A Full-featured SSL Console for Your Desktop
Solid State Logic BiG SiX expands the company's SiX into an 18-input analog recording console that will transform any mid-tier project studio into a pro-level production powerhouse. Teeming with SSL's vaunted sonic character, BiG SiX supplies classic SSL channel processing, professional routing and monitoring, and pro studio-quality analog summing. Full-size 100mm faders ensure an inspiring mixing experience, while SuperAnalogue mic preamps inject your recordings with true-to-life SSL flavor. BiG SiX also includes SSL's legendary G Bus Compressor, arming you with the "glued-together" quality that all mix engineers strive for. You also get talkback with SSL's famous Listen Mic Compressor, which can also be routed for creative applications, as well as a feature-laden 16-in/16-out USB-C audio interface with extensive routing capabilities. To top it off, BiG SiX owners get free access to the SSL Production Pack, outfitting you with a powerful cache of software valued at $1,000. If you want to move your humble project studio into the big leagues, BiG SiX delivers the big-studio sound, pro-level features, and user-friendly workflow you need to get in the game.
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Four mono channels with SuperAnalogue mic pres and SSL compression
BiG SiX’s first four mono channels make a superb front end for recording. Each includes a transparent SuperAnalogue mic preamp with +72dB of gain (enough to handle your passive ribbon mics), phantom power, a 75Hz highpass filter, a separate line-level input that can be switched to instrument level, and an SSL compressor with program-dependent attack time, fixed ratio and release time, and automatic makeup gain. At Sweetwater, we’ve found that this compressor design makes it easy to achieve great-sounding results very quickly.
…plus, EQ, insert points, and full-size faders
Each of BiG SiX's channels (four mono and four stereo) includes a 3-band EQ derived from SSL's classic E Series console. This gentle, broad-stroke design includes high and low filters at 3.5kHz and 60Hz, respectively, that are adjustable from +15dB to -15dB of gain and switchable between shelf and bell curves, with unique center frequencies for each type. You also get a fixed 700Hz mid-frequency control. Beyond that, there are balanced insert points on channels 1–4 for integration with outboard signal processing; and in the SSL tradition, the insert send is always active, so it can be used as a pre-fade, post-processing record send to your DAW. BiG SiX also features full-size 100mm faders with tapers that give you maximum control over the most usable gain range for both studio and live sound applications.
18 line inputs during mixdown
While BiG SiX incorporates state-of-the-art AD/DA and a multichannel USB interface, you can eschew its digital features and operate it as a traditional analog mixing console. BiG SiX's first four channels are mono, while its last four are in stereo, with trim and balance controls and 100mm faders. BiG SiX also features two stereo EXTernal inputs (with level controls) that can be sent to the stereo mix bus. It all adds up to 18 inputs that can be summed to the main mix bus during mixdown.
The coveted G Series Bus Compressor
Worth the price of admission on its own, the mighty G Series Master Bus Compressor is available across BiG SiX’s main outputs. This is the classic SSL console circuit only with fixed ratio, attack, and release settings as well as an updated, state-of-the-art quad-VCA chip. The streamlined controls make it easy to enhance the sound of your mixes — or whatever it is you’re pushing through the master bus — with that legendary SSL punch and glue.
Flexible routing and monitoring
Given its scaled-down form factor, you may be surprised to learn that BiG SiX is equipped with two cue buses for artist mixes. The console’s master section has main and alternate monitor outputs with a proper monitor source matrix, as well as mono check, dim, and cut. There’s also a talkback mic input with phantom power and SSL’s classic Listen Mic Compressor (LMC), the latter of which can also be deployed as an effect. Capturing authentic '80s drum sounds has never been easier!
Full-fledged 16-channel USB-C audio interface
Besides being a top-shelf desktop analog console, BiG SiX also includes a class-compliant, 16-in/16-out USB-C audio interface. The audio interface is paired with super-clean, 24-bit/96kHz AD/DA converters, which are connected to BiG SiX's SuperAnalogue signal chain.
USB returns 1–12 (the signal from your DAW to the console) are connected to the input of each of BiG SiX's channels, while USB returns 13–16 are connected to its EXTernal inputs. USB sends 1–12 (the signal from the console to your DAW) are connected to the output of each of BiG SiX's channels, either pre- or post-fader, while USB sends 13–14 are connected to the output of Bus B. Lastly, USB sends 15–16 are connected to your main bus output, supplying you with an easy way to print a mix back to your DAW.
Outstanding sound, feature set, and value
BiG SiX sounds like an SSL — and from that vantage point, it’s a tremendous value when you consider what it (and its G Series Bus Compressor) can do for the sound of your program material. Second, derived from SSL’s large-format studio consoles, BiG SiX’s professional feature set is like nothing we’ve seen thus far in a compact mixer. Who ever heard of a desktop mixer with SuperAnalogue mic pres, full-size faders, two cue sends, a monitor source matrix, 18 line inputs during mixdown, and a G Series Bus Compressor? Lastly, an invaluable intangible benefit: if you have clients or artists coming into your studio, appearances matter. When they see the SSL marque, they’ll know they’re in a professional studio with serious equipment. The name commands instant respect. Case closed.
Solid State Logic: behind the legend
Established in 1969 by Colin Sanders, Solid State Logic initially manufactured FET switching systems for pipe organs. Sanders also owned a recording studio, for which he designed and built a console. More console designs followed, and by 1979, SSL found commercial success with the SL 4000 E Series desk, which would go on to transform the recording industry with its sonic quality and Total Recall automation. Descendants of the 4000 E — the SL 4000 G Series, 6000, 8000, 9000J, and 9000K — would dominate the professional music recording studio industry for two decades. In the mid-1980s, SSL’s 5000 Series film consoles replaced decades-old Quad-Eight boards on many Hollywood re-recording stages, introducing the film and television industry to console automation and a new level of audio fidelity. Today, SSL is still an innovator, carrying on their legacy with a range of gear designed for the modern hybrid studio.
Solid State Logic BiG SiX Desktop Mixer Features:
- Benchmark SuperAnalogue audio performance
- Professional routing and monitoring
- Classic SSL channel processing
- Full-size 100mm faders, Mute–Bus B, PFL
- 18-input analog summing at mixdown
- Legendary G Series Master Bus Compressor
- Completely balanced signal path
- Built-in 16-in/16-out USB-C audio interface
- A superb analog front end for recording
Channels 1–4 equipped with:
- SuperAnalogue mic preamps with +72dB of gain
- Phantom power; 75Hz highpass filter
- Line-level input, switchable to instrument level
- SSL compressor with program-dependent attack time, fixed ratio and release time, and automatic makeup gain
- 3-channel EQ derived from SSL's classic E Series console
- Balanced insert points
Channels 5–12 equipped with:
- Line-level stereo inputs with trim
- 3-channel EQ derived from SSL's classic E Series console
Master section includes:
- 2 cue buses (sends available on channels 1–4)
- Main and Alt monitor outputs with monitor source matrix, mono check, dim, and cut
- Talkback mic input with phantom power and LMC
- 2 headphone outputs with separate source selectors
SSL Production Pack includes:
- Solid State Logic Vocalstrip 2 and Drumstrop
- 3-month Complete Access subscription to Solid State Logic and Slate plug-ins
- BFD Player and Pop Essentials LE
- Sonarworks SoundID Reference
- Output Arcade
- Antares Auto-Tune Unlimited
- IK Multimedia AmpliTube 5 SE
- Native Instruments Hybrid Keys and Komplete Start
- Ableton Live 11 Lite
- AAS Session Bundle
- Celemony Melodyne essential
- Samples from Loopcloud
