SOLID STATE LOGIC Revival 4000

Product overview

The SOLID STATE LOGIC Revival 4000 is a signature analogue channel strip that puts the immortal 4000 Series into a 1U 19" rack: the 4000 E transformer-balanced mic pre, discrete Class A VCA dynamics, the 4-band E Series EQ with 'Brown Knob' 02 and 'Black Knob' 242 circuits, and the 4000 B one-knob de-esser.

Originally launched in 1976, the SSL 4000 Series consoles revolutionised music production and became the industry benchmark, from the rare 4000 B to the SL 4000 E, the most influential mixing console of all time. For the first time the most revered circuits of the B and E Series consoles unite in one channel strip. With flexible routing, a balanced insert point, an external key input and side-chain linking for stereo pairs, Revival 4000 brings SSL's analogue heritage into any modern studio.

Key features

• Classic 4000 E transformer-balanced mic preamp with +48 V, polarity, pad and line input
• Musical one-knob 4000 B de-esser
• Ultimate 4000 E dynamics: discrete Class A VCA compressor, soft or hard knee, fast attack, logarithmic or linear release
• Classic gate / expander with fast attack
• Classic 4-band SSL EQ with fully parametric mids and switchable 'Brown Knob' 02 and 'Black Knob' 242 circuits
• High and low-pass filters: 12 dB/octave (02) or 18 dB/octave HPF (242)
• Balanced insert point and external side-chain (key) input
• Filters and EQ to the dynamics side chain; flexible process order
• Line output trim and switchable input / output metering
• Dynamics side-chain link for two units as a stereo pair

4000 E Series mic preamp

Revival 4000 uses the exact transformer-balanced preamp circuit of the original 4000 E Series console. MIC gives +20 to +70 dB of gain, with 48V phantom power, a 20 dB PAD and polarity invert. LINE selects the rear line input, sourced after the preamp, and TRIM adds +/-20 dB of clean gain.

4000 B Series de-esser

The de-esser uses the original de-esser circuit of the iconic 4000 B compressor / limiter: a 10:1 ratio and a 7 kHz high-pass filtered side chain give broadband compression precisely triggered by sibilance, ideal for harsh vocals, drums and other aggressive sources. One THRESHOLD knob (+10 to -20 dB) sets the amount, with LEDs at 3, 6 and 10 dB.

Ultimate 4000 E Series dynamics

The compressor / gate stays true to the original E Series channel strip, with a true RMS side-chain detector and an all-discrete gain reduction stage identical to the discrete Class A VCA chip of the original console. Switches defeat the soft knee, select a fast attack and choose logarithmic or linear release. The gate / expander works as a gate or a 2:1 expander with up to 40 dB of range and a fast attack option.

Classic 4-band E Series EQ

Two iconic EQ options: the 4000 E 'Brown Knob' 02, with SSL's symmetrical mid-band design and 6 dB/octave shelves switchable to a fixed-Q bell, and the 'Black Knob' 242, with wider +/-18 dB cut and boost, a refined control response and a steeper 18 dB/octave high-pass filter.

Flexible processing and routing

A balanced insert point brings external outboard into the signal path, at the input or the output. ROUTE switches move the dynamics or de-esser after the EQ, take the side chain from the external key input, and link two units. The filters and EQ can feed the dynamics side chain, and the meter reads the input or output.

In the box

• Revival 4000
• IEC power cord for your country
• Safety sheet

SOLID STATE LOGIC Revival 4000: frequently asked questions

Which EQ circuits are included?

Both the 4000 E 'Brown Knob' 02 and the 'Black Knob' 242, selected with the BLK switch.

Can two units be used as a stereo pair?

Yes. Connect their S/C LINK jacks with a TRS or TS cable, press LINK on both and match the compressor settings.

Can I change the processing order?

Yes. The filters can move to the input, the dynamics and de-esser can go after the EQ, and the insert can move to the output.

Does it accept line-level sources?

Yes. The rear LINE IN combo input takes line sources such as synthesisers or a computer audio output, with +/-20 dB of trim.

Where can I buy the SOLID STATE LOGIC Revival 4000 in India?

The SOLID STATE LOGIC Revival 4000 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Tracking vocals

Singers and producers.

Connections

Setup

1. Set MIC gain, 48V if needed.
2. Engage the de-esser.
3. Compress gently with the soft knee.
4. Shape with the Brown Knob EQ.

Tip: Move the de-esser post EQ after a bright HF boost.

Workflow 2: Drum compression and gating

Engineers recording or mixing drums.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the gate RANGE and THRESHOLD.
2. Use FAST ATT on the gate for sharp transients.
3. Compress with hard knee and fast attack.
4. Try LIN REL for drama.

Tip: Hard knee and linear release give the most dramatic compression.

Workflow 3: Mixing a track from the computer

Hybrid mixing.

Connections

Setup

1. Press LINE and set TRIM.
2. EQ with BLK for 242 curves.
3. Add dynamics post EQ if wanted.
4. Print back.

Tip: TRIM sets the level into the processing.

Workflow 4: Stereo bus with two units

Mix bus or drum bus processing.

Connections

Setup

1. Press LINK on both.
2. Match all settings.
3. Set the threshold.
4. Check the stereo image.

Tip: The loudest side controls both compressors.

Workflow 5: Key-triggered dynamics

Ducking or triggered gating.

Connections

Setup

1. Press EXT.
2. Set the gate or compressor threshold.
3. Add filters or EQ to the side chain if needed.
4. Adjust release.

Tip: Filters and EQ still act on the external side chain.

Workflow 6: Adding outboard

Inserting another processor.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the processor.
2. Press insert IN.
3. Use OP to move it to the output.
4. Set the output trim.

Tip: The insert send is always active.