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Channel Strip

SSL 4000 E

Universal Audio

Where to get itAvailable from Universal Audiouaudio.com

The SSL 4000 E Channel Strip is an authentic emulation of the classic SSL 4000 E console's channel strip, delivering the warmth, punch, and analog character that shaped countless hit records. This second-generation plugin models the complete signal chain—including the Jensen transformer-based preamp, dual EQ circuits ("Brown" and "Black"), VCA compressor/limiter, and expander/gate—with full circuit-level accuracy developed in collaboration with SSL engineers. It's distinctive for its combination of tone-shaping versatility and dynamics control, available in both UAD Native (with external sidechain support) and UAD DSP formats.

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Key Features

01Modeled SSL 001 preamp with switchable Jensen transformer emulation
02Dual EQ circuits: Brown (6 dB/octave shelves, ±15 dB) and Black (18 dB/octave high-pass, ±18 dB shelves)
03Four-band EQ with parametric mids (HMF, LMF) and switchable shelving/bell modes on HF and LF
04VCA compressor with continuous ratio (1:1 to ∞:1), fixed-position attack (3 ms or auto 3–30 ms), and release (0.1–4 s)
05Expander/gate with three modes (Expand, Gate 1, Gate 2), continuously variable threshold and range (0 to -40 dB)
06High-pass (6 dB/octave Brown, 18 dB/octave Black) and low-pass (12 dB/octave both modes) filters
07External sidechain support on dynamics from DAW tracks (UAD Native version)
08Apollo Unison integration with hardware input impedance matching and bidirectional control

Things to Try

  • 01Apply heavy compression settings with quick release times to drum overheads and room mics for a room-expanding effect similar to the UREI 1176
  • 02Set expander/gate threshold just above the noise floor but below the desired signal level to eliminate noise without affecting the main signal
  • 03Use fast release times only on percussion and instruments with very fast decays; slower release times are better for sources with frequent peaks
  • 04Engage EQ or Filters to Sidechain (DYN SC) mode for frequency-dependent dynamics control, then disengage DYN SC to listen to the filtered/equalized sidechain signal

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SSL 4000 E by Universal Audio | Plugin Library