SOLID STATE LOGIC Six

Description

Introducing the new powerful and compact analog mixer from Solid State Logic: SiXFor many decades, Solid State Logic has designed and manufactured mixers for the world's most prominent recording studios. Naturally, these products have always been out of reach for many, but now everything has changed with the latest creation from the Oxford-based company: SSL SiX.SiX is a small, high-quality console for studio work, post-production, live stages, and streaming and podcasting applications. As the name suggests, it is a compact yet comprehensive 6-channel mixer packed with advanced features, despite an extremely simple and immediate layout.The prestigious British brand opted for this revolutionary choice after conducting an in-depth market analysis in the desktop mixer sector. This research revealed that many mixers exhibit level discrepancies between channels; two faders at 0dB can have a real difference of up to 5dB. Cheaper mixers often do not adequately balance Left and Right, showing discrepancies of up to 3dB between channels. Microphone preamps typically range between 45dB and 55dB of gain, are unbalanced, and often have noise and interference problems between channels. Lastly, small potentiometers and faders are difficult to handle with precision.With SiX, Solid State Logic aimed to introduce a qualitatively superior model to the desktop mixer market, featuring the following characteristics. Two mono channels are onboard, equipped with SSL Superanalogue preamps that can offer more transparent, faster, and wider gain than what would be achieved with any desktop mixer. The preamp has a remarkable 66dB gain range! The channels are equipped with phantom power, a 75Hz HPF, and a separate line input that can become a high-impedance instrument input.Following the channel strip, we find a one-knob compression circuit. This is a new design that features a signal-dependent attack time and a fixed release. SSL chose a fixed ratio of 4:1 as it is the ratio commonly used in larger consoles. This way, the only concern will be to set the threshold value, then only needing to observe the lights indicating the amount of compression applied.Both mono channels are equipped with a two-band SSL EQ. The EQs can be individually switched between Shelf and Bell, with a different reference frequency for each type. Curves and frequencies were selected by the SSL team, as they were judged to be the most "musically versatile" for a wide range of sources.SSL also spent a lot of time studying how to optimize the 100mm fader throw, finding the perfect balance between usability and channel control.Then there are two stereo inputs with -10/+20 trim for line sources such as synthesizers, drum machines, audio interface outputs, and so on. These channels have their own balance control. For example, if only the left input of a stereo channel is wired (leaving the right free), the channel will automatically "switch" to a mono channel and move the panning to the center.Although the SiX may seem extremely small, it can handle many inputs for mix-down! The name of the SiX comes from the two mono and two stereo inputs, but there are also two external stereo inputs with a volume control that can be sent to the mixbus. If we also include the ALT inputs, up to 12 summing channels are available.Finally, to complete SSL's new design, a G Series Bus Compressor is available on the main output, featuring the same circuit design as the original circuits found on major SSL consoles, but with established ratio, attack, and release values and a more modern VCA chip. This simplified control makes it easier to achieve the typical SSL sound on any signal sent to the master bus.Engineers and musicians, on any mixer, need to be able to hear what is happening. For this purpose, two foldback buses are available for artists – ST CUE 1 and ST CUE 2. Monitoring management for engineers is very simple as all controls are positioned exactly within "fingertips' reach." Main monitor, secondary monitor, mono check, dim, and cut monitoring can be selected directly from the front panel.A talkback microphone input with phantom power is also available, naturally with the typical "crunchy sound" of the classic SSL listen mic compressor.This is what you get when Solid State Logic decides to design a desktop mixer: perfectly balanced, SSL sound, with many routing and processing possibilities. SSL SiX offers the chance to bring the coveted SSL sound into your studio, even your home studio.Key Features:• A compact professional console for use in the studio, post-production, on stages, and for podcasting• Benchmark SuperAnalogue™ audio performance• Ultra-low noise and distortion - clear sound• Absolute-level recording path: two SuperAnalogue preamps from SSL consoles• Classic SSL Channel Processing: essential version of SSL's EQs and dynamics• Listen Mic Compressor: nothing enhances drums like it!• Professional routing and monitoring• 12 summing channels: 12 line inputs with channels and inserts on the Master Bus• The legendary Master Bus Compressor: an essential version of the historic SSL compressor• Fully balanced signal path: everything, with the exception of the headphone jack, is fully balanced