Stam Audio Engineering SA-4000MK3 • SSL 4000 Stereo Bus Compressor

OVERVIEW

The Stam Audio SA-4000MK3 brings the magic of the SSL 4000 G and E Series bus compressors into one meticulously crafted unit. At its heart are four hand-built SA-202C discrete VCAs, faithful reproductions of the legendary DBX 202C “gold cans” that gave the original Oxford consoles their punch, glue, and unmistakable character. Combined with carefully selected Elna Silmic capacitors, the MK3 captures every nuance of the vintage SSL tone while adding modern flexibility for today’s workflows.

Unlike typical clones, the SA-4000MK3 offers more than simple emulation. A switch on the faceplate lets you toggle between the G Series’ late ’80s punch and the E Series’ mid ’80s character, effectively giving you two classic compressors in one. Enhancements include a true stereo sidechain, Mix Blend control for parallel compression, a 5-position HPF, and expanded ratio settings (1.5 and 3.0). These features make the MK3 equally at home on the mix bus, drum bus, or any source that demands cohesion and energy.

For even greater tonal shaping, the MK3 offers three optional output stage mods: the British Mod (Carnhill transformers + BA283 cards) for warmth and weight, the American Mod (SA-2520 op-amps + Steel 2503 transformers) for punchy drums, and the Fairchild Mod (HS-52 AMI transformers + 6BA6 tubes) for rich tube harmonics. Handmade in Chile with uncompromising attention to detail, the SA-4000MK3 is more than a replica – it’s a modern classic designed to make your mixes sound like records.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Two Compressors in One:

Switch between the legendary SSL 4000 E Series and G Series bus compressors at the twist of a knob.

Authentic SA-202C VCAs:

Handcrafted, fully discrete replicas of the iconic DBX 202C “gold can” VCAs for true vintage tone.

Modern Enhancements:

Features Mix Blend, 5-position sidechain HPF, expanded ratio options, and true stereo operation for flexible mixing.

Premium Components:

Built with Elna Silmic capacitors, custom VCAs, and hand-calibrated circuits for unmatched accuracy and reliability.

Optional Mods for Custom Tone:

Choose between British, American, or Fairchild mods to add warmth, punch, or tube harmonics to your sound.

Handmade in Chile:

Every unit is hand-assembled, calibrated, and tested for sonic precision and long-lasting durability.

FEATURES & TECHNICAL SPECS

• Faithful SSL 4000 G and E Series stereo bus compressor recreation
• Four SA-202C discrete VCAs (reverse-engineered DBX 202C “gold cans”)
• Switchable E Series and G Series modes
• True stereo sidechain with 5 selectable HPF frequencies
• Mix Blend knob for parallel compression
• Expanded ratio settings: 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 10
• Hand-selected Elna Silmic capacitors for wide frequency response and stereo image
• Optional transformer mods:
  • British Mod – Carnhill transformers + BA283 cards (warmth & weight)
  • American Mod – SA-2520 op-amps + Steel 2503 transformers (punch & clarity)
  • Fairchild Mod – HS-52 AMI transformers + 6BA6 tubes (tube harmonics & low-end richness)
• True balanced outputs
• Handmade and calibrated in Chile
• 2-year warranty