SSL's rack mount spin-offs from their high-end console technology are proving extremely popular with the more discerning end of the private studio market, and this is a niche in which the rather lengthily named SSL XLogic Alpha VHD Pre sits very comfortably. As well as four highly specified mic preamps, you get channel-independent line (Pad) and instrument level switching, so that you can use it to get just about any form of signal into your recording system — so if you added one (or more) of these to a competent DAW system fitted with good quality converters, you should have a seriously capable recording chain...

The basic preamps are very clean and quiet, but SSL have also added in their VHD circuit. Though this may sound like an antisocial disease, it is in fact a very clever Variable Harmonic Drive circuit that introduces subtle (and, at higher settings, less subtle), character-creating distortions, in much the same way as a tube audio circuit does when pushed hard. The harder you drive a tube the more harmonic distortion you add — and VHD does the same by using FETs, with more input gain bringing more warmth. In keeping with tube behaviour, it's even OK to get the red Pad level light flashing if you want a very noticeably...