Revival 4000 User Guide

Overview

Introduction

Experience the definitive sound of SSL console heritage, with Revival 4000 - an all-in-one analogue channel strip brimming with character and versatility. For the first time ever, the most revered circuits from the B and E-Series consoles unite to deliver the ultimate analogue channel strip for your studio productions.

The 4000-Series revolutionised music production, setting a new industry standard that went on to shape countless iconic records. It all began with the rare SL 4000 B console. Originally launched in 1976, and later installed in London's Townhouse Studios, the 4000 B was used to create ground-breaking hits like 'Intruder' by Peter Gabriel and the seminal gated-drum sensation ‘In the Air Tonight' by Phil Collins.

This set the tone for the most influential mixing console of all time - the SL 4000 E. Launched in 1979, the 4000 E became the heartbeat of legendary studios like Abbey Road, Electric Lady, and The Hit Factory, empowering engineers like Hugh Padgham (David Bowie, Paul McCartney, The Police), Chris and Tom Lord-Alge (James Brown, The Rolling Stones, Santana), and Andy Wallace (Prince, Bruce Springsteen, Nirvana) to craft the sonic signatures of generations.

With its revolutionary channel strip design, surgical yet musical EQ and punchy compression, the 4000 E transformed the way records were made, delivering the clarity and cohesion that defines platinum-selling hits to this day. Its signature, focused mid-range clarity, unmatched precision, and the unmistakable glue and punch of its channel and bus compression, became the sound of popular music. Feedback from producers and engineers who first used the 4000 E's EQ and dynamics processing was unanimous: it was an incredibly musical and intuitive tool. Designed by people who truly understood the recording and mixing process, it reassured engineers and producers in an era where you had to get things right the first time - when mistakes were costly, the 4000 E made it significantly easier to realise your creative vision.

From Bruce Springsteen and Madonna to Dr Dre and Daft Punk, artists across pretty much every genre relied on its unmistakable sound. By 1996, a staggering 83% of Billboard #1 hits had been produced on an SSL console. The 4000-Series didn't just change music - it immortalised an era, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire to this day.

Some legends fade away – the 4000-Series is immortal.

With Revival 4000, you can now tap into that rich legacy, giving your mixes the same punch, presence and precision heard on records that have defined generations.

Features

• Classic SSL 4000 E Jensen transformer-balanced mic preamp
• Musical one-knob 4000 B De-esser
• +48V, Polarity invert, Pad and Line Input
• Ultimate 4000 E-Series Dynamics: Discrete Class A VCA compressor with Soft or Hard Knee modes, Fast attack on/off, Logarithmic or Linear Release modes
• Classic Gate/Expander with Fast attack on/off
• Classic 4-band SSL EQ: Fully parametric mid-bands, Switchable 'Brown Knob' 02 and 'Black Knob' 242 EQ Circuits
• High and Low-Pass Filters: 'Brown Knob' 02 mode – 12 dB per octave HPF & LPF; 'Black Knob' 242 mode – 18 dB per octave HPF & 12 dB per octave LPF
• Balanced Insert point for connecting external devices into the signal path
• Extensive 'to side-chain' functionality: Filters to Dynamics side-chain, EQ to Dynamics side-chain
• Flexible process-order routing: Filters to input, Dynamics and De-esser post-EQ options, Insert to output
• Line Output Trim
• Switchable input/output metering
• External side-chain (key) input
• Dynamics side-chain link – allows 2 x Revival 4000s compressors to work as a stereo pair

Installation

Unpacking

The unit has been carefully packed. Inside the box, you will find the following items: Revival 4000, IEC power cord for your country, Safety Sheet. It is always a good idea to save the original box and packaging, just in case you ever need to send the unit in for service.

