SSL Recreates Its Legendary SL 4000 B Recording Console With 4K B Plug-in
Solid State Logic’s latest plug-in is a faithful emulation of one of the rarest recording consoles in the world: the SL 4000 B-Series.
Originally released in 1976 and famously used in London's Townhouse Studios, the SL 4000 B's sound can be heard on iconic records including The Buggles' 'Video Killed The Radio Star', Phil Collins' 'In The Air Tonight', Peter Gabriel's 'Intruder', and many others.
The new 4K B plug-in — available exclusively with SSL Complete or UC1 hardware — is the company's most authentic channel strip model yet and has been precisely modelled down to the component level according to the original schematics designed by SSL. The 4K B also presents a contrasting 'sonic flavor' to Channel Strip 2, which has become regarded as the SSL 9000 series plug-in.
4K B Character
The SL 4000B console was extremely unique, specifically its EQ, dynamics and transformer-based mic pre-design. The ‘B-series’ EQ was a precursor to the ‘Brown Knob’ EQ found on the 4000 E, a very musical sounding EQ, capable of fine tuning and sculping, with a warm and rounded presentation. The 4K B dynamics section is based on the SSL Bus Compressor design: peak detection and with a feedback VCA topology in the sidechain. It also features a unique De-Esser mode. SSL’s meticulous hardware modelling process has captured all the subtly of the original 4000 B console in the new 4K B plug-in. The Mic drive section is full of rich non-linear analogue character thanks to its Jensen JE-115K-E transformer. Additional authentic analogue character is added via the dbx 202 ‘black can’ VCA fader.
A New Era Of Plug-in Technology
The new 4K B plug-in — based entirely on SSL's proprietary technology — was designed to work seamlessly within SSL's own 360° software ecosystem and with its UC1 and UF8 control surfaces. While only six physical SL 4000 B consoles were ever built, they were installed in some of the most iconic studios in the world including 'The Stone Room' at Virgin's Townhouse Studio and Record Plant in Los Angeles. Famous for their unique tone and punch, the SL 4000 B was a favourite of legendary producers and engineers such as Steve Lillywhite, John Leckie, Mick Glossop, Tony Platt and many more.
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