SSL SiX desktop mixer: finally, big console sound for the common folk
I have wanted an SSL ever since I discovered that most of my favorite records share a common sonic footprint that I absolutely adore. That sound is down to the mixing desk and the skills of its engineer, of course. Thankfully, console emulation plug-ins offer a close approximation of the SSL sound. Also, custom gear builders have little problem coming up with affordable clones of coveted hardware like the famed “mix glue” bus compressor or that precise, yet delightfully punchy EQ. But the dream of owning an actual SSL has only been that – a dream. Until now.
The second in its new studio gear line-up which began with the Fusion rack processor, SSL’s new SiX compact mixer is a full-blown miniature SSL console with a price tag that’s more than reasonable considering whose logo it carries. Touted for use in studios, post-production, stage sound, podcasting and so on, SiX is essentially the SSL summing box for the common folk. Admittedly, 1100 EUR sans tax isn’t little money, but when it comes to pro audio gear, it’s a modest investment.
Yet, SSL isn’t cheaping out in any way with this, as SiX seems to pack a wholesome punch – 100mm faders, two SuperAnalogue mic preamps, a one-knob SSL channel comp, a new two-band channel EQ, and the mano de oro – a two-knob version of the G-Series Bus Compressor. There’s also a dedicated mic pre for a talkback microphone with 48V (so that makes three mic inputs) and a newly developed talkback compressor, as well as inserts for inputs 1 & 2. As far as small-format mixers go, SiX is very accomplished, and as you can see, the control panel looks quite busy, indeed.
Admittedly, just glancing at the SiX, SSL has already won me over. I know for sure I will be investing in one of these once I have some new music to mix. Not that Slate/Brainworx/Overloud/Waves and countless others haven’t done a stellar job recreating the SSL console sound digitally. It’s just that one thing they can’t really change – a computer will always sound like a computer, and electricity will always sound like electricity. That, and fulfilling my dream of owning an SSL are my arguments for going outside the box and maybe living a month or two on a strict oatmeal diet after my purchase…
SSL SiX is available now, priced GBP 999 +VAT, USD 1499 + Tax, EUR 1199 + Tax. Ask the nearest SSL dealer for one.
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One response to “SSL SiX desktop mixer: finally, big console sound for the common folk”
I dunno. It’s affordable, even for just the two preamps and bus compressor might do the trick but I can’t see it fit in my studio or fit anyone’s workflow really. I guess I’m wrong but…
Great if you’re a singer with a banjo, though.
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