500 Series Processors

Solid State Logic B-DYN 611B 500 Series Module

Aggressive character compressor with its own unique sonic signature

Overview:

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. 30 ms to 2 ms.

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 & 50 ms. 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 2 ms, 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.

SSL ULTRAVIOLET Equaliser

The SSL 500 Series ULTRAVIOLET Stereo Equaliser takes the acclaimed min¬imum phase-shift EQ section from Fusion and puts it into the 500 Series format. The ULTRAVIOLET EQ takes things a little further than Fusion by adding two dedicated mid-bands, with a unique Focus control, for ultimate EQ flexibility. An ideal partner to the legendary 500 Series SSL Bus Compressor, the ULTRAVIOLET EQ draws on the SSL legacy of careful selection of frequencies and response curves to create a musical and intuitive EQ designed to quickly dial in a radio-ready sound for your mix.

Focus Mode:

Focus mode allows the user to ‘hone in’ on problem frequencies or specific frequencies they want to accentuate or attenuate. Pressing the ‘Focus’ switch in, automatically narrows the chosen Q setting further and increases the range of gain available beyond the normal +/-9 dB operation. In true flexible SSL workflow fashion, it transforms this sweet sounding, musical SSL EQ into a more surgical tool.

Key Features:

4-Band SSL Stereo EQ

Minimum-Phase High and Low shelving bands inherited from Fusion.

2 fully parametric SSL Mid-Bands, with ‘Focus’ mode.

5 frequency selectable High-Pass Filter and Dedicated Output Trim.

Tech Specs:

Module signal: Stereo

LF Shelf EQ: +/- 9dB Gain at 30, 50, 70, 90Hz

HF Shelf EQ: +/- 9dB Gain at 8k, 12k, 16k and 20kHz.

HMF Parametric EQ: +/- 9dB Gain 400Hz-6kHz

LMF Parametric EQ: +/- 9dB Gain 100Hz-1.1kHz

Switchable HPF: OFF, 30, 40, 50Hz

Gain Trim: +/- 12dB

Switched Bypass: Yes

SSL SiX CH ( SiX Channel strip)

The SSL SiX Channel is a single-width 500 Series mini channel strip using the SuperAnalogue channel processing features from SSL’s SiX console including the Mic-pre, low and high frequency EQ, as well as the single knob compressor. The SiX Channel is a simple way to add additional Mic/Line inputs to the line level inputs of any professional audio device, including the Stereo channels of the SiX console. It is also a flexible way to create a professional modular mixer from a ‘summing’ 500 Series rack unit.

SuperAnalogue Pre-Amp input:

A wide gain range, ultra low noise SuperAnalogue design provides both Line and Mic facilities with a “Line” gain range switch to cover a wide range of source levels. The nominal Line Input impedance is 10 kΩ. This can be changed to 1 MΩ using the Hi-Z switch. The 1MΩ impedance makes this input suitable for very high impedance sources such as passive guitar pickups without the need for an external DI box.

Other Features;

· Switched 12 dB/oct, 75 Hz High Pass Filter (HPF)

· Polarity Switch (ø) inverts the polarity of the rear XLR Mic Amp rack input.

· A five segment LED meter shows the output signal level in dBu

EQ:

The EQ is a gentle, broad stroke two-band design with high and low shelving filters at 3.5 kHz and 60 Hz, adjustable from +15 dB to -15 dB of gain. Each band can be independently switched between shelving and bell curves. The bell curves change centre frequency to operate at 5 kHz and 200 Hz giving greater versatility from the two controls.

COMP:

A versatile ‘one knob’ channel compressor with features that give powerful and versatile performance from its deceptively simple controls. A three LED meter indicating the amount of gain reduction being applied. The circuit has automatic make-up gain to maintain signal level for the full range of threshold settings.

Key Features:

SuperAnalogue Mic Pre with 48V, Polarity and HPF

Front Panel TRS Line Input with 1MΩ Hi-Z switch.

Switched 2 band EQ with indepandantly

Switched single knob compressor with variable threshold.

5 frequency selectable High-Pass Filter and Dedicated Output Trim.

Tech Specs:

Module signal: Mono

Pre-Amp Gain: Variable from +6 to +72 dB (Mic), -3 to +63dB (Line)

Mic Pre EIN: Typically 129dB

THD+N: <0.0015%

CMRR: >80dB (Mic), >70dB (Line)

Legendary sonic signature of the SL 4000E

The new E Series Dynamics Module for 500 Series racks reproduces the legendary sonic signature of an early 80's classic, the SL 4000 E console channel strip, which was featured on countless 1980's recordings. The E Series Dynamics Module features a compressor/limiter and an expander/gate, both of which return faithfully to the circuitry and key components which define the sound of the original SL 611E Series channel strip.

A true RMS converter is used in the side chain while the gain element is an all discrete design identical to the Class A VCA chip used in the original unit. The compressor contains additional switching options to defeat the over-easy curve and to use a linear release instead of the more usual logarithmic curve. The result is a compressor with three distinct voices, each with its own musical character.

Key Features:

Immortal SSL 4000 Series circuitry

Class A VCA replication

Expander/Gate

Based on classic 611E console channel strip

Unique response curves and tonal character

The E-Series EQ Module features two different EQ's found on editions of the console produced between 1981 and 1989. Each EQ has unique response curves and tonal character. Historically the type of EQ fitted in an individual console was distinguished by the colours used on the LF knob caps so the two flavours have become known as the 'Brown' and 'Black' EQ's. On the E Series EQ Module you can switch between these two different flavours of EQ that have been loved by generations of professional producers.

