There are several things that have brought generation upon generation of Sweetwater customers to Solid State Logic consoles, such as their build quality, their ergonomics, and, most importantly, their stunning SuperAnalogue sound. It’s nice to know that when you invest in an SSL console, whether it’s the streamlined X-Desk or the hybrid flagship AWS 948, there’s no good, better, and best where sound quality is concerned – they all sound amazing. The only things that change are the number of channels and the extent of the functionality. Once you’re familiar with what each of these mixing consoles has to offer, finding the right option to fit your needs is easy.
AWS 900 Series
For professional recording studios that record and mix high track counts
SSL’s AWS 900 series includes three models: the AWS 948, the AWS 924, and the AWS 916. These consoles offer 48, 24, and 16 input channels, respectively, and up to 24 motorized faders. Beyond their extensive analog functions, which include 4-band parametric XL 9000 K Series Channel EQs on every channel, onboard dynamics processing, and advanced routing, each of these desks doubles as a fully loaded control surface capable of commanding two DAWs simultaneously via HUI or MCU protocol over Ethernet. The AWS 948 takes this sophisticated hybrid analog console/control surface approach to a whole new level by offering multiple in-line mixing options, providing classic SSL workflow for the cutting-edge studio.
SSL AWS 900 Series Hybrid Consoles Features:
- A set of 3 hybrid analog console/control surface models with up to 48 channels and 24 faders
- Includes 4-band parametric XL 9000 K Series Channel EQs and assignable dynamics processors
- Motorized faders, V-Pots, and extensive center console section provide advanced DAW control
- Extensive monitor and talkback controls onboard offer a traditional control room environment
- Flexible routing, Master Bus Compressor, and Total Recall deliver traditional SSL mixing perks
Shop AWS 900 Series Hybrid Consoles
Matrix2
For editing suites and engineers who need to mix and sum but not track
SSL took a unique approach to their SuperAnalogue sound quality with the Matrix2 mixing console, completely setting aside the components required for tracking in favor of an architecture designed for mixing and summing. In all, the Matrix2 offers 40 discrete inputs and six auxiliary buses and four stereo returns for extensive routing possibilities. A total of 16 motorized faders, each accompanied by a V-Pot and soft keys, complemented by flexible center-console controls, offers you extensive command over multiple DAWs at once. On top of that, the Matrix2 provides talkback and monitoring control, and thanks to its X-Rack integration with Total Recall, it’s easy to further expand the capabilities of this unique hybrid console.
SSL Matrix2 Hybrid Console Features:
- 40 inputs and 16 motorized faders deliver a hybrid mixing workflow with full analog summing
- Streamlined analog signal path provides optimized dynamic range for mixing and summing
- Take complete command of your DAW with extensive transport, channel controls, and more
- Professional monitoring and talkback sections provide traditional control room functionality
- Total Recall with X-Rack integration lets you instantly restore your sessions and processors
X-Rack
Extra SSL processing that integrates into your rig
On its own, the SSL X-Rack is an impressive system capable of adding some of the best-sounding processing on Earth to any recording rig. But when you add an X-Rack system to your SSL console with Logictivity software, you’re getting an even more powerful studio setup than ever. That’s because each X-Rack comes equipped with Total Recall functionality, which you can manage and control right alongside your console’s functions. Talk about flexible system design! Ask your Sweetwater Sales Engineer about the X-Rack options available for your system.
XL-Desk
For recording engineers who don’t need DAW control but love analog gear
In many ways, the XL-Desk is a throwback to SSL’s analog past, trading the DAW control of the AWS and Matrix series boards for a greater emphasis on analog flexibility. While it lacks DAW control, extensive routing options make it easy to incorporate both analog hardware and digital recording gear into your workflow, making the XL-Desk an excellent choice for tracking and mixing. A set of eight Duality-style VHD preamps offers you a range of tone from transistor bite to tube warmth with breathtakingly clean in the middle. But perhaps the most unique thing about the XL-Desk is its integrated 500 Series rack technology, which includes 16 slots that are either ready for your gear or filled with 611EQ E series equalizer modules plus another two slots loaded with the legendary SSL G Comp bus compressor.
SSL XL-Desk Analog Recording/Mixing Console Features:
- A 24-channel analog mixing console that’s ideal for engineers who love their outboard gear
- Extensive routing options accommodate a vast array of DAW recording and mixing workflows
- A set of 8 VHD mic pres lets you blend harmonics between transistor bite and tube warmth
- 16 x 500 Series slots either come empty or filled with 611EQ E series equalizer modules
- Additional perks include a G Comp bus compressor, communications, and monitoring sections
Shop XL-Desk Analog Recording/Mixing Consoles
Nucleus 2
For project studios that require greater DAW control than analog input
Engineers working in project-studio environments that don’t require as much tracking power as control capabilities love the Nucleus 2, which delivers unmistakable SSL quality on a smaller scale. Sixteen ultra-smooth motorized faders accompanied by SSL’s acclaimed V-Pots and soft keys provide extensive control of up to three DAWs at once. But the Nucleus 2 takes DAW control one step further, allowing you to execute complex macros right from your control surface. As for classic SSL sound, two integrated SuperAnalogue 9000 K Series preamps with insert points and switchable hi-Z mode more than fit the bill, and an integrated USB 2.0 audio interface ensures top-quality digital conversion.
SSL Nucleus 2 Control Surface Features:
- Take total command of up to 3 DAW applications at once via HUI or MCU Ethernet protocols
- Channel controls including 16 motorized faders, V-Pots, and soft keys make mixing easy
- Define your workflow with custom soft keys and programmable macros for automating tasks
- Loaded with 2 SuperAnalogue 9000 K Series SSL preamps and integrated USB 2.0 audio interface
- Comprehensive monitoring capabilities provide critical listening functions at the push of a button
Shop SSL Nucleus 2 Control Surface
X-Desk
For anyone in need of 16 channels of supreme analog summing
By far the simplest mixer Solid State Logic produces, the X-Desk is a bit of a hidden gem among serious music producers due to its amazing sound quality and unexpected flexibility. Its 16 inputs on eight channel faders provide excellent summing and routing options, and you get a ton of routing possibilities (including cascading multiple X-Desks) thanks to the multitude of I/O on D-sub connectors. What’s more, you can link the X-Desk with your X-Rack for expanded processing capabilities, and when you attach the included rack ears, it’s easy to use the SSL X-Desk as the central hub of your mobile production rig.
SSL X-Desk Analog Mixer Features:
- A set of 16 inputs on 8 dual-input mono channels provides massive analog mixing capability
- Inserts and sends on each channel plus additional aux buses offer extensive routing options
- Integrated talkback and other monitoring functions allow for professional communication
- Cascade multiple X-Desks together to create more complex mixing and summing systems
- Expand your production capabilities by adding an X-Rack directly to your X-Desk rig
