SSL Super 9000 is an uncompromising 1U analog channel strip that directly translates the architecture of the large-format Solid State Logic SL 9000 J and Duality consoles into a standalone rackmount ecosystem. The main audio path is completely free of electrolytic capacitors, ensuring an extremely wide frequency bandwidth, virtually zero phase shift, and an immediate response to the fastest transients.
Dual-Topology Preamp Flexibility
Modern tracking sessions demand instant adaptability to the source material, which is why the input stage features two distinct analog paths. The SuperAnalogue™ mode provides clinical transparency, massive headroom, and a ruler-flat frequency response, serving as a reference choice for highly detailed vocal tracking or acoustic instruments. When the signal requires extra weight or character, engaging the VHD (Variable Harmonic Drive) circuit lets you continuously crossfade between 2nd and 3rd-order harmonics. This generates everything from subtle, tube-style warmth to hard-clipped, aggressive transistor grit.
Precision Dynamics and Hardware Routing
Integrating outboard gear into an ITB (In-The-Box) workflow can be cumbersome—a bottleneck solved by the dedicated Input Flip function. This allows you to seamlessly route line-level audio interface returns or DAW tracks directly through the mic input stage and VHD circuit during the mixing phase. Dynamic control is handled by a rapid VCA compressor based on the THAT 2181A chip, featuring switchable Peak Detect and Fast Attack modes, paired with SSL's classic gate/expander with variable hysteresis and Hold control. Frequency shaping is facilitated by a fully parametric 4-band EQ, offering switchable circuits between the punchy, surgical E-Series (Black Knob) and the wider, musical G-Series (Pink Knob).
KEY FEATURES
- Dual microphone preamp design featuring transparent SuperAnalogue™ and saturating VHD™ circuits with continuous harmonic blending.
- 4-band parametric EQ with switchable topologies between the classic E-Series 242 and G-Series 292 circuits.
- VCA dynamics section based on the THAT 2181A chip, featuring Peak/Soft Knee compression and a precision expander/gate.
- Input Flip function for effortlessly routing DAW line-level returns through the input stage for hardware mixing.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Format: 19-inch 1U rackmount chassis.
- Preamp Controls: +48V Phantom Power, polarity invert, 20dB Pad, and dual impedance selection (1.3 kΩ / 11 kΩ).
- Filters: Dedicated High-Pass Filter (18 dB/octave) and Low-Pass Filter (12 dB/octave).
- Connectivity: XLR Mic input, XLR/TRS Combo Line input, balanced insert send/return points, and external sidechain (Key) input.
