Solid State Logic (SSL) 611EQ E Series Module — 500-Series Equalizer

SSL’s famous SL 4000 E console dynamics module for API 500-format power racks

While the Solid State Logic E-Series EQ Module reproduces the sonic signature of a classic console from the 80's, its sound is still very much alive and in use today. The SSL 611EQ module is a direct descendant of the Solid State Logic SL 4000 E console channel strip, featured on countless recordings from the 1980s to the present. The 611EQ E Series EQ Module is actually two equalizers in one; each based on a channel strip equalizer found on different editions of the console produced between 1981 and 1989. Each EQ type has unique response curves and tonal character. The two aforementioned types of console EQ were differentiated by the color of the knobs on the low-frequency section of the EQ. These became known as “Brown” and “Black.” Both of these legendary EQs are built into the 611EQ E Series EQ Module so you can switch between these two different flavors of EQ loved by generations of professional producers.

SSL 611DYN E-Series Dynamics module unique features:

• Immortal SSL 4000 E Series circuitry
• "Black-242" and "Brown-02" twin EQ design
• Based on classic 611E console channel strip

SSL 611DYN E-Series Dynamics module key features:

• Versatile 4-band channel EQ
• Bell curve option on HF and LF
• Fully parametric LMF and HMF with “Q”

INSIDE THE BOX — SSL 611EQ E Series Equalizer module

Formerly only available as an X-Logic module, the 611EQ module was designed to live in an API 500-series rack, such as the API lunchbox or equivalent power rack, and has a nominal input/output level of +4dBu.

The SSL E Series EQ module is a re-implementation of two of the classic SSL EQ circuits, dating back to the original E Series consoles. The module defaults to the original ‘Brown Knob’ circuit that was standard on all early production E Series consoles but can be switched to emulate the later ‘Black Knob’ circuit.

OUTSIDE THE BOX — SSL 611EQ E Series Equalizer Module

The black face front panel of the SSL EQ611EQ has four frequency bands. The low-frequency band is a shelf EQ from 30Hz to 450Hz with ±15dB boost and cut. It also has a switchable bell curve. The low mid-frequency band ranges from 200Hz to 2.5kHz with adjustable Q and ±15dB boost/cut. The high mid-frequency band has the same controls with a frequency range of 600Hz to 7kHz. On the right side of the front panel between the LMF and HMF controls is the EQ In switch and “Black” switch, which changes the 611EQ’s operation from “Brown Knob EQ” to “Black Knob EQ” (see below). And finally, the 611EQ module’s high-frequency shelf has switchable bell curve, ±15dB boost/cut, and ranges from 1.5kHz to 16kHz.

Brown Knob EQ

With the BLK button out, the two parametric mid-band sections feature SSL’s classic logarithmically symmetric design ensuring that the ±3dB up/down points retain the same musical interval from the center frequency regardless of frequency and amplitude settings. The two shelving sections are traditional 6dB/octave designs with an option for a fixed Q parametric response (by way of the BELL button). The ‘02’ EQ, to give it its correct name, was used on countless recordings and mixes in the early eighties.

Black Knob EQ

In the mid-eighties a new ‘242’ EQ circuit was developed in conjunction with the legendary George Martin for the first SSL console to be installed in AIR studios. The Black Knob EQ, as it became known, featured enhanced cut and boost ranges (±18dB instead of ±15dB) together with a different control law for tighter control of low frequencies.

SSL EQ history

Prior to 1987 SSL used the color of the Low Frequency EQ knob caps to indicate which type of EQ was fitted. All consoles were custom built and could feature different combinations of EQ module. The following color codes apply:

E-Series BROWN: The original SSL EQ fitted to all consoles prior to the summer of 1985. Despite the rumors these equalizers only came in one version. The EQ card was called the '02'.

E Series ORANGE: The infamous EQP equalizer. This was a variation on the Brown EQ with controls simulating the curves of a valve type EQ. Very few were sold. This card was named the '132'.

E-Series BLACK: The last version of the standard E series EQ. It evolved in the early 1980's from discussions with many top engineers and proved very popular. The EQ card was called the '242'.

G-Series: With the arrival of the G Series console in 1987 the color-coding was abandoned and the classic SSL end cap color scheme used today was adopted. First introduced in 1987 the original G Series EQ introduced Q characteristics, which were proportional to gain settings and had a degree of over shoot when boosting and under shoot when cutting.

Who’s using SSL

If you’re not familiar with Solid State Logic (SSL) let RSPE Audio Solutions be the first to welcome you to Earth! Most of the hit records from the last 30 years were mixed on SSL. Solid State Logic’s automated large-format consoles quickly became a driving force in the music after they first arrived on the scene in 1977. To this day, mixers such as Bob Clearmountain, Michael Brauer, Chris Lord Alge, Tom Lord Alge use SSL G Series consoles as the centerpiece of their mixing tools, which means everybody who’s anybody in rock and pop music over the last 35 years has SSL all over their records.

About Solid State Logic

From groundbreaking audio consoles to innovative video production systems, Solid State Logic has evolved to become the world’s leading manufacturer of analog and digital audio consoles and provider of creative tools for film, audio, video and broadcast professionals.

With more than 3000 SSL-equipped studios and facilities operational today, the excellence of SSL consoles is universally recognized for unrivalled sonic quality, superb ergonomics, outstanding automation and an international support infrastructure second to none.

It’s been a long time coming, and now thanks to SSL’s E Series EQ module, the hit-making SSL Black and Brown equalizers are now 500-series compliant. For more information, call or chat with an RSPE representative today.

This product is also available as part of the RSPE Demo 4 Free & Rental Program, click here to see the rental product page.