The SSL 4000 bus compressor was designed by Solid State Logic in the late 1970s for their E Series consoles, refined for the G Series. It became the definitive mix bus compressor, appearing on countless hit records. The circuit evolved through various iterations, with the G Series becoming the most sought-after version. Stam SA-4000 brings this legendary bus compressor to project studios.
SA-4000
2016–2021
The Stam Audio SA-4000 is a recreation of the legendary SSL 4000 G Series bus compressor, the compressor that defined the sound of 1980s and 90s records. The SSL bus compressor unique VCA-based design with its famous auto-release creates a glue and punch that has made it the most popular mix bus compressor in history. The SA-4000 captures this iconic sound with authentic VCA circuitry and transformer-balanced I/O. The SSL bus compressor is characterized by its ability to tighten a mix while adding punch and cohesion—the famous SSL glue. The stepped ratio, threshold, and attack controls plus the program-dependent auto-release make it easy to dial in the perfect amount of bus compression. From subtle 2:1 leveling to aggressive 10:1 limiting, the SA-4000 handles any mix bus application. (Discontinued — superseded by SA-4000 MK3)