After the SL 4000 series consoles had revolutionized music production throughout the 1970s and 80s, SSL pushed analogue technology further with the launch of the SL 9000 J Series in the mid-1990s. The 9000 was an evolutionary leap in performance, built around SuperAnalogue design. SuperAnalogue isn't just a circuit topology -- it's a design philosophy. It represents a relentless commitment to removing every obstacle between the source and the listener, combining constant invention, meticulous component selection and precision engineering.

Features:

- Dual Mic Pre - Choose between SuperAnalogue (9000) & VHD (Duality)
- 2 Impedance options - 1.3 k- & 11 k-
- +48V, Polarity invert, Pad and Line Input
- Input Flip - move the VHD Pre from the Mic path into the Line input path for saturation/distortion processing at the mix stage
- High-Performance THAT 2181A VCA compressor section
- Classic Gate/Expander section
- High and Low Pass filters
- 4-Band EQ with fully parametric Mid-Bands
- Extensive 'to sidechain' functionality
- Flexible process-order routing
- Switchable input and output metering
- Sidechain 2 Super 9000's compressors to work as a stereo pair

The SuperAnalogue approach
The aim of SuperAnalogue technology is to put the engineer right there in the room with the musician -- delivering a signal path so transparent and wide-bandwidth that nothing is lost. Core elements include an extended audio bandwidth for ultra-low transient intermodulation distortion, the absence… read more of electrolytic capacitors in the audio path, transformer-less design, exceptionally low noise and minimal phase shift. Together, these create a sonic character that's open, accurate, and effortless.

From J to K - and the hybrid future
The 9000 J console was followed by the 9000 K, which refined the design even further with extended bandwidth, improved summing, and even lower distortion figures. This lineage formed the backbone of SSL's hybrid consoles that followed in the 00's and 10's, notably the AWS and Duality - which combine true SuperAnalogue signal paths with powerful DAW integration. These desks bridge the gap between classic large-format analogue workflow and contemporary digital production needs, giving engineers the best of both worlds.

Superanalogue studios shaping the sound of records we love
SSL SuperAnalogue consoles have been at the heart of some of the world's most influential studios. Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios is known for its custom XL 9000 K console, whilst Los Angeles' Larrabee Studios has a deep history with SSL desks, evolving through 4000s, Js, and Ks before adopting Duality consoles. Atlanta's famous Stankonia Studios opted for the latest revision of Duality console - Duality Fuse. Legendary projects have taken shape across these rooms and many other Superanalogue-equipped studios, such as Outkast's Hey Ya! (mixed across 9000 J and XL 9000 K desks at Stankonia), Beyonce's Dangerously in Love album (mixed by Tony Maserati at The Hit Factory, New York, on an SSL 9000 K), and Trent Reznor & Alan Moulder's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo soundtrack (AWS & Duality). Whether tracking, mixing, or producing, SSL Superanalogue consoles have been trusted to deliver detailed, dynamic and expressive sound that musicians and engineers alike rely on. Now, that level of performance is made accessible in Super 9000, a SuperAnalogue channel strip packing that signature clarity and precision into a single 1U rack unit.

Dual Mic Amp - SuperAnalogue or VHD (Variable Harmonic Drive)
Just like on a Duality console, you can choose between two discrete preamps at the front-end. You can opt for the pristine, high headroom Superanalogue preamplifier or switch to the more colourful Variable Harmonic Drive (VHD) circuit, enriching the signal with additional harmonics and saturation. For more valve/tube-like tones, dial the DRIVE control towards the 2nd harmonic position and for harder transistor-edge, turn towards the 3rd harmonic position. Four additional LEDs above the VHD button indicate the intensity of the drive circuit.

The VHD Pre can be moved from the Mic path into the Line input path via the INPUT FLIP button, providing an easy way to process line-level DAW stems with harmonic saturation/distortion.

Precision 9000/Duality Dynamics Section
The quintessential modern SSL dynamics section, for ultimate control and punch. Built around the high-performance THAT 2181A VCA, this compressor offers switchable fast attack mode, as well as the peak detect option - first introduced on the SL 9000 console.

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