Relive the Golden Era of Recording with the SSL Revival 4000
Solid State Logic's Revival 4000 is a signature analogue channel strip designed to bring the iconic SSL 4000 sound into the modern studio. Inspired by the legendary SL 4000 B and E Series consoles, this 1U rack unit delivers the warmth, punch, and clarity that defined records by artists like Peter Gabriel, Prince, Phil Collins, and U2.
Whether you're tracking vocals, drums, guitars, or full mixes, the Revival 4000 captures the unmistakable sonic footprint of the original consoles, responsible for shaping the music of the 1980s and beyond. With fully analogue signal paths and carefully recreated circuits, this channel strip brings genuine SSL character to any recording setup.
The Heart of the Revival: Legendary SSL Circuits
At the core of the Revival 4000 lies a faithful recreation of the original Jensen transformer-balanced mic preamp from the 4000 E Series. This component adds rich harmonic content and clarity, making it a go-to preamp for everything from vocals to acoustic instruments.
SSL also included the B Series De-Esser, known for its smooth and musical control over harsh frequencies. With a 10:1 compression ratio and 7 kHz sidechain filter, it's designed to manage sibilance and bright sources without sacrificing tone.
The Dynamics section, lifted from the E Series, stays true to its heritage with a discrete Class A VCA compressor, soft/hard knee modes, fast attack switch, and flexible release options. The gate/expander section adds additional control, giving engineers the tools to sculpt performances with precision.
Two Classic EQs, One Flexible Strip
One of the Revival 4000’s standout features is its dual EQ modes: the 4000 E’s “Brown Knob” and the famous “Black Knob” developed with George Martin for AIR Studios.
- The Brown Knob EQ offers a warm, musical response with fully parametric mid-bands and shelving filters that can switch to bell curves.
- The Black Knob EQ provides broader control with increased boost/cut range, more aggressive filtering, and a refined sonic profile, perfect for modern workflows.
Modern Routing Meets Vintage Tone
SSL didn’t stop at classic tone, they’ve also packed the Revival 4000 with modern studio convenience. It features:
- A balanced insert point for integrating external gear
- An external sidechain input and sidechain linking for stereo use
- Switchable EQ and dynamics routing, including sidechain filtering options
- Line output trim and flexible input/output metering
This makes the Revival 4000 not just a piece of nostalgia, but a highly adaptable tool for professional recording environments.
Why the Revival 4000 Belongs in Your Studio
The SSL Revival 4000 isn't just a nod to the past, it's a fully featured analogue channel strip built for serious modern workflows. With authentic SSL circuitry and a flexible, studio-friendly design, it brings the signature warmth, punch, and clarity of the classic 4000 Series consoles into today’s production environment. For engineers and producers who value timeless tone and hands-on control, the Revival 4000 is a standout addition to any signal chain.