The Best SSL SiX Alternatives for your Studio Setup
Flexible Analogue and Digital Mixers for your Studio Setup.
3,7 / 5,0 | 
Using an analogue mixer is still one of the most practical solutions for a home studio. We’re looking at some of the best SSL SiX alternatives for music production.
In this Article:
The SSL SiX is a great tool for recording, with great channel strips and console-like routing options. However, not everyone requires all of its professional features that push the price tag out of the reach of beginners and recording enthusiasts.
One of my favourite aspects of the SiX is the fact that it doesn’t have a USB audio interface or digital effects. It’s simply a compact analogue mixer for the modern home studio.
SSL SiX Alternatives
Why would you need an analogue mixer in the first place? Well, for starters, the preamps on the average budget audio interface aren’t that great. While they may work ok with condenser mics, you’ll struggle with the low-output dynamic mics.
So, unless you like your recordings noisy, it helps to have preamps with some discrete gain, and even better if there’s EQ. Also, mixers allow you to connect multiple instruments and effects, so it becomes a central hub for all your hardware.
Before I got hold of an SSL SiX, I managed to find a secondhand Allen & Heath XB10 mixer for around $250. Although it’s actually designed for broadcast applications and doesn’t have great routing options or DI inputs, it’s got low-noise circuitry and has the same preamps as the esteemed MixWizard series.
Now, let’s take a look at some more affordable mixers that provide similar features to help you with your workflow when recording, rehearsing, or playing live.
SSL SiX Alternatives: Zoom LiveTrak Series
The Zoom LiveTrak L6 is an ultra-compact portable 6-channel mixer that also functions as a 12 x 4 audio interface and a 32-bit float microSD recorder. Equipped with 2 XLR compo preamps and 4 stereo input channels, the LiveTrak L6 is perfect for recording, streaming, and live performance.
In addition, the LiveTrak L6 gives you a 3-band EQ section and a bus compressor, as well as 2 aux sends per channel for creating monitor mixes. Meanwhile, the integrated digital effects section has a choice of reverb and delay algorithms.
Overall, referring to the LiveTrak L6 as versatile would be an understatement, and as it can be powered by AA batteries and USB power banks, it’s perfect for live performance. Get it at Thomann.*
- More from Zoom
SSL SiX Alternatives: cre8audio Assembler
If you have a bunch of synths, samplers, and drum machines to connect in your home studio, the Assembler is an excellent solution. It can be used in desktop or Eurorack (40 HP) format, and provides six mono channels and two stereo channels, all with aux sends for creating monitor mixes or sending your signals to external effects units.
In addition, there are two stereo and one mono aux returns, which means you don’t have to use one of your precious input channels for this job. Also, there are independent main and cue level outputs so you can control your speaker and headphone volume precisely.
Overall, the Assembler is an ideal tool for DAW-less jamming setups, and it’s awesome for use on stage too. If you’re a solo performer or band member with a range of electronic instruments to connect, the Assembler gives you a compact way to do this in a compact and lightweight form factor. Get it at Thomann.*
SSL SiX Alternatives: Allen & Heath ZED Series
The Allen & Heath ZED 10 is a practical and compact analogue mixer with four mic preamp inputs and two stereo inputs. There are 3-band EQs on the Mic/Line channels, and the stereo channels have high and low shelving EQ.
In addition, the two aux sends allow you to route signals for monitoring or adding effects, and the built-in USB interface allows you to easily arm individual channels for recording.
The ZED 10 also provides a way to control your monitoring levels from your desktop, and if you’re looking for more input channels, there’s the ZED 14. Get it at Thomann.*
- More about Allen & Heath
SSL SiX Alternatives: Soundcraft EFX16 II
If you want loads of inputs without paying over $1000, the EFX16 II is a tried and tested analogue mixer for live and studio applications. For connecting an array of mics and instruments, the EFX16 II has 16 mono input channels, each with 3-band EQ, three aux sends, and inserts.
