Solid State Logic Introduces 500 Series VHD Pre at NAMM 2015
A big name in big consoles is now sharing their tech among the masses with the announcement of the VHD Pre for 500 Series chassis.
SSL serves up a double scoop of preamp flavor with the 500 Series VHD Pre.
Solid State Logic’s staple Duality, and XL-Desk console’s preamps can now fit neatly in any studio size. The VHD Pre is a versatile microphone preamp that can be switched between the SSL SuperAnalogue path or the Variable Harmonic Drive (VHD) path. SuperAnalogue offers an ultra clean recording path, while the VHD introduces more flavor from mellow warmth, to a crispy distortion.
The Solid State Logic VHD Pre will be available worldwide in March, 2015 for $649 MSRP. Here are full details from SSL:
The VHD Pre is an immensely versatile recording and processing device. It can deliver ultra clean SSL SuperAnalogue™ grade recordings but also features a switchable VHD mode. SSL’s patented Variable Harmonic Drive (VHD) system uses a 100% analogue signal path to generate rich harmonic distortion. As you increase VHD input gain, the Variable Harmonic Drive process introduces either 2nd or 3rd harmonic distortion or a blend of the two to your source material. At lower gain settings it adds gentle valve-style warmth or a touch of transistor edge. As the gain is increased the more extreme the distortion becomes until at high gain settings it delivers fierce trashy transistor-esque grunge. The VHD Pre gives the user ultimate versatility from a studio grade preamp. Whether it’s ultra-clean traditional SSL, subtle warming or totally trashy transistor distortion, VHD will change your expectations of what a preamplifier should deliver.
The VHD section of the VHD Pre Module has three rotary controls: a Drive control selects 2nd harmonic or 3rd harmonic distortion or a continuously variable blend of the two. A +20/+75dB gain control sets input level. A -20/+20dB trim control adjusts the output level from the circuit to enable level matching with other devices, because by its nature the VHD circuit can significantly increase signal levels. The VHD Pre Module has a selection of other essential professional preamp features: a signal present LED, a switchable 15Hz to 500Hz LF Filter section, Hi-Z impedance switch for mic impedance matching, +48V phantom power, PAD to enable the VHD system to be used as a line level processing device and a Phase Invert Switch.
Key Features:
- Uniquely versatile recording and processing
- Ultra clean SSL SuperAnalogue grade preamp
- Switchable VHD system adds controllable 2nd or 3rd harmonic distortion
- Switchable LF Filter (15Hz to 500Hz)
- Hi-Z switch for high impedance microphone use
- +48V Phantom Power with status LED
- PAD for use with line level source material
- Phase invert switch
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