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Description

G SSL Type 4000 Custom Stereo Compressor MKII

White Noise Studio

White Noise Studio

Brainworx SSL 9000J vs 4000G vs 4000E - Comparison and differences

Video thumbnail for Brainworx SSL 9000J vs 4000G vs 4000E - Comparison and differences by White Noise Studio

Brainworx SSL 9000J vs 4000G vs 4000E - Comparison and differences

White Noise Studio

White Noise Studio

Video thumbnail for GSSL vs.  SSL by TRS music

GSSL vs. SSL

TRS music

TRS music

Video thumbnail for Mixing Drums with SSL 4000 G from Brainworx by Plugin Alliance

Mixing Drums with SSL 4000 G from Brainworx

Plugin Alliance

Plugin Alliance

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about G SSL Type 4000.

Features and functionality

  • The G SSL 4000 is often used for high-pass filtering on non-bass tracks, with users emphasizing its clean, technical performance rather than heavy character.

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  • Vertigo VSC-2 lacks the extensive sidechain filter range of Ableton's Glue, limiting its high-pass filtering to 90Hz.

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  • The SSL 4000 G series is praised for its substantial headroom, allowing users to confidently push the stereo bus without distortion.

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Use cases and applications

  • Some users find the G SSL 4000 better for non-drum sources, preferring the E Series for drum tracks due to its ability to open up mids.

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  • bx_Townhouse is favored for its authentic sound emulating a G buss, appealing for its grit and low-mid push, despite some differing opinions on its similarity to SSL.

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  • SSL 4000 G's back bus is recommended for drum sub-mixing to maintain perfect panning relationships, offering a unique advantage over group channels.

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  • The G Series dynamics modules are notably effective for drum tracking, with users suggesting covering dynamics meters to mix by ear for better results.

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  • The console's master meters can handle aggressive levels well, just avoid consistently pinning the needle to prevent distortion.

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User experience

  • Owners frequently apply the G SSL 4000 for initial track setup, employing it for filtering, parallel compression, and subtle saturation as a precursor to more intensive processing.

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  • The console is recognized for its "cold" sound with very low harmonic distortion, emphasizing the need for external gear to add warmth and color to recordings.

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Comparisons

  • The bx SSL 4000 G is contrasted with the E Series, with some users noting the latter's suitability for drum/percussion tracks.

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  • The AudioScapes GStereo Compressor is praised for its Quad Comp with Turbo Mod, offering a wider image and tighter corners at a fraction of the cost of a GSSL.

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Value and pricing

  • SSL Native Bus Compressor's price can drop significantly during sales, with some users acquiring it as part of a bundle for under $50.

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Software and compatibility

  • Cytomic The Glue and Ableton's Glue Compressor share the same code, with the latter supporting higher oversampling, making it ideal for Ableton users.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Experimenting with signal feedback through the matrix can create unique synth-like sounds; caution is advised to prevent speaker overdrive by keeping the master volume low.

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Critic Reviews

Universal Audio: SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor Collection | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

This review celebrates the SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor Collection as a significant upgrade over its predecessors, showcasing enhanced clarity, punch, and detail that give mixes a more "hi-fi" feel. The comprehensive redesign, developed in collaboration with Solid State Logic, introduces useful features like a mix knob and Headroom control, making it a versatile tool for producers. However, the reviewer expresses a slight skepticism about the endless emulations of classic gear, suggesting that while this plugin excels, it enters a crowded market. Overall, this compressor stands out as the best of its kind, but it’s not without the weight of expectation that comes from its many predecessors.

positive

New Gear Review: UA SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor Collection — SonicScoop

sonicscoop.com

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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fertah

Amazing!

Sounds fantastic and in class with other high-end SSL inspired compressors. As I understand, the circuit design is very close to the original, with additional features such as dry/wet mix and the sidechain circuit inspired by API 2500.

It can sound really transparent and unnoticeable on most settings, almost without any coloration. Although with really fast attacks and releases, and a higher ratio it can be pretty squishy and coloring, in a good way.

When the input transformer is engaged, I hear the difference in the transient response and harmonic distortion in the higher register. Without it engaged, it is a bit cleaner and 'more modern' sounding, whereas with it engaged, it has a slightly more old-fashioned feel. The output transformer seems to add some harmonics to the low end. It really depends on the program, but it can either add a nice warm low end or make things a bit muddy.

Both can be very useful in certain scenarios.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tom Lord-Alge uses G SSL Type 4000

Tom Lord-Alge

Music Producer

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Verified via YouTube

Timestamp: 8:32, 16:42 In this behind-the-scenes video from Tom's Spank Studio in Austin, TX, you can see G SSL Type 4000. It is an MKII version from 2022.

See how Luca Pretolesi uses G SSL Type 4000

Luca Pretolesi

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Luca shows us his Custom G SSL 4000 Compressor and its features in the video with Warren Huart. It can be seen at 20:28.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTYjWiZTR28&t=1228s

He also talks in detail about it in this video. It can be seen from 1:06 onwards.

https://youtu.be/vCBp4cdUxi0?t=66

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

More Effects Processors

See also: Effects Processors

Community setups

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