Large professional mixing console with rows of knobs, faders, and illuminated meters in a dimly lit studio control room, warm amber and green glow

Great and Famous Mixing Consoles

Landmark consoles that shaped the sound of modern recorded music — from the SSL SL4000 series to today's flagship desks.

Solid State Logic SL4000 E/G (1980s)

When the Solid State Logic SL4000E was released in the late 1970s, it started a revolution. With 32 or more channels featuring an incredibly great EQ, a good compressor and sidechain features on each channel, plus a fantastic stereo bus compressor, it helped create the sound of the 1980s. The 4000 series allowed engineers to craft more precise drum sounds than any console before it.

The SL4000 G series added VCA automation, while the G+ introduced motorized fader automation. Larger G series configurations with 64 or more channels were typically labeled as the SL8000. The SL4000 remains popular on the second-hand market, though SSL no longer repairs these consoles — studios often combine parts from multiple units to keep them running.

Close-up of a large analog mixing console with rows of knobs and faders, warm amber lighting, reel-to-reel tape machines in background
1980s

SL4000 E Series

Introduced in 1981 with an integrated studio computer and optional Total Recall — the ability to memorize every knob and switch position on the entire console.

Dark studio mixing console with rows of illuminated red, green, and amber buttons and faders, moody low-light scene
1980s

SL4000 G / G+

VCA automation as standard; the G+ added Ultimation motorized fader automation. The G series computer became the most famous mixing console computer of all time.

Solid State Logic SL9000 J/K (1990s)

The SL9000 J and K series succeeded the legendary 4000 series in the 1990s, building on SSL's reputation for precision and power. These consoles carried forward the SSL tradition of superb EQ, dynamics on every channel, and the famous stereo bus compressor, while introducing refinements for an evolving studio landscape.

The J/K series represented SSL's continued dominance in the high-end console market, offering the kind of flexible routing and sonic character that major studios demanded throughout the decade.

Wide angle view of a professional mixing console with many black knobs and colorful indicator lights, dim studio lighting

Solid State Logic Duality

SSL's Duality represents the modern evolution of the large-format console. It combines the analog signal path and SuperAnalogue™ character that SSL is known for with deep DAW integration, functioning as both a world-class analog console and a comprehensive DAW controller. This hybrid approach reflects where high-end consoles have headed: preserving the analog sound engineers love while embracing the workflow demands of modern digital production.

Solid State Logic AWS900

The AWS900 brings SSL's analog heritage into a more compact footprint, blending classic SSL SuperAnalogue™ circuitry with integrated DAW control. Designed for smaller professional studios and project rooms, it offers the essential SSL sound — including the renowned bus compressor — alongside hands-on control over modern digital audio workstations.

Modern black digital mixing console with green display screen and illuminated orange buttons, placed in a bright white room

Console Automation

Learn about the three main types of mixing console automation — VCA, moving fader (NECAM / Ultimation), and Total Recall — and how each technology transformed the way records are mixed.

Explore Automation