Description
Classic SSL analogue processing for the API 500 format rack
The SSL big console sound has been available in 12 different modules for the modular X-Rack system for many years. The system enjoys a large and enthusiastic customer base with more than 15,000 modules sold. X-Rack users reap the benefits of the very high-quality power supply and on board TotalRecallTM offered by the X-Rack system. The release of modules for the widely-used 500 format modular rack platform makes a small slice of the SSL sound available to a wider group of users.
SSL’s range of modules for the 500 series rack format currently consists of five different modules; the classic Stereo Bus Compressor which has featured on every model of SSL large format analogue console, E-Series EQ and E-Series Dynamics modules which deliver the legendary sound of the channel strip processing from SSL’s 1980’s E-Series console, and the incredibly versatile VHD Pre input module which can deliver ultra-clean recordings or a range of more saturated tonal characteristics and the LMC+ module, a new twist on the legendary SSL Listen Mic Compressor.
Stereo Bus Compressor Module
The legendary sound of the SSL Stereo Bus Compressor has been glueing mixes together for 35+ years… available for 500 format racks.
Often imitated but never equaled, the centre section compressor from the 1980’s 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. It brings cohesion and strength to your mix without compromising clarity. To this day it remains a key element of the SSL sound and has featured on countless classic recordings. The availability of the Stereo Bus Compressor in a module for the 500 format makes this essential audio production tool available to users of the popular API 500 format modular rack platform.
E-Series EQ Module
The E-Series EQ Module for 500 Series racks reproduces the legendary sonic signature of an early 80’s classic, the Solid State Logic SL 4000 E console channel strip, which has featured on countless classic recordings from the 1980’s to the present. 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 colors used on the LF knob caps so the two flavors have become known as the ‘Brown’ and ‘Black’ EQ’s. On the E Series EQ Module you can switch between these two different flavors 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
E-Series Dynamics Module
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
VHD Pre Module
Uniquely versatile mic pre and processor delivers everything from ultra-clean to slightly warmed to heavily distorted recordings.
The VHD Pre Module for the popular 500 format modular rack platform makes the uniquely versatile VHD based preamp technology from Duality, SSL’s industry leading large format studio console, available for studios of all sizes.
The VHD Pre is an immensely versatile recording and processing device. It can deliver ultra clean SSL SuperAnalogueTM 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 transistoresque grunge. The VHD Pre gives the user ultimate versatility from a studio grade preamp. Whether it’s ultra-clean traditional SSL, subtle warming or totally trashy transistor distortion, VHD will change your expectations of what a preamplifier should deliver.
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.
SSL βeta – Hardware Development Kit
Now audio electronics enthusiasts can build creations that will look as cool as they sound and feature real SSL controls.
SSL βeta, a unique 500 format module Hardware Development Kit that offers a little SSL style, quality and some SSL specific components to the community of ‘build your own’ audio electronics enthusiasts. βeta offers a very cool self-illuminating Perspex front panel that allows enthusiasts to devise and build creations that will look fantastic in their racks with a window through to their very own electronic creations within. The panel is supplied with a collection of components that are identical to those used in SSL’s industry leading large format consoles. The kit includes five log, antilog and linear pots (including centre detent versions) with SSL’s signature knob caps, a selection of two and four pole switches and dual colour status LED’s. The components mount within the front panel in a fixed configuration but are of course freely assignable to any function. The panel and controls attach to a stylish blue solderable breadboard with a standard 500 format edge connector and is supplied with resettable fuses. In true hobbyist tradition none of the elements of the βeta HDK are pre-assembled – it is a kit of parts for users to assemble from scratch.
