Solid State Logic

It seems right and proper that SSL themselves are first to release an emulation of their early B series desk. Let’s see how it performs

SSL has developed numerous excellent plugins, but with the arrival of their Native Channel Strip 2 and UC1 hardware controller they’ve taken things up a level. The latest addition to this system is SSL 4K B. Based on their rare early 4000 B series desk (only six were ever built), they’ve gone back to basics and used component-level modelling coupled with their own specialist know-how to deliver a vibey channel strip that’s the perfect partner to the Channel Strip 2.

So, what are you getting? Much like the Channel Strip 2, the 4K B is a full strip, based sonically and visually on SSL’s hardware, but with plenty of software extras. It works as a regular plugin and also dovetails with their UC1 hardware controller. It’s currently free for UC1 owners, and is also included in their SSL Complete subscription package. Alas at present there’s no perpetual licence option. It includes the obvious stuff such as 4-band EQ with two fully parametric mid bands, low and high shelves with independent Bell option, and highand low-pass filters. There’s also a combined Dynamics section with Compressor and Gate/ Expander, and accompanying LED meters. In the centre you’ll find the main fader section (with Cut and Solo) flanked by input and output meters (Peak and RMS). Stereo plugin instances also include Pan and M/S Width.