The British manufacturer SSL belongs to the select group of legendary mixing console makers that have seamlessly evolved into the digital era: It has constantly expanded its range to include audio interfaces, DAW controllers, and compact mixers, while continuing to offer its iconic classics in refined, modernised forms. Among these timeless creations are the components of the legendary SSL 4000 mixing console, whose distinctive sound has shaped countless recordings. Along with the renowned 611 EQ module, its dynamics section remains a defining element of the unmistakable SSL character, and this meticulously crafted reissue preserves every feature of the original, enhanced with updated circuitry and elegantly housed in a contemporary, space-saving API-500 module.
The SSL 611 DYN combines a VCA compressor with a gate/expander, typically positioned between the preamp and EQ to give precise control over individual tracks. The compressor offers adjustable ratio and threshold, with timing that can be switched between linear and logarithmic behaviour, a variable release, and two fixed attack settings complemented by a selectable curve. The gate and expander functions add further flexibility with independent range, threshold, and release controls, and ultra-fast attack options. Faithful to SSL tradition, the module omits sidechain, stereo link, and make-up gain, maintaining the brand’s distinctive design – densely packed yet cleanly laid out, colourful, and effortless to use.
The SSL 4000E channel strip stands as one of the true legends among recording tools, its presence in countless studios having defined the sound of hit productions for decades and across genres. Central to this legacy is its dynamics module, renowned for its punch and precision – especially on drums and bass – while adding those distinctive, musically pleasing artefacts at more extreme settings. Of course, users will not want to or be able to install such a module in every channel in a modern studio: But those who appreciate a classic and timeless sound will find the SSL 661 DYN to be an extremely powerful and easy-to-use dynamics tool for many tracking and mixing applications.
Solid State Logic (SSL), is a renowned British manufacturer of high-end mixing consoles and hardware. It was founded in 1969 by Colin Sanders and is based in Begbroke, Oxfordshire. Initially the company developed transistors to control church organs, hence the name Solid State Logic. At the end of the 1970s they made huge advances in the domain of large mixing consoles with the 4000 series which pioneered the oncoming era of the ‘super’ consoles. Later, the 6000 and 9000 series also proved to be a great success and are still being used in countless recording studios all over the world. In 2005, Peter Gabriel and David Engelke took a majority stake in the company and then sold it to the Audiotonix Group in 2017.
The SSL 611 DYN module is built as a classic channel compressor and gate/expander, delivering outstanding results in both tracking and mixing: Its proven quality is evident across countless hit productions spanning every genre. With its distinct and assertive sonic character, the device plays a key role in shaping the bold, slightly edgy SSL sound. When paired with other SSL components, the SSL 611 DYN recreates the legendary SSL 4000E channel strip with striking authenticity, yet its flexibility allows seamless integration with any premium preamp or EQ; now, any studio engineer can craft their own personalised "dream channel strip". The 500 series format further enhances its appeal, offering an extensive range of compatible options at a variety of price points.