Transformer-Balanced SSL's?

[Steamy Williams]

I gather that there is some SSL stuff that has transformers, but I'd be interested to know more about which models included them. I know that the new XLogic E Signature Channel has a selectable transformer based mic preamp, so I'm guessing maybe the 4000 E Series did too. I've also read that mic preamps in the 5000 series were transformer-balanced. Was it just the mic inputs on the early desks? What else can you guys tell me?

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by Steamy Williams

I gather that there is some SSL stuff that has transformers, but I'd but interested to know more about which models included them. I know that the new XLogic E Signature Channel has a selectable transformer based mic preamp, so I'm guessing maybe the 4000 E Series did too. I've also read that mic preamps in the 5000 series were transformer-balanced. Was it just the mic inputs on the early desks? What else can you guys tell me?

Just the inputs(mic inputs by the way not line/tape inputs).

They were Jensen trannies and it was an option.

In the mid to late 80's SSL went transformerless(and lot of other companies did as well) as the sonic focus of how music was made shifted from color to clean(imagine that).

Now its the opposite everyone wants color and colored trannies is back in vogue.

(By the way Jensen trannies are pretty clean sounding).

Now does the Jennie make a big difference as compared to without?

Well running through all the sh*t in a channel who cares?

With the Jennies its a touch darker & dare i say tougher...but not by much.

Now if i pull the mic pre out of the console it sounds different, but it no longer sounds like the console(same goes for the mixbuss comp).

The Bottomn line is some people just don't get it.

They want a magic bullet thinking that if they have it they can get a certain sound that they heard of somebodys record.

But as we know it doesn't work that way.

[Overdrive]

My very early SSL 6032 has Jensen audio x-formers on all mic inputs and the desk has a real pre amp in it. Later on SSL went x-formerless and lost the mic pre as we knew it...
I can actually record through this desk - I couldn't with many newer models.

[Steamy Williams]

Thanks Thrill, that tells me everything I wanted to know.

[TonyBelmont]

Originally Posted by thethrillfactor

(By the way Jensen trannies are pretty clean sounding).

Now does the Jennie make a big difference as compared to without?

I think they are best known for making clean transformers. But, they also make custom wound transformers for other manufacturers that are very colored.

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by TonyBelmont

I think they are best known for making clean transformers. But, they also make custom wound transformers for other manufacturers that are very colored.

Well the ones in the SSL is the all purpose one that on the website he suggests for building direct boxes and such.

[TonyBelmont]

Originally Posted by thethrillfactor

Well the ones in the SSL is the all purpose one that on the website he suggests for building direct boxes and such.

Really? I thought they suggested the JT-DB for DI's.

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by TonyBelmont

Really? I thought they suggested the JT-DB for DI's.

It was either a DB or 11 or 16?

I don't remember exactly but i remember thinking how expensive they are now and an older SSL can have like 60 of them and no one uses the mic pres.

I have a couple of spare mic preamp cards(from the 6000) somewhere and if i can find it i can check for sure.

[Steamy Williams]

Originally Posted by TonyBelmont

I think they are best known for making clean transformers. But, they also make custom wound transformers for other manufacturers that are very colored.

Which manufacturers do they make coloured transformers for?

[TonyBelmont]

Originally Posted by Steamy Williams

Which manufacturers do make coloured transformers for?

Jensen? The first one that comes to mind is the transformers in the Avedis E27. I know those are custom wound transformers that are specific to that unit.

[Steamy Williams]

Originally Posted by TonyBelmont

Jensen? The first one that comes to mind is the transformers in the Avedis E27. I know those are custom wound transformers that are specific to that unit.

Do you have any idea if this is also the case with the Brent Averill 312A (also designed by Avedis)? I have some of those but have never enquired about the Jensens in them.

[SnakeCained]

Early E series had the Jensen Transformers and later it was an option.

No G or later had them although some broadcasters had them as an option.

The Xlogic E signature strip is most similar to an early E.

Love their "options" at SSL

[TonyBelmont]

Originally Posted by Steamy Williams

Do you have any idea if this is also the case with the Brent Averill 312A (also designed by Avedis)? I have some of those but have never enquired about the Jensens in them.

I'm not sure... Maybe Avedis can come on and give a response.

He designs things to have character, so I wouldn't be surprised.

[Steamy Williams]

Originally Posted by Steamy Williams

Do you have any idea if this is also the case with the Brent Averill 312A (also designed by Avedis)? I have some of those but have never enquired about the Jensens in them.

Actually, I tell a lie, Avedis was telling me a little bit about the Jensens on the phone just a few weeks ago (transformer ratio, etc), but it never occured to me that they could be custom rather than standard models at the time, so didn't ask about that.