The Revival 4000 was a significant launch for SSL, delivering a faithful recreation of the channel strips in their legendary E Series consoles in a compact, cost-effective format. Just months on from its release, the company have announced the launch of the Super 9000, which takes the same approach but with the SuperAnalogue circuitry that was originally introduced in the SL 9000 J.
As with SSL’s flagship Duality console, the Super 9000 offers the choice of two preamps: a SuperAnalogue design offers extensive headroom and unmatched clarity, while a Variable Harmonic Drive (VHD) circuit delivers character and saturation — there’s a choice of dialling in some second-order harmonics for rich, valve-like warmth, or third-order harmonics that deliver a harder, transistor-style edge. An Input Flip button makes it possible to route the line input through the VHD preamp, meaning the Super 9000 can easily be used to process DAW tracks.
There are two EQ options available, too, with the 292 G-Series ‘Pink Knob’ EQ complemented by the 242 E-Series ‘Black Knob’ EQ circuit. The 292’s variable-Q design delivers smooth, wide boosts and cuts that tighten as it is pushed harder, while its shelves feature a steeper slope, while the 242’s constant-Q design, which was developed in collaboration with Sir George Martin, provides more surgical control when compared to the 292. As for dynamics, the unit boasts a compressor that includes a switchable Fast Attack mode and the Peak Detect option introduced in the 9000 Series, along with SSL’s classic gate/expander section.
The compressor can be placed either pre- or post-EQ, and there’s also a balanced insert point that can be used to patch in additional outboard gear after the preamp, or before the final output stage. There’s also an external side-chain input, and side-chain linking that makes it possible to operate two units as a stereo pair.
“SSL’s SuperAnalogue technology redefined what could be achieved with analogue circuitry, marking a milestone in mixing console innovation and delivering truly unparalleled performance that paved the way for the sound of ‘modern’ music. The Super 9000 represents the pinnacle of that evolution — a fully featured, sonically stunning 1U channel strip. Building on the legacy of our SL 9000 and Duality consoles, this instantly recognisable sound — with all its dynamics, EQ and routing flexibility — is now accessible to a much wider community of studios, producers and musicians. The Super 9000 also perfectly complements our Revival 4000 channel strip, offering users two distinct yet equally iconic SSL sonic flavours.” - Andy Jackson, Senior Studio Product Manager, Solid State Logic
Pricing & Availability
The Super 9000 is available now, priced at $1999£1498.80 including VAT.
