Buyer's Guide: Solid State Logic Outboard Gear And 500 Series Modules

SSL Fusion

Solid State Logic's signature sound was defined by its legendary consoles in the 70s and 80s. Used on countless classic records, the brand's industry-leading preamps, EQs, and dynamics modules defined the sound of the era.

In addition to the brand's wide range of cutting-edge consoles, SSL also offers a number of its iconic designs in convenient rack-mountable and 500 Series formats.

Continue reading to learn more about SSL's popular outboard gear and 500 Series modules—from classics like the E-Series EQ and G-Comp bus compressor to modern designs like Fusion and The BUS+.

Solid State Logic Outboard Gear

SSL Bus+ Compressor

SSL BUS+

Channeling more than 40 years of bus compressor technology, Solid State Logic’s BUS+ is the ultimate incarnation of the bus compressor, featuring three distinct compression colors based on the brand’s most popular circuits and an all-new dynamic EQ. At its core, THE BUS+ retains the character of the original SSL Bus Compressor, using high-grade components to ensure pristine sound quality with analog character.

The two channels of THE BUS+ can be used in four different modes: traditional stereo, dual mono, Sigma Sidechain (Σ S/C), which functions similarly to stereo but sums the left and right sidechain channels for more responsive sidechain behavior, and Mid/Side mode, which acts as a proper mid/side processor.

THE BUS+ features three distinct compression coloration options that can be combined or used individually, giving you a rainbow of tonal options to choose from, including 4K mode, which is based on the sound of the iconic SSL 4000 console. Plus, THE BUS+ features a two-band dynamic EQ with independent controls for the low and high bands.

SSL Fusion

While Solid State Logic has always been known for the pristine nature of their console's mic pres, the Fusion is the first product to flip that notion on its head. The Fusion is an analog processing tool meant for use on your mix bus and it is a Swiss Army Knife of colorful options. Here are the five onboard tools included in the Solid State Logic Fusion:

SSL Violet EQ: Solid State Logic's first new EQ in over 25 years will give you sparkle and sheen with four selectable frequency points.

Vintage Drive: Two knobs enable you to tweak a unique harmonic distortion and a little bit of compression.

High-Frequency Compressor: This section of the Fusion deals with analog-style HF roll-off to make sure your tones aren't too harsh.

Transformer: Need more saturation? Turn on the Fusion's Transformer circuit for a thicker low-end and more color.

Stereo Image: Widen that stereo field with the power of the Fusion.

SSL PURE DRIVE OCTO Preamp

SSL Pure Drive QUAD and OCTO Preamps

Tailor-made for hybrid studios, SSL's new Pure Drive OCTO and QUAD preamps offer the sound of the legendary Origin series consoles in a compact 2U rackmount unit—plus some exciting new features. Aside from the number of channels, there are slight differences between the two units, namely the selectable (OCTO) vs. sweepable (QUAD) high-pass filters and the number of back-panel inputs. But both units sport responsive trim and gain controls as well four mic preamp input impedance options to help you dial in the perfect sound for any session. And of course, the quintessential PureDrive technology is at the core of both.

Solid State Logic SiX CH and UVEQ 500 Series Modules

Solid State Logic 500 Series Modules

Solid State Logic offers a wide range of 500 Series modules, all of which bring classic features from their storied consoles to a smaller format. Continue reading to learn more about all of the current SSL 500 Series modules.

SSL VHD+ Mic Pre 500 Series Module

While Solid State Logic's SuperAnalogue™ mic pre is crystal clear, the VHD allows for everything from ultra-clean to heavy distortion. SSL’s patented Variable Harmonic Drive (VHD) system uses a 100% analog signal path to generate rich harmonic distortion.

The Variable Harmonic Drive adds either second or third harmonic distortion, or a combination of the two, to your source material as you increase the VHD input gain. It offers a hint of transistor edge or a soft, valve-style warmth at lower gain settings. The distortion gets more intense as the gain is raised, reaching high gain settings that produce ferocious, trashy bipolar transistor-style grunge.

SSL E-Series EQ MK2 500 Series Equalizer Module

The E-Series EQ MK2 offers the sound of the legendary Solid State Logic SL 4000 E console channel strip in a convenient 500 Series format. The E-Series EQ Module comes with two distinct EQs that are available on console versions manufactured between 1981 and 1989. Every EQ has a different tonal character and response curve.

The classic Brown Knob setting delivers the original SSL sound, known for its sweet, musical tone. The Black Knob setting features a more aggressive EQ style that's perfect for modern genres.

SSL E-Series Dynamics

The versatile E-Series Dynamics Module features a compressor/limiter and an expander/gate, both of which return faithfully to the circuitry and key components of the original SL 611E Series channel strip.

Featuring an all-discrete design and the same Class A VCA chip used in the original device, the E-Series Dynamics Module recreates the classic warmth and punch of early SSL consoles.

The compressor section introduces new features including additional switching options to disable 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.

SSL G-Comp MK II 500 Series Module

The legendary bus compressor from the G-Series console has made its way to the world of 500 Series. The 1980s G-Series analog console's center section compressor is a legend in audio production—often imitated but never equaled.

In addition to the classic settings we all know and love, the new G-Comp 500 Series module introduces new features like additional ratio settings, a variable high-pass filter, and more.

SSL UVEQ

Building off of the strength of the SSL Fusion, the Ultraviolet EQ delivers an upgraded version of Fusion’s stereo EQ section with two fully parametric midbands, both featuring the thoughtful Focus mode. Featuring a careful selection of frequencies and response curves, Fusion offers musical EQ with a minimum phase shift designed to quickly dial the sound of your mix.

SSL SiX CH

Derived from the input channel strip on the SiX console mixer, the SiX CH gives you the mic preamp, EQ, and compression section in a 500 Series format. The SiX Channel strip is a simple way to add additional Mic/Line inputs to any professional audio device, including the Stereo channels of the SiX console.

SSL 4KB DYN

Derived from SSL’s original console offering, the B Range, the 4KB Dyn module is designed to give you the iconic, colored sound of the first SSL console on the market.

The B-Series Dynamics Module features a compressor/limiter with three fixed stepped compression ratios, and an additional 'ds' mode. Its gate/expander can act as a 20:1 gate or as a 2:1 expander when the EXP button is pressed.

If you’re interested in purchasing any of the Solid State Logic products mentioned in this blog, we can help! Contact a Vintage King Audio Consultant via email or by phone at 866.644.0160.