Recording, Mixing and Mastering

SSL Super 9000 and Revival 4000: two icons, two sound philosophies

Published on 27/10/2025

SSL Super 9000 and Revival 4000: two icons, two sound philosophies

Two professional channel strips signed Solid State Logic
A non-competitive but complementary comparison
Focus on technical and tonal characteristics
Choice support based on your workflow

Solid State Logic Super 9000 Channel Strip

This model is designed for those who want the "modern" SSL sound, with SuperAnalogue™ technology that the company describes as ultra-low distortion, wide bandwidth, transparency. It is a 1U channel strip with mic/line preamp, compressor/gate, EQ, filters, flexible routing.

Key Features.

Dual mic preamp with choice of SuperAnalogue™ (transparent) or VHD™ (Variable Harmonic Drive) mode for saturation
VCA compressor with THAT 2181A chip, Fast Attack mode, Peak Detect mode
4-band EQ: 292 "Pink Knob" mode (variable Q) or 242 "Black Knob" mode (constant Q)
High-Pass filters 18 dB/oct and Low-Pass filters 12 dB/oct
Balanced insert, external sidechain, stereo link, customizable routing

Sound and context of use

Very clean, defined, open sound: great for modern contexts where transparency and maximum quality are required. VHD option allows you to add saturation or color (second and third harmonics) if you need more character.

When to consider it

Modern productions: pop, R&B, electronic
Professional-level recording and mixing
Maximum versatility between cleanliness and color

Solid State Logic Revival 4000 Channel Strip

This model is dedicated to lovers of the "historic" SSL sound: the 4000 series that made recording history in the 1980s is revived in 1U rack format.

Key Features.

Jensen JT-115K-E transformer mic preamp
One-knob de-esser with 7 kHz side-chain
Discrete Class A VCA compressor/gate, soft/hard knee, Fast Attack
4-band EQ: Brown Knob 02 and Black Knob 242 modes
HPF/LPF filters according to mode
Balanced insert, external sidechain, flexible process-order, stereo link

Sound and context of use

The focus is on character, on the "classic" SSL sound signature. If you're looking for vintage SSL grit, it's a good choice. More musical and colorful than the Super 9000, thanks to the original transformer and circuitry.

When to consider it

Rock productions, 80s/90s style pop
Sound with identity and sonic signature
Color-oriented analog setup

Feature comparison: highlights

Feature	Super 9000	Revival 4000
Preamp	SuperAnalogue™ + VHD™	Jensen JT-115K-E Transformer
Dynamics	VCA THAT 2181A, Peak Detect, Fast Attack	Class A VCA, Soft/Hard Knee, Fast Attack
EQ	Pink Knob 292, Black Knob 242	Brown Knob 02, Black Knob 242
Filters	HPF 18dB/oct, LPF 12dB/oct	HPF 18dB/oct (mode), LPF 12dB/oct
Routing	Insert, sidechain, stereo link, variable order	Insert, sidechain, stereo link, variable order
Sound	Transparent, modern, versatile	Warm, analog, classic character

Practical buying guide: which one to choose?

Super 9000: if your studio aims for the highest quality recordings, clean, modern sounds, and sonic flexibility (VHD)
Revival 4000: if you are looking for classic SSL timbre, to give sonic identity to your mix or recording
Both together? Ideal choice for a professional studio who wants the best of both worlds: transparency and character