Author Topic: Modular SSL 4000 E/G build Project  (Read 66086 times)

sintech

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Modular SSL 4000 E/G build Project
« on: July 11, 2012, 11:33:45 AM »
Having owned two full sized SSL 4k's in the past, this time the aim is to have a small modular console for my project room, but with the sonic of the full beast. A lot of this I've pulled off Ebay and the like.

651 elements are all rack mounted, 026+027 cards: 2 buss summing/compressor: 032 cue mix amps

Currently I'm working on the G series bucket, that will add to the current action giving me 18 channels in total.. but it's on going project. ;)

(9x 1989 E channels, 9x late 90's G series)

E series Bucket and Mini 651:



G series Bucket



Cue Mix amps done



cue mix amps



Etching 032 cards











26 and 27 cards


















Matt Sartori

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Re: Modular SSL 4000 E/G build Project
« Reply #1 on: July 11, 2012, 04:48:05 PM »
Sintech,
Every time I go through this Thread I have to stop and scratch my eyes at least a couple of times....
 :) this is a BRILLIANT way of putting together your DIY SSL ... I absolutely LOVE IT!

especially if I look at the way you customized it!
Are the mix amps the same as the originals? are they working well?

Mattia.

sintech

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Re: Modular SSL 4000 E/G build Project
« Reply #2 on: July 11, 2012, 05:09:01 PM »
Thanks Mattia, a lot of passion has gone into the project in the 10 months since it's incarnation.

The Cue mix amps are 100% identical, apart from missing the one IC that does the EQ.
As the phase flips through the circuit, you have to reverse the phase of the cross-coupled balanced output (Due to lack of EQ), at the output XLR.

I couldn't get 032 cards at the right price, this was my only reason to DIY this

All other cards are original, apart from using Keith's SSL 9000 output board to balance the LF RF Master bus outputs.
« Last Edit: July 11, 2012, 05:33:47 PM by sintech »

darynbarry

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Re: Modular SSL 4000 E/G build Project
« Reply #3 on: July 14, 2012, 07:20:30 PM »
What a cool idea! I'll bet there will be many who want similar small footprint similar desks for there summing / mixing pleasure.

Daryn Barry
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Tel: 416.504.8084 ext 225
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xmax

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Re: Modular SSL 4000 E/G build Project
« Reply #4 on: July 14, 2012, 11:01:28 PM »
Very cool!!!! where does the summing take place? Nice work. N

sintech

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Re: Modular SSL 4000 E/G build Project
« Reply #5 on: July 15, 2012, 12:30:36 AM »
Hi, the summing happens in the shown 027 cards, the Left and Right front busses sum to transistor pairs, just like the real console, wire for wire.

For me this is the total magic of the 4K 2Bus, and why an 80 channel mix sounds great! with minimal smear.

This summing bus output then is balanced and appears as normal on the patchbay as the 'Pre VCA send'

The 'Pre VCA return' is really the balanced input to the compressor section and master fader.
« Last Edit: July 15, 2012, 10:34:43 AM by sintech »

Doctor Ferg

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Re: Modular SSL 4000 E/G build Project
« Reply #6 on: July 18, 2012, 06:41:02 PM »
Looking great Sintech! We are about to recap our 82e27 cards and spotted a post by Nielsk suggesting there is an improvement to be had by replacing the back to back electrolytics with non-polarised caps. Tempting but I am torn between authenticity and the quest for perfection...

sintech

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Re: Modular SSL 4000 E/G build Project
« Reply #7 on: July 18, 2012, 07:00:58 PM »
Yes, and he also suggested 2200uF for C1 and C2, now it's 220uF on the E cards, but quickly checking G schematics, the larger cap is in place.

I think it gives a tighter bottom end.

Personally, it's all recapped with the stock E values, but would be interested if you went for the larger C1,2 option.

sintech

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Re: Modular SSL 4000 E/G build Project
« Reply #8 on: July 18, 2012, 07:58:04 PM »
In fact it's 470uF on the E series inputs, compared to the G series on the right:



Same thing with the Back to backs, on the right they've been replaced after point 12 & 13, with single non polarised 100uF,

5K enlarged to 15k



« Last Edit: July 18, 2012, 08:00:38 PM by sintech »

Matt Sartori

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Re: Modular SSL 4000 E/G build Project
« Reply #9 on: July 18, 2012, 08:09:59 PM »
VERY INTERESTING sintech, I think I am gonna do the mod, unless the G upgrade that was done to the console few years ago already includes this!

Mattia.

sintech

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Re: Modular SSL 4000 E/G build Project
« Reply #10 on: August 08, 2012, 06:03:32 PM »
Worked on the 33 card (Listen Mic/Talkback & compressor) today, I hooked off Jim on my visit last week.

For use purely as mic pre's and limiter, for recording room mics,.. and as a naughty mixing parallel. (Ridge Farm Boiler style)

Decided it would be better to have a stereo limiter, rather than two preamps summing to mono. :-) building the second limiter/output stage on matrix board point to point:


« Last Edit: August 08, 2012, 06:06:27 PM by sintech »

Doctor Ferg

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Re: Modular SSL 4000 E/G build Project
« Reply #11 on: August 08, 2012, 08:33:18 PM »
Very nice idea turning this into stereo Andy, I was thinking of racking an 82e33 for our ICON room... The D-Control has a listen mic input but no limiter which is going to end in tears one day... The input capacitor choice gives a severe bass roll off if i'm not mistaken so I was thinking of a switched bigger one in parallel to give a more normal bass response when using it as a mic amp

sintech

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Re: Modular SSL 4000 E/G build Project
« Reply #12 on: August 09, 2012, 12:22:03 AM »
Hi Paul,

 thanks for the tip regarding the input cap, I think it's defo worth having two settings as your suggesting... cheers Doc :-)

sintech

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Re: Modular SSL 4000 E/G build Project
« Reply #13 on: August 19, 2012, 07:32:46 PM »
This weekend has been metalwork for bucket number three, and the patchbay.

All Isep rails cut to size, with a hacksaw :-) Very happy with progress so far.

Thanks also to Jim, for a few helpful pointers









« Last Edit: August 19, 2012, 07:35:55 PM by sintech »

sintech

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Re: Modular SSL 4000 E/G build Project
« Reply #14 on: September 04, 2012, 07:41:06 PM »
Belly panel to Knee panel conversion,




Constructed a four space Centre Section, from the bits left over.. starting to look like a console ;-)