Key Features:

Immortal SSL 4000 E Series circuitry

"Black-242" and "Brown-02" twin EQ design

Versatile 4 band channel EQ

Bell curve option on HF and LF

Fully parametric LMF and HMF with Q

Based on classic 611E console channel strip

Audio production legend

The legendary sound of the SSL Stereo Bus Compressor has been glueing mixes together for 40+ years. Often imitated but never equaled, the centre section compressor from the 1980's Solid State Logic G-Series analogue console is an audio production legend. It is a simple unit with a simple purpose; it makes complete mixes sound bigger, with more power, punch and drive.

The SSL Bus Compressor turns a mix into a record...

The Stereo Bus Compressor brings cohesion and strength to your mix unlike any other processor. To this day it remains a key element of the SSL sound and has become not just a tool for production but a part of top engineers and producers creative process.

Key features

Legendary SSL G Series Stereo Bus Compressor

THE glue and punch maker

Additional compression ratio settings 1.5 / 3 / 10

Renowned ‘Auto’ release

HPF in sidechain switchable to 30Hz / 60Hz / 106Hz / 125Hz / 185Hz

Sidechain In / Out switch

SSL VHD+ Variable Harmonic Drive (VHD) Mic Preamplifier

The VHD+ Pre is an immensely versatile recording and processing device. It can deliver ultra clean SSL SuperAnalogue™ grade recordings but also features a switchable VHD mode. SSL’s patented Variable Harmonic Drive (VHD) system uses a 100% analogue signal path to generate rich harmonic distortion. As you increase VHD input gain, the Variable Harmonic Drive process introduces either 2nd or 3rd harmonic distortion or a blend of the two to your source material. At lower gain settings it adds gentle valve-style warmth or a touch of transistor edge. As the gain is increased the more extreme the distortion becomes until at high gain settings it delivers fierce trashy bipolar transistor style grunge.

This new 500 series version features front and rear inputs with four different impedance selections making it an extremely versatile mic pre and DI box for a wide range of microphones and instruments.

The Mic Amp provides up to +75 dB of super clean gain. The VHD switch along with the Drive control provides a variable mix of 2nd to 3rd order harmonics to add warmth and colour to the signal.

A Trim control provides +/- 20dB of output trim, which allows the Mic Pre to be ‘driven’ and then the output dialled back to prevent overload of the next module in the chain.

An 18dB/Octave High Pass Filter provides a way to filter low frequencies such as floor rumble and is switched to bypass it from the signal path.

The front panel 1/4” Tip/Ring/Sleeve (TRS) Jack Socket provides a convenient way to connect instruments when the module is fitted in a rack. This balanced input overrides the rear XLR and has a 10KΩ input impedance and features an automatic -10dB level pad to allow for typically louder balanced line level signals. The Jack input can also be used with unbalanced (TS) cables such as those from synthesizers or guitars. The input level and impedance are switched to 0dB and 1MΩ respectively (for very high impedance sources such as guitar pick-ups) with selection of the HI-Z switch.

The rear XLR and front Jack inputs have different impedances available by using the Hi-Z switch and allow for a wide variety of sources. The rear XLR input impedance changes from 1.2 KΩ to 10KΩ for Hi and Lo Z Microphones. The front panel Hi Z switch changes the front Jack input impedance from 10KΩ for line sources such as keyboards to 1MΩ for sources such as electric guitars and basses.

Signal level is indicated with a tri-colour LED and the scale of the LED can be set between two -3dB overload points at +16 and +21dBu to allow for operation with +18dBu or +24dBu operating levels.

Key Features

Ultra clean SSL SuperAnalogue grade preamp

VHD system adds controllable 2nd or 3rd harmonic distortion

Switchable LF Filter (15Hz to 500Hz)

+48V Phantom Power with status LED

Pad for use with line level source material

Front TRS Jack input with ultra Hi-Z switch for Instrument DI

Signal polarity invert switch

LMC+ Module

The classic SSL Listen Mic Compressor with an added creative twist.

The LMC+ Module brings a new and significantly enhanced version of the classic SSL Listen Mic Compressor to 500 format racks. This famous processor from the legendary SL4000E console was the secret weapon in many producers sonic arsenal of recording techniques. Originally designed to prevent overloading the return feed from a studio communications mic, its fixed attack and release curves were eminently suitable for use on ambient drums mics. This all-new version includes a pair of classic SSL High Pass and Low Pass filters to allow targeting of a specific frequency range, a filters to compressor side chain option and a wet/dry blend control. Two additional superb new tools are added to give the LMC+ a distinctive sonic twist; a 'Scoop' button that phase inverts the wet signal, as well as a unique 'Split' button that engages a bandpass subtraction mode. Used together and separately and in conjunction with the filters and sidechain, the new controls give LMC+ a distinctive tonal edge with a range of creative possibilities.

Key Features:

Enhanced version of the classic SSL Listen Mic Compressor

From the legendary SL4000E console

Fixed attack and release curves ideal for use on ambient drums mics

SSL High Pass and Low Pass filters

Filters to compressor side chain feature

Wet/dry blend control

'Scoop' button that phase inverts the wet signal

'Split'button engages a bandpass subtraction mode