Solid State Logic SSL 500 Series B-DYN 611B Dynamics Module (SL 4000 B Recreaction)

Born from the legendary console that shaped Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight" and Peter Gabriel's "Intruder", the 4000 B Dynamics module brings the rare sonic character of SSL's first-ever console into the modern 500 Series format. Originally released in 1976, the SL 4000 B console made its mark at iconic studios including Virgin's Townhouse Studio in London, Le Studio in Montreal, and Record Plant in LA. This module captures the heavily coloured, grabby compression that made those classic records so distinctive, offering producers access to one of the rarest studio console sounds ever created.

What sets the B-DYN apart from later SSL dynamics processors is its unique VCA feedback design, which uses the fader VCA as the gain element rather than a dedicated VCA - similar to the topology found in SSL's famous Bus Compressor. The compressor section features stepped ratios of 2:1, 4:1, 10:1 and a special 'ds' setting that provides 10:1 compression with additional sidechain filtering. The threshold and ratio controls include automatic make-up gain, while a 185Hz high-pass filter in the sidechain helps reduce bass pumping effects. Release times range from 0.2ms to 1.6ms, with additional 'DS' and 'AUTO' options for program-dependent release timing.

The dedicated De-Ess mode optimises the unit for vocal sibilance control by setting both ratio and release controls to 'DS', creating a 10:1 ratio with filtered sidechain input and automatic release variation between 30-50ms. The attack time drops to a fast 2ms in this mode, making it highly effective for vocal processing. The gate/expander section can operate as either a 20:1 gate or 2:1 expander, with adjustable range and threshold controls, plus a release control that determines how long the signal remains audible after the gate closes. The attack time for both gate and expander modes is an ultra-fast 0.2ms.