SSL Revival 4000 is a fully analog 1U channel strip that consolidates the most sought-after signal processing blocks from the historic Solid State Logic 4000 B and E Series consoles. The input stage features a classic 4000 E microphone preamplifier driven by an authentic Jensen JT-115K-E balancing transformer. This topology delivers exceptional headroom and the distinct harmonic saturation that has shaped professional vocal and tracking sessions for decades.
Dual-Topology EQ and Precision Filtering
The audio path feeds into a highly flexible equalization stage featuring two switchable iterations of the legendary SSL 4-band EQ. Engineers can instantly toggle between the musical, broad-stroke "Brown Knob" (02) circuit and the tighter, more surgical "Black Knob" (242) design, originally developed for AIR Studios. The unit is equipped with dedicated High-Pass and Low-Pass filters, whose slopes dynamically adapt (12 dB or 18 dB per octave) depending on the selected EQ mode, ensuring absolute control over sub-harmonic rumble and high-frequency bleed.
Class A Dynamics and 4000 B De-Esser
Transient management is handled by a discrete, Class A VCA compressor paired with a true RMS detector. This section faithfully replicates the punchy channel dynamics of the E Series desk, offering selectable Fast Attack, Soft/Hard Knee curves, and both linear and logarithmic release profiles. Furthermore, the Revival 4000 incorporates the rare single-stage De-Esser from the original 4000 B console. Operating with a fixed 10:1 ratio and a 7 kHz high-pass filtered sidechain, it precisely targets and attenuates harsh sibilance and aggressive cymbal frequencies without compromising the core integrity of the source material.
KEY FEATURES
- 4000 E Series microphone preamplifier circuit featuring a genuine Jensen JT-115K-E input transformer.
- Discrete Class A VCA dynamics section (compressor/gate) with comprehensive attack, release, and knee controls.
- 4-band parametric EQ with switchable topologies between the classic "Brown Knob" (02) and "Black Knob" (242) circuits.
- Integrated 4000 B Series De-Esser utilizing a 7 kHz sidechain HPF for transparent, broadband sibilance attenuation.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Format: 19-inch rackmount chassis, 1U height.
- Input Connectivity: XLR Mic Input (+48V Phantom, Pad, Phase Invert) and an XLR/TRS Combo Line Input.
- Hardware Routing: Balanced hardware insert (TRS Send/Return) and an external Sidechain (Key) input.
- Stereo Operation: Dedicated TRS Link jack for coupling the VCA sidechain detectors of two independent units.