Solid State Logic B Series Dynamics Module

Solid State Logic's new B Series Dynamics Module (B-DYN for short) recreates the SL 4000 B’s dynamics section, offering characterful compression and a versatile gate/expander circuit in one 500 Series rack space. The B-DYN is a follow-up to the E Series Dynamics Module (E-DYN), which replicates the slightly more neutral dynamics section of the SL 4000 E.

To compare the two in a real-world setting rather than a blind test, Vintage King’s Nikhil Suresh put them side-by-side in a shootout using kick, snare, bass, acoustic guitar, and vocal tracks from some of his recent productions. Keep reading to get the full scoop on these two modules and listen to the samples below to hear the different flavors of compression they offer.

A Look at the SSL B-DYN and E-DYN

SSL B Series Dynamics Module

The SL 4000 B’s channel strip dynamics section was unlike any that followed, partially due to using the fader VCA as its gain element instead of its own dedicated VCA. This feedback-style circuit shares similarities with the SSL Bus Compressor, giving it a more colorful sound than later 9000 Series consoles. In fact, linking two B-DYNs together essentially recreates the Bus Compressor circuit (with expanders).

The COMP section on the top of the module offers three fixed ratios from 2:1 to 10:1, as well as a “DS” option with a high-passed sidechain at 7 kHz for de-essing. The attack time is fixed at 30 milliseconds, but the release control offers settings from .2–1.6 seconds, a program-dependent Auto mode, and a “DS” setting with shorter attack and automatic release times. The Threshold control ranges from -20 to +10 dB, and the HPF button engages a different sidechain filter at 185 Hz to reduce “pumping” effects.

The bottom section hosts the gate/expander circuit, which can be set to a 20:1 ratio for gating or 2:1 for gentle expansion. The threshold spans -30 to +10 dB and the Range goes up to 35 dB, facilitating everything from low-level noise gating to extreme transient gating. Five Release settings allow you to dial in a smooth or fast-acting effect as desired. Finally, a LINK switch allows you to pair two modules for synchronized stereo processing.

SSL E Series Dynamics Module

The E-DYN shares a similar look to the B-DYN, with a slightly different layout of knobs, buttons, and meters. The biggest difference, however, is its continuously variable controls, which provide much finer control than the B-DYN’s stepped controls. The E-DYN also features a linear release setting which changes the slope of the compressor’s release, as well as a fast attack setting which changes the attack from 30 ms to 3 ms. Unlike the B-DYN, the E-DYN does not feature a Link switch.

Sonically, the E-DYN tends to be slightly more transparent than the B-DYN. There are two reasons for this: first of all, the two units recreate circuits from different console generations, with the later E Series having a more refined sound overall. Secondly, the flexibility of the controls makes it easier to dial in a transparent effect—although it’s still capable of aggressive compression with the right settings.

SSL B-DYN and E-DYN Audio Samples

Now for the real test: a head-to-head matchup of both units. To make a useful comparison, Vintage King’s Nikhil Suresh created the samples below within the context of real mixes, using the same settings on both compressors and level-matching the isolated tracks for easy A/B comparison.

Bass Guitar

Of all the tracks, the differences between the two compressors are most evident on the bass guitar. Both units delivered punchy and dynamic compression, but the B-DYN was noticeably more aggressive on the transients. The E-DYN also has a bit more of a “scooped” sound compared to the fullness of the B-DYN.

  1. Bass Guitar (no compression)
  2. Bass Guitar (SSL B-DYN)
  3. Bass Guitar (SSL E-DYN)

Settings:

  • Ratio: 10
  • Release: 1.6
  • Gain Reduction: 3-6 dB

Acoustic Guitar

On this strummed acoustic guitar track, the B-DYN brought out a bit more of the upper midrange at the cost of a little low-end thickness. The E-DYN sounded a bit more natural in the mids and highs, and let more of the pick attack through. Both produced great results, and each would fit into a different type of mix.

  1. Acoustic Guitar (no compression)
  2. Acoustic Guitar (SSL B-DYN)
  3. Acoustic Guitar (SSL E-DYN)

Settings:

  • Ratio: 2
  • Release: 1.6
  • Gain Reduction: 3 dB

Vocals

This distorted vocal track is already quite compressed, but each of the SSL compressors brought out different qualities in the tone. You can hear this best at the end of the clip, where the vocal hits the compressors hardest. In this case, the B-DYN actually sounded slightly smoother while the E-DYN sounded noticeably more squashed.

  1. Vocals (no compression)
  2. Vocals (SSL B-DYN)
  3. Vocals (SSL E-DYN)

Settings:

  • Ratio: 10
  • Release: .4
  • Gain Reduction: 3-6 dB

Kick and Snare Drums

Nikhil processed the kick and snare tracks with the same settings and provided isolated samples as well as a drum mix for context. On the kick, both units delivered similar results, with the E-DYN sounding just slightly thinner.

  1. Kick (no compression)
  2. Kick (SSL B-DYN)
  3. Kick (SSL E-DYN)

On the snare track, both units did a good job of bringing up the subtle rolls and ghost hits between notes. The B-DYN had a slightly crisper sound on the top-end, but both provided totally usable results.

  1. Snare (no compression)
  2. Snare (SSL B-DYN)
  3. Snare (SSL E-DYN)

With the processed Kick and Snare added to the rest of the drum tracks, the B-DYN provided a slightly more “glued” sound, whereas the E-DYN let more transients through. Running the kick through the E-DYN and the snare through the B-DYN provided the best of both worlds: fatter snare and punchier kick.

  1. Drums (no compression on kick & snare)
  2. Drums (SSL B-DYN on kick & snare)
  3. Drums (SSL E-DYN on kick & snare)
  4. Drums (E-DYN on kick, B-DYN on snare)

Settings:

  • Ratio: 4
  • Release: .8
  • Gain Reduction: 3-6 dB

Two Different Flavors of Dynamics

In these trials, the B-DYN definitely lived up to the B Series legacy, providing fast-acting VCA compression with plenty of tonal character. It’s a fantastic option if you’re looking for bold compression, and the expander only increases its utility. Like the SSL Bus Compressor, it’s a great choice for pumping up drum tracks. In fact, if you link two units, you essentially have a Bus Compressor with extra features.

While the E-DYN delivers a noticeably more subtle sound, it’s still versatile enough to handle anything you put through it—just as a channel strip dynamics section should. The continuously variable controls offer more flexibility than the B-DYN’s stepped controls, but the absence of a Link feature does hinder its utility.

Products in this Article
Navigating through the elements of the carousel is possible using the tab key. You can skip the carousel or go straight to carousel navigation using the skip links.
SSL E-Series EQ MK2 500 Series Equalizer Module
SSL E-Series EQ MK2 500 Series Equalizer Module
$ 699 .99
View Product
SSL 4KB DYN B-Series Dynamics 500 Series Module
SSL 4KB DYN B-Series Dynamics 500 Series Module
$ 699 .99
View Product