Rack Mounting, Heat and Ventilation

The Revival 4000 is a 1U, 19” rackmount piece of equipment designed to sit in the racking of a producer's desk or similar. It is recommended that ventilation space is left above and below the unit so any heat generated by Revival 4000 can naturally disperse. The sides of the unit's chassis have cut-outs that should under no circumstances be blocked or covered. Always allow the unit to cool down before handling.

Safety Notices

Please read the safety notice information included on the Safety Sheet inside the box before using Revival 4000. This information is also available in the Appendices section of this User Guide.

Hardware Overview

This page provides an overview of the Revival 4000 hardware. The tutorial section covers each control in more detail.

Front Panel

The front panel is divided into several functional blocks:

• INPUT STAGE: Jensen JT-115K-E Transformer Balanced Mic Preamp, Line Trim.
• DYNAMICS: Discrete Class A VCA Compressor/Limiter & Gate/Expander.
• EQUALISER: Switchable '02' 'Brown Knob' and '242' 'Black Knob' EQ Circuits.
• OUTPUT STAGE & MORE: Output Trim, Balanced Insert & Metering.
• DE-ESSER: One-Knob B-Series Broadband De-esser.
• FILTERS: High and Low-Pass Filters.
• ROUTE: Process Order Routing & Dynamics Side-Chain Functionality.

Key controls visible include Gain, Pad, 48V, Polarity, Line/Mic switching, Trim, De-Ess Threshold, Compressor Ratio, Threshold, Release, Gate/Expander Range, Threshold, Release, EQ controls (Frequency, Gain, Q, Filter types), and routing buttons.

Rear Panel

The rear panel features various input and output connectors:

• 1. MIC INPUT: Female XLR for microphone signals.
• 2. LINE INPUT: Combo XLR/TRS Jack for line level signals.
• 3. INSERT SEND & RETURN: TRS Jacks for connecting outboard processing.
• 4. DYNAMICS SIDE-CHAIN EXTERNAL INPUT: Combo XLR/TRS Jack for external side-chain signals.
• 5. SIDE-CHAIN LINK: TRS/TS Jack for linking multiple units for stereo operation.
• 6. BALANCED OUTPUT: Male XLR for line-level output.
• IEC POWER INLET: For mains power connection.

Connections Overview

The Revival 4000 offers comprehensive connectivity:

• 1 - MICROPHONE INPUT: Female XLR. Labeled 'MIC IN', for microphone signals.
• 2 - LINE-LEVEL INPUT: Combo XLR/TRS Jack. Labeled 'LINE IN', for line level signals such as a synthesizer or DAW output.
• 3 - INSERT SEND & RETURN: TRS Jacks. Labeled 'INSERT SEND' and 'INSERT RETURN', for incorporating line-level outboard analogue processing equipment. These inserts are fully-balanced.
• 4 - DYNAMICS SIDE-CHAIN EXTERNAL INPUT: Combo XLR/TRS Jack. Labeled 'DYN S/C INPUT (EXT)', for external line-level signals to drive the dynamics side-chain (key input).
• 5 - SIDE-CHAIN LINK: TRS/TS Jack. Labeled 'S/C LINK', used to link the compressor side-chain control voltages of two Revival 4000 units for stereo pair use.
• 6 - BALANCED OUTPUT: Male XLR. Labeled 'OUTPUT', a line-level output for connecting to a DAW, audio interface, or mixing desk.

Tutorial

Power

Power on the unit by pressing the silver power button on the right-hand side.

Input Stage

Microphone Preamp & Line Trim

The Revival 4000 uses the Jensen JT-115K-E transformer-balanced preamp circuit, identical to the original 4000 E-Series console.

• MIC: Microphone preamp control providing +20 to +70 dB of gain. This control does not affect the line-level input path.
• 48V: Provides +48V phantom power for condenser and active ribbon microphones.
• PAD: Introduces a 20 dB pad ahead of the microphone preamp gain control, useful for high-output microphones.
• Ø (Polarity): Inverts the polarity, helpful for phase cancellation issues in multi-miked sources. Affects whichever input path is selected (Mic or Line).
• LINE: Switches the input to the rear panel 'LINE IN' (combo XLR/TRS jack), bypassing the mic preamp. The MIC control is inactive when LINE is selected.
• TRIM: Provides an additional +/- 20 dB of clean gain post the microphone preamp gain. This also affects the line-level input path when LINE is selected.

