Solid State Logic 500 Series B-DYN 611B Module 

 

 

The SSL B-DYN 611B is a compressor with an aggressive character and a unique sound.

The Solid State Logic B-DYN 611B is a dynamics processor taken directly from the legendary SL 4000 B console and housed in the popular 500-series format.

The SL 4000 B console debuted in 1976 and has since been used in such renowned recording studios as Virgin’s Townhouse Studio in London, Le Studio in Montreal, and the Record Plant in Los Angeles. 

It was on the SL 4000 B console that iconic hits such as Phil Collins„ ”In the Air Tonight„ and Peter Gabriel’s ”Intruder” were recorded. In these tracks, you can hear the unique character of the compression applied to the drums and vocals. If you want to give your productions the unique tone and characteristic saturation offered by one of the rarest and most sought-after studio mixing consoles in the world—the SL 4000 B—choose the B-DYN processor.

Key features:

• The unique sound character of the SL 4000 B console's dynamics section
• A design based on SSL Bus Compressor
• Operation in Compressor/Limiter and Gate/Expander modes
• A unique circuit equipped with a Peak sensor that delivers an aggressive sound
• Fixed, stepwise compression ratios of 2:1, 4:1, and 10:1, with an additional „DS” operating mode.”
• Defined release times: DS, .2, .4, .8, 1.6, and the distinctive “Auto”
• Automatic Make-Up Gain
• Sidechain High-Pass Filter
• Stereo Link Mode
• A new yet classic SSL sound for your productions

Compressor/Limiter:

RATIO – Step compression ratios of 2:1, 4:1, 10:1, and „ds.” The „ds” setting corresponds to a 10:1 compression ratio with an additional sidechain filter. The „out” position bypasses the compression circuit.

TRESH – When the signal exceeds the level set by this parameter, the compressor will begin to operate with an efficiency proportional to the Ratio parameter value. Threshold and Ratio also have a direct effect on automatic make-up gain.

HPF – The high-pass filter is set to 185 Hz and has a slope of 6 dB/oct. It is part of the compressor circuit in the sidechain section and helps prevent pumping caused by low frequencies.

RELEASE – Defined release parameter values ranging from .2 ms to 1.6 ms, with additional „DS” and „Auto” modes”

DS – De-Ess mode changes the attack time from 30 ms to 2 ms.

De-Ess Mode (DS):

When the compressor’s Ratio and Release parameters are set to „DS,” the B-DYN module is optimized for sibilant reduction (de-essing). De-Ess mode features a 10:1 ratio and an S/C filter on the input signal, providing wideband compression triggered by sibilants. In „DS” mode, the Release parameter is automatically selected based on the degree of compression and is set to 30 or 50 ms. This is a much faster minimum release time compared to those used in SSL dynamics sections. The attack time has also been shortened to 2 ms, making it slightly faster than that in the dynamics modules E-Series.

Gate/Expander:

The Gate/Expand section of the B-DYN module can operate as a gate with a ratio of 20:1 or as an expander with a ratio of 2:1 when the EXP button is pressed. The attack time is 0.2 ms.

RANGE – This parameter allows you to set the maximum gain reduction value at which the Gate/Expander section will activate.

THRESH – Allows you to set the threshold above which the gate/expander will remain open.

RELEASE – Defines how long the signal will be audible after the gate/expander is triggered

EXP – Switches the gate to expander mode with a gentle curve for precise level control above the trigger point.