Solid State Logic XL 9000 K-Series for Console 1

Important Note: This product requires Softube Console 1.

Solid State Logic XL 9000 K represents a completely different approach to analog circuits compared to the SL 4000 E channel, included with Console 1. And since XL 9000 K has virtually no distortion of its own, the Softube channel also includes a model of SSL's famous VHD (Variable Harmonic Drive) circuit.

While Solid State Logic's SL 4000 E is widely considered a great pop and rock'n'roll console with its slightly gritty and forward sound, the circuit design of XL 9000 K offers an extreme bandwidth, minimal phase shift and super low distortion. This makes it one of the world's most popular analog consoles for hip-hop and R'n'B, where the solid, deep low end and extended highs work great for getting that hyper-modern, large and wide sound. For the same reasons, it is also loved for classical and acoustic audiophile recordings.

VHD model included

XL 9000 K is a very clean console. In order to still have the option of using distortion creatively, we added a model of Solid State Logic's VHD (Variable Harmonic Drive) circuit, which is part of the Duality series consoles and Alpha channel preamps. The Drive knob on Console 1 determines the amount of distortion, and the Character knob moves the added distortion from 2nd order (more tube-like) to 3rd order (more transistor-like), or any in-between blend—just like on its analog counterpart.

Extended gate and compressor options

Furthermore, the Shape section of the XL 9000 K for Console 1 features a fully controllable gate unit, where the Punch and Sustain knobs control Range and Hold levels. This makes it more individually controllable compared to the SL 4000 E model, where a fast workflow was prioritized. The compressor can be switched between Peak and RMS modes, which gives a wide range of options. The equalizer is clean, smooth and natural.

History

When the first 9000 series console came out in in the mid-1990s, it represented a breakthrough in analog circuitry design. The sound path is entirely capacitor-free, in order to keep a perfect signal integrity and low distortion. The XL 9000 K was the last and most developed version of the 9000 series, released in 2002. It is this version that forms the backbone of Peter Gabriel's RealWorld Studios, Wyclef Jean and Jerry Wonda's Platinum Sound, while Michael Brauer uses a slightly older 9000 J in his room in Electric Lady Studios.

Features

• Wide, large, smooth sound
• VHD (Variable Harmonic Drive) model added
• Extended gate and compressor features

System Requirements

• macOS Big Sur 11, Monterey 12, Ventura 13
• Windows 10 (64-bit), Windows 11
• Softube account
• iLok account
• Computer with AU, VST, VST3, and/or AAX-compatible DAW host software
• Internet access (for downloading installers and managing licenses)

Supported CPU Families 

• Apple macOS computers with Intel Core i3/i5/i7 or Apple silicon (M1 or newer) CPU. Apple silicon is supported natively. 
• Windows computers with quad-core Intel Core i3/i5/i7 or AMD quad-core processors with SSE 4.2 support.
• Other Intel processors (Celeron, Pentium, and Xeon) are compatible if they support SSE 4.2 instructions. 

Supported Host Software (DAW)  

Any 64-bit VST, VST3, AU, or AAX (Pro Tools 11.0.2 or higher) compatible host application should work. However, due to plug-in host differences between DAWs—and our rigorous standards—Softube only officially test their plug-ins and instruments in the most recent versions of Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton Live, Studio One, and Reaper. Softube plug-ins are not tested regularly in non-listed systems. They will likely work if the system requirements are met. However, the manufacturer cannot guarantee a solution for issues in unsupported systems. 
  
Softube strongly recommend using VST3, as some of their plug-ins have features that are not present in the older VST format. Supported sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, and 192 kHz, in both mono and stereo. The most recent maintenance release of your DAW application is recommended. AAX DSP is not currently in active development. TDM/VENUE/RTAS are no longer supported. See Legacy Installers.

• This product requires Softube Console 1.
• Make sure that you always use the latest iLok License Manager. It is not included in the Softube installer but can be downloaded from www.ilok.com​