PRODUCT
TESTS
Solid State Logic SSL 4K B
By Clifton David-Broadridge
Solid State Logic ( SSL ) have created a truly remarkable future proof business model by offering the most authentic and precise emulations available of their analogue consoles and hardware . Catering to not only their base they offer forward thinking creative tools for a new generation of mixing engineers and producers equipped with state of the art plugin , hardware integration that blurs the lines between digital and analogue .
Precisely modeled down to the component level , the 4K B is claimed to be SSL ’ s most authentic channel strip plugin yet . Designed to faithfully emulate the ultrarare 4000 B console that was introduced in 1976 , used in the “ Stone Room ” of London ’ s Townhouse studios and Record Plant in Los Angeles . With only 6 ever produced , this was SSL ’ s first commercial console and a precursor to the 02 brown knob design of the 4000 E series EQ . The sound of the 4000 B can be heard on numerous hit records including Phil Collins ’“ In the Air Tonight ” as well as Peter Gabriel ’ s “ Intruder ” album and many , many others .
SSL states that the 4K B integrates seamlessly into the 360 ° Plug-in Mixer ecosystem and is fully controllable from UC1 , channel strip , bus compressor and plugin controller and the UF8 DAW controller hardware . Also , the 4K B plug-in is included in the software bundle for all UC1 owners as well as the SSL Complete subscription .
The 4K B is a full channel strip that includes several features , including High Pass and low pass filters , EQ , a Jensen transformer equipped mic pre , DBX 202 “ black can ” VCA fader and dynamics based on the SSL bus compressor with an included de-ess mode .
To begin with , I added the 4K B to a bass DI from a live concert that I ’ m mixing . With just the stock DI setting I was extremely impressed with what I was hearing . The DI came alive with grit , low end , midrange and top that completely transformed the sound in only the way SSL can do ! The claim of non- linear analogue character is apparently true as the 4K B produces unpredictable harmonics and saturation that really does feel
authentically analogue . Another aspect that I like is that this channel strip has a Jensen transformer on the front end that delivers more character and vibe than its cleaner counterpart , the Channel Strip 2 , based on the more modern SSL 9000K .
When inserted on the inside kick drum I went to my go-to EQ settings . Not surprisingly the tone and punch of the 4K B was very impressive . Room mics came alive and greatly benefitted from the saturation , adding excitement to the performance . Seriously on all drum sources I was getting great sounds and feeling inspired . Guitars as well sounded great with a clear but smooth top end and distinctive midrange . This plugin does sound amazing and deserves some serious time and attention to fully appreciate what went into its design .
The Jenson 115 K-E transformer on the input of the pre allows for an additional level of color and saturation for the channel strip . When pushed on a source it adds an authentic fizz that adds character when required . This feature is extremely useful and a great alternative to the usual go to distortion and saturation plugins . The dynamics section gives a brilliant lift to the sound and glues everything together and is based off of the SSL bus compressor design . The overall tonal shaping is incredibly easy to use , satisfying and functional . I really enjoyed the feeling of experiencing this legendary console ’ s sonic character in my studio , and plan to utilize the 4K B often in my mixes .
The 4K B channel strip is truly a next level offering from SSL . With the UC1 and UF8 controller and 360 ° Plug-in Mixer integration I believe that the user can invest into a complete system that will not only make their workflow more enjoyable but give a very realistic console experience with the modern advantages of digital . When researching this product as well as the recent hardware offerings from Solid State Logic , I began to think that the future of mixing is literally right before our eyes and it looks and sounds amazing . I can ’ t wait to see what ’ s next from Solid State Logic .
Clifton David Broadbridge is a Canadian musician , composer and engineer living in Tennessee . He recently opened El Mocambo Sound , Nashville , expanding the legendary venue ’ s rock and roll brand into the “ Music City ” area with a analog based boutique production , mixing and recording studio . For more information check out elmocambosound . com
www . cliftondavidbroadbridge . com . He can be reached at
clifton @ elmocambosound . com .
24 PROFESSIONAL SOUND