Solid State Logic has announced Origin Evo, the latest of its all-analogue, in-line consoles and the next evolution of the 4000 Series of desks.
Building on the foundations laid by Origin console, Origin Evo takes the SSL 4K lineage further, delivering analogue circuit paths alongside modern hybrid workflows. For the first time, Origin Evo completes the classic ‘4000 E’ channel strip with a recreation of E Series dynamics processing on every channel, combined with PureDrive mic preamps, Black Knob 242 EQ and SSL high-pass and low-pass filters.
Designed to function as the centrepiece of modern studios, Origin Evo’s freelance-friendly layout delivers an entirely analogue signal path alongside advanced routing, expanded centre section modularity and integration with external control and processing, enabling engineers to move between analogue creativity and DAW-based workflows.
Available in 16-channel or 32-channel in-line, large+small fader formats with up to 88 inputs at mixdown, every Origin Evo channel features PureDrive mic preamps, E Series Black Knob 242 EQ and authentic E Series dynamics, while the high-headroom mix bus and enhanced Bus Compressor, with modern gain staging, intelligent routing and ergonomic centre section.
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 1980s 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 routing flexibility. Origin Evo adds a 12dB/octave low-pass filter to Origin’s existing 18dB/octave high-pass filter. Both filters can be switched to the dynamics sidechain, allowing precise control over frequency response.
The SSL Bus Compressor has long been the ‘secret weapon’ behind countless hit records – trusted by producers and engineers for its ability to ‘glue’ 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. The Bus Compressor in Origin Evo adds new compression ratios, an insert return for external processing, and a built-in sidechain filter.
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-high 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 0dB 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 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 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 16 ±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.
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.