The SSL of Desktop Mixers
The Solid State Logic SiX is a fully professional desktop mixer you can use in the studio, in post production, and for podcasting. At first glance, SiX may look like other compact mixers, but a closer look will reveal its SSL large-format console lineage, with a flexible, intuitive feature set designed to accommodate any creative workflow. Take a listen, and you’ll hear the SSL pedigree: impeccable sonic performance that carries the DNA of over four decades of legendary SSL consoles.
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Two mono channels with SuperAnalogue mic pres and SSL compression
SiX’s first two 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 a newly designed 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
A new 2-band SSL equalizer design also makes its debut on channels 1 and 2, switchable between shelf and bell curves, with unique center frequencies for each type. There is also a balanced insert point for integration with outboard signal processing, and in the SSL tradition, the insert send is always active, so it can be used as a record send to your DAW. SiX 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.
Twelve line inputs during mixdown
Channels 3 and 4 are stereo, with trim and pan controls and 100mm faders. SiX gets its moniker from its two mono and two stereo channels, but it also features two stereo EXTernal inputs (with level controls) that can be sent to the mix bus. It all adds up to 12 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 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 diminutive size, you may be surprised to learn that 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).
Outstanding sound, feature set, and value
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, 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, 12 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 SiX Desktop Mixer Features:
- Benchmark SuperAnalogue audio performance
- Professional routing and monitoring
- Classic SSL channel processing
- Full-size 100mm faders, Mute–Bus B, PFL
- 12-input summing at mixdown
- Legendary G Series Master Bus Compressor
- Completely balanced signal path
- A superb front end for recording
Channels 1 and 2 equipped with:
- SuperAnalogue mic preamps with +72dB of gain
- Phantom power; 75Hz highpass filter
- Line-level input, switchable to instrument level
- Newly designed SSL compressor
- Balanced insert points
Channels 3 and 4 equipped with:
- Line-level stereo inputs with trim
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
