Key Points on Solid State Logic (SSL)

• SSL, founded in 1969, began with solid-state systems for pipe organs but evolved into a leader in professional audio consoles, transforming music production with innovative analogue and digital technologies.
• The company’s breakthrough SL 4000 E Series console in 1979 became iconic, used on countless hit records, and set standards for mixing workflows.
• SSL’s product lineup includes high-end mixing consoles, signal processors, plugins, and interfaces, catering to studios, live sound, and broadcast.
• Looking ahead, SSL is advancing with products like the Oracle analogue console and partnerships for next-generation audio, suggesting continued innovation in immersive and efficient production tools.

Brief History

Solid State Logic was established by Colin Sanders in Oxfordshire, UK, initially focusing on electronic controls for organs. From humble beginnings in a recording studio, SSL transitioned to building audio consoles, with the SL 4000 series revolutionizing the industry by introducing total recall and advanced automation. Over decades, the company expanded into digital realms, hybrid systems, and was acquired by Audiotonix in 2017, maintaining its headquarters in Begbroke.

Overview of Products

SSL offers a wide range of professional audio gear. Iconic consoles like the SL 4000, AWS, and Duality blend analogue warmth with digital control. Signal processors such as the Bus Compressor and Fusion provide essential mixing tools, while plugins emulate classic SSL sound in digital workflows. Recent additions include interfaces like the SSL 18 and expanders like ALPHA 8 for modern studios.

Future Directions

Recent announcements indicate SSL is pushing boundaries with the Oracle console, offering instant recall in an analogue format, and expansions in immersive audio through partnerships. These developments suggest a focus on hybrid technologies and next-gen audio for broadcast and live applications, ensuring SSL remains at the forefront of audio innovation.

Solid State Logic (SSL) stands as a cornerstone in the professional audio industry, renowned for its pioneering contributions to mixing consoles and audio processing technologies. Founded in 1969 by Colin Sanders in Stonesfield, Oxfordshire, UK, the company initially specialized in solid-state switching systems for pipe organs, a niche that reflected Sanders’ background in electronics and music. Sanders, who also owned Acorn Studios, saw the need for advanced recording equipment, leading SSL to pivot toward audio consoles. This shift marked the beginning of SSL’s transformation into a global leader in audio engineering.

The company’s early years were defined by innovation. By 1976, SSL had developed its first A Series console and the SL 4000 B Series, which quickly gained traction internationally. The real breakthrough came in 1979 with the SL 4000 E Series, a console that introduced total recall capabilities, allowing engineers to save and reload mix settings effortlessly. This feature revolutionized studio workflows, making SSL consoles a staple in top recording studios worldwide and contributing to hits by artists like Phil Collins and Whitney Houston. Throughout the 1980s, SSL expanded its R&D into digital technologies, releasing products like the 01 eight-channel recorder/editor in 1985.

In 1986, SSL relocated its headquarters to Begbroke Manor, adding a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility by 1988, which solidified its operational base on a 15-acre science park. The 1990s saw further advancements, including the introduction of Ultimation (motorized fader automation), SuperAnalogue™ design, and specialized systems like ScreenSound for digital audio workstations and OmniMix for film post-production. Entering the 2000s, SSL diversified into broadcast with the C Series consoles (C100, C200, C300) and hybrid studio solutions like the AWS in 2004 and Duality in 2006, combining analogue summing with DAW control.

The 2010s brought products tailored for smaller studios, such as the Matrix summing system in 2008, Nucleus DAW controller in 2010, and Sigma automatable analogue technology. SSL also entered the live sound market with the L500 console in 2013 and System T for broadcast in 2016, both leveraging the Tempest platform and Dante IP infrastructure. The acquisition by Audiotonix in 2017 marked a new chapter, fostering continued growth and innovation.

Timeline of Key Milestones

SSL’s product portfolio is diverse, spanning analogue consoles, digital systems, plugins, and accessories, all designed to deliver the signature “SSL sound” characterized by clarity, punch, and musicality. Early staples include the SL 4000, G Series, 6000, 8000, 9000J, and 9000K consoles, known for their in-line design and bus compressors. In the digital era, products like the A Series digital consoles, ScreenSound DAW, and VisionTrack video player expanded SSL’s reach into post-production.

For broadcast, the C100 HDS and C10 HD On-Air consoles provide reliable performance. Hybrid offerings like the ORIGIN, Fusion processor, SiX mixer, and SuperAnalogue Channel strips cater to modern workflows. SSL’s plugin ecosystem, including emulations like the SSL 4K G channel strip, brings classic console processing to DAWs. Recent 2025 launches include the ALPHA 8 expander (8-in/8-out AD/DA), SSL 18 audio interface, Revival 4000 channel strip, SSL Live V6.1 software, MPL 16-8 Stagebox, and S400 console updates.

Product Categories and Examples

Looking toward the future, SSL is committed to blending its analogue heritage with cutting-edge digital advancements. The 2025 launch of Oracle represents a “future analogue console,” combining classic SSL circuitry with modern recall technology, enabling seamless session management and immersive mixing readiness. At IBC 2025, SSL announced expansions in next-generation audio (NGA) capabilities, partnering with Jünger Audio, Dolby, New Audio Technology, and TiMax to integrate immersive audio processing into System T consoles. These initiatives aim to streamline NGA content creation for broadcast, live, and theatre, supporting formats like Dolby Atmos and MPEG-H.

Additional 2025 releases, such as the Revival 4000 channel strip and MPL 16-8 Stagebox, indicate a focus on enhancing live sound bundles and studio tools. SSL’s trajectory suggests ongoing investment in hybrid systems, cloud-native processing (e.g., Virtual Tempest Engine), and accessibility features, positioning the company to lead in evolving audio landscapes. While specific long-term plans remain speculative, the emphasis on partnerships and technological integration points to a future where SSL continues to empower creators with tools that bridge tradition and innovation.

Key Citations:

• Wikipedia: Solid State Logic
• Sweetwater: The History of SSL
• gearnews.com: The History of SSL
• Museum of Magnetic Sound Recording: SSL
• SSL Official: About History
• SSL Media: Oracle Launch
• Sports Video Group: IBC 2025 SSL Expansions
• ProSoundWeb: Oracle Launch
• MixOnline: SSL Live V6.1 and MPL 16-8
• SSL Official Website

Keywords: Solid State Logic, SSL, audio consoles, SL 4000, mixing technology, analogue consoles, digital audio, bus compressor, immersive audio, Oracle console