One-Knob De-esser

The de-esser section features the original 4000 B console's de-esser circuit, with a 10:1 ratio and 7 kHz high-pass filtered side-chain for broadband compression triggered by sibilance. It mirrors the SSL Bus Compressor design, offering musicality and effectiveness for taming harsh vocals or drum overheads.

• IN: Toggles the De-esser circuit on/off.
• THRESHOLD: Sets the de-essing threshold from +10 to -20 dB. Three LEDs indicate the amount of de-essing (3, 6, and 10 dB).

By default, the De-esser is placed before Dynamics and EQ, but can be re-positioned post-EQ using the 'DE-ESS POST EQ' button in the ROUTE section.

Dynamics

The compressor/gate design faithfully recreates the original 4000 E-Series channel strip components. It features a true RMS converter in the side-chain and an all-discrete Class A VCA chip for gain reduction. Options include soft/hard knee, fast attack, and logarithmic/linear release modes, offering versatile compression voicings.

• DYN IN: Toggles the Dynamics section (Compressor/Limiter & Gate circuits) on/off.

The Filter and/or Equaliser sections can be assigned to the dynamics side-chain using the 'DYN S/C' buttons for advanced signal manipulation. The Dynamics section can also use an external side-chain input. The default processing order is Dynamics before EQ, but this can be reversed with the 'DYN POST EQ' button.

For stereo operation, the 'S/C LINK' feature allows linking two Revival 4000 units for synchronized side-chain control.

Compressor/Limiter

• RATIO: Adjustable from 1:1 (inactive) to a true limiter at full clockwise. The compressor has a soft-knee by default, switchable to a hard knee via a button for a more aggressive character.
• THRESHOLD: Sets the level at which compression begins. It also provides automatic make-up gain.
• RELEASE: Sets the time constant for gain reduction recovery, variable from 0.1 to 4 seconds.
• FAST ATT: Provides a faster attack time (3 ms for 20 dB gain reduction), switchable from the default slower time (30 ms for 20 dB gain reduction).
• LIN REL: Changes the release curve from logarithmic to linear, also raising the threshold by 6dB.
• GAIN REDUCTION LEDs: Yellow and red LEDs indicating the amount of gain reduction.

Gate/Expander

• The Expander/Gate section can function as a Gate (∞:1) or a Downwards Expander (2:1) when the EXP switch is pressed.
• RANGE: Determines the depth of gating/expansion, from 0 to 40 dB.
• THRESHOLD: Sets the threshold for gating/expansion. Variable hysteresis helps instruments decay naturally.
• RELEASE: Sets the time constant for recovery, variable from 0.1 to 4 seconds.
• FAST ATT: Provides a fast attack time (100 µs per 40 dB) for the Gate/Expander, switchable from a slower linear attack (1.5 ms per 40 dB).

Green LEDs indicate Expander/Gate activity.

Filters

The Revival 4000 includes High and Low-Pass Filters, similar to the original E-Series. Both have bypass switching (activated by turning fully anti-clockwise). Filters are typically post-EQ but can be routed pre-EQ or into the dynamics side-chain.

• DYN S/C: Switches the Filters into the side-chain of the Dynamics section. This function overrides the INPUT function.
• INPUT: Moves the Filters to the front-end of the channel strip, after the Input Stage and Insert Point, but before De-esser, Dynamics, and EQ. This is useful for cleaning up signals before further processing.

The standard filter slope is 12dB/octave, but pressing the 'BLK' switch in the EQ section changes the High-Pass Filter slope to 18dB/octave.

