The Essentials to Know About the SSL Super 9000 Channel Strip
- Dual microphone preamp selectable: ultra-transparent SuperAnalogue or VHD for controlled harmonic saturation, with "Input Flip" to also color line sources and DAW returns.
- 9000/Duality Dynamics: VCA compressor THAT 2181A, Peak/Soft Knee modes, Fast Attack, Expander/Gate with hysteresis and Hold control for surgical transient control.
- 4-band equalizer switchable between "Pink Knob" 292 (G) and "Black Knob" 242 (E) circuits, complemented by steep high-pass/low-pass filters.
- Flexible routing: repositionable balanced insert, external sidechain, processing order rearrangement, and sidechain linking for stereo pair operation.
From the 9000 J to Duality: The SuperAnalogue Legacy in 19" Rack Format
The SSL Super 9000 condenses the sonic DNA of the 9000 J and Duality consoles into a professional channel strip. Heir to the SuperAnalogue concept, it offers extended bandwidth, extremely low harmonic distortion, and generous dynamic range to bring the depth, punch, and clarity of large consoles directly into your studio.
Who Is It For? High-End Recording, Hybrid Mixing, and Creative Mastering
Designed for demanding sound engineers, producers, and creators, the Super 9000 excels in recording, re-recording, and outboard mixing alike. Its transparent preamp captures the finest nuance, while the VHD mode adds controlled grit for vocals, guitars, drums, or basses that naturally stand out in the mix.
Signal Path and Key Features
Dual Preamp: Purity or Character
Select the SuperAnalogue preamp for absolute fidelity and minimal noise floor, or switch to VHD to dial in saturation emphasizing second-order harmonics (tube-like warmth) or third-order harmonics (sharper attack). The Input Flip function routes the line input to the mic preamp and switches the rear mic input to the line path, ideal for processing stems during mixing without repatching.
Dynamics Inspired by 9000/Duality
The VCA compressor THAT 2181A features Peak/Hard Knee or Soft Knee modes, with Fast Attack to tame transients. The Expander/Gate includes variable hysteresis at threshold and a Hold control for clean gating. The dynamics section can be placed before or after the EQ and accepts an external sidechain; filters and EQ can also feed the sidechain for targeted ducking.
SSL Equalizer and Filters
The 4-band EQ offers fully parametric mids and two legendary signatures: "Pink Knob" 292 (G-Series) and "Black Knob" 242 (E-Series). Steep high-pass and low-pass filters allow precise spectral carving while preserving signal integrity.
Advanced Routing and Insert
A balanced insert point is placed after the input stage or can be repositioned just before the output Trim. Switchable input/output metering, processing order rearrangement, and sidechain linking complete a workflow designed for the modern studio.
Technical Specifications
Preamps and Inputs
- Selectable dual mic preamp: SuperAnalogue (9000) or VHD (Duality) with +48 V phantom power, polarity inversion, and pad.
- Mic input impedances: 1.3 kOhms and 11 kOhms.
- Dedicated line input with "Input Flip" to route LINE to the mic preamp and invert MIC/Line.
Dynamics
- Quintessential 9000/Duality dynamics section.
- High-performance VCA compressor THAT 2181A.
- Peak/Hard Knee or Soft Knee modes.
- Switchable Fast Attack.
- Classic Expander/Gate section with variable hysteresis integrated into threshold.
- Hold control.
- Dynamics placement pre or post EQ.
- External sidechain input and Dynamics sidechain linking.
Equalizer and Filters
- SSL 4-band EQ with switchable modes.
- Fully parametric mid bands.
- Switchable circuits: "Pink Knob" 292 (G-Series) or "Black Knob" 242 (E-Series).
- High-pass and low-pass filters.
- Slopes: HPF 18 dB/octave, LPF 12 dB/octave.
- Filters and EQ assignable to the Dynamics sidechain.
Processing and Routing
- Balanced insert point for external devices.
- Insert repositionable at output, just before the output Trim.
- Flexible processing order rearrangement.
- Switches: Input filters, post-EQ dynamics, Insert to output.
- Line output level control.
- Switchable input and output metering.
Format and Weight
- 19" rack chassis.
- Dimensions: 630 x 360 x 110 mm.
- Weight: 6 kg.
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