Solid State Logic SSL Super 9000

The Solid State Logic Super 9000 is a premium analogue channel strip that unites SSL’s legendary SuperAnalogue™ technology with a dual preamp design, complete dynamics control, and the company’s most sought-after EQ circuits, delivering the unmistakable SSL sound in a compact 1U rack format.

SuperAnalogue™ Design

Derived from the revered SL 9000 J and refined through the Duality console, the Super 9000 offers the ultra-low distortion, wide-bandwidth clarity, and immense headroom that define the modern SSL sound. Its SuperAnalogue™ circuitry ensures a ruler-flat frequency response (±0.1dB from 20Hz to 20kHz), minimal phase shift, and exceptionally low noise. With no electrolytic capacitors in the audio path and vanishingly low transient intermodulation distortion, it captures every nuance with precision and realism.

Dual Mic Amp – SuperAnalogue™ or VHD™

Engineers can choose between two world-class preamps. The pristine SuperAnalogue™ input provides transparent gain with vast headroom and clarity, while the Variable Harmonic Drive (VHD™) circuit introduces character and harmonic richness. By blending 2nd-order harmonics for valve-like warmth or 3rd-order harmonics for a harder, transistor edge, users can tailor tonal colour to any source. The INPUT FLIP control moves the VHD circuit from the mic to the line input, allowing flexible harmonic processing on instruments or DAW returns without re-patching.

Variable Harmonic Drive (VHD™) Explained

Originally designed to complement SSL’s most accurate preamps, VHD™ technology has evolved into a key creative tool across SSL’s consoles and rack units. It gives producers a single preamp capable of moving seamlessly from pure and clean to rich and saturated, adding punch and texture when required.

Complete Dynamics Section

The dynamics section reproduces SSL’s renowned compression and gating behaviour. A high-performance THAT 2181A VCA powers the compressor, offering Peak Detect and switchable Fast Attack for tighter transient control. The gate/expander features variable hysteresis integrated into the threshold and a dedicated Hold control for precise shaping of sustain and ambience. Engineers can position the dynamics pre or post-EQ to suit their workflow.

SSL EQ Circuits – Pink and Black

The Super 9000 includes both the 292 G-Series ‘Pink Knob’ and the 242 E-Series ‘Black Knob’ EQ circuits. The 292 circuit’s variable-Q design creates smooth, musical boosts and cuts that tighten as they intensify, while the 242’s constant-Q design—developed with Sir George Martin—delivers more surgical precision. Two special buttons expand flexibility: in 292 mode, they multiply or divide mid-band frequency ranges by three for targeting unusual tonal areas; in 242 mode, they toggle the high and low bands between bell and shelving operation. High-pass (18dB/oct) and low-pass (12dB/oct) filters can be engaged, bypassed, or routed to the sidechain for advanced tone-shaping.

Flexible Routing and Integration

A balanced insert point allows seamless integration of external processors and can be repositioned post-EQ, just before the output trim. The unit offers an external sidechain input, complete routing reordering, and sidechain linking for stereo operation. The Input Flip feature conveniently routes the line input to the mic preamp for creative saturation on playback or mix stems, without touching patch cables.

Precision Output Control

The Super 9000 includes a switchable input/output meter, line output trim, and comprehensive routing logic, ensuring engineers can confidently drive the circuit without overload. When paired, two Super 9000s can link via sidechain for stereo compression, maintaining consistent image and balance.

Why Choose the SSL Super 9000 Channel Strip

• Combines SSL’s iconic SuperAnalogue™ transparency with flexible analogue character in one 1U unit

• Offers both clean and coloured preamp paths for any recording style

• Delivers the full SSL dynamics section with compressor, gate, and expander from flagship consoles

• Provides authentic SSL EQ choices from both the E and G Series for maximum tonal versatility

• Allows advanced signal routing, sidechain processing, and insert flexibility

• Brings the sound of SSL’s world-class consoles into a compact, reliable, modern rackmount format

• Dual Mic Pre: switchable between SuperAnalogue™ and VHD™ circuits
• Selectable impedance options (1.3kΩ or 11kΩ)
• Dedicated Line Input with Input Flip for flexible routing
• THAT 2181A VCA compressor with Peak/Soft Knee and Fast Attack modes
• Classic Gate/Expander with Hold and variable hysteresis
• Switchable EQ between G-Series 292 (‘Pink Knob’) and E-Series 242 (‘Black Knob’) circuits
• Fully parametric mid-bands with extended frequency range options
• High-pass (18dB/oct) and low-pass (12dB/oct) filters, routable to sidechain
• Balanced insert point with repositionable location in signal path
• External sidechain (key) input and stereo link capability
• Flexible processing order with filters, dynamics, and EQ routing options
• Switchable input and output metering with line output trim control

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.

You can contact them here.