Equaliser

The Equaliser section defaults to the original 'Brown Knob' circuit from early E-Series consoles, featuring a logarithmic symmetric design for consistent ±3dB points across frequency and amplitude settings. It includes two parametric mid-bands and two shelving sections (with an option for a fixed Q Bell response).

The '242' 'Black Knob' EQ circuit, developed with George Martin, offers enhanced cut/boost ranges (±18 dB vs. ±15 dB), a different control law, and a steeper 18 dB/octave High-Pass Filter for tighter low-frequency control. This mode is activated by pressing the 'BLK' switch.

• EQ IN: Switches the EQ section into circuit.
• BLK: Switches between 'Brown Knob' (02) and 'Black Knob' (242) EQ circuits.
• DYN S/C: Switches the EQ into the side-chain of the Dynamics section. The Filter section can be assigned independently. If both are assigned, Filters precede EQ.

Routing

The ROUTE section allows flexible processing order and side-chain routing:

• DYN (POST EQ): Moves the Dynamics section to be post the EQ.
• DE-ESS (POST EQ): Moves the De-esser section to be post the EQ.
• EXT (DYN S/C): Enables the Dynamics side-chain to be sourced from an external input via the rear panel 'DYN S/C INPUT EXT' jack. FILTERS TO DYN S/C and EQ TO DYN S/C will still affect this external source if engaged.
• LINK: Used to link the side-chain control signals of two Revival 4000 units for stereo operation via the 'S/C LINK' jacks. When linked, the control voltages sum, so the loudest signal controls both compressors, ensuring stable stereo imaging. Manual matching of compressor controls and gain staging is required.

Balanced Insert

A balanced insert point allows for the incorporation of additional outboard processing equipment. The SEND and RETURN TRS Jacks are on the rear panel.

• IN: Activates the Return path to introduce processed audio. The Insert Send is always active.
• OP: By default, the insert point is after the input stage but before other processing. Pressing 'OP' relocates the insert point to the end of the processing chain, before the Output Trim.

Output Stage and Metering

• OUT: A dedicated Output Trim provides +/- 20 dB of clean gain at the end of the signal chain for full control of the output level.
• METER: 5 LEDs provide signal level metering at various points (+24 dBu, +12 dBu, 0 dBu, -12 dBu, -24 dBu).
• MTR INP: Normally meters the channel output, but selecting 'MTR INP' meters the signal immediately after the input section.

Signal Flow Options

Four switches control the order of signal processing elements: Filters to INPUT, DYN(AMICS) POST EQ, DE-ESS(ER) POST EQ, and INSERT OP (To Output). Many processing orders are possible. The diagrams illustrate these options:

• Default: INSERT → DE-ESSER → DYNAMICS → EQ → FILTERS
• Insert To Output: INSERT → DE-ESSER → DYNAMICS → EQ → FILTERS → INSERT
• De-esser Post EQ: INSERT → DYNAMICS → EQ → FILTERS → DE-ESSER
• Dynamics Post EQ: INSERT → DE-ESSER → EQ → FILTERS → DYNAMICS
• Filters To Input: INSERT → FILTERS → DE-ESSER → DYNAMICS → EQ
• De-esser & Dynamics Post EQ: INSERT → EQ → FILTERS → DE-ESSER → DYNAMICS
• Filters To Input, De-esser Post EQ: INSERT → FILTERS → DYNAMICS → EQ → DE-ESSER
• Filters To Input, Dynamics Post EQ: INSERT → FILTERS → DE-ESSER → EQ → DYNAMICS
• Insert To Output, De-esser Post EQ: DYNAMICS → EQ → FILTERS → DE-ESSER → INSERT
• Insert To Output, Dynamics Post EQ: DE-ESSER → EQ → FILTERS → DYNAMICS → INSERT
• Filters To Input, De-esser Post EQ and Dynamics Post EQ: INSERT → FILTERS → EQ → DE-ESSER → DYNAMICS
• Insert To Output, De-esser Post EQ, Dynamics Post EQ: EQ → FILTERS → DE-ESSER → DYNAMICS → INSERT
• Filters To Input, Insert To Output, De-esser Post EQ, Dynamics Post EQ: FILTERS → EQ → DE-ESSER → DYNAMICS → INSERT
• Filters To Input, Insert To Output: FILTERS → DE-ESSER → DYNAMICS → EQ → INSERT
• Filters To Input, Insert To Output, De-esser Post EQ: FILTERS → DYNAMICS → EQ → DE-ESSER → INSERT
• Filters To Input, Insert To Output, Dynamics Post EQ: FILTERS → DE-ESSER → EQ → DYNAMICS → INSERT

