Solid State Logic E Series Dynamics Module for 500 Series Racks User Guide

Published: October 2021

Safety and Installation Considerations

General Safety

Read these instructions.
Keep these instructions.
Heed all warnings.
Follow all instructions.
Do not use this apparatus near water.
Do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
Clean only with dry cloth.
Do not block any ventilation openings.
Install in accordance with the rack manufacturer's instructions.
There are no user-adjustments, or user-servicable items, on this apparatus.
Adjustments or alterations to this apparatus may affect the performance such that safety and/or international compliance standards may no longer be met.
This apparatus is not to be used in safety critical applications.

Caution

This apparatus should not be used outside of the scope of API 500 series compatible racks.
Do not operate this apparatus with any covers removed.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not perform any servicing other than that contained in these Installation Instructions unless you are qualified to do so. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

Installation

Ensure power is removed from the rack before fitting or removing this apparatus to or from the rack.
Use the panel fixing screws supplied with the rack to secure this apparatus into the rack.

Standards Compliance

This apparatus is designed to be installed and used in API 500 series compatible racks which are CE marked. The CE mark on a rack is indicative that the manufacturer confirms that it meets both EMC and the Low Voltage Directive (2006/95/EC).

Instructions for Disposal of WEEE by Users in the European Union

[WEEE disposal symbol] The symbol shown here is on the product or on its packaging, which indicates that this product must not be disposed of with other waste. Instead, it is the user's responsibility to dispose of their waste equipment by handing it over to a designated collection point for recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment. The separate collection and recycling of your waste equipment at the time of disposal will help to conserve natural resources and ensure that it is recycled in a manner that protects human health and the environment. For more information about where you can drop off your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local city office, your household waste disposal service or where you purchased the product.

Limited Warranty

Please refer any warranty claim to the supplier of this equipment in the first instance. Full warranty information for equipment supplied directly by Solid State Logic can be found on our website: www.solidstatelogic.com

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of this API 500 series compatible SSL E Series Dynamics module.

This module has been specifically designed to operate in an API 500 series rack such as the API lunchbox® or equivalent. In common with many such modules, the nominal input/output level is +4dBu.

Your new module comprises a compressor/limiter and an expander/gate, the design of which returns faithfully to the circuit and key components which defined the sound of the original SSL E Series channel strip. A true RMS converter is used in the side chain whilst the gain element is an all discrete design identical to the Class A VCA chip used in the original.

The compressor contains additional switching options to defeat the over-easy curve and to use a linear release instead of the more usual logarithmic curve. The result is a compressor with three distinct voicings, all of which contributed to the many classic records tracked and mixed on early E Series consoles.

As well as replicating the feel of the classic E Series dynamics, this module provides, with the exception of access to a 'link' bus, the same facilities as the SSL X-Rack XR418 E Series Dynamics module.

Operation

Please refer to the illustration opposite.

The [IN button], located centre left, switches the entire module in and out of circuit.

The two vertical rows of [LEDs], located centre right, provide an indication of dynamics activity. The row of green LEDs to the left show Gate/Expander activity whilst those to the right indicate operation of the Compressor/Limiter.

Module Front Panel Description

The front panel of the SSL E-DYN module is laid out logically. At the top, the module is identified as "SSL E-DYN".

Compressor/Limiter Section (Labeled '3')

RATIO: Control for compression ratio. 1:1 deactivates the section. Clockwise increases ratio, with the fully clockwise position acting as a limiter. Features an 'over-easy' characteristic, switchable to 'hard knee' via a button.
THRESH: Sets the threshold level. When a signal exceeds this level, the compressor acts according to the RATIO control. THRESH and RATIO controls provide automatic make-up gain.
LIN REL: Switches the release curve from logarithmic to linear. This also raises the threshold by 6dB.
FAST ATT: Provides a faster attack time (3mS for 20dB gain reduction). When off, attack time is slower and less aggressive (30mS for 20dB gain reduction).
RELEASE: Sets the time constant (speed) for the compressor to return to normal gain settings after the signal exceeds its maximum.

Gate/Expander Section (Labeled '4')

RANGE: Determines the depth of gating or expansion. Fully anti-clockwise deactivates the section. Fully clockwise provides a gate depth or range of 40dB.
THRESH: Sets the level at which the gate opens or gain reduction begins for the expander. Adjustable from approximately -30dBu to +10dBu. Features variable hysteresis.
FAST ATT: Selects a fast attack time (100µs per 40dB). The default is a controlled linear attack time of 1.5ms per 40dB. This control is important for capturing the initial transient ('THWACK') of percussive sounds.
RELEASE: Sets the time constant (speed) for the Gate/Expander to reduce signal level once it has passed below the threshold. This control interacts with the RANGE control.

Common Controls

IN: [IN button] located centre left, switches the entire module in and out of circuit.
LEDs: [LEDs] located centre right, indicate dynamics activity. Green LEDs on the left show Gate/Expander activity; LEDs on the right indicate Compressor/Limiter operation.

Revision History

Revision V2.0, June 2020 - Revised Layout Release for Module Update

Revision V2.1, October 2021 - corrected Threshold level description

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