Solid State Logic E Series User manual

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E Series Dynamics Module
for 500 Series Racks
User Guide

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Safety and Installation Considerations
This page contains denitions, warnings, and practical information to ensure a safe
working environment. Please take time to read this page before installing or using this
apparatus.
General Safety
• Read these instructions.
• Keep these instructions.
• Heed all warnings.
• Follow all instructions.
• Do not use this apparatus near water.
• Do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
• Clean only with dry cloth.
• Do not block any ventilation openings.
• Install in accordance with the rack manufacturer’s instructions.
• There are no user-adjustments, or user-servicable items, on this apparatus.
• Adjustments or alterations to this apparatus may affect the performance such
that safety and/or international compliance standards may no longer be met.
• This apparatus is not to be used in safety critical applications
Caution
• This apparatus should not be used outside of the scope of API 500 series
compatible racks.
• Do not operate this apparatus with any covers removed.
• To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not perform any servicing other than that
contained in these Installation Instructions unless you are qualied to do so. Refer
all servicing to qualied service personnel.
Installation
• Ensure power is removed from the rack before tting or removing this apparatus to
or from the rack.
• Use the panel xing screws supplied with the rack to secure this apparatus into the
rack.

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Standards Compliance
This apparatus is designed to be installed and used in API
500 series compatible racks which are CE marked. The CE
mark on a rack is indicative that the manufacturer conrms
that it meets both EMC and the Low Voltage Directive
(2006/95/EC).
Instructions for Disposal of WEEE by Users in the
European Union
The symbol shown here is on the product or on its
packaging, which indicates that this product must not
be disposed of with other waste. Instead, it is the user’s
responsibility to dispose of their waste equipment by
handing it over to a designated collection point for recycling of
waste electrical and electronic equipment. The separate collection
and recycling of your waste equipment at the time of disposal will
help to conserve natural resources and ensure that it is recycled
in a manner that protects human health and the environment.
For more information about where you can drop off your waste
equipment for recycling, please contact your local city ofce, your
household waste disposal service or where you purchased the
product.
Limited Warranty
Please refer any warranty claim to the supplier of this equipment in
the rst instance. Full warranty information for equipment supplied
directly by Solid State Logic can be found on our website:
www.solidstatelogic.com

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Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of this API 500 series compatible
SSL E Series Dynamics module.
This module has been specically designed to operate in an
API 500 series rack such as the API lunchbox® or equivalent. In
common with many such modules, the nominal input/output level is
+4dBu.
Your new module comprises a compressor/limiter and an expander/
gate, the design of which returns faithfully to the circuit and key
components which dened the sound of the original SSL E Series
channel strip. A true RMS converter is used in the side chain whilst
the gain element is an all discrete design identical to the Class A
VCA chip used in the original.
The compressor contains additional switching options to defeat the
over-easy curve and to use a linear release instead of the more
usual logarithmic curve. The result is a compressor with three
distinct voicings, all of which contributed to the many classic records
tracked and mixed on early E Series consoles.
As well as replicating the feel of the classic E Series dynamics,
this module provides, with the exception of access to a ‘link’ bus,
the same facilities as the SSL X-Rack XR418 E Series Dynamics
module.
Operation
Please refer to the illustration opposite.
The IN button , located centre left, switches the entire module
in and out of circuit.
The two vertical rows of LEDs , located centre right, provide
an indication of dynamics activity. The row of green LEDs to the
left show Gate/Expander activity whilst those to the right indicate
operation of the Compressor/Limiter.
1
2

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1 2
3
4

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Compressor/Limiter
When turned to 1:1, the compressor/limiter section
is inactive. Turning the control clockwise increases
the compression ratio, giving a true limiter at the fully
clockwise position. The compressor normally has
an ‘over-easy’ characteristic – pressing the button re-
places this with a ‘hard knee’ characteristic, providing
an alternative for some instruments.
Whenever a signal exceeds the level set by this
control, the compressor will start to act at the ratio set
by the RATIO control. The THRESHold and RATIO
controls also provide automatic make-up gain, so as
you lower the threshold and introduce more com-
pression, the output level is increased, maintaining
a steady output level regardless of the amount of
compression.
Changes the release curve from logarithmic to linear.
This also raises the threshold by 6dB.
Provides a faster attack time (3mS for 20dB gain re-
duction). When off the attack time is slower and less
aggressive (30mS for 20dB gain reduction).
Sets the time constant (speed) with which the
compressor returns to normal gain settings once the
signal has passed its maximum.
RATIO
THRESH
LIN REL
FAST ATT
RELEASE
3

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Gate/Expander
This section can act as a 20:1 Gate or as a 2:1 Expander when the
EXP button is pressed.
Determines the depth of gating or expansion. When
turned fully anti-clockwise, this section is inactive.
When turned fully clockwise, a gate depth or range of
40dB can be obtained.
Determines the level at which the gate opens or
the level below which gain reduction begins (EXP
selected), adjustable from +4dBu to –26dBu.
Variable hysteresis is incorporated in the threshold
circuitry which increases as the threshold is lowered.
This is very useful in music recording as it allows
instruments to decay below the ‘open’ threshold
before gating or expansion takes place.
Normally, a controlled linear attack time of 1.5ms
per 40dB is provided. Press this button to select a
fast attack time (100µs per 40dB). The attack time
is the time taken for the Gate/Expander to ‘open’
once the signal level is above the threshold. When
gating signals with a steep rising edge, such as
drums, a slow attack may effectively mask the initial
‘THWACK’, so you should be aware of this when
selecting the appropriate attack time.
This determines the time constant (speed), variable
from 0.1 to 4 seconds, at which the Gate/Expander
reduces the signal level once it has passed below
the threshold.Note that this control interacts with the
RANGE control.
RANGE
THRESH
FAST ATT
RELEASE
4

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Visit SSL at:
www.solidstatelogic.com
© Solid State Logic
All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions
SSL® and Solid State Logic® are ® registered trademarks of Solid State Logic.
ORIGIN™, SuperAnalogue™, VHD™ and PureDrive™ are trademarks of Solid State
Logic.
All other product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and
are hereby acknowledged.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, whether
mechanical or electronic, without the written permission of Solid State Logic, Oxford, OX5
1RU, England.
As research and development is a continual process, Solid State Logic reserves the right
to change the features and specications described herein without notice or obligation.
Solid State Logic cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage arising directly or
indirectly from any error or omission in this manual.
PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS, PAY SPECIAL HEED TO SAFETY WARNINGS.
E&OE
July 2020
Revision History
Revision V2.0, June 2020 - Revised Layout Release for Module Update