to finally incorporate it into my set up.”

Like most of her electronic music catalogue, Electronic Voyages is meant to be listened to actively rather than passively, and this is how it was created: “My electronic music is not prim and proper — I like some rough edges, grit, width, and I love extreme dynamics,” she says. “How much can I get out of the stereo space for each piece?  To what length can I make the listener feel like they are traveling to somewhere far beyond the stereo space?

My intentions with music is for listeners to become so absorbs in the sound of each musical passageway, that they forget who is making the music. To unlock a wide-open space for them to explore their own minds and muse while listening. To hopefully return feeling inspired to create in some way. This is why I use modular synthesizers. I spent years recording & mixing other instruments. However, as a composer, this is where I found that I have a level of musical and sonic command that I cannot fully realize anywhere else. I want to create an inviting & everlasting sonic tapestry of music and sound for my listeners.”

To learn more about Lisa Bella Donna, please visit www.lisabelladonna.com. To preview or purchase her new album Electronic Voyages, please visit Lisa Bella Donna’s Bandcamp page: https://lisabelladonna.bandcamp.com/album/electronic-voyages-2.

Slate Digital and Solid State Logic have confirmed a plan to help move terminated Gobbler customers to their new subscription platform, including a free subscription offer.

As of November 1^st 2023, Gobbler Media Inc are no longer trading and have closed their subscription marketplace immediately, terminating support for all Slate Digital and Solid State Logic subscriptions.

In response, Audiotonix companies Solid State Logic and Slate Digital have launched a migration programme to allow Gobbler users to transfer their existing accounts to their new shared subscription platform, which will guarantee continued access to their favourite subscription and ongoing new plug-ins.

Slate Digital Gobbler subscribers can find all the details on their website via the migration landing page here. Solid State Logic Gobbler subscribers can find all the details on their website via the migration landing page here.

James Gordon, CEO of Audiotonix states, “Unfortunately, we have been aware of Gobbler’s situation this past week and our first reaction has been to take care of our existing Gobbler subscriber customers and make sure their workflows are protected with ongoing access to our plug-ins.

“As a thank you to our loyal subscribers, at the time of transfer they will be given the opportunity to take on both subscriptions for the price of one. This, we hope, makes up for the inconvenience of doing the move, and this promotion will continue as long as you continue to renew your subscription.

“Existing Slate Digital customers on our own platform, or who have historically already moved from Gobbler to our platform, please don’t worry as you will also be given the option to upgrade for free and get access to the SSL Complete subscription at no extra cost. Due to the urgency of moving our Gobbler clients across we are working with them initially, but your turn will come as we will start to offer this promotion to all through November.

“Unfortunately, if you are currently not a subscriber, this offer will not apply at this time.

“This is clearly not an ideal situation for our Gobbler customers but we hope the speed with which we have been able to react, and the additional benefits this combined subscription will offer, will more than outweigh the short term aggravation and confusion, And, dare I say, we have some impressive additions coming from Slate Digital, SSL and Harrison in the coming months and, as a “Complete Access” customer, you will benefit from them all.”

Current Gobbler subscribers can find more information at the Slate Digital and Solid State Logic websites.

About Audiotonix
​Audiotonix is a global market leader in the design, engineering and manufacture of professional audio mixing consoles and ancillary products. With innovative solutions from premium audio brands Allen & Heath, Calrec, DiGiCo, DiGiGrid, KLANG:technologies, Solid State Logic, and Sound Devices, our products are used extensively in live sound, broadcast, theatre production, installations, house of worship, film production, and recording studios globally.

About Slate Digital
​Slate Digital makes audio plug-ins, recording equipment, sample packs, and production tutorial content for music producers and engineers. Based in Los Angeles and Grenoble, Slate Digital was founded in 2010 with the goal of empowering producers at all levels of experience create great-sounding music. https://slatedigital.com/

About Solid State Logic
​Solid State Logic is the world’s leading manufacturer of analogue and digital audio consoles and provider of creative tools for music, broadcast, live and audio production professionals. For more information about our award-winning products, please visit: www.solidstatelogic.com

Solid State Logic has announced a new 500 series compressor module, with Australian and New Zealand stock shipping from 4th August. The 4000 B Dynamics (B-DYN) 500 series module takes the dynamics processor found in the channel strip of the SL 4000 B console and puts it into 500 Series format. Released in 1976, the SL 4000 B was the first commercially available console from Solid State Logic and famously used in ‘The Stone Room’ at Virgin’s Townhouse Studio (London), Le Studio (Montreal) and Record Plant (LA).

It was responsible for countless iconic records, including Phil Collins’ ‘In the Air Tonight’ and Peter Gabriel’s ‘Intruder’, both of which feature characterful compression on drums and vocals. The B-DYN allows you to add heavily coloured, grabby, saturated compression from one of the rarest studio consoles ever made to your production toolkit.               

