SSL 4K B channel strip plugin interface by Solid State Logic

SSL 4K B: Channel Strip Plugin Modeled on the SL 4000 B Console

Rated 4.9/5 on Plugin Boutique (114 ratings)

SSL 4K B is a channel strip plugin from Solid State Logic that models the SL 4000 B console, including its mic preamp, EQ and compressor. It is available for Windows and macOS in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

The SSL 4K B is a 64-bit channel strip plugin that recreates the sound of the SL 4000 B, a rare SSL desk released in 1976. The model covers the console's transformer mic preamp, its EQ and its compressor, with a dbx-style VCA fader in the signal path. Solid State Logic positions it as a companion to its cleaner, 9K-inspired Channel Strip 2. The plugin also integrates with SSL 360° and the Plug-in Mixer, and can be controlled from UC1 and UF8 hardware.

Best for

Vintage channel strip
Vocal tracking and mixing
Drum bus compression
Sibilance control
Analog-style mix processing

Developer: Solid State Logic
Category: Compressors
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Model of the rare SL 4000 B console from 1976
Transformer-based mic preamp modeled on Jensen JE-115K-E
EQ modeled as the precursor to the 4000 E Brown Knob EQ
Compressor based on the Bus Compressor design with VCA sidechain
Dedicated De-Esser mode in the compressor
Integration with SSL 360° and the Plug-in Mixer
Control from UC1 and UF8 hardware
Native Apple Silicon M1 and ARM support

03In depth

Modeled Sound and Circuit Detail

Solid State Logic says the 4K B models the circuitry down to component level. The signal chain includes a Jensen JE-115K-E transformer mic preamp and a dbx 'black can' 202 VCA fader. The developer describes the sound as full of tone and punch, with rich non-linear analogue character.

The EQ is modeled on the 4000 B, which Solid State Logic presents as the precursor to the Brown Knob EQ found on the 4000 E. The compressor is based on the Bus Compressor design, using peak detection and a feedback VCA topology in the sidechain. It also includes a De-Esser mode.

Hardware Integration and Console History

The 4K B works with the SSL 360° ecosystem and the Plug-in Mixer, and it can be controlled from UC1 and UF8 hardware. Apple Silicon M1 and ARM native support is included on macOS.

The SL 4000 B console was installed in Studio 2, known as 'The Stone Room', at Townhouse Studios in London. The developer notes it was used on albums by Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins and XTC.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Solid State Logic
Type	Plugin
Category	Compressor
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What is the SSL 4K B?

The SSL 4K B is a channel strip plugin from Solid State Logic that models the SL 4000 B console. It includes a mic preamp, EQ, compressor and De-Esser mode.

Which formats and operating systems does the SSL 4K B support?

The SSL 4K B is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows and macOS in 64-bit. On macOS it supports Apple Silicon M1 natively, and on Windows it requires Windows 10 or Windows 11.