To Side-chain Processing

The EQ and Filters can be assigned to the dynamics side chain using the DYN S/C switches. The table below shows side-chain source and processing order combinations:

• Default: Source: Internal, Processing: DYNAMICS → EQ → FILTERS
• Filters to Dynamics Side-chain: Source: EXT, Processing: FILTERS → DYNAMICS → EQ
• Filters to Dynamics Side-chain & Dynamics Post EQ: Source: EXT, Processing: FILTERS → EQ → DYNAMICS
• EQ to Dynamics Side-chain: Source: EXT, Processing: EQ → DYNAMICS → FILTERS
• EQ to Dynamics Side-chain & Dynamics Post EQ: Source: EXT, Processing: EQ → FILTERS → DYNAMICS
• EQ to Dynamics Side-chain & Filters to Dynamics Side-chain: Source: EXT, Processing: FILTERS → EQ → DYNAMICS

Specifications

Connector Details

Note: For Side-chain Link, TRS or TS jacks can be used.

Physical

• Width: 482.6 mm / 19 inches
• Height: 43.18 mm / 1.7 inches (1 RU)
• Depth: 276.86 mm / 10.9 inches
• Weight: 3.74 kg / 8.25 lbs
• Boxed Dimensions: 609.6 mm x 83.82 mm x 335.28 mm (24" x 3.3" x 13.2")
• Boxed Weight: 4.88 kg / 10.76 lbs

Power

• Power Supply: Auto-Ranging 100-240 VAC
• Operating Power: <20 Watts

Audio Performance

Default test conditions (unless otherwise stated): Source impedance of test set: 50Ω, Input impedance of test set: 100 kΩ, Reference frequency: 1 kHz, Reference level: 0 dBu. All unweighted measurements are specified as 20 Hz to 20 kHz bandwidth limited, expressed in dBu. Onset of clipping (for headroom measurements) should be taken as 1% THD. All levels are intended balanced, unless explicitly defined otherwise. Line Input by default (unless otherwise stated): TRIM set to center position (0 dB), Gain set to minimum. All figures have a tolerance of ±0.5dB or 5%. If 'typical' is stated, then the tolerance may be greater than 5%.

Mic Input to Insert Send

Line To Insert Send

Insert Return to Output

Channel Output

EQ Controls

This is a four-band equaliser with switchable 'Brown Knob' (02) and 'Black Knob' (242) EQ curves. High and Low-Pass Filters are also available.

HF Band Controls

HMF Band Controls

LMF Band Controls

LF Band Controls

Filters Controls

Dynamics Controls

The unit features a Compressor/Limiter and an Expander/Gate.

Compressor/Limiter Controls

The Compressor/Limiter offers four modes combining attack/release slope options ('Soft Knee'/'Hard Knee' and 'Logarithmic'/'Linear').

Expander/Gate Controls

Side chain signals can be sourced internally or externally. Filters and/or EQ can be inserted in the side-chain. LED meters indicate compression and expansion.