Key Features:

• Authentic recreation of SL 4000 B consoles dynamics processing
• Design based on the SSL Bus Compressor
• Features Compressor/Limiter & Gate/Expander
• Feedback design with Peak sensing for aggressive ‘grabby’ character
• Fixed compression ratios, 2:1, 4:1 & 10:1 with additional ‘DS’ mode
• Fixed release times, DS, .2, .4, .8, 1.6 & renowned ‘Auto’
• Auto make-up gain
• Sidechain High Pass Filter
• Stereo Link mode
• New (classic) SSL flavour for your productions

COMPRESSOR/LIMITER
RATIO: Stepped compression ratios 2:1, 4:1, 10:1 and ‘ds’. The ‘ds’ setting is a fixed 10:1 with an additional sidechain filter. When ‘out, the compressor is bypassed.
THRESH: Whenever a signal exceeds the level set by this control, the compressor will start to act at the ratio set by the Ratio control. The Threshold and Ratio controls also provide automatic make-up gain.
HPF: A 6dB/Oct 185 Hz High Pass Filter in the compressor sidechain to help reduce bass pumping effects.
RELEASE: Switched/fixed release ranges from .2 ms to 1.6 ms with additional ‘DS’ & ‘Auto’ release options.
DS: The De-Ess mode changes the attack time from approx. 30ms to 2ms.
De-Ess (DS) mode: By setting Compressor Ratio and Release controls to ‘DS’ the B-DYN module is optimised for reducing sibilance (De-Essing). The De-Ess is a 10:1 ratio with filtered S/C input signal, delivering broadband compression triggered by sibilance. The ‘DS’ release is automatically varied in response to the processed signal between release rates of 30 & 50ms. This is a much faster minimum release than you would normally expect from an SSL Dynamics section. The attack time is also reduced to a fast 2ms, slightly faster than the E-Series Dynamics module on its fast setting.
Gate/Expander: The B-DYN Gate/Expander section can act as a 20:1 Gate or as a 2:1 Expander when the EXP button is pressed. Its attack time is a fast 0.2 ms.
RANGE: Controls the maximum amount of gain reduction applied by the Gate/Expander. When set to ‘out’, the gate/expander is bypassed.
THRESH: Sets the threshold above which the the gate/ expander will be opened.
RELEASE: Sets how long the signal remains audible after the Gate/Expander closes.
EXP: Switches the gate to expander mode with a gentle curve, for subtler control of level below the threshold.

PRICE
A$1,189
NZ$1,449
Stock is available to ship immediately.

Solid State Logic has announced its latest plugin, the G3 MultiBusComp. This new plugin, which leverages SSL’s legacy in compression technology, adds multiband capabilities and advanced processing tools to the renowned G Series glue and punch maker. G3 MultiBusComp is available now in several formats as part of the SSL Complete subscription from US$14.99 per/m, SSL’s Rent To Own plan, and perpetual purchase.

​The SSL G3 MultiBusComp plugin takes the original G-Series Bus Compressor and enhances it with multiband technology, advanced processing, and sidechain routing. It is a must-have production tool for producers and engineers looking to achieve the SSL sound in their mixes, delivering the classic SSL ‘glue’ compression across three independently configurable frequency bands.

Whether it’s adding that final polish to a production, carving space in a mix with its powerful sidechain routing, or dialling in precise settings to rectify problematic recordings, G3 MultiBusComp is suitable for any genre and brings a new level of versatility to bus processing.

“Our new G3 MultiBusComp represents yet another significant addition to our growing portfolio of plugins,” says Jon Sandman, plugins Product Manager at SSL. “With three distinct bands of compression, intelligent side-chaining options and other powerful features such as auto gain compensated 4K Drive, this is a must have plugin for anyone involved with mixing or mastering.”

4K Drive, Powerful Side-Chaining & Parameter Linking
​Add the perfect amount of warmth and character with G3 MultiBusComp’s 4K Drive control. Based on SSL’s iconic SL 4000 Series, 4K Drive brings the saturation characteristics and sound of the 4K console to G3 MultiBusComp. Available independently across each processing band, with the option to blend or ‘parallel’ with the original signal thanks to a wet/dry mix setting, 4K Drive can be cranked on a subgroup or added delicately to a master.

G3 MultiBusComp offers sidechain routing and processing, enabling users to customise the high pass and low pass filter cutoffs for each band, accentuate or diminish specific frequencies using the per-band bell filter, and independently trigger each band from an externally routed sidechain signal within your DAW. Advanced parameter linking found in G3 MultiBusComp is an enormous time saver, as it allows users to automatically apply inverse changes between selected parameters on the fly.

Intelligent Workflow
​G3 MultiBusComp’s auditioning feature offers mutually exclusive soloing on each band and each band’s sidechain input, enabling users to hear each band in isolation to make more informed mix decisions. With a resizable GUI that can be adjusted from 50% to 200%, the G3 MultiBusComp provides a comfortable user experience that can be customised to a user’s specific needs.

