Solid State Logic (SSL) was founded in 1969 by Colin Sanders in Oxfordshire, England. Initially, the company focused on manufacturing FET switching systems for pipe organs. However, Sanders soon recognized the potential in the burgeoning field of professional audio technology and shifted SSL’s focus to audio mixing consoles.

In 1977, SSL introduced the SL 4000 B, its first large-format console, which quickly gained popularity in recording studios. The console featured a fully integrated, computer-controlled automation system, which was revolutionary at the time. This innovation allowed engineers to save and recall complex mixes, significantly improving workflow and creativity in the studio.

Building on the success of the SL 4000 B, SSL released the SL 4000 E in 1979, which became a benchmark in the industry. The 4000 E console featured the now-legendary SSL sound, characterized by its powerful and flexible equalization and dynamics processing. The console’s G-Series EQ and the Listen Mic Compressor (LMC) became iconic tools for audio professionals.

Throughout the 1980s, SSL continued to innovate with the introduction of the SL 6000, SL 8000, and SL 9000 consoles, each offering advancements in automation, routing, and signal processing. The SL 9000 J, released in 1994, combined the best features of its predecessors with new technologies, solidifying SSL’s reputation for excellence in analog mixing consoles.

In the 2000s, SSL embraced the digital revolution with the release of the C-Series digital consoles, which offered advanced digital signal processing and control capabilities. The company’s AWS (Analog Workstation System) and Duality consoles bridged the gap between analog and digital, providing the best of both worlds to modern studios.

In addition to mixing consoles, SSL expanded its product range to include audio interfaces, signal processors, and live sound consoles. The SSL Sigma, released in 2014, brought SSL’s renowned analog summing to the hybrid studio environment, and the L-Series live sound consoles set new standards for performance and reliability in live audio.

Today, SSL continues to innovate with products like the SSL Fusion, an analog processor designed for the modern hybrid studio, and the SSL SiX, a compact desktop mixer that brings SSL quality to smaller setups. The company remains headquartered in Begbroke, Oxfordshire, and is dedicated to advancing audio technology while preserving the legacy of its iconic sound.

SSL’s commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service has earned it a place at the forefront of the professional audio industry. Their products are used by top recording engineers, producers, and artists around the world, ensuring that the SSL name remains synonymous with excellence in audio production.