SSL Revival 4000 Channel Strip

The Revival 4000 is a top-tier, fully analogue channel strip from Solid State Logic, capturing the iconic sound of the early 1980s SL 4000 Series consoles—a tone that defined the industry and influenced legendary artists such as Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Bryan Adams, Pink Floyd, Prince, U2, and Metallica. Incorporating the acclaimed circuitry from both the B and E Series consoles, the Revival 4000 delivers the distinctive character and versatile tonal control that underpin SSL’s enduring reputation.

The Revival 4000 is a distinctive analogue channel strip that captures the essence and key features of the classic 4000 Series within a streamlined 1U design. It includes the renowned E Series JT-115K-E Jensen transformer-balanced mic preamp, B Series De-Esser, the discrete Class A VCA Dynamics section from the E Series, and the legendary four-band parametric E Series EQ—with high-pass/low-pass filters and selectable Brown/Black knob EQ options. Featuring versatile routing, a balanced insert point, and sidechain linking, the Revival 4000 serves as a cornerstone channel strip that brings SSL’s analogue legacy into today’s studios.

Key Features: 

Classic Jensen Transformer Equipped SSL 4000 E Mic Preamp

Equipped with a JT-115K-E Jensen transformer-balanced preamp, the Revival 4000 provides your recordings with exceptional warmth and crystal-clear detail. This design utilizes the identical Jensen transformer used in the original E Series channel strips.

4000 B-Series De-Esser 

The Revival 4000’s De-Esser is derived from the original compressor/limiter circuitry of the iconic 4000 B console, featuring a 10:1 compression ratio and a 7 kHz sidechain filter. This setup delivers broadband compression that responds precisely to sibilant frequencies, making it highly effective for controlling harsh vocals, drums, and other aggressive sound sources. Its musical quality is enhanced by a design inspired by the renowned SSL Bus Compressor, imparting distinctive clarity and character to any audio signal.

Ultimate 4000 E Series Dynamics Section  

The Revival 4000’s dynamics section recreates the classic 1980s sound with an authentic compressor/gate design from the original E Series channel strip. It uses the same circuitry, including a true RMS sidechain and discrete Class A VCA chip. With options to bypass the soft-knee, enable fast attack, and select release curves, it provides versatile tonal control, capturing the distinctive character heard on many legendary records.

Classic 4-Band SSL EQ

The Revival 4000 includes the famous 4-band parametric EQ that shaped modern music, featuring two classic options: the 4000 E Brown Knob (02) and the Black Knob (242). The Brown Knob EQ offers two parametric mid bands with symmetrical design and shelving or bell filters on the high and low bands, common on early ’80s mixes. The Black Knob EQ, developed with George Martin in 1983, provides wider boost and cut ranges, refined controls, and a steeper high-pass filter for better low-end control and greater tonal versatility.

Flexible Processing & Routing 

The Revival 4000 offers a dedicated balanced insert point for easy integration of external outboard gear into the signal chain. It also provides an external sidechain (key) input, flexible processing order, and sidechain linking, making it well-suited for the stereo pairing of two units.

Specification: 

• 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.