SSL Revival 4000 – Signature Analogue Channel Strip

OVERVIEW

The Revival 4000 captures the essence of SSL’s most iconic consoles – the B and E Series – in a modern, compact format. Inspired by the gear that powered hits from Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Prince, U2, and Metallica, this 1U analogue channel strip delivers the same sonic excellence that shaped music history.

At its heart is the Jensen transformer-balanced mic preamp from the E Series, complemented by the B Series De-Esser, the revered Class A VCA dynamics section, and the legendary 4-band parametric EQ with switchable Brown and Black knob curves. With flexible routing, sidechain linking, and a dedicated insert point, the Revival 4000 seamlessly integrates into modern workflows while staying true to SSL’s legacy sound.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Authentic 1980s SSL Tone:

Delivers the unmistakable sonic character of the SSL 4000 B and E Series consoles that defined countless classic records.

Classic SSL Mic Preamp:

Equipped with the original JT-115K-E Jensen transformer, the Revival 4000 preamp adds warmth, depth, and pristine clarity to every source.

Vintage B Series De-Esser:

Faithfully recreates the B Series design for smooth, musical control of sibilance and harsh frequencies, perfect for vocals and drums.

Legendary E Series Dynamics:

Discrete Class A VCA compressor/gate section with flexible controls for attack, release, and knee behaviour – identical to the original.

Iconic SSL EQ Options:

Features both the Brown Knob and Black Knob EQs, offering a wide palette of tonal shaping tools used on countless chart-topping albums.

Modern Flexibility:

Includes balanced inserts, external sidechain input, and stereo linking for integration with outboard gear and advanced routing.

FEATURES

• Compact 1U rack analogue channel strip

• Jensen JT-115K-E transformer-balanced mic preamp

• B Series De-Esser with 10:1 ratio and 7 kHz sidechain filter

• Class A VCA dynamics section with RMS detector and discrete gain reduction stage

• Compressor with bypassable soft knee, fast attack mode, and selectable release curves

• Classic 4-band SSL parametric EQ with Brown Knob and Black Knob options

• High-pass and low-pass filters for precision control

• Balanced insert point for integrating external gear

• External sidechain input with linking for stereo operation

• Flexible routing and processing order

TECHNICAL SPECS

Classic SSL 4000 E Jensen transformer-balanced mic preamp

Musical one-knob 4000 B De-Esser section

+48V, Polarity invert, Pad and Line Input

Ultimate 4000 E Series Dynamics section:

• Discrete Class A VCA compressor section:
  • Soft or Hard Knee modes
  • Fast attack on/off
  • Logarithmic or Linear Release modes
• Classic Gate/Expander section:
  • With Fast attack on/off

Classic 4-band SSL EQ:

• Fully parametric mid-bands
• Switchable Brown Knob ‘02’ and Black Knob ‘242’ EQ Circuits

High and Low Pass Filters:

• Brown 02 mode – 12 dB per octave HPF & LPF
• Black 242 mode – 18 dB per octave HPF & 12 dB per octave LPF

Balanced Insert point for connecting external devices into the signal path

Extensive ‘to sidechain’ functionality:

• Filters to Dynamics sidechain
• EQ to Dynamics sidechain

Flexible process-order routing:

• Filters to input
• Dynamics and De-Ess post-EQ options
• Insert to output

Line Output Trim

Switchable input/output metering

External sidechain (key) input

Dynamics sidechain link – allows 2 x Revival 4000s compressors to work as a stereo pair