SSL 4K G
by Solid State Logic · Channel Strip · Console channel strip
vst3s Score 8.4/10 · rated #9 of 10 channel strips & consoles
SSL's own emulation of the SL 4000 G channel strip, built by the console's original designers, with G-series EQ, dynamics, a transformer preamp and VCA fader modeling.
It offers both the Pink '292' and Black '242' EQ flavors, extended mid-band ranges and a variable mic impedance control taken from the G-series FX383 unit.
Best for: Vocals, Drums, Bass, Guitars, Keys & Synths. Genres: all genres.
Keywords: hardware emulation, VCA, bass, drums, transformer, vocals, mixing, British console, component-modelled, electric guitar, licensed emulation, 80s, circuit-modelled, downward expansion, oversampling, vintage.
What it does
The SSL 4K G is an emulation of the SSL 4000 G channel strip, which SSL calls the "Defining Sounds of a Generation."
- EQ: Pink '292' and Black '242' EQ flavors with component-level modeling, variable Q, LF and HF shelves, and HMF x3 and LMF /3 range switches.
- Dynamics: G-series compressor and expander/gate modeled on the original console circuits.
- Preamp: Jensen JT-115K-E transformer mic preamp emulation with adjustable saturation and variable input impedance from the FX383 G-series unit.
- VCA fader: modeled THAT 2002T 'Blue Can' VCA stage that adds harmonic saturation, plus an HQ oversampling mode.
- Integration: SSL 360 Plug-in Mixer support and control from the UC1, UF8 and UF1; an optional sonible 'auto' add-on suggests EQ and dynamics settings.
The current version is 1.2.7. A 14-day trial is available.
Source: Solid State Logic product page
When to use it
Choose the 4K G for SSL's own component-level modeling with both EQ flavors, the impedance control and SSL 360 and UC1 integration. Like bx_console SSL 4000 G and Waves SSL G-Channel, it models the G-series strip, and it is less clean and modern than SSL's own Native Channel Strip 2.
- Best for: everyday channel processing on vocals, drums, bass and guitars in a console-style workflow.
- Genres: pop, rock, hip-hop and most mainstream genres.
- Look elsewhere if: you need fast attack options or modern surgical dynamics; Pro-C 3 is more flexible.
- Standout: switchable 292 and 242 EQ curves plus the preamp and VCA saturation stages.
What producers say
Sound On Sound found it a familiar, capable strip for most mixing jobs, with limited attack options as the main drawback.
- Sound On Sound (2025) said the EQ and filters "feel like old friends" and it is "perfectly flexible enough" for most mixing.
- Gripe: the review noted only two fixed attack times and that the expander/gate is less relevant in modern mixing.
Where to buy
- Solid State Logic: $149
- Plugin Boutique: $149
- AudioDeluxe: $149
Tutorials and reviews
- SSL 4K G Plug-in - Overview & Tutorial
- SSL 4K G Plugin Deep Dive | EQ, Dynamics & More
- FULL Mix With The SSL 4K G Channel Strip
- Solid State Logic 4K G Channel Strip Plug-in Overview
- SSL 4K-G Channel Strip Plugin Review, Overview & Examples
Similar plugins
- bx_console SSL 4000 G by Brainworx · Console channel strip · $175
- SSL G-Channel by Waves · SSL G-series channel · $32.91
- SSL 4000 E Channel Strip by Universal Audio · Console channel strip · $69
- Native Channel Strip 2 by Solid State Logic · SSL console channel strip · $149
- SSL SL 4000 E-Series by Softube · SSL E-series console strip · $199
- 4K E by Solid State Logic · SSL E-series console channel strip · $149
- SSL 4K B by Solid State Logic · Console channel strip · $149
- bx_console SSL 4000 E by Brainworx · Console channel strip · $175
- SSL E-Channel by Waves · SSL E-series channel · $29.99
- bx_console SSL 9000 J by Brainworx · Console channel strip · $49.99
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