Solid State Logic SSL B-DYN 500

500 Series Dynamics Module

The Sound of the First SSL Console

The SSL B-DYN 500 from Solid State Logic brings the dynamics section of the SL 4000 B channel strip into a single 500 Series slot. Faithfully modelled on the original circuit design, it pairs a characterful compressor/limiter with a versatile gate/expander, and adds a dedicated de-essing mode. Released in 1976, the SL 4000 B was the first console SSL ever built, and its dynamics section is known for a punchy, coloured, distinctly aggressive character that later SSL designs traded for neutrality.

Compressor / Limiter

The compressor section offers three stepped ratios plus a dedicated sidechain mode, with Threshold and Release controls, an auto-release setting, and a built-in high-pass filter on the sidechain. Automatic make-up gain keeps levels consistent as you drive the threshold, so the module stays quick to dial in. Its fixed attack lets transients and note onsets through before the gain reduction takes hold, which is what gives the B-Series its snappy, grabby feel on drums, bass, and vocals.

Gate / Expander

The second section works as a 20:1 gate or, with the EXP button engaged, as a 2:1 expander. Attack time is a fast 0.2 ms, and the Range control sets how much attenuation is applied, covering everything from gentle noise cleanup to hard gated-snare effects.

Dedicated De-Ess Mode

Setting the Compressor Ratio and Release controls to DS optimises the module for taming sibilance. De-Ess runs at a 10:1 ratio with a filtered sidechain input, delivering broadband compression triggered by sibilance, with the release varying automatically between roughly 30 and 50 ms and a fast 2 ms attack.

Built for the 500 Series Rack

A Link sidechain is included so a pair of modules can be tied together for stereo work without image shift. Housed in a single 500 Series slot, the B-DYN sits alongside SSL’s E-Series Dynamics, E-Series EQ, and other modules in any standard 500 Series chassis.

FEATURES

• Analogue recreation of the SL 4000 B console dynamics section
• Compressor/Limiter with three stepped ratios and sidechain mode
• Threshold and Release controls with auto-release setting
• Automatic make-up gain
• High-pass filter on the compressor sidechain
• Switchable 20:1 Gate or 2:1 Expander with 0.2 ms attack
• Range control for gate depth
• Dedicated DS mode for de-essing (10:1, filtered sidechain)
• Link sidechain for stereo operation
• Single-slot 500 Series format