SSL ORIGIN EVO

Solid State Logic (SSL) [Booth 18301] today announces ORIGIN EVO, the latest all-analogue, in-line console from SSL and the next evolution of the iconic 4000 Series. Building on the foundations laid by ORIGIN, ORIGIN EVO takes the SSL 4K lineage even further, delivering legendary analogue sonics alongside modern hybrid workflows. For the first time, ORIGIN EVO completes the classic ‘4000 E’ channel strip by integrating an authentic, full recreation of the renowned E Series dynamics processing on every channel - combined with flexible PureDrive mic preamps, the iconic ‘Black Knob’ 242 EQ, and SSL’s High-pass and Low-pass Filters - creating a powerful, future-ready centrepiece for commercial, private, and academic studios alike.

ORIGIN EVO brings together the unmistakable sound and hands-on workflow of a classic SSL console with the flexibility and efficiency demanded by today’s hybrid production environments. Designed to function as the creative centrepiece of modern studios, ORIGIN EVO’s freelance-friendly layout delivers an entirely analogue signal path alongside advanced routing, expanded centre section modularity, and seamless integration with external control and processing - enabling engineers to move fluidly between analogue creativity and DAW-based workflows.

Available in 16- or 32-channel in-line, large + small fader formats with up to 88 inputs at mixdown, ORIGIN EVO places authentic 4000 Series production tools at the heart of the workflow. Every channel features PureDrive mic preamps, the iconic E Series ‘Black Knob’ 242 EQ, and authentic E Series dynamics, while the high-headroom mix bus, enhanced Bus Compressor, and flexible bus routing deliver the punch, clarity, and cohesion expected from SSL. Combined with modern gain staging, intelligent routing, and ergonomic centre section design, ORIGIN EVO is engineered to maximise creative focus, speed, and consistency across tracking, mixing, and hybrid production sessions.

Thanks to its highly flexible PureDrive Mic Pres, ORIGIN EVO offers a complete sonic palette - from high-resolution, ultra-clean, to harmonically rich and deeply driven tones. Its discrete transistor design delivers pristine, low-noise transparency; if a track demands more grit, users can engage DRIVE, which delivers warm, harmonically rich colour. Whether you’re tracking, printing stems, or shaping tones through channel processing, PureDrive provides the flexibility to choose between ‘modern SSL’ pure transparency and ‘4K’ characterful saturation – one preamp, two distinct personalities, unmistakably SSL.

Meanwhile, every channel strip on ORIGIN EVO features the most sought-after EQ design from the SSL 4000 Series consoles: the iconic E Series 242 ‘Black Knob’. Originally developed in collaboration with Sir George Martin for the SL 4000 E, this EQ has been the choice of professionals for shaping exceptional mixes for more than four decades. One of the defining elements of the classic '80s SSL sound was the company's E Series dynamics, which are present on every channel of the ORIGIN EVO. The E Series delivers punchy, aggressive compression and ultra-fast gating. All of this is faithfully recreated with original-spec circuitry and components for authentic 4000 E sound character.

Each compressor includes a LINK function, which feeds the sidechain signal to the adjacent channels, allowing multiple consecutive channels to be linked together. ORIGIN EVO’s dynamics section features a true RMS sidechain detector and an all-discrete gain-reduction stage, identical to the Class-A VCA chip used in the original console. Flexible controls let the user bypass the soft-knee curve, engage fast attack, and select logarithmic or linear release – providing three distinctive compression characteristics that have shaped countless classic records.

High-pass and low-pass filters are integral to the ORIGIN EVO channel strip, with the typical routing flexibility one would expect from SSL in-line analogue console. ORIGIN EVO adds a 12dB/octave low-pass filter to ORIGIN’s existing 18dB/octave high-pass filter, providing enhanced tonal shaping options. Both filters can be switched to the dynamics sidechain, allowing precise control over frequency response. This is ideal for gating drums or triggering the compressor with a tighter focus for tasks such as de-essing.

