Versatile Dual-Personality Mic Preamp
The PureDrive mic preamp offers both ultra-transparent capture and a warm, harmonic-rich DRIVE mode, ensuring pristine fidelity and character in every recording.
The Solid State Logic ORIGIN EVO 16 is a compact 16‑track in‑line analogue console that marries the revered 4000 Series sonic DNA with contemporary hybrid‑workflow enhancements, presenting PureDrive mic preamps, the iconic 242 “Black Knob” E‑Series EQ, refined E‑Series dynamics, dual high‑pass/low‑pass filters, a modernised SSL Bus Compressor and electronic routing for up to 44 inputs.
The PureDrive preamp on the ORIGIN EVO 16‑Channel supplies engineers with a dual‑personality front‑end: an ultra‑transparent, low‑noise capture path and a colour‑rich, VHD‑inspired DRIVE mode that adds warm harmonic distortion when desired. Its discrete transistor architecture guarantees pristine fidelity while the optional saturation retains the unmistakable SSL character in a single unit.
Every channel houses the celebrated 242 “Black Knob” equaliser, originally co‑designed with Sir George Martin for the SL 4000 E. The four‑band parametric layout offers high‑frequency and low‑frequency bell‑shelf switches, dedicated HMF and LMF Q controls and a full‑circuit bypass, empowering users to sculpt tonal balances with the precision that has defined professional mixes for more than forty years.
The dynamics section reproduces the classic ’80s SSL compression and gating circuitry on each channel. True‑RMS side‑chain detection, an all‑discrete gain‑reduction stage and the genuine Class‑A VCA chip deliver the original punch and speed. Three selectable compression characters—fast attack, soft‑knee bypass and either logarithmic or linear release—provide versatile tonal shaping, while the LINK function forwards the side‑chain signal to neighbouring channels for chained processing.
Both an 18 dB/octave high‑pass filter and a 12 dB/octave low‑pass filter sit in the channel strip, granting expanded tonal sculpting. Each filter can be routed to the dynamics side‑chain, enabling precise control for tasks such as drum gating or de‑essing. The ability to reverse filter order (EQ → Filter or Filter → EQ) further widens creative options.
A 19‑inch rack‑mounted modular centre section adapts to varied studio layouts. Users can slot a UF8 DAW controller, shift the Stereo Group fader tile and reposition the 3U centre meter panel for optimal sightlines. Insert points on both the large and small faders, together with a 0 dB fader bypass, streamline stem printing and the insertion of additional analogue processing.
The legendary SSL Bus Compressor reappears in the ORIGIN EVO 16‑Channel with authentic circuitry plus fresh capabilities. New compression ratios, an insert return for external processing and an integrated side‑chain high‑pass filter extend the classic “glue & punch” while preserving the historic sonic fingerprint that has powered innumerable hit records.
The mix bus follows the SSL tradition of ultra‑low noise and minimal distortion through an entirely analogue design. This architecture enables effortless summing with clear separation and a spacious stereo image, furnishing engineers with a robust platform for creative mixing.
Electronic routing supplants conventional top‑strip switches, eradicating repetitive hand‑reaches and boosting reliability by removing heat‑sensitive components. A single ROUTE selector, coupled with intelligent multi‑select finger presses, simplifies session configuration and curtails routing mistakes.
The console presents a 16‑channel in‑line format, up to 44 inputs at mixdown, small and large faders, two stereo cue outputs, two mono buses, eight track buses, PureDrive mic preamps delivering +70 dB clean gain, the classic 242 EQ, authentic E‑Series dynamics, dual high‑pass/low‑pass filters, an upgraded Bus Compressor and a modular centre section for seamless DAW controller integration.
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This item, like everything we supply, comes with the complete support of our expert team. Our excellent technicians have been specifying, building and supporting studios for over twenty years. If you have any problems with installation, setup or everyday use, they’re never more than a click away, and always happy to help.
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The PureDrive mic preamp offers both ultra-transparent capture and a warm, harmonic-rich DRIVE mode, ensuring pristine fidelity and character in every recording.
Featuring the iconic 242 EQ, this console allows for precise tonal shaping with its four-band parametric layout, delivering professional-grade sound sculpting capabilities.
The upgraded SSL Bus Compressor combines authentic circuitry with new features, providing versatile compression options while maintaining the classic sound that has defined countless hit records.