Unveiled on SSL’s booth at NAMM 2026 was the company’s latest all-analogue in-line console, the Origin Evo. Building on the foundations laid by its predecessor, the new-and-improved offering completes the classic 4000 E experience by integrating an authentic, full recreation of the renowned legacy console’s dynamics processing on every channel.
Available in 16- or 32-channel formats with up to 88 inputs at mixdown, the Origin Evo combines SSL’s PureDrive mic preamps with the iconic E Series ‘Black Knob’ 242 EQ and authentic E Series dynamics, and the master section includes an enhanced Bus Compressor. The preamps’ discrete transistor design delivers pristine, low-noise transparency, with plenty of ‘grit’ on tap courtesy of a variable Drive control, while the 242 EQ — originally designed alongside George Martin — providing some versatile tone-shaping capabilities. High- and low-pass filters are present, too, and as well as sitting in the channel’s signal path, they can be inserted into the new dynamic section’s side-chain.
E Series Dynamics
The headline feature of the updated design, though, is the inclusion of E Series dynamics processing on every channel. Faithfully recreated with original-spec circuitry, the section provides the punchy, aggressive compression and ultra-fast gating that helped define the sound of the iconic 1980s consoles. Each compressor includes a Link function that feeds the side-chain signal to the adjacent channels, allowing multiple consecutive channels to be linked together, and the dynamics section features a true RMS side-chain detector and an all-discrete gain-reduction stage that are identical to the Class-A VCA chip used in the original console. Flexible controls let the user bypass the soft-knee curve, engage a fast attack option, and choose logarithmic or linear release, providing three distinctive compression characteristics.
Bus Compressor & Centre Section
The console is still equipped with SSL’s famous Bus Compressor, and this time it comes equipped with some new functions that extend its versatility, including additional ratios, a built-in side-chain filter and an insert return for processing external sources.
A modular 19-inch rackmount centre section allows the console to be configured in a number of different layouts and adds space for additional outboard processors, as well as providing a space for SSL’s UF8 or UF1 DAW controller. The Stereo Group fader tile can also be moved up the centre section to place the UF8/UF1 in the lower bay, directly in front of the engineer. The 3U centre meter panel can be repositioned, too, allowing screens to be mounted closer to the user without obscuring the main meters.
Key Features
16- or 32-Channel In-Line Console
- Up to 88 inputs at mixdown.
- Small + Large faders.
- 2 × Stereo Cue, 4 × Mono Buses, 16 Track Buses.
PureDrive Mic Pres
- 70 dB of clean gain.
- Switch from ultra-clean to warm, driven tones.
- Discrete transistor design.
E Series Dynamics Processing
- Compressor/Limiter + Expander/Gate.
- True RMS converter in side-chain.
- Authentic Class-A VCA chip.
- Three distinct characters.
- Switch between classic and logarithmic release.
- Side-chain channel link.
SSL High-Pass & Low-Pass Filters
- 18dB/octave high-pass filter.
- 12dB/octave low-pass filter.
- Path routing via SF/LF.
- Filter to dynamics side-chain.
- Flip Filter > EQ or EQ > Filter.
SSL E Series EQ
- Iconic ‘242’ Black Knob design.
- Developed in collaboration with Sir George Martin.
- Four-band parametric EQ.
- HF/LF bell/shelf switch.
- Dedicated HMF and LMF Q controls.
- IN/OUT for true circuit bypass.
Enhanced SSL Bus Compressor
- Legendary ‘glue & punch’.
- New compression ratios.
- Side-chain HPF.
- Insert Return.
Classic SSL Console, Latest Hybrid Workflows
- 0dB fader bypass.
- Direct channel outputs.
- Insert point on every path.
- Keep in the sweet spot:
- Relocate the Stereo Groups and Centre Tile.
- Seamlessly integrate DAW control with UF8 or UF1.
- Add additional analogue processing.
- Movable meter bridge.
Upgrade Option
SSL are supporting existing Origin owners with an upgrade kit that allows the newer channel strips to be retrofitted to existing consoles. These retrofits are available in eight-channel upgrade kits, making it possible for users to upgrade in stages. Pricing details can be obtained by contacting SSL.
Pricing & Availability
The Origin Evo is available to order now, priced at $49,999£38,160 including VAT for the 16-channel version and $74,999£57,360 including VAT for the 32-channel version.
