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The Console That Changed Mixing Forever

Sound On Sound met up with former Solid State Logic System and Support Team Leader Karen Down at Echotown Studio for a deep dive into the automation and recall technology that brought about a revolution in mixing.

2022-11-29 19:00:00 - Sound On Sound

Integrating a computer and VCA automation into an inline mixing console, Solid State Logic's 4000 E-series was the first to combine total parameter recall, level automation, tape transport control and comprehensive channel EQ and dynamics.


The 4000 E launched in 1979 and allowed engineers to record, edit and overdub their fader moves to floppy disk, defining many of the automation modes we now take for granted.


This console and its descendants dominated the music recording industry for the next 20 years, creating new working practices and changing the sound of popular music.


In this exclusive Sound On Sound feature video, Karen demonstrates some of the key features that set the SSL console apart from its contemporaries and gives a tutorial on how to use the integrated computer.


00:00 - Introduction

00:40 - What Makes The SSL SL 4000 Mixing Console Special?

02:39 - Loading A 24 Track Tape Onto A Reel-to-Reel

03:49 - How Does The Automation System Work?

05:56 - Setting Up A New Session With The SSL Console Computer

07:10 - Finding The Start Of The Song

07:52 - Adding Names For Tracks And Cue List

09:39 - Total Recall Setups And Floppy Disk Storage

12:16 - Recording Mix Automation

15:29 - How To Edit And Update A Mix

17:27 - 'Auto Takeover' Automation Mode

18:47 - Setting Up Different Automation Modes

20:04 - 'Play Cuts Only' Mode

21:00 - 'Immediate Pickup' Mode

21:23 - 'Preview' and 'Trim' Modes

25:07 - 'Revise' Mix Mode

27:41 - Ability To Combine And Edit Mixes Offline

29:05 - Software Groups Used To Group Controls

30:44 - Outro




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