Solid State Logic SSL 4K E - User Manual

SSL 4K E Channel Strip Plug-in - User Guide
Introduction & Key Features
The SSL 4K E channel strip plug-in brings the iconic SL 4000 E console to your
digital audio workstation, carrying the legacy of a console that defined a generation
of music production. The 4K E plug-in faithfully replicates the hallmark features of
the original console, including its renowned high- and low-pass filters, versatile
four-band equaliser, dynamic compressor/limiter, and precise gate/expander. It
also embodies the characteristic warmth and depth of the original console, thanks
to its meticulously emulated mic pre and VCA fader, offering a rich, analog feel to
your digital mixes. With the 4K E plug-in, the celebrated sound and functionality
of the SL 4000 E are seamlessly integrated into the modern digital audio
environment, providing producers and engineers with a timeless tool for artistic
expression.
This plug-in is a 360-enabled plug-in and integrates with the SSL 360° Plug-in
Mixer software, including first-class integration and hands-on control via the SSL
UC1, SSL UF8 and SSL UF1 hardware controllers.

Summary

Introduction & Key Features

Analogue Modelling and Measurements

Release Notes

Supported Platforms and Hosts

Apple Silicon Support

Native support for Apple Silicon processors on macOS.

Operating Systems

Information on supported operating systems for the plug-in.

Hosts

List of compatible Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) for the plug-in.

Demo, Trial, Installation, and Download

Licensing

Overview of the Plug-in Interface

360° Plug-in Mixer Integration

SSL Hardware Controllers

SSL UC1 Controller

Details on using the SSL UC1 hardware plug-in controller.

SSL UF8 Controller

Information on the SSL UF8 studio and DAW controller.

SSL UF1 Controller

Details about the SSL UF1 single fader DAW controller.

Input Section Controls

Equaliser Section

EQ Filters and Bands

Details on high-pass, low-pass, and frequency bands for the EQ.

EQ Type Selection

Options for different EQ circuit emulations (Brown, Orange, Black).

Dynamics Section

Compressor Controls

Parameters for compression, including ratio, attack, release, and threshold.

Gate;Expander Controls

Parameters for gate/expander functionality, including threshold, range, and attack.

Output Section

Routing Menu and Sidechaining

How the Solo System Works

Explains solo system functionality in different DAWs and with SSL 360°.

Sidechaining Configuration

Setting up external sidechains and routing modules to sidechains.

Advanced Settings

SSL Plug-in Engine Features

Undo;Redo Functionality

Built-in undo/redo stack for parameter changes within the plug-in.

Preset Management

Loading, saving, and managing presets for the plug-in.

Version Number

Scale and Zoom

Built-in Help and HQ Mode

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The SSL 4K E Channel Strip Plug-in is a software emulation designed to bring the sound and functionality of the iconic Solid State Logic SL 4000 E console to digital audio workstations. This plug-in faithfully replicates the console's hallmark features, offering a rich, analog feel to digital mixes.

Function Description:

The core function of the SSL 4K E Channel Strip Plug-in is to provide a comprehensive set of audio processing tools, mirroring those found on the original SL 4000 E console. This includes:

• Input Section: This section offers two signal paths: a clean path and an analogue path. The INPUT TRIM control provides ±20 dB of gain, acting as a 'line input trim'. When the 'PRE' button is engaged, the signal passes through a hardware-modelled JE-115K-E Transformer mic pre-amp before the INPUT TRIM, allowing for gentle saturation to rich distortion. The MIC control adds +20-70 dB of automatically-compensated gain through the transformer gain stage, introducing harmonics without affecting the signal level. A Polarity (Ø) control inverts the phase of the input signal. An LED indicates the drive level of the circuit, with colors signifying low/zero distortion (OFF), gentle saturation (GREEN), mid/high saturation (ORANGE), and high distortion (RED). The 'PRE' toggle engages or disengages the mic pre-amp gain stage.

• Equaliser Section: The plug-in features a versatile four-band equalizer, replicating the various design iterations of the 4000 E EQ. It includes high- and low-pass filters, a low-frequency (LF) shelf, a low-mid frequency (LMF) bell filter, a high-mid frequency (HMF) bell filter, and a high-frequency (HF) shelf. Both LF and HF bands offer optional bell curve modifiers. The EQ section allows for ±15 dB gain control across all bands, with variable Q width for the LMF and HMF bell filters. The plug-in offers three distinct EQ 'flavors': the original '02 Brown' knob (buttons out), the rare passive ‘132 Orange' knob (Orange Button In), and the cleaner ‘242 Black' knob (Black Button In), each providing unique characteristics. The 'Filters IN' and 'EQ IN' toggles enable or disable their respective processing sections.

