Wes Audio NGBusComp is a mono, fully analog VCA compressor in SSL G-Bus style, in ng500 format (2-slot 500-series module) with full digital integration — an analog signal path with automation and recall via VST/AU, USB, and MIDI with zero digital processing in the audio path. NGBusComp is the mono 500-series counterpart of the SuperCarrier II: the same SSL G-Bus style VCA architecture, the same timing parameters and ratio options, and the same digital recall system with physical potentiometer movement. Modules can be purchased in pairs and combined into a stereo bus compressor with stereo link. Also available as a Starlight 2U desktop unit (two-channel). Stepper motors move physical potentiometers in response to DAW automation.
SSL G-Bus style VCA — the characteristic mix bus glue in 500-series format
The VCA circuit in NGBusComp is based on the SSL G-Bus architecture — the topology that has defined mix bus compression for decades. Ratio: 2:1, 4:1, 10:1, and 20:1 — from gentle compression to hard limiting. Attack: 0.1 ms, 0.3 ms, 1 ms, 3 ms, 10 ms, 30 ms — six positions for precise control of the compression entry point relative to transients. Release: 0.1 s, 0.3 s, 0.6 s, Auto — classic SSL G-Bus times with an Auto mode for program-dependent release, minimizing pumping on complex signals. Makeup gain is automatic or manual. An IN/OUT switch provides true bypass. A VU meter with a switchable indication mode (output / gain reduction). An external sidechain input supports advanced de-esser or ducking configurations. When two NGBusComp modules are paired into a stereo setup, the stereo link couples both modules to a shared detection circuit, maintaining a consistent stereo image without panning artifacts under compression.
DAW integration and ng500 format
The NGBusComp VST/AU plug-ins handle DAW automation and recall: stepper motors move the physical ratio, attack, release, and makeup gain potentiometers in response to plug-in parameter changes. Recall is accurate to 16-bit per parameter, guaranteeing identical physical settings at every session recall — particularly critical on the stereo bus and in mastering, where consistent reproduction of compression settings determines the sonic coherence between sessions. The ng500 format (2-slot 500-series module) allows installation in any API-compatible 500-series rack; two NGBusComp modules form a stereo bus compressor with a character identical to the SuperCarrier II in Starlight format. NGBusComp is one of the ng500 line modules from Wes Audio, alongside NGLeveler, _DIONE, _RHEA, Timbre, SuperCarrier II, and _Prometheus.
KEY FEATURES
- Mono VCA compressor SSL G-Bus style, 2-slot 500-series module, with full digital integration
- Ratio: 2:1 / 4:1 / 10:1 / 20:1
- Attack: 0.1 / 0.3 / 1 / 3 / 10 / 30 ms (6 positions)
- Release: 0.1 / 0.3 / 0.6 s + Auto (program-dependent)
- Makeup gain: automatic or manual
- True bypass (IN/OUT)
- External sidechain input
- Stereo link when pairing two modules
- VU meter with switchable mode: output / GR
- Full DAW automation (VST/AU) with physical potentiometer movement
- Full preset recall 16-bit per parameter via USB and MIDI
- Zero digital processing in the signal path
- Format: ng500, 2-slot module (API 500-series compatible)
- Available as single module or matched pair (stereo)
- Mono 500-series counterpart of the SuperCarrier II
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: mono VCA compressor SSL G-Bus style, 2-slot 500-series module
- Signal path: fully analog, VCA
- Ratio: 2:1 / 4:1 / 10:1 / 20:1
- Attack: 0.1 / 0.3 / 1 / 3 / 10 / 30 ms
- Release: 0.1 / 0.3 / 0.6 s + Auto
- Makeup gain: Auto / Manual
- Bypass: true bypass (IN/OUT)
- Sidechain: external input
- Stereo link: when pairing two modules
- VU meter: output / GR, switchable
- Digital integration: VST/AU, USB, MIDI
- Automation: 16-bit per parameter, physical potentiometer movement
- I/O: balanced (500-series standard)
- Power: from 500-series rack (API standard)
- Format: ng500, 2-slot (API 500-series compatible)
