SSL 4k punchy clipping

[gertius]

Hi guys,

I recently had the opportunity to work on an SSL 4k E console.
I noticed that when driving the output a little hotter, that some sort of "clipping" occurs, but one that sounds really punchy and even desirable in moderate amounts.
I also think I can hear this effect on some of my favorite SSL mixes. I always thought itīs part of the bus compressors sound but working on the SSL showed itīs independent of that.

I only had so much time to investigate it, but it seemed to me that I could regulate it with the makeup gain of the bus comp, and also the master fader.
That would mean it happens after the bus comp, maybe in the main outputs (82e25)?
I have a bus comp with the original cards (82e26 and 82e27)  here and it doesnīt do that effect, so I figured maybe in the card that comes after it?

Have you noticed this effect and could you maybe confirm my estimate that it happens in the main outs?
Iīm thinking of buying and racking a 82e25 card just to see if thatīs the case...

Would be happy about any info you could give.

Cheers,
Christian

[radardoug2]

So what were the meters showing? Pinned to the right?

[gertius]

Thanks for your reply. I must admit I didnīt check the meters at that time. It was only my second time working on an SSL and I didnīt have the meters on my radar.
Theoretically, if the main output meters were pegged would that point to a clipping in the main outs card 82e25?

[radardoug2]

You didn't check the meters? They are right in front of you on a 4000.
If the meters are pegged then you have no idea what the level is, and so yes you could be clipping the card.
Thats why you are supposed to look at the meters. Engineering 101.

[MartyAckerman]

I've noticed people hitting individual channels pretty hard during a mix. It may be the overall effect of pushing the board as a whole, rather than a single center section card you're looking for.  I've been considering raising the calibration of my DA converters for this reason.  Maybe I record too quietly, but I feel the "sweet spot" of the board is a little hotter than I'm currently hitting it. 

This also brings to mind a trick that I've heard about regarding the VCA trim.  You can try assigning some channels to one of the 8 VCA faders in the middle, then engaging the VCA trim button near the talkback mic.  When you start cranking that knob, you'll get some fairly obvious saturation - if that's the sound you're looking for, maybe check out the 22 card.  I don't have the manual in front of me, but I think that's the one? I know there are many here more knowledgeable than I who could correct me.

This is one of those questions that we may all have a different answer for, even if we're looking for the same result.