SSL 4000 B: The Vintage Sound That Shaped Music History

SSL 4000 B: The charm of vintage sound that made music history

Introduced in 1976, the Solid State Logic 4000 B was one of the first inline recording consoles, a true turning point in the evolution of studio technologies. Its rich, warm, punchy sound left an indelible imprint on some of modern music's most iconic productions.

One console, one legend

Installed in the legendary 'Stone Room' at London's Townhouse Studios, the 4000 B has featured on epoch-making recordings: from the dramatic power of Phil Collins' In the Air Tonight, to the Buggles ' synth-pop revolution with Video Killed the Radio Star, to the experimental intensity of Peter Gabriel's Intruder.

The sonic heart: preamplifier and compression

Jensen preamplifier: warmth and analog harmonics

The 4000 B integrated a transformer-based Jensen JE-115K-E preamp, capable of imparting much-appreciated harmonic richness and musical saturation to the signal. The transformer's nonlinear behavior emphasized low frequencies, giving a "fat" and engaging sound, perfect for voices, drums and acoustic instruments.

Dynamic section: punch and character

The channel compression section was inspired by the famous SSL Bus Compressor and used the dbx 202 "black can" chip. This provided "grabby" and responsive compression, ideal for giving presence and attack to drums, bass and guitars. This is where SSL first introducedAuto Gain Make-Up, making level management automatic and smooth.

Musical and precise equalization

The 4000 B's 4-band EQ circuit laid the foundation for all subsequent SSL evolutions. This design, forerunner of the famous "brown knob EQ," was very effective on rhythm instruments because of its constant-band parametric averaging. It is still chosen today for its ability to sculpt sound while maintaining musicality and precision.

The sound of the 4000 B today: plugins and hardware

Those who wish to recapture that sonic signature can do so through the 4K B Channel Strip plug-in, a faithful emulation of the original. From the harmonic saturation of the preamp to the dynamic behavior of the VCA, everything has been recreated to bring that vintage sound to modern projects.

Also available in hardware format in the 500 Series ( B-DYN module) and within the SSL Revival 4000 Channel Strip, which also includes the famous DeEsser B Series circuit, the 4000 B continues to inspire sound engineers, producers and musicians.

🛒 Want to bring that vintage feel to your mixes?

Rediscover the SSL 4000 B sound through the modern recreations available on our website:

👉 SSL Revival 4000

👉 SSL B-DYN 500 Module

👉 SSL U Series

👉 SSL 4K B Plug-in