SSL 4000 modules - convert to outboard?

BB Bill · 29th April 2005

Hi guys,

I've got my hands on a few SSL 4000 E modules w the black 242 EQ, and I'd like to modify them for use as outboards together with the PT setup in our Studio 1.

I would need a line in and out for each channel so I can use the EQ and the dynamics, won't need the pre or any inserts points. One common psu for all 6 or 8 modules.

How big of a job for an experienced tech is this? (I'm only talking about the wiring here, don't need no 19" conversion or anything like that - I can have some kind of frame for the modules built on site.) Have any of you guys attempted anything like this before? If so I'd love to hear any details or info you'd like to share.

I often find myself really missing that 4000 crunch on drums and gtrs after starting to work ITB, and I'm just trying to figure out if this SSL-module-to-outboard-conversion idea is at all feasible.

Thanks in advance,

BBB

gyraf · 29th April 2005

It would be possible to rack up the SSL4000 modules, but it won't be easy by any standards.

There are many, many connections going from the PCB's to the off-board panel-mounted pots and switches - and you'll need some creative solutions like transformers or balanced receivers/drivers in order to get (balanced) in and out of the system.

Last, the powersupply is a little special - the logic supply is referred to one of the opamp supplies in stead of to 0V. This is necessary in order to make the widely-used FET-switching work properly..

I don't think this is a viable project unless you really know what is up and down on a schematic and a solder iron..

BTW - there is a quite easy-to-build DIY-version of the centre section stereo bus compressor at the www.gyraf.dk pages - that could be a place to start training your soldering/schematic-reading skills.

Jakob E.

29th April 2005	#1
BB Bill Gear addict Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 435 Thread Starter	SSL 4000 modules - convert to outboard? Hi guys, I've got my hands on a few SSL 4000 E modules w the black 242 EQ, and I'd like to modify them for use as outboards together with the PT setup in our Studio 1. I would need a line in and out for each channel so I can use the EQ and the dynamics, won't need the pre or any inserts points. One common psu for all 6 or 8 modules. How big of a job for an experienced tech is this? (I'm only talking about the wiring here, don't need no 19" conversion or anything like that - I can have some kind of frame for the modules built on site.) Have any of you guys attempted anything like this before? If so I'd love to hear any details or info you'd like to share. I often find myself really missing that 4000 crunch on drums and gtrs after starting to work ITB, and I'm just trying to figure out if this SSL-module-to-outboard-conversion idea is at all feasible. Thanks in advance, BBB

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29th April 2005	#2
gyraf Lives for gear Joined: Jun 2002 Location: Denmark Posts: 667	It would be possible to rack up the SSL4000 modules, but it won't be easy by any standards. There are many, many connections going from the PCB's to the off-board panel-mounted pots and switches - and you'll need some creative solutions like transformers or balanced receivers/drivers in order to get (balanced) in and out of the system. Last, the powersupply is a little special - the logic supply is referred to one of the opamp supplies in stead of to 0V. This is necessary in order to make the widely-used FET-switching work properly.. I don't think this is a viable project unless you really know what is up and down on a schematic and a solder iron.. BTW - there is a quite easy-to-build DIY-version of the centre section stereo bus compressor at the www.gyraf.dk pages - that could be a place to start training your soldering/schematic-reading skills. Jakob E.