The latest hardware release from SSL provides the dynamics section of the company’s first ever console, the SL 4000 B, in a 500-series module.
As with version in the original console, the compressor utilises a feedback design and uses peak sensing, which the company say results in an aggressive, ‘grabby’ character that is very different from their later E- and 9000-Series designs. The unit occupies a single 500-series slot and operates in mono, but features a Link switch which allows two units to be paired together for use on stereo material.
Compressor
The B-DYN’s compressor section houses three rotary controls to set the processor’s ratio, threshold and release parameters, along with a switch that engages a 6dB/octave 185Hz high-pass filter in the compressor’s side-chain to help combat ‘pumping’ effects caused by low-frequency content. The section’s make-up gain is taken care of automatically.
Ratios of 2:1, 4:1, 10:1 and out (which bypassed the section) are available, with fixed release times of 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.2 ms joined by an Auto option, and the compressor’s threshold can be set anywhere between +10 and -20 dB. Additional DS positions are provided on the Ratio and Release controls, which can be selected to optimise the processor for reducing sibilance.
With both DS modes active, the module is set to a 10:1 ratio with an additional side-chain filter inserted, causing the compression to be triggered by sibilance and functioning as a de-esser. The release time automatically adjusts in the range of 30 to 50 ms depending on the processed signal, much faster than would normally be expected of an SSL dynamics section. The attack time is also reduced to 2ms, which is slightly faster than the E-Series dynamics module with its FAST mode engaged.
Gate/Expander
The module’s second section is capable of acting as a 20:1 gate, or a 2:1 expander. A Range control defines the amount of gain reduction that can be applied by the section, and spans from Out (bypassed) to 35dB, whilst the threshold control can be set between -30 and +10 dB. Release times of 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 are provided, and the section maintains a fixed attack time of 0.2ms at all settings.
Pricing & Availability
The B-DYN is available now, priced at $699£499 excluding VAT / €599.
