UNBOXING THE SSL BIG SIX

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BiG SiX combines production tools from iconic SSL studio consoles with the latest in hybrid workflow. G-Series Bus Compressor with renowned ‘Auto’ release, E-Series EQ, glorious sounding mic pres with channel processing, and advanced monitoring and routing, all designed on a SuperAnalogueTM foundation and brought together with full USB integration. BiG SiX is the essential SSL studio.

BiG SiX is the natural evolution of the modern-day studio classic, SiX. Incorporating feedback from a wide range of artist, producers and engineers, BiG SiX increases its capacity in almost all areas with four SuperAnalogueTM mic pres, four SuperAnalogueTM stereo inputs with dual mono switching, 3 band E-Series EQ on every channel, dual independent headphone outs with source matrix and much more.

Whether you’re wanting to take your content creation or post-production to the next level with SSL analogue processing or require advanced hybrid workflow for multitrack recording or stem mixing, BiG SiX offers absolute flexibility and creative agility for any production scenario.

USB interface

BiG SiX contains a class compliant USB 96 Khz / 24 bit interface to connect to a PC or MAC. The interface is paired with 16 high quality A/D and D/A converters that are connected to the SuperAnalogueTM signal chain in BiG SiX. The first 12 channels are split across the first 12 inputs/outputs and can be switched pre/post fader. USB channels 13-16 route to/from External inputs and Master buses. Alternatively, sends 9/10 and 11/12 can be fed from the stereo cue buses. Perfect for additional ITB processing.

Preamps

Fast, detailed and very, very punchy. BiG SiX’s SuperAnalogueTM preamps are capable of comfortably handling a wide variety of microphones (including ribbon) thanks to their super wide gain range. They feature a dedicated line input with Hi-Z, 48V, high pass filter and polarity switch, and will get the absolute best out of your new and vintage instruments and line level sources.

Channel compressor

Smooth, refine and add character with classic SSL channel compression. The compressors program dependent attack time (8ms – 30ms), release time around 300ms and the gentle 2:1 ratio allow the compressor to work across a wide variety of content and makes up one of the three compression flavours BiG SiX offers.

3 band SSL EQ

The channel EQ on BiG SiX has its roots in SSL’s classic E series, matching its EQ curves on the broadest setting. It is a broad stroke three-band design with high and low shelving filters at 3.5 kHz and 60 Hz, adjustable from +15 dB to -15 dB of gain and a fixed Mid Frequency control at 700 Hz. The HF and LF bands can be independently switched between shelving and bell curves, and can be found on every channel of BiG SiX.

SuperAnalogue design


Initially developed for the SL 9000 Series consoles to take analogue performance to the next level, SuperAnalogueTM technology is at the heart of BiG SiX and is fundamental to what sets it (and SiX) apart from other desk-top mixers. SuperAnalogueTM technology is the sum of an applied design philosophy, constant invention, and dedication to optimizing every detail of our precision audio products. There are many contributing aspects, including our bespoke circuits, ground-breaking low-noise gain control, servo-coupled amplifier stages, and many more.

Bus Compressor

Strapped across the mix bus of BiG SiX is the legendary G Series Bus Compressor, ready to add drive, energy and that all important 'finished' sound to your productions.

Using exactly the same circuit topology as the original design found on the SL 4000 G-Series console, the Bus Compressor within BiG SiX has fixed 4:1 ratio, 30 ms attack and 100 ms release. These 'set and forget' settings are the go-to for many SSL large format console users, who will often engage the Bus Compressor very early in a session and build the mix into it.

The BiG SiX Bus Compressor features the renowned ‘Auto’ release setting, adding further flexibility to this essential version of the legendary glue and punch maker.