• Dynamics Section: This section provides both compression and gate/expander processing, based on the 'Revision 4' Dynamics of the SL 4000 E console, known for its soft-knee and logarithmic release circuit.

  • Compressor: Features a Compressor Mix control for parallel processing, a Compression Ratio (from 1 to 20), a Compressor Fast Attack option (3 ms vs. 30 ms), a Compressor Threshold (+10 to -20 dB) with automatic gain make-up (which can be disabled in Advanced Settings), and a Compressor Release control (0.1 to 4 seconds).
  • Gate/Expander: Includes a Gate/Expander Threshold with variable hysteresis, a Gate/Expander Range control (0 to 60 dB), a Gate/Expander Release (0.1 to 4 seconds), and a Gate/Expander Fast Attack option (100 µs vs. 1.5 ms). An Expander Button switches the gate into a gentler downwards expander mode.
  • Meters: Separate meters indicate the amount of compression (orange) and gating (green) being applied. The 'DYN IN' toggle enables or disables the entire dynamics processing section.

• Output Section: This section adds harmonic saturation via a modelled dbx 202 'gold can' VCA fader, controlled by the FADER LEVEL parameter, which can be driven up to +12 dB. A 'clean' output trim compensates for added gain. For stereo instances, WIDTH and PAN controls are available for mid-side (M/S) width control and stereo positioning. Solo, Cut, Solo Clear, and Safe options are also provided, along with a Sidechain Listen feature.

Usage Features:

• DAW Integration: The plug-in seamlessly integrates into modern digital audio environments, supporting VST, VST3, AU (macOS only), and AAX (Pro Tools) formats. The track name is automatically provided from the DAW if supported.
• SSL 360° Ecosystem: It is a 360-enabled plug-in, integrating with the SSL 360° Plug-in Mixer software. This allows for first-class integration and hands-on control via SSL UC1, UF8, and UF1 hardware controllers, providing tactile control over the plug-in's parameters.
• Routing Menu: A flexible Routing Menu allows users to re-arrange the processing order of the Filters, EQ, and Dynamics blocks. It also enables moving filters or EQ into the dynamics sidechain and feeding the compressor sidechain from an external source.
• High Quality (HQ) Mode: An HQ mode is available for optimal audio quality, utilizing advanced processing such as oversampling, particularly beneficial when introducing harmonics via the mic pre-amp or VCA fader.
• Advanced Settings: Provides access to 'under-the-hood' DSP parameters, including advanced Width control modes (Full, Low, High), toggling the analogue VCA emulation, and disabling the automatic make-up gain in the compressor. The Width Frequency control determines the affected frequencies in 'Low' or 'High' width modes. The Auto Make-up Offset adjusts the reference level for automatic make-up gain.
• Preset Management: The plug-in ships with carefully designed factory presets and allows users to save their own. A Preset Manager facilitates loading, saving, and navigating between presets.
• A/B Comparison: A/B buttons allow users to temporarily store two plug-in states for quick comparison of parameter settings. A 'COPY X TO Y' function facilitates copying presets between A/B slots.
• Undo/Redo: A built-in undo/redo stack is included for easy reversal or re-application of actions within the plug-in's history.
• Scale/Zoom: The plug-in GUI can be resized from 50% to 200% for optimal viewing.
• Built-in Help: When enabled, a '?' button activates help mode, providing contextual explanations for each parameter or GUI element upon hovering.

Maintenance Features:

• Software Updates: Solid State Logic regularly releases updates (e.g., V1.0.13 in November 2023) to ensure compatibility and introduce new features, including native support for Apple silicon.
• Compatibility Information: Users are directed to the Plug-in Operating System and DAW Compatibility FAQ for detailed information on supported platforms and hosts.
• Installation Process: Installers for macOS (.dmg) and Windows (.exe) automatically copy plug-in binaries to common directories, ensuring recognition by the host DAW.
• Licensing and Activation: The manual provides guidance on activating the SSL plug-in through iLok, Licensing, and Activation. A demo/trial period is available for users to test the product before purchase.
• Bug Reporting: Users are advised to include the full version number of the plug-in when logging bugs to the support team to facilitate troubleshooting.
• Release Notes: Comprehensive release notes and known issues regarding integration with the SSL 360° Plug-in Mixer and hardware controllers are available for reference.

Solid State Logic SSL 4K E Specifications