SuperAnalogue Sound and Delta DAW Control
A premium in-line analog console and an amazing DAW controller, the Solid State Logic AWS 948 workstation gives you both without the slightest degree of compromise in either sound quality or range of functions. On the analog side, the AWS 948 is a complete 24-channel/8-bus standalone mixer with 48 analog inputs. Each of the AWS 948's 24 channels features a top-of-the-line SSL SuperAnalogue microphone preamplifier, stereo line-level inputs, a stereo 4-band EQ, and a stereo compressor — all based on classic SSL technology. And with the push of a button, the AWS 948's 24-channel fader bank instantly becomes an ultra-smooth motorized control surface for your favorite DAW, driven by SSL's advanced Delta-Control.
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A world-class analog console with complete DAW control
This in-line hybrid console delivers legendary SSL workflow, top-quality sound, and advanced Delta-Control, which seamlessly integrates console and DAW automation. A per-fader plug-in (native AAX/AU/VST/VST3), Delta-Control gives you automated control over AWS console channel and mix bus volume as if it were a DAW plug-in. Inserting 24 instances into your DAW session allows control of volumes and mutes for all 24 AWS channels. On the return side, a 6-channel monitoring system makes the AWS 948 fully equipped to handle monitoring for up to 5.1 surround-sound mixes, complete with insert points and external metering outputs. A full set of communication options gives you the talkback routing you need. And the AWS 948 even includes a center-section Master Bus compressor based on the legendary G Series console — a feature Sweetwater engineers really appreciate! With an SSL AWS 948 workstation in your studio, you'll be able to mix better-sounding music more quickly than ever before.
Classic SSL preamps and processing
The iconic SSL sound is a combination of classic preamps, precise and musical EQs, powerful dynamics, and the vitality of smooth analog summing. The Solid State Logic AWS 948 delivers! It all starts off with a full set of SuperAnalogue preamps, which offer up to 75dB of gain, plus switchable phantom power, phase reverse, -20dB pad, and mode-dependent insert points. Each channel also comes equipped with a 4-band parametric XL 9000 K Series Channel EQ, which lets you select from the more precise E Series or the more musical G Series tonal characteristics for both the high/low bands and the middle frequencies. Top it off with a pair of channel compressors, a Master Bus compressor, and true analog summing, and the AWS 948 is the fully loaded SSL console you really want.
Pristine analog sound lets you get more from your gear
Audio systems are defined by their bottlenecks, such as dynamic range, noise floor, and true frequency response. In most systems, this occurs well before the digital stage, which offers 144dB of dynamic range (at 24-bit) and supports frequencies up to 96kHz (a full 76kHz above the threshold of human hearing). That isn't the case with SSL's SuperAnalogue DC-coupled circuitry design. Using top-of-the-line surface-mount manufacturing techniques, the signal path from any point to another in the AWS 948 offers an extremely wide frequency range with a flat response, next to no distortion, and an almost unmeasurable noise floor. Even if you're recording at 24-bit/192kHz, this console will never be your sonic bottleneck.
Three operation modes offer flexible in-line workflows
While it's the same size as the AWS 924, the AWS 948 packs 48 inputs in a 24-fader design, courtesy of its unique Dual Path Channel Strip configuration. In many ways, this design is reminiscent of the traditional SSL in-line setup, but its sophisticated operation modes provide even more useful workflow options for modern music production. These modes include Stereo Mix, In-line Mix, and In-line Tracking.
Stereo Mix uses the entire channel strip as a single stereo source, and while this mode more closely resembles the functionality of a standard mixer, it's worth noting that the channel equalizers and insert points are capable of full stereo operation. In-line Mix doubles the number of inputs, allowing you to control the level, mutes, and solos, with the V-Pot section of each channel. In-line Tracking takes full advantage of the AWS 948's DAW communication, offering a traditional SSL tracking/monitoring workflow, but with the added benefit of being able to automatically detect your DAW's record/playback state to make drop-in recording totally seamless.
Powerful control surface for your DAW
Setting the stage for the modern hybrid studio console, the SSL 948 and other 900 series models provide you with a fully loaded control surface integrated directly into your workflow. With HUI control via Ethernet, a full set of motorized faders, and versatile V-Pot encoders, the AWS 948 lets you take total control of Pro Tools, Nuendo, SONAR, and many other popular DAWs. A-FADA (Analogue Fader Accesses DAW Automation) mode even lets you seamlessly blend DAW and console automation. A high-quality TFT display with assignable soft keys and a complete set of DAW controls, including transport, streamline everything from track setup to plug-in tweaking, and digital scribble strips provide you with essential information. And with the AWS console's ability to respond dynamically to DAW feedback, your 948 offers a level of software integration that's second to none.
Fully loaded center console section
The AWS 948 center section provides you with comprehensive control over monitoring, talkback, and a whole lot more. Right off the bat, the AWS 948 comes prepared for four monitor setups, including two main mixes up to 5.1 surround and two stereo options, with monitoring inserts and bass management options built right in. In addition to headphone management, there's a complete communications section, which makes talkback and listen functions simple. Speaking of simple, the AWS series makes recalling settings easier than ever, thanks to the detailed full-color TFT display. Finally, the center section is where the Master Bus compressor and two channel-style compressor/gate processors live, which you can apply to the mixes of your choice for classic SSL punch and smoothness.
Solid State Logic AWS 948 Features:
- Traditional SSL preamps offer 75dB of gain and classic sound
- Phantom power, phase reverse, and -20dB pad onboard
- 3-way, mode-dependent insert points available per channel
- 4-band EQ with switchable E/G Series high/low and mid bands
- 2 channel dynamics and a Master Bus compressor built in
- Same DC-coupled circuit design found in SSL's top gear
- Transparent signal path exceeds 24-bit/192kHz resolution
- Extremely wide frequency range with flat response
- Ultra-low distortion performance won't color your sound
- Virtually non-existent noise floor offers extended dynamics
- 24 Dual Path Channel Strips provide 48 in-line channel inputs
- 3 operation modes offer a variety of workflow options
- Stereo Mix mode accesses stereo EQs and insert points
- In-line Mix lets you mix 2 mono line inputs independently
- In-line Tracking with Auto-M makes punching in seamless
- 24 channel faders with provided DAW track automation
- Delta Control automation of AWS console channel and mix bus volume
- Fully equipped transport offers total playback control
- Detailed TFT display lets you access advanced options
- HUI control provides compatibility with most DAWs
- Responds dynamically to sophisticated DAW feedback
- An extensive and logical set of main function controls
- Monitor section lets you manage 4 sets of speakers
- Communications module covers talkback and listen
- Full-color TFT display makes Total Recall a breeze
- Includes cue/bus management, dynamics, and more
