The SSL Big SiX is the successor to the compact and analogue SSL SiX. Instead of six channels, users can now mix up to twelve channels, and like its predecessor, the SSL Big SiX offers the iconic sound of SSL's larger mixing desks - which have proven themselves as a high-quality professional solution in the world's most renowned studios over the course of more than 50 years - in a compact format. The four SuperAnalogue microphone preamps with 72dB of gain for low-noise recordings have been taken from SSL's Duality and AWS mixing desks, allowing the SSL Big SiX to record four channels with minimal noise. All eight channels are equipped with dual mono switching and a three-band equaliser from the SSL E-Series. Moreover, this compact mixer features two independent headphone outputs and a source matrix.
The input jacks of the SSL Big SiX's mono and stereo input channels are found in a small panel at the top of its user interface. The two mono channels offer a choice of jack and XLR sockets, in addition to which users can switch between Hi-Z (for high-impedance sources like guitars), line level, and 48V phantom power for using condenser microphones. A high-pass filter can also be activated. These four channels deliver a top-notch sound thanks to their high-quality SuperAnalogue preamps, while the eight stereo channels comprise four pairs of 6,3mm line input jacks. Added to these connectivity options, the compact mixing desk features an input for an external talkback microphone as well as two external inputs that can be summed to the main mix, which is also served by the G-Series bus compressor, easily operated using just two buttons.
Thanks to its extensive features, the SSL Big SiX is a perfect solution for professional recording and post-production as well as for live shows, and its solid manufacturing quality will ensure a long operating life. This mixer offers an integrated audio interface, which can record signals at up to 96kHz and 24 bit via a USB port. SSL's iconic sound is achieved through fixed parameters, with the threshold of the compressor on every channel set to a ratio of 2:1 and a release time of 200ms, while the bus compressor features a ratio of 4:1 and an auto release function. The rear panel features a wide selection of outputs, the sockets of which are recessed to reduce space requirements. For fixed installation, the SSL Big SiX can be integrated into a desk or mounted in a rack, in which case the two side panels need to be removed and replaced with optionally available brackets.
Solid State Logic (SSL), is a renowned British manufacturer of high-end mixing consoles and hardware. It was founded in 1969 by Colin Sanders and is based in Begbroke, Oxfordshire. Initially the company developed transistors to control church organs, hence the name Solid State Logic. At the end of the 1970s they made huge advances in the domain of large mixing consoles with the 4000 series which pioneered the oncoming era of the ‘super’ consoles. Later, the 6000 and 9000 series also proved to be a great success and are still being used in countless recording studios all over the world. In 2005, Peter Gabriel and David Engelke took a majority stake in the company and then sold it to the Audiotonix Group in 2017.
Users can connect up to two sets of speakers to the rear of the SSL Big SiX, switch between them, and control their volume independently. Besides cues and sends, users can also access the Bus B channel, which allows them to create three independent mixes in parallel to each other. With cues 1 and 2, users can place these two signals in a stereo panorama. For individual listening, the headphone output can be assigned to the cue channels. Cut, Dim, and Mono are helpful functions for monitoring mixes, while the talkback channel can also be repurposed as a third recording channel with 64dB of gain and the Listen Mic Compressor. Numerous LEDs offer visual feedback with which every production can be reliably monitored, and the Pre Fader Listening function allows the precise adjustment of the four SuperAnalogue channels for distortion-free recordings.