There is a pair of subgroup outs, which is perfect for recording, because you can connect this to a two-input audio interface and then simply assign the channels you’d like to send into your DAW. What’s more, the EFX16 II is equipped with a 24-bit digital Lexicon effects engine with a huge selection of quality effects.
Overall, the EFX16 II provides plenty of value for the price. You get loads of inputs, tone shaping, and plenty of routing flexibility, which is perfect for bands or electronic musicians. Whether you use it in your home studio or rehearsal space, the EFX16 II is a worthy option with plenty of years in the industry under its belt. Get it at Thomann.*
SSL SiX Alternatives: PreSonus StudioLive AR Series
Compact and affordable, the StudioLive AR12C offers 10 XLR mic input channels and three aux sends, each with its own return fader, which is useful.
Meanwhile, the AR12C is also a 24-bit 44.1 kHz multitrack SD card recorder and USB audio interface with 24-bit 96 kHz recording capabilities, and a digital effects section with 16 algorithms for adding reverb, delay, chorus, and more.
If you need to use external preamps, channels 1 and 2 have insert points, and there is Bluetooth functionality, which is useful for creators and streamers. Get it at Thomann.*
- More from PreSonus
SSL SiX Alternatives: 1010music Bluebox
It’s not analogue, but the 1010music Bluebox is a great solution for electronic music producers and live performing artists. It provides six stereo inputs and three stereo outputs combined with an intuitive touchscreen interface.
The Bluebox is also a standalone MicroSD recorder, and you can playback prerecorded audio files and mix live audio simultaneously with per-channel EQ and effects, as well as a master compressor.
The Bluebox offers an intuitive interface you can easily use on stage, and there’s a Eurorack version for the modular synth heads.
- More from 1010music
SSL SiX Alternatives: Tascam Model Series
The Tascam Model 16 is an analogue mixer with an audio interface, but it also functions as a standalone multitrack recorder. Equipped with 10 XLR inputs, a pair of sub outs, and three aux outputs, there are plenty of routing options.
What’s more, there are 3-band EQs and compressors on the mono input channels, as well as a 4-band master EQ. Meanwhile, the digital effects section offers 16 different effects algorithms with reverbs, delays, and modulation effects.
You can record at 48 kHz 24-bit to an SD Card or to your DAW via USB, and there are some nifty features like Bluetooth to help you incorporate wireless devices into your workflow. Get it at Thomann.*
- More from TASCAM
SSL SiX Alternatives: Allen & Heath MixWizard WZ4
If you have a bit more budget to play with and need more inputs than the SiX or Big SiX provide, the MixWizard is a formidable option as a compact analogue mixing board that can be used in a number of ways. The MixWizard is actually designed for professional live sound applications, so it provides FOH and monitor modes for use in this area.
Naturally, this doesn’t mean you can’t use it in your studio at home. In fact, the design is beneficial because you get a pro standard of preamps, high-headroom circuitry, and versatile routing options. All the mono input channels have inserts and direct outs for easy routing into your audio interface or patchbay.
What’s more, each channel strip gives you a 4-band EQ section and six aux sends, and the 14:4:2 version gives you four separate subgroup outputs with inserts on each and on the main stereo bus. Overall, the MixWizard is still an impressive analogue console, whether you’re using it for live sound applications or elsewhere. Get it at Thomann.*
More about SSL SiX Alternatives:
*Note: This article about SSL SiX Alternatives contains affiliate links that help us fund our site. Don’t worry: the price for you always stays the same! If you buy something through these links, we will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!
This might also interest you
2 responses to “The Best SSL SiX Alternatives for your Studio Setup”
I would expect to see the zoom L12 on the list, but that’s maybe just me
None of these match the headroom specs of the SSLs. The new Tascam Model 2400 tops out at 22dBu. The Big Six at 27. Wouldn’t be surprised if the lil Six beats all the alternatives too.