At Audio Animals we currently own 3 Solid State Logic SSL EQ's. 2 mono 4000 E Series EQ's, 2 stereo 9000 K Series EQ's and 2 mono 9000 K Series EQ's. Combined with the SSL 4k and SSL 9k Compressor you have the perfect channel strip.
The SSL 4k EQ is amazing with black and brown switchable bottom end for that legendary 4k sound. When switched to the brown EQ the bottom end characteristics become a lot warmer and coloured. This is great for adding warm sub frequencies to basses and colour to vocals that otherwise lack that wow factor. This EQ is by far one of our favourites. Perfect for adding texture to any sound. Has the classic SSL 4 bands of EQ with Q and frequency. A precise and accurate EQ that can add or subtract gain with pinpoint accuracy. The higher and lower bands are switchable between bell and shelf. The bell is excellent for a subtle Q pre compression to pick out the punch in a kick or snare and drive the signal into a compressor.
The SSL 9000 K Series EQ has a very different feel to it terms of what you will use it on. We purchased the stereo EQ purely so we could use this EQ when processing hats, leads, pads and all things stereo. This eq is so clean and precise you really can apply it to any chain and have perfect control over your sound. We sometimes use this EQ during the mastering process (pre Maselec MLA-3 compression) for precise pinpoint accuracy of certain frequencies that need highlighting. The EQ itself is much like the SSL 4k. Has 4 bands of eq with Q and frequency knobs. Higher and lower bands have switchable bell and shelf which are excellent for hats subtracting harsh frequencies. The 9k has a really nice feature with switches the higher, lower and mid bands from G Series curves to E series curves. There is only a slight difference but after working with the EQ you will start to learn where G Series curves are needed and E Series curves are needed.
In conclusion both EQ's are amazing. The true SSL sound at your fingertips. Each EQ has its own unique characteristics with two different switchable types. Having both EQs is the best of both worlds, works with every vocal and every instrument. An all round excellent EQ and when combined with its matching compressor becomes the ultimate channel strip.