KEY FEATURES
Multiband processing with classic SSL ‘glue’ compression: With 3 bands of classic SSL ‘glue’ compression, G3 MultiBusComp delivers the same sonic characteristics that SSL is known for, now across three customisable frequency bands.
Parameter link: Quickly and easily apply inverse changes between the input/output gain or the threshold and makeup gains in each frequency band.
‘4K’ drive per band: Inspired by the iconic SL 4000 Series console, add warmth and character to your mix while retaining full dynamic control over your signal.
Powerful side-chaining and filtering options: Easily customise sidechain filters to accentuate or diminish response to certain frequencies. Unlink the sidechain filters from the band crossover and external side-chaining to drive the dynamics from a different frequency band, or a completely different signal entirely.
Band graph view: Provides an intuitive way to set your threshold and frequency crossovers, allowing you to achieve more control over your mix.
Auditioning: Use mutually exclusive soloing on each band and each band’s sidechain input to make informed decisions about your mix.
Resizable GUI: G3 MultiBusComp features a high-resolution GUI that can be adjusted from 50% to 200% for easy sizing and positioning.

G3 MultiBusComp plugin is available now on the SSL eStore to buy for US$199.99, or via SSL’s Rent-to-Own plan.
For more information, to access a 14 day free trail of G3 MultiBusComp, or extended 30 day trial of SSL Complete, visit the SSL website.

Put a little vibe in your stocking this year with Blitzer — a powerful ‘attitude compressor’ available exclusively as part of SSL Complete. While its name may hold similarities to a certain famous reindeer, Blitzer is actually the latest addition to Solid State Logic’s rapidly growing range of plug-ins available in their SSL Complete subscription. Emulating classic hardware compressors like the FET ’76 limiting amplifier, valve ‘2A’ levelling amplifier, Fairchild and others. Blitzer is a mojo machine, full of vibe and character to help your tracks take off — no magic sleigh required.

Following hot on the heels of the highly praised 4K B channel strip plug-in, Blitzer is an analogue attitude compressor, capable of delivering everything from soft, saturating compression to explosive brick-wall limiting. In addition to powerful transient shaping and luscious vintage-style harmonic drive for adding colour to your tracks, Blitzer offers 10 unique compression curves across 10 ratios — each with a unique shape and tone inspired by some of the rarest and sought-after analogue dynamics processors. Harness the distinct response of vintage tube, VCA, FET and optical compressors, all within a single easy-to-use interface.

The perfect tool for both mixing and mastering, Blitzer is versatile and loaded with sound sculpting tools. During mixing, slam room mics using the familiar ‘all in’ BLITZ! mode, give vocals body and character with valve-style levelling, or energise instruments with heavy hyper-saturated compression. When mastering, Blitzer provides a comprehensive pallet of analogue compression styles suitable for a wide range of genres. Dial in the DRIVE function to gently warm or decimate an incoming guitar or synth signal and use the MIX function for instant parallel processing. Warm tracks with soft-saturation and gentle harmonics without compressing using Blitzer’s 1:1 ratio.

With Blitzer’s detection sidechain high pass filter (HPF) it is easy to remove unwanted low-end frequencies from triggering the compressor — which can be ideal for drum busses. For those unruly vocal tracks, try using the bell filter to remove harshness to make it fit better in the mix. Other helpful features include AUTO GAIN for maintaining levels, a cross-platform preset system with A/B and undo/redo stack, and SSL’s easy to use contextual help system — so you never feel left out in the cold.

Blitzer is available exclusively as part of the SSL Complete subscription — the fastest way to access nearly $5000 worth of SSL Plug-ins — from $14.99 per month (Ts&Cs apply). Access a 14-day free trail of Blitzer by simply downloading the plug-in and clicking ‘try’ when prompted or try out your entire SSL studio with a 30-day SSL Complete trial available on the product page.

Key Features

• Apple M1 Native Support: Blitzer is a universal binary, and features M1 Native support.
• Classic analogue compressor plug-in inspired by hardware such as the ’76’ Limiting Amplifier and ‘2A’ Levelling Amplifier.
• Versatile character compressor delivers everything from soft saturating compression to explosive brick-wall limiting.
• 10 unique compression curves, each with a unique shape and tone.
• Add colour to your instruments using the DRIVE control; add gentle warmth or decimate your signal.
• Use the 1:1 ratio to warm your tracks with soft-saturation and gentle harmonics without compressing.
• AUTO GAIN maintains your levels based on the threshold and ratio.
• Use the MIX control to dial in parallel compression and punch.
• ATTACK and RELEASE controls let you tailor the compressor response to your source material.
• Dial in some of the dynamics of the original signal using the TRANSIENTS attack modification control.
• Slam room mics using the “all in” BLITZ! Mode.
• Use the HPF to remove unwanted low-end frequencies, perfect for drum busses.
• Tame unruly vocals and harshness using the detection sidechain bell filter.
• Built-in help – simply click the ‘?’ and mouseover the GUI to find out more.
• A/B for quickly switching between presets.

Blitzer is available in several formats including VST2, VST3, AAX and AU.