Instead, they’ve focused mainly on high‑quality delivery of the traditional SSL functionality. Neither have Tierra opted to include any fancy character‑inducing devices, such as input or output transformers or harmonic distortion generators.
![slate vcc vs ssl sb4001 slate vcc vs ssl sb4001](https://modernmixing.com/wp-content/uploads/edd/2015/02/48-VCC-Demo-YT-1516x853.png)
For example, there’s no external side‑chain input, the switchable high‑pass filter for the internal side‑chain is a fixed‑frequency one, and there are no wet/dry blend control or additional ratio settings, as have been added by some of the Gravity’s competitors. In most respects, other than the aesthetics, this is, rather fittingly given its name, a down‑to‑earth implementation of the classic SSL bus compressor design, by which I mean that the Gravity’s designers have deliberately chosen to keep the ‘bells and whistles’ to a minimum. But as nice as the appearance and eco ethos are, the Gravity is first and foremost intended as a professional audio processor, so in this review I’ll consider what it has to offer on that front. These devices all look very striking and, if the Gravity is typical, they’re even more so ‘in the flesh’ than when viewed on a web page: they’d definitely catch the eye in any studio’s rack. They also promise to plant a tree for each unit purchased. Tierra say this is sustainably sourced also and that, as it is very light, it helps to keep shipping emissions low. Each unit ships in a handsome Paulownia wood box, which is strong and rigid.
![slate vcc vs ssl sb4001 slate vcc vs ssl sb4001](https://slatedigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/video-feature-virtual-mixbuss.jpg)
As well as the Gravity VCA compressor reviewed here, Tierra offer a FET compressor, a four‑band EQ, a couple of mic preamps and a summing mixer in this range. The company are keen to stress their eco‑friendly credentials and, to that end, their range of 19‑inch rackmounting products have a front panel made of sustainably sourced cherry wood, with the control legends burned (laser‑engraved) into the surface.
![slate vcc vs ssl sb4001 slate vcc vs ssl sb4001](http://cdn.hillas.com/images/3/HS-038444_M.jpg)
Tierra Audio are based in Madrid, where they manufacture all their gear. If you’re into analogue processing but worried about your carbon footprint, Tierra have you covered!