SSL - Revival 4000 Channel Strip
SSL Revival 4000 is the quintessence of 80s-style analogue mojo, distilled in a console slice calibrated for surgical precision and well-textured character. Microphone preamp with Jensen JT-115K-E transformer, biting de-esser made in 4000 B, dual-personality EQ (Brown Knob/Black Knob), ultra-reactive 4000 E dynamic section: it's all there, ready to beef up your signal at the flick of a switch. Whether you're working in the studio, live or in a well-wired home studio, you've got a war machine that'll slam transients like a poorly closed control room door. With its flexible routing and on-the-fly configurable processing chain, this high-performance analogue SSL unit smells like a vintage rack, with modern rigour thrown in for good measure. And no, you're not dreaming: it's a real 4000... that fits in a rack unit.
Presentation
As for the de-esser, it doesn't pull any punches, but it does so with elegance. Directly derived from the 4000 B series, it features a 10:1 compression ratio, a sidechain filter set at 7 kHz, and formidable musicality. Sibilants are tamed without violence, with a naturalness reminiscent of the SSL compressor racks found in large broadcast studios. A lethal weapon against snake 'S's without a digital scalpel.
In terms of dynamics, SSL brings out the heavy artillery. The discreet class A VCA compressor, the RMS detection, the old-school gate/expander: every element is designed to manage peaks, structure flows and smooth out the most nervous tracks. Do you want linear or logarithmic release? Soft knee or hard knee? A button for each option, a clear 4000 E attitude. It compresses with conviction, expands the old-fashioned way, and opens the door to ultra-nuanced processing.
But it would be simplistic to stop there. The SSL Revival 4000 is also a dual-DNA equaliser: the 'Brown Knob' for a wide, vintage sound, or the 'Black Knob' developed with George Martin for tighter, more surgical curves.
Add to that formidable high-pass and low-pass filters, an external sidechain input, a balanced insert and totally customisable internal routing. In short, you can modulate your processing on the fly, without having to repattern like in 1983.
Features
Other features
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SSL Revival 4000 Channel Strip
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Analogue console strip
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Based on the SSL 4000 B & E circuits (80s)
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Preamp: SSL 4000 E with Jensen JT-115K-E transformer
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De-Esser: based on the 4000 B compressor
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De-Esser ratio: 10:1
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De-Esser sidechain filter: fixed at 7 kHz
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Dynamic section: SSL 4000 E, discrete Class A VCA compressor
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Detection: RMS sidechain
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Gain reduction: analogue
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Dynamic settings: Soft/Hard Knee, fast attack (on/off), logarithmic or linear release
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Gate/Expander: classic with fast attack
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Equaliser: 4 switchable SSL bands
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EQ Brown Knob "02": symmetrical, ±15 dB range
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EQ Black Knob "242": refined, ±18 dB range, developed with George Martin
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Mid-range bands: fully parametric
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Treble and bass bands: shelf or bell
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High/low pass filters mode 02: HPF & LPF 12 dB/octave
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High/low pass filters mode 242: HPF 18 dB/octave & LPF 12 dB/octave
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Routing: balanced insert point, external sidechain input (key), dynamic sidechain stereo link
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Assignment: EQ and filters assignable to sidechain
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Customisable processing order :
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Filters → Input
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EQ → Before or after dynamics
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Insert → Before output
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Measurements: switchable input/output
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Adjustment: line output level
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Connectors:
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Line / Mic inputs: XLR + combo XLR / Jack ∅6,35 mm
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Insert : 2x Jack ∅6,35 mm
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Sidechain In : combo XLR / Jack ∅6,35 mm
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Sidechain Out : Jack ∅6,35 mm
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Output: XLR
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Standard format 19" rack, 1U
To find out more...
The Revival 4000 is not a half-hearted retread but a genuine hardware renaissance, designed for those who want analogue grit without sacrificing modern flexibility. This is legendary circuitry put through the 2020s mill.
Remember to pamper your SSL Revival 4000. High-quality balanced cables, a tidy patchbay or an insulated rack to limit vibrations: all these things have an impact on the signal. And if you want to go even further, why not add a good dose of analogue mid/side processing?
Spotlight on
A legend among legends, the British brand Solid State Logic, commonly known as SSL, is one of the most prestigious manufacturers of analog and digital consoles for film, audio and broadcast professionals. Today, SSL offers a range of professional yet affordable SSL2 and SSL2+ audio interfaces, controllers to drive your DAWs and virtual instruments with ease, 500 Series audio processors and peripherals, and SuperAnalogue mixers such as the Matrix 2 and XL-Desk.
