The SSL SiX is a an analog mixer for studio applications, with which users can mix up to six channels. It offers the iconic sound of the large SSL mixing desks in a compact format. They have proven themselves thanks to their professionalism since more than 50 years in the most renowned studios in the world. The two SuperAnalogue channels of the SSL SiX offer microphone preamps with a gain of 66dB for low-noise recordings and were taken out of SSL's Duality and AWS mixing desks. With the exception of the headphone output, the signal path of the SSL SiX is completely symmetrical. Equalizer, limiter and compressor are quickly switched on to improve the quality of the audio signal. With this compact mixing desk, the famous manufacturer SSL offers a compact solution for high-quality and versatile recording sessions and mixes.
The input jacks of the mono and stereo channels are to be found at the top of the user interface on a small plane. Users can switch between an XLR and a line input featured on the two mono channels. In addition to that, users can switch between Hi-Z for connecting sources with a high impedance like an electric guitar, line level, as well as 48V phantom power for using condenser microphones. Users can also activate a high-pass filter. These two channels are equipped with the high-quality SuperAnalogue preamps, which offer a top sound. The two stereo channels consist of four 6,3mm line input jacks. Added to these connectivity options, this 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. The G-Series Bus Compressor is easily operated with just two buttons and can be applied to the latter inputs. The Cue/External can be used for sends and returns.
Thanks to its versatile features, the SSL SiX is a perfect match for professional podcasting and post-production. It also proves itself in live applications on-the-road, as this compact mixing desk features a solid craftsmanship, with which it offers a reliable use for many years. On its rear side, users can find versatile connectivity options into every setup - among them are two DB25 plugs for Send and Return of effects, two stereo foldback outputs, a stereo bus output, as well as two stereo outputs for connecting monitor loudspeakers. These outputs are indented for practical use into the casing of the SSL Six, with which cabeling uses less space and connections can be made properly. For a fixed installation, the SSL Six can be recessed into a desk or mounted into a rack, for which the two side panels need to be removed and replaced with optionally available mounts.
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.
Besides Cues and Sends, users can also access the Bus B channel, which allows to create three independent mixes in parallel to each other. With Cues 1 and 2, users are able to 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. The talkback channel can also be repurposed to a third recording channel with a gain of 64dB and the Listen Mic Compressor. Numerous LEDs offer visual feedback, with which every production can be reliably monitored. The function Pre Fader Listening allows a precise adjustment of the two SuperAnalogue channels for distortion-free recordings.