Ssl Alpha Vhd "4 Channel Mic Pre"

[gary7rev]

Solid State Logic Alpha VHD Close-Up | Sweetwater.com

I was looking at an isa 428 when I came across the SSL vhd alpha. at a first glance I seen it was very slim a 1 rack space design (I have mine gapped with a space above and under) First thing I noticed was it is pretty clean but at the same time it adds a sonic quality that I think adds a bit of character to my tracks. The vhd is cool its a knob that allows you to blend tube sound with a transistor sound and all ways in between. I primarily use the tube side or the 2nd all the way left. I really don't have anything to compare it with I only have a mackie vlz3 that I use for toms and stuff. But I am sure that I did the right thing by purchasing this unit as my first pre. I am hoping to get into an focusrite isa 428 or a focusrite red as my next pre. Hope this helps anyone looking. I did research for 8 months before I dropped the cash on this. Too much money to just buy and hope it works.


Specs

A Versatile SSL Preamp!
The SSL Xlogic Alpha VHD preamp gives you the flexibility to track transparent, clear audio, or add sonic character ranging from **** to raging. Four premium SSL preamps (with up to 75dB of gain) are on board the Alpha VHD, combined with a Variable Harmonic Drive circuit that will make this unit an incredibly versatile part of your signal chain. You already know SSL's products feature quality and reliablity that's second to none; now get some of that great SSL sound for yourself with the Alpha VHD preamp!

SSL Xlogic Alpha VHD 4-channel Preamp at a glance:

SSL quality and innovation

Variable Harmonic Drive

An array of controls

SSL quality and innovation
Based on the VHD circuit from SSL's Duality console, the VHD Pre adds four SSL mic preamps to any line level DAW audio interface, transforming it into a professional quality, multi-channel analogue recording system. These preamps provide up to 75dB of gain, so everything from robust line-level instruments to delicate ribbon mics will benefit.

Variable Harmonic Drive
The preamps are combined with independent Variable Harmonic Drive circuits that use 100% analog signal paths to generate rich harmonic distortion - adding SSL analogue attitude to your digital recordings. As you increase the input gain, the Variable Harmonic Drive circuit introduces a blendable mix of 2nd or 3rd harmonic distortion to your source material, taking it from gentle tube-style ****th to transistorized clipping. It's a new world of overdriven possibilities.

Control
You get an array of controls, including illuminated 20dB pad switches, Hi-Z switches, individual input, output, and Variable Harmonic Drive controls for each channel. You can really take control of your signal and add character with this preamp.

SSL Xlogic Alpha VHD 4-channel Preamp Features:

Ultra-clean SSL preamp with 75dB of gain

48V phantom power

20dB pad switches that illuminate to indicate overload

Hi-Z switches to accommodate mic, line and instrument level signals

Four independent Variable Harmonic Drive systems

Front panel 1/4" jack instrument/line level inputs with passive DI type impedance detection and level matching

Individual input, output and VHD controls for each section

Rear panel XLR mic/line inputs and XLR output

[El Jefe]

I tried one out a few weeks ago.
Tested it against a UA SOLO610 and the Avalon AD 2022.
Very impressive. The 610 is a bit darker then the other two but I really liked SSL compared to the Avalon. Will do some serious testing when I get my own.