The legendary Solid State Logic 4000 E console defined and was defined by the music of the early 80s, a time when the m.o. for music production was huge sound and huge equipment. That sound has made a comeback, but home and project studio owners don't have the real estate or money to invest in a behemoth like the 4000 E, and that's why SSL has announced the E Series of modular processors, compatible with their X-Rack / Mynx "SuperAnalogue" system.

The SSL E Series EQ module features not one, but two variants on the 4000 E EQ circuit in one mini module. The "Black" EQ circuit is perfect for shaping the sound that will break your band into the mainstream, but probably piss off your earliest, die-hard fans. The "Brown" EQ, on the other hand, will cause explosive diarrhea (obviously). Based on classic 611E console channel strip, the modules features a "bell curve" option on HF and LF filters, and fully parametric LMF and HMF with Q control.

The SSL E Series Dynamics module is also based on the "immortal SSL 4000 Series 611E console channel."* Like the original circuit, a true RMS converter is used in the side chain, while the gain element is an all-discrete design identical to the 611E's class "A" VCA chip. In addition to the expander/gate with key input control, the release response is switchable between over-easy and linear modes for distinctly different voicing options.

Both modules will be available November of 2008, with a cost of $975 each.

*wait, if it's immortal, why did have to be resurrected? These questions always get me into trouble with my priest.