SSL 4000 G+ / 4000 E Channel Module Compatibility Question

[emilshayeb]

Hi everyone,

I own an SSL 4000 G+ console. A friend of mine has eight complete channel modules from an SSL 4000 E, and I’m trying to understand whether these modules could be installed in my G+ frame.

My question is:

Can SSL 4000 E channel modules be swapped into a 4000 G+ console without major modifications, or are there important differences that would prevent this from being a straightforward swap?

My G+ has Total Recall and moving faders / Ultimation, so I’m especially concerned about:

* rear connector / edge connector compatibility;
* power supply requirements;
* Total Recall compatibility;
* moving fader / automation compatibility;
* bus routing differences;
* EQ / dynamics differences;
* whether the E modules would work fully or only pass audio;
* whether any wiring, logic, or card modifications would be needed.

I’m not looking to modify the sound of the console necessarily — I’m mainly trying to understand if these E modules could be used as working replacement or spare channels in a G+ frame.

Has anyone here actually installed SSL 4000 E channel modules into a 4000 G or G+ console? If so, what had to be changed, and what problems should I watch out for?

Any technical information, real-world experience, or documentation references would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[Jdm5149]

Sorta newbie here also.  I have a 4000e in storage that I will be setting up soon. It has 24 g channels , 6 e channels with brown eq.  2 stereo channels. And 8 e channels with black 242 eqs. I’m pretty sure they are all swapable but interested in the answer also    Swapping eq cards might need a bit of work but channels themselves might just need to be set in the computer

[tlamix]

Greetings,
You should have no problems, the modules are interchangeable for the most part.
Even if the modules you are installing have no Total Recall cards, they will still function, just without Recall.
One thing to note is the VCA card.
If your console has Ultimation the modules you plan to install will need the Moving Fader/VCA card.
If your console does not have Ultimation the module you plan to install will need the standard VCA card.
Easy way to tell the difference, the Moving Fader/VCA card has a ribbon cable that connects to the fader, the standard VCA card does not.
Also, most E-series modules do not have the Solo/Isolate feature which was introduced with the G-Series console. (Pulling up the Group Trim pot isolates the channel so it does not mute when you solo another channel)

I also have a 4000G+ and have used 4000E series modules, 6000E modules and even 8000G+ modules with the film panning mod.
ALL WORK (Except the film panning mod modules could only be panned hard left or hard right. panning in the center sent audio out my Left rear buss. But they did work)

Hope this helps.
Happy Mixing!
TLA

[horizonsound]

Further to TLA's comments, ensure any E modules have the "coat-hanger mod. Typically identified by a heavy black earth wire running from the top of the lower edge connector, to the bottom, and across to the small fader area. There will be a row of vertical resistors at the bottom of the upper edge connector.

If you have film pan, this can be bypassed and set to stereo mode by jumpering the Film Pan bus to +18V

Anthony.

[emilshayeb]

Thanks guys, that’s very helpful.

Just to clarify one point: I usually run my console with the motors turned off.

In that case, would I still need the Moving Fader/VCA cards in the E-series modules, or could they work normally with the standard VCA cards when the motors are not being used?

Thanks again for the help.

[tlamix]

For an Ultimation console, regardless of whether you use Motors on or off you will need Moving Fader/VCA cards, as this allows audio to pass thru the fader.
TLA

[emilshayeb]

Ok, so I guess im on the hunt for 8 ultimation/vca cards 

I wonder if is it easy to setup the SSL computer for additional 8 channels?

[cleartrack]

Any luck? I've only gone the other way, gutting the Ultimation from 2 of my desks and converted them to VCA. The channels don't care, as long as the fader system has correct cards and fader bus boards. Can't answer you on the computer side, since I put Tangerines in all of my rooms.