Softube Releases Solid State Logic XL 9000 K-Series for Console 1

Console 1 is Softube’s solution for closing the analog console-DAW gap. Their system allows users to mix audio with their hardware interface that resembles a horizontally layered channel strip. The Console 1 ships with Solid State Logic’s SL 4000 E model for processing.

SSL XL9000 K-Series is the next available model for Softube’s Console 1.

Softube’s new Solid State Logic XL 9000 K-Series model is now another model to choose between. The model includes all of the sonic characteristics of the original SSL console including their Variable Harmonic Drive circuit.

The Solid State Logic XL 9000 K-Series model is available now for $329 MSRP, and includes licenses for VST, VST3, AU, and AAX plugin formats. Here are more details from Softube:

While Solid State Logic’s SL 4000 E is widely considered a great pop and rock’n’roll console with its slightly gritty and forward sound, the circuit design of XL 9000 K offers an extreme bandwidth, minimal phase shift and super low distortion. This makes it one of the world’s most popular analog consoles for hip-hop and R’n’B, where the solid, deep low end and extended highs work great for getting that hyper modern, large and wide sound. For the same reasons, it is also loved for classical and acoustic audiophile recordings.

VHD model included

XL 9000 K is a very clean console. In order to still have the option of using distortion creatively, we added a model of Solid State Logic’s VHD (Variable Harmonic Drive) circuit, which is part of the Duality series consoles and Alpha channel preamps. The Drive knob on Console 1 determines the amount of distortion, and the Character knob moves the added distortion from 2nd order (more tube-like) to 3rd order (more transistor-like), or any in-between blend—just like on its analog counterpart.

Extended gate and compressor options

Furthermore, the Shape section of the XL 9000 K for Console 1 features a fully controllable gate unit, where the Punch and Sustain knobs control Range and Hold levels. This makes it more individually controllable compared to the SL 4000 E model, where a fast workflow was prioritized. The compressor can be switched between Peak and RMS modes, which gives a wide range of options. The equalizer is clean, smooth and natural.

History

When the first 9000 series console came out in in the mid-1990s, it represented a breakthrough in analog circuitry design. The sound path is entirely capacitor-free, in order to keep a perfect signal integrity and low distortion. The XL 9000 K was the last and most developed version of the 9000 series, released in 2002. It is this version that forms the backbone of Peter Gabriel’s RealWorld Studios, Wyclef Jean and Jerry Wonda’s Platinum Sound, and Michael Brauer’s room in Electric Lady Studios.

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