Stam Audio Engineering 4K-5+ • 500 Series SSL 4000 Classic VCA Stereo Bus Compressor

OVERVIEW

The Stam Audio 4K-5+ is a faithful recreation of the legendary SSL 4000 stereo bus compressor, now in a powerful 500 series format. Revered for its ability to add glue, punch, and cohesion to mixes, the original G Series console compressor shaped countless hit records over the past three decades. With the 4K-5+, you get the same unmistakable character and behavior of the original, thanks to Stam’s meticulous attention to detail and use of premium, hand-built components.

At the heart of the unit are two Stam Audio SA-202C VCA cans – discrete, hand-matched replicas of the iconic DBX 202C gold cans that powered every vintage SSL desk from the ’80s. Combined with Panasonic premium capacitors, Sifam knobs, and a faithfully recreated circuit, the 4K-5+ delivers the warmth, harmonic richness, and dynamic punch engineers crave. Built by hand in Chile, each unit undergoes extensive testing and a 24-hour burn-in to ensure flawless performance.

Whether you’re mixing in the box or on an analog desk, the 4K-5+ instantly elevates your sound. Strap it across your mix bus for tight, powerful glue, or use it on drums, vocals, and groups to add size, clarity, and undeniable vibe. Simply put, it makes everything sound like a record.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Authentic SSL 4000 Glue:

Delivers the same punch, cohesion, and mix glue as the original G Series console bus compressor, loved by top engineers worldwide.

True SA-202C VCA Replicas:

Features two hand-built, fully discrete SA-202C VCA cans – exact reproductions of the rare DBX 202C gold cans that defined the SSL sound.

Premium Components:

Built with Panasonic capacitors, Carnhill inductors, and Sifam knobs, ensuring accuracy, durability, and musical performance.

Vintage & Modern Modes:

Switch between classic SSL harmonic behavior or a refined modern frequency response for added flexibility.

Handcrafted in Chile:

Each unit is handmade, calibrated, and burned in for 24 hours to guarantee world-class performance and reliability.

FEATURES & TECHNICAL SPECS

• 2 x Stam Audio SA-202C discrete VCA (DBX 202 replica)
• 2 x THAT 2181CL VCA
• True to the original G Series Desk circuit and schematic
• Vintage/Modern mode for classic console THD and modern THD, and frequency response
• Panasonic premium capacitors
• 5 Ratio settings
• 5 Release settings
• Gain Reduction meter as fitted to the classic SSL consoles
• Sifam Knobs
• Handmade in Chile
• 2-year warranty
• 30-day money-back guarantee