EQ Circuit In

Filters Circuit In

Dynamics Circuit In

De-esser Circuit In

Safety Notices

Important Safety Information

General Safety

Please read and keep this document and adhere to all warnings and instructions. This electrical equipment should not be exposed to dust, water, or other liquids. Clean only with dry cloth or products compatible with electrical devices and never when the unit is powered. Do not operate near any heat sources, in direct sunlight or near naked flames. Do not place heavy objects on the unit. Only use attachments/accessories recommended by the manufacturer. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time. Do NOT modify this unit; alterations may affect performance, safety and/or international compliance standards. The unit can only be serviced by qualified personnel – seek immediate service if the unit has been exposed to water or if it ceases to operate normally. Solid State Logic does not accept liability for damage caused by maintenance, repair or modification by unauthorised personnel.

When using this apparatus, either fix it into a standard 19" rack or place it on a secure level surface. If the unit is rack mounted, fit all rack screws. Rack shelves are recommended, and ensure that loading of the rack does not create a hazard. Always allow free flow of air around the unit for cooling. A 1U gap above and below the unit is recommended when rack mounted. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure that the maximum operating temperature is not exceeded when mounted in a rack. Ensure that no strain is placed on any cables connected to this apparatus. Ensure that all such cables are not placed where they can be stepped on, pulled or tripped over.

Power Safety

This equipment is supplied with a mains lead. If you wish to use a mains cable of your choice, refer to the following information: Refer to the rating label on the rear of the unit and always use a suitable mains cord. The unit should ALWAYS be earthed. Please use a compliant 60320 C13 TYPE SOCKET. When connecting to supply outlets, ensure that appropriate sized conductors and plugs are used to suit local electrical requirements. Maximum cord length should be 4.5m (15'). The cord should bear the approval mark of the country in which it is to be used.

Additionally: The appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device; ensure that it is connected to an unobstructed wall outlet. Connect only to an AC power source that contains a protective earthing (PE) conductor. Only connect units to single-phase supplies with the neutral conductor at earth potential. When mounted in a rack, ensure that the earthing is reliable and the electrical supply is not overloaded.

ATTENTION! This product must always be earthed.

CAUTION! No user-serviceable parts inside. In the event of damage to the unit, contact Solid State Logic. Service or repair must be done by qualified service personnel only.

Compliance Information

This product complies with the following United Kingdom Legislation:

• UK Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 (SI 2016/1101)
• UK Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016 (SI 2016/1091).
• The Eco-design requirements for Energy related products (ErP) 2009/125/EC.
• The Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (RoHS2) 2011/65/EU.

This product complies with the following European Union Harmonisation Legislation:

• EU Low Voltage directive (LVD) 2014/35/EU,
• EU Electromagnetic Compatibility directive (EMC) 2014/30/EU.
• The Eco-design requirements for Energy related products (ErP) 2009/125/EC.
• The Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (RoHS2) 2011/65/EU.

Electromagnetic Compatibility

BS EN 55032:2015, Class B. BS EN 55035:2017.

WARNING: The audio input/output ports are screened cable ports and any connections to them should be made using braid-screened cable and metal connector shells to provide a low impedance connection between the cable screen and the device.

Electrical Safety

IEC 62368-1:2018, BS EN IEC 62368-1:2020+A11:2020, CSA CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 62368-1 3rd Ed., UL 62368-1 3rd Ed. AS/NZS 62368.1:2022, GB 4943.1-2022, J62368-1(2023), SASO-IEC 62368-1:2020.

FCC Certification

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

For the user: Do not modify this unit! This product, when installed as indicated in the instructions contained in the installation manual, meets FCC requirements. Important: This product satisfies FCC regulations when high quality shielded cables are used to connect with other equipment. Failure to use high quality shielded cables or to follow the installation instructions may cause electromagnetic interference with appliances such as radios and televisions and will void your FCC authorisation to use this product in the USA. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Industry Canada Compliance

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

Environmental

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

Environmental: Temperature: Operating: +1 to 30°C. Storage: -20 to 50°C. For additional information visit www.solidstatelogic.com.

WEEE Notice

The symbol shown here, which is on the product or on its packaging, 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.