SOLID STATE LOGIC Super 9000

Product overview

The SOLID STATE LOGIC Super 9000 is a SuperAnalogue channel strip in 1U: first introduced in the legendary SL 9000 J and perfected in the Duality, it brings the ultra-low distortion, exceptional punch and breathtaking clarity of SSL's SuperAnalogue consoles, with a dual SuperAnalogue / VHD mic pre, 9000 dynamics and the 292 'Pink' and 242 'Black' EQ circuits.

The 9000 Series became the benchmark for modern music production: clean, wide and open, with extended highs, ultra-deep lows and punch that paved the way for the modern SSL sound. SuperAnalogue technology creates a signal path so transparent and wide in bandwidth that nothing is lost: super-wide bandwidth, ruler-flat response, ultra-low transient intermodulation distortion, no electrolytic capacitors in the audio path, extremely low noise and very low phase shift. Super 9000 adds flexible routing, a balanced insert, an external key input and side-chain linking for stereo pairs.

Key features

• Dual mic pre: SuperAnalogue (9000) or VHD (Duality), with +48 V, polarity invert and pad
• Two mic pre impedances: 1.3 kΩ and 11 kΩ
• Dedicated LINE input with INPUT FLIP to run it through the mic pre
• Quintessential 9000 / Duality dynamics: peak / hard knee or soft knee, programme-dependent or fast attack
• Classic gate / expander with fast attack and HOLD
• 4-band SSL EQ: G-Series 'Pink Knob' 292 or E-Series 'Black Knob' 242, fully parametric mid-bands
• 18 dB/octave HPF and 12 dB/octave LPF
• 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 (TS / TRS cable, not included)

Dual mic amp: SuperAnalogue or VHD

Choose between two world-class preamps, just like the flagship Duality console. The pristine, high-headroom SuperAnalogue preamp gives unmatched clarity; the Variable Harmonic Drive circuit adds character and saturation, from 2nd order harmonics for rich valve-like warmth to 3rd order for a harder, transistor-style edge. The best way to drive VHD is to raise the MIC gain while lowering TRIM, then fine-tune with DRIVE.

INPUT FLIP

INPUT FLIP routes the rear LINE input to the mic pre while the MIC connection goes through the line path: an easy way to process line-level returns from the computer with VHD saturation at the mix stage, without re-patching.

Full dynamics processing

The compressor / limiter is identical to that of the 9000 Series and Duality consoles: a true RMS side chain and soft knee give very transparent compression even with heavy gain reduction, PK switches to peak sensing with a hard knee, and fast attack clamps down on spiky percussion. The classic gate / expander has variable hysteresis in the threshold and a HOLD control, and the dynamics can be placed before or after the EQ.

Pink (292) and Black (242) EQ

The 292 G-Series 'Pink Knob' EQ has variable-Q mid-bands that tighten as you push harder, and shelves with a steeper slope and the signature undershoot / overshoot. In 292 mode the LMF range can be divided by 3 and the HMF range multiplied by 3. The 242 E-Series 'Black Knob' EQ has constant-Q mid-bands, often described as more surgical, and LF / HF bands switchable between bell and shelf.

Flexible processing and routing

A balanced insert can sit after the input stage or at the output, before the output trim. The filters can move to the input or the dynamics side chain, the EQ can feed the side chain, an external key input can drive the dynamics, and two units can be linked as a stereo pair.

In the box

• Super 9000
• IEC power cord for your country
• Safety sheet

SOLID STATE LOGIC Super 9000: frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the two preamps?

The SuperAnalogue preamp is extremely low-noise and transparent; the VHD preamp adds controllable 2nd and 3rd harmonic distortion, from valve-like warmth to transistor-style edge.

Can I use VHD on tracks from my computer?

Yes. Connect them to LINE IN, press INPUT FLIP and release LINE: the line signal then runs through the mic pre, with PAD for hot levels.

Which EQ circuits are included?

The G-Series 'Pink Knob' 292 (default) and the E-Series 'Black Knob' 242, selected with the E button.

Can two units be linked?

Yes. Connect their S/C LINK jacks with a TS or TRS cable (not included) and press LINK on both.

Where can I buy the SOLID STATE LOGIC Super 9000 in India?

The SOLID STATE LOGIC Super 9000 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Clean vocal tracking

Singers and producers.

Connections

Setup

1. Set MIC gain with SuperAnalogue.
2. Try HI-Z for some ribbon or dynamic mics.
3. Compress with the RMS soft knee.
4. Shape with the 292 EQ.

Tip: SuperAnalogue gives the minimum of colouration.

Workflow 2: VHD colour on stems

Mixers saturating stems.

Connections

Setup

1. Press INPUT FLIP and release LINE.
2. Use PAD for hot levels.
3. Press VHD and raise MIC gain.
4. Lower TRIM and blend DRIVE.

Tip: No re-patching needed.

Workflow 3: Punchy drums

Engineers on kick, snare and toms.

Connections

Setup

1. Press PK and FST ATK.
2. Set ratio and threshold.
3. Gate with HOLD for decays.
4. Switch E for surgical 242 EQ.

Tip: The 242 gives a high Q at low gain settings.

Workflow 4: Stereo bus pair

Mix or drum bus.

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.

Workflow 5: Key-triggered dynamics

Ducking or triggered gating.

Connections

Setup

1. Press EXT.
2. Set the threshold.
3. Add filters to the side chain if needed.
4. Adjust release and hold.

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

Workflow 6: Extended mid-band EQ

Sculpting lows and highs with bells.

Connections

Setup

1. Stay in 292 mode.
2. Press G÷3 for LMF down to 66 Hz.
3. Press Gx3 for HMF up to 21 kHz.
4. Combine with the shelves.

Tip: Bells with wide or narrow Q in the extreme regions.