Building on the success of a new range of products, SSL have revisited the 500 Series module range. The classic Bus Compressor, E-EQ and E-Dynamics processing modules have been given a fresh, sleek new look to match SSL’s latest brushed ‘steel’ look and feel, while an enhanced VHD+ module, a new stereo ULTRAVIOLET Equaliser (UV-EQ) module and SiX Channel (SiX CH) module bring exciting new modules and features to the range.
SSL ULTRAVIOLET Equaliser
The SSL 500 Series ULTRAVIOLET Stereo Equaliser takes the acclaimed minimum phase-shift EQ section from Fusion and puts it into the 500 Series format. The ULTRAVIOLET EQ takes things a little further than Fusion by adding two dedicated mid-bands, with a unique Focus control, for ultimate EQ flexibility. An ideal partner to the legendary 500 Series SSL Bus Compressor, the ULTRAVIOLET EQ draws on the SSL legacy of careful selection of frequencies and response curves to create a musical and intuitive EQ designed to quickly dial in a radio-ready sound for your mix.
Focus Mode:
Focus mode allows the user to ‘hone in’ on problem frequencies or specific frequencies they want to accentuate or attenuate. Pressing the ‘Focus’ switch in, automatically narrows the chosen Q setting further and increases the range of gain available beyond the normal +/-9 dB operation. In true flexible SSL workflow fashion, it transforms this sweet sounding, musical SSL EQ into a more surgical tool.
Key Features:
4-Band SSL Stereo EQ
Minimum-Phase High and Low shelving bands inherited from Fusion.
2 fully parametric SSL Mid-Bands, with ‘Focus’ mode.
5 frequency selectable High-Pass Filter and Dedicated Output Trim.
Tech Specs:
Module signal: Stereo
LF Shelf EQ: +/- 9dB Gain at 30, 50, 70, 90Hz
HF Shelf EQ: +/- 9dB Gain at 8k, 12k, 16k and 20kHz.
HMF Parametric EQ: +/- 9dB Gain 400Hz-6kHz
LMF Parametric EQ: +/- 9dB Gain 100Hz-1.1kHz
Switchable HPF: OFF, 30, 40, 50Hz
Gain Trim: +/- 12dB
Switched Bypass: Yes
SSL SiX CH ( SiX Channel strip)
The SSL SiX Channel is a single-width 500 Series mini channel strip using the SuperAnalogue channel processing features from SSL’s SiX console including the Mic-pre, low and high frequency EQ, as well as the single knob compressor. The SiX Channel is a simple way to add additional Mic/Line inputs to the line level inputs of any professional audio device, including the Stereo channels of the SiX console. It is also a flexible way to create a professional modular mixer from a ‘summing’ 500 Series rack unit.
SuperAnalogue Pre-Amp input:
A wide gain range, ultra low noise SuperAnalogue design provides both Line and Mic facilities with a “Line” gain range switch to cover a wide range of source levels. The nominal Line Input impedance is 10 kΩ. This can be changed to 1 MΩ using the Hi-Z switch. The 1MΩ impedance makes this input suitable for very high impedance sources such as passive guitar pickups without the need for an external DI box.
Other Features;
- Switched 12 dB/oct, 75 Hz High Pass Filter (HPF)
- Polarity Switch (ø) inverts the polarity of the rear XLR Mic Amp rack input.
- A five segment LED meter shows the output signal level in dBu
EQ:
The EQ is a gentle, broad stroke two-band design with high and low shelving filters at 3.5 kHz and 60 Hz, adjustable from +15 dB to -15 dB of gain. Each band can be independently switched between shelving and bell curves. The bell curves change centre frequency to operate at 5 kHz and 200 Hz giving greater versatility from the two controls.
COMP:
A versatile ‘one knob’ channel compressor with features that give powerful and versatile performance from its deceptively simple controls. A three LED meter indicating the amount of gain reduction being applied. The circuit has automatic make-up gain to maintain signal level for the full range of threshold settings.
Key Features:
SuperAnalogue Mic Pre with 48V, Polarity and HPF
Front Panel TRS Line Input with 1MΩ Hi-Z switch.
Switched 2 band EQ with indepandantly
Switched single knob compressor with variable threshold.
5 frequency selectable High-Pass Filter and Dedicated Output Trim.
Tech Specs:
Module signal: Mono
Pre-Amp Gain: Variable from +6 to +72 dB (Mic), -3 to +63dB (Line)
Mic Pre EIN: Typically 129dB
THD+N: <0.0015%
CMRR: >80dB (Mic), >70dB (Line)
SSL VHD+ Variable Harmonic Drive (VHD) Mic Preamplifier
The VHD+ Pre is an immensely versatile recording and processing device. It can deliver ultra clean SSL SuperAnalogue™ grade recordings but also features a switchable VHD mode. SSL’s patented Variable Harmonic Drive (VHD) system uses a 100% analogue signal path to generate rich harmonic distortion. As you increase VHD input gain, the Variable Harmonic Drive process introduces either 2nd or 3rd harmonic distortion or a blend of the two to your source material. At lower gain settings it adds gentle valve-style warmth or a touch of transistor edge. As the gain is increased the more extreme the distortion becomes until at high gain settings it delivers fierce trashy bipolar transistor style grunge.
This new 500 series version features front and rear inputs with four different impedance selections making it an extremely versatile mic pre and DI box for a wide range of microphones and instruments.
The Mic Amp provides up to +75 dB of super clean gain. The VHD switch along with the Drive control provides a variable mix of 2nd to 3rd order harmonics to add warmth and colour to the signal.
A Trim control provides +/- 20dB of output trim, which allows the Mic Pre to be ‘driven’ and then the output dialled back to prevent overload of the next module in the chain.
An 18dB/Octave High Pass Filter provides a way to filter low frequencies such as floor rumble and is switched to bypass it from the signal path.
The front panel 1/4” Tip/Ring/Sleeve (TRS) Jack Socket provides a convenient way to connect instruments when the module is fitted in a rack. This balanced input overrides the rear XLR and has a 10KΩ input impedance and features an automatic -10dB level pad to allow for typically louder balanced line level signals. The Jack input can also be used with unbalanced (TS) cables such as those from synthesizers or guitars. The input level and impedance are switched to 0dB and 1MΩ respectively (for very high impedance sources such as guitar pick-ups) with selection of the HI-Z switch.
The rear XLR and front Jack inputs have different impedances available by using the Hi-Z switch and allow for a wide variety of sources. The rear XLR input impedance changes from 1.2 KΩ to 10KΩ for Hi and Lo Z Microphones. The front panel Hi Z switch changes the front Jack input impedance from 10KΩ for line sources such as keyboards to 1MΩ for sources such as electric guitars and basses.
Signal level is indicated with a tri-colour LED and the scale of the LED can be set between two -3dB overload points at +16 and +21dBu to allow for operation with +18dBu or +24dBu operating levels.
Key Features
Ultra clean SSL SuperAnalogue grade preamp
VHD system adds controllable 2nd or 3rd harmonic distortion
Switchable LF Filter (15Hz to 500Hz)
+48V Phantom Power with status LED
Pad for use with line level source material
Front TRS Jack input with ultra Hi-Z switch for Instrument DI
Signal polarity invert switch
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