SSL’s final Fusion plugin promises to add “transformer mojo” to vocals, electric guitars or your whole mix
You had us at “high-frequency phase-shift, harmonic distortion and natural low-frequency roll-off”
SSL has completed its Fusion range of plugins with the release of the Transformer, an emulation of the transformer circuit that was found in the SSL Fusion analogue colouration processor.
Specifically, we’re talking about a 600-ohm, 1:1-wound under-damped transformer - the plugin version promises “a unique combination of high-frequency phase-shift, harmonic distortion and natural low-frequency roll-off”.
Although this is an emulation, there are a couple of new controls, too. The Shine knob enables you to “augment or remove” high-end sheen, while the Amount control can be used to amplify the harmonic distortion.
"Our new Fusion Transformer plugin is a faithful emulation of Fusion’s switchable Transformer circuit and is the perfect way to round off our family of Fusion plugins,” says Jonathan Sandman, the SSL Studio Plug-in Product Manager.
“In addition to being able to deliver low-end thickening and high-end sheen to any signal, it is able to deliver exactly the right amount of transformer mojo to vocals, electric guitars, or indeed the entire mix."
The Fusion Transformer plugin runs on PC and Mac in VST/AU/AAX formats and is available now for the introductory price of $149 (regular price will be $199). It’s also included in the SSL Complete Bundle subscription, which costs from $15 a month.
Find out more on the SSL website.
Get the MusicRadar Newsletter
Want all the hottest music and gear news, reviews, deals, features and more, direct to your inbox? Sign up here.

I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it.

“I have to try and talk about the neck without sounding offensive or angry”: Johnny Marr says satin finishes have no business being on a guitar neck

“I sent this to Strandberg to get the wiring done and when they sent it back they included this”: Plini shows us his modded signature Strandberg Boden – but what’s that hiding in the tremolo springs?