Existing ORIGIN owners are supported with an upgrade kit. ORIGIN EVO’s innovative channel strip design allows them to be retrofitted to existing consoles. These retrofits are available in 8-channel upgrade kits, making the upgrade process manageable and cost-effective in stages. For pricing and to order your upgrade kit, contact an SSL expert for more information.

Few pieces of studio production equipment have earned the legendary status of the SSL Bus Compressor. For decades, it has been the secret weapon behind countless hit records – trusted by producers and engineers for its ability to deliver the ‘glue’ that brings a mix together. In ORIGIN EVO, this heritage lives on through the authentic circuit and design, built true to original specifications. Its signature mix bus cohesion adds power, drive, and clarity, creating the polished sound that professionals demand. The Bus Compressor in ORIGIN EVO adds new compression ratios, an insert return for external processing, and a built-in sidechain filter – delivering the classic SSL punch with modern flexibility.

One of the key design principles behind ORIGIN EVO is authentic E Series sonics, delivered through hybrid production workflows and ergonomics. At its core is a 19-inch, rack-based modular centre section that adapts to different control priorities and adds space for custom outboard processing, keeping the engineer in the sweet spot with workstation control and processing within arm’s reach. Seamlessly integrate a UF8 or UF1 DAW controller, while the Stereo Group fader tile can be moved up the centre section to place the UF8/UF1 in the lower bay, directly in front of the engineer. The 3U centre meter panel can be repositioned to bring a workstation monitor closer without obscuring the main meters. Beyond the adaptable layout, each channel strip is optimised for hybrid work with a 0 dB fader bypass for printing stems and insert points on both the Large and Small faders for easy integration of additional processing.

The Centre Tiles are the heart of ORIGIN EVO, designed with easily accessible features and tools needed for fast, creative session workflows. Taking sustainability, ergonomics, modern gain-staging, and communication requirements into consideration, ORIGIN EVO offers a reassuringly familiar Centre Tile feature set with some ahead-of-the-curve functionality, including Bus Trim Masters and Routing is a central track bus routing matrix featuring sixteen ±10dB trims for the track buses with routing assign switches for each bus. Auto Sleep automatically detects prolonged inactivity and places the console in standby, reducing power consumption and making ORIGIN EVO significantly more efficient than legacy SSL consoles.

ORIGIN EVO Key Features

16- or 32-Channel In-Line Console

• Up to 88 inputs at mixdown
• Small + Large faders
• 2 × Stereo Cue, 4 × Mono Buses, 16 Track Buses

PureDrive Mic Pres

• +70dB of clean gain
• Switch from ultra-clean to warm, driven tones
• Discrete transistor design

E Series Dynamics Processing – EVOLVED

• Compressor/Limiter + Expander/Gat
• True RMS converter in sidechain
• Authentic Class-A VCA chip
• Three distinct characters
• Switch between classic and logarithmic release
• Sidechain channel link

SSL High-Pass + Low-Pass Filters

• 18dB/octave high-pass filter
• 12dB/octave low-pass filter
• Path routing via SF/LF
• Filter to dynamics sidechain
• Flip Filter > EQ or EQ > Filter

SSL E Series EQ

• Iconic ‘242’ Black Knob design
• Developed in collaboration with Sir George Martin
• Four-band parametric EQ
• HF/LF bell/shelf switch
• Dedicated HMF and LMF Q controls
• IN/OUT for true circuit bypass

Enhanced SSL Bus Compressor

• Legendary ‘glue & punch’
• New compression ratios
• Sidechain HPF
• Insert Return

Classic SSL Console, Latest Hybrid Workflows:

• 0dB fader bypass
• Direct channel outputs
• Insert point on every path
• Keep in the sweet spot:
  - Relocate the Stereo Groups and Centre Tile
  - Seamlessly integrate DAW control with UF8 or UF1
  - Add additional analogue processing
  - Movable meter bridge

With its legendary SSL sonics and processing tools, along with its powerful hybrid features and workflows, ORIGIN EVO presents a colossal value proposition for a range of creative production facilities. Experience the ORIGIN EVO for yourself at the 2026 NAMM Show by visiting the SSL booth [18301], or by visiting the SSL product page below.

www.solidstatelogic.com