NEW Solid State Logic Revival 4000 Analog Channel Strip

NEW Solid State Logic Revival 4000 Analog Channel Strip

Encapsulating the sonic excellence and features of the legendary Solid-State Logic 4000 series consoles of the '80s in a 1 RU form factor, the Revival 4000 is an all-analog channel strip featuring a Jensen transformer-balanced mic pre, a B series de-esser, a discrete VCA dynamics section, and iconic 4-band parametric EQ. With flexible routing, this channel strip offers striking versatility.

Starting at the mic pre section, the Jensen transformer of the mic preamp provides a rich sound and pristine clarity. The de-esser section provides a 10:1 ratio and helps to tame harsh sibilance on a wide range of sound sources. The Dynamics section, derived from the E series consoles, offers smooth, Class-A VCA dynamics/gate functionality with soft-knee, fast attack, and linear release functions, along with typical threshold, release, ratio, and range controls, plus a 5-segment gain-reduction meter. The 4-band EQ section features the option to switch between the classic E series Brown Knob or the Black Knob based on the 242 EQ. This section provides parametric EQ control over low, low-mid, high-mid, and high frequencies, adjustable Q, and the option to engage a fixed-Q bell curve for the high and low bands. You can use the Route section to place the Dynamics and De-Esser sections post EQ, to activate external side-chain triggering or stereo side-chain linking to a second Revival 4000 series unit. Finally, the master control section provides ±20 dB of output volume control, insert control, and the ability to switch the source used for the 5-segment master LED meter.

SSL's Legendary SL 4000 Series Revived
The Revival 4000 delivers the unmistakable sound of the early 1980s SL 4000 Series consoles—a sound that set the industry standard and helped shape the music of iconic artists including Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Bryan Adams, Pink Floyd, Prince, U2, Metallica, and many more. Drawing on the revered circuitry of both the B and E Series consoles, the Revival 4000 offers the signature tone and sonic flexibility that form the very foundation of SSL's legacy.

Jensen Transformer-Equipped SSL 4000 E Mic Preamp
Featuring a JT-115K-E Jensen transformer-balanced preamp, the Revival 4000 delivers richness and pristine clarity to your recordings. This circuit incorporates the very same Jensen component found in the original E Series channel strips.

4000 B-Series De-Esser
Revival 4000’s De-Esser is lifted from the original compressor/limiter design of the iconic 4000 B console, delivering 10:1 ratio and a 7 kHz side-chain filter. This configuration enables broadband compression that’s precisely triggered by sibilance, making it ideal for taming harsh vocals, drums, or other aggressive sources. Its musicality is further elevated by a circuit design that mirrors that of the legendary SSL Bus Compressor, adding a familiar clarity and character to any signal.
  • Manual In button inserts de-esser into signal chain
  • +10 to -20 dB gain control
  • 3-segment LED meter
4000 E Series Dynamics Section
The iconic dynamics section that defined the sound of the 1980s—fully featured and faithfully recreated. The compressor/gate design stays true to the original E Series channel strip, meticulously replicating the circuitry and components that gave it its legendary character. It includes a true RMS side-chain detector and an all-discrete gain reduction stage, identical to the discrete Class A VCA chip used in the original console. Flexible controls allow you to bypass the soft-knee curve, activate a fast attack mode, and choose between logarithmic or linear release curves. Together, these features offer a wide palette of tonal shaping options, capturing the distinctive voicings that helped craft countless classic records on a variety of E Series consoles.

Classic 4-Band SSL EQ
The celebrated 4-band parametric EQ that helped shape modern music. Revival 4000 features two iconic EQ options: the classic 4000 E Brown Knob (02) and the legendary Black Knob (242). The Brown Knob EQ includes two fully parametric mid bands with SSL’s signature symmetrical design, ensuring consistent musical intervals around the center frequency, no matter the gain or frequency settings. The high and low bands are 6 dB/octave shelving filters, with an option to switch to a fixed-Q bell response. This EQ became a staple of early '80s recordings and mixes. Developed in 1983, the 242 EQ circuit in collaboration with the legendary George Martin for the first SSL console installed at AIR Studios. Known as the Black Knob EQ, it introduced wider cut and boost ranges (±18 vs. ±15 dB), a refined control response, and a steeper 18 dB/octave high-pass filter—offering tighter low-end control and greater tonal flexibility.

Flexible Routing and Processing
Revival 4000 includes a dedicated balanced insert point, allowing you to seamlessly integrate external outboard gear into the signal path. It also features a dedicated external side-chain (key) input, flexible processing order, and side-chain linking, ideal for pairing two Revival 4000 units as a stereo setup.

Connectivity
  • XLR 3-pin microphone input
  • XLR-1/4" combo input for line / Hi-Z input
  • 1/4" insert send and return jacks
  • XLR-1/4" combo input for external side-chain trigger
  • 1/4" jack for side-chain stereo link
  • XLR balanced line output

Main Features:

  • All-analog channel strip utilizing circuitry from 2 iconic stages of SSL’s 4000 series console
  • Mic preamp built with the same original Jensen JT-115K-E transformer as the 4000 series console
  • 1-knob De-Esser levels out harsh sibilance
  • Discrete dynamics section designed with the same Class A VCA chip as the original E series channel strip
  • Compressor/Limiter and Expander/Gate comprise a full dynamics section to dial in your levels and peaks
  • Filter/EQ section featuring 2 distinct circuitry settings, the “02” Brown Knob (±15 dB range) and “242” Black Knob (±18 dB range)
  • Dedicated balanced insert point for incorporating additional outboard gear
  • Sidechain linking for setups using 2 Revival 4000s in stereo

Specs:

  • Preamp Type:Solid State
  • Number of Channels:Single channel
  • Phantom Power:Yes
  • Pads:Yes
  • Polarity Switch:Yes
  • EQ:4-band EQ, HPF, and LPF
  • Compressor:VCA
  • Other Processing:Gate, De-Esser
  • Analog Inputs:2 x XLR (mic, sidechain), 1 x XLR-1/4" combo (line), 1 x 1/4" (insert send)
  • Analog Outputs:1 x XLR, 2 x 1/4" (insert return, sidechain link)
  • Rack Spaces:1U
  • Power Source:Standard IEC AC Cable

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