SSL 500-Series VHD+ Preamp
Ultra-Clean to Heavy Distortion Rack Mount Preamp
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Want to Click and Collect or try items at our Guildford Store?
The store is open 10am - 6pm Monday to Saturday and 11am - 5pm Sunday and bank holidays.
The stock information shows the quantity of units that are available to purchase at the Guildford store and the quantity of units that are available at our off-site Guildford warehouse. These stock levels are updated in real time.
Our Click and Collect service is available at our Guildford store from 10am - 6pm Monday to Saturday, and 11am - 5pm on Sunday. You can either choose click and collect as your delivery option online or, during store opening hours, call our sales team at 01483 456777 to place a 10% deposit.
If you have placed your order online, you will receive a confirmation email of your order and a separate follow-up text or email to confirm when your item is ready for collection.
Please do not come to the store before you have received the follow-up message, as your order may not yet be ready at the store.
If the only available stock is in our off-site warehouse it can be brought to the store location for you to try - you just need to contact the store within opening hours. Please note any requests received after 3.30pm will not arrive at the store until the following morning.
Please be aware that, unless you have paid a deposit to reserve the item, it will continue to be free, both online and in-store, for another customer to buy. Therefore we would advise you to place a 10% deposit by either using the on-line click and collect service or calling us 01483 456777.
SKU: SSL0109
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Product Description
The SSL VHD+ Pre Module is a professional-grade preamplifier designed for the 500 series modular rack platform. Drawing from SSL’s acclaimed Duality console, it brings the highly versatile Variable Harmonic Drive technology into a compact format suitable for studios of all sizes. At its core, the module provides SSL’s renowned SuperAnalogue clarity, delivering pristine recordings with exceptional detail and transparency. However, the true uniqueness of the VHD+ Pre lies in its ability to move seamlessly from clean audio capture into rich harmonic colouration.
With the switchable VHD mode, the preamp introduces a choice of 2nd order harmonics for valve-like warmth or 3rd order harmonics for a sharper transistor character. Users can blend these harmonics to achieve everything from subtle tonal enhancement to aggressive distortion, all within a 100% analogue signal path. As the gain is increased, the harmonic effect intensifies, making it a powerful creative tool for any source material. Whether seeking ultra-clean recordings, gentle warmth, or fierce distortion, the VHD+ Pre Module redefines expectations of what a preamplifier can achieve in a modern studio setting.
Key Features:
- SSL SuperAnalogue preamp:
Renowned for absolute clarity and detail, the SuperAnalogue design ensures faithful, noise-free recordings across a wide range of musical and production applications. - Variable Harmonic Drive control:
Blend 2nd and 3rd order harmonics to create tonal warmth, transistor edge, or extreme distortion, providing flexible sonic shaping in an analogue domain. - Comprehensive studio functions:
With phantom power, phase invert, PAD, Hi-Z, and switchable LF filter, it offers essential control for a variety of recording needs.
Unrivalled Analogue Flexibility:
The VHD+ Pre Module offers a unique balance between pristine sound and creative distortion. Unlike many preamps that commit to a single tonal character, this design allows users to determine their preferred balance between warmth and edge. By simply adjusting the input gain and selecting harmonic emphasis, it adapts to any recording requirement, from transparent vocals to gritty guitars or punchy drums. This versatility ensures it is equally valuable in high-end professional studios and smaller creative spaces.
Creative Sound Shaping:
The patented Variable Harmonic Drive process makes the VHD+ Pre an inspiring tool for producers and engineers. Lower settings introduce subtle tonal shifts that enhance character without overwhelming the original source. As the gain is driven harder, the harmonic saturation develops into bold and distinctive textures. This capability allows artists to use the preamp as both a transparent signal path and a colouration device, depending on the desired outcome of a session.
Modern Studio Integration:
Designed for the widely used 500 format modular platform, the VHD+ Pre integrates easily into existing studio setups. Its combination of traditional SSL engineering with innovative distortion technology makes it an excellent addition to any recording chain. With practical features such as phantom power for condenser microphones, PAD for high-output sources, and Hi-Z for direct instrument input, it covers the essential needs of modern workflows while adding unmatched tonal flexibility.
Specifications:
- SSL SuperAnalogue preamp design
- Switchable Variable Harmonic Drive mode
- 2nd order harmonics for valve-style warmth
- 3rd order harmonics for transistor edge
- Blend control between 2nd and 3rd order harmonics
- Switchable LF filter
- +48V phantom power
- Phase invert switch
- PAD switch
- Hi-Z input switch
- Fits standard 500 series modular racks