Solid state logic SIX User Manual
SiX
User Guide
www.solidstatelogic.com
SiX. This is SSL.
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www.solidstatelogic.com
© Solid State Logic
All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions
SSL® and Solid State Logic® are ® registered trademarks of Solid State Logic.
SiX™ and SuperAnalogue™ are trademarks of Solid State Logic.
All other product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are hereby acknowledged.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, whether mechanical or electronic,without the written
permission of Solid State Logic, Oxford, OX5 1RU, England.
As research and development is a continual process, Solid State Logic reserves the right to change the features and
specications described herein without notice or obligation.
Solid State Logic cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from any error or omission in
this manual.
PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS, PAY SPECIAL HEED TO SAFETY WARNINGS.
E&OE
March 2019
Introduction to SiX
In the mid '70s Solid State Logic designed the rst A Series Console and Studio Computer. The idea behind the project was to
build a system for the company’s studio which was buried deep in the Oxfordshire countryside, in a small village called Stoneseld.
SSL’s development of advanced analogue mixing consoles has been continuous since those early days.
SiX was designed to put forty years of SSL heritage into a studio grade console that would t into hand luggage, providing
engineers and musicians an amazing combination of analogue summing, processing and workow wherever they need to make
a session happen, or raise the bar of a performance to studio level.
Small is beautiful...
SiX may be small, but it is very serious. What follows are some of the key elements that make it a professional product for the
highest quality audio applications.
Fully balanced inputs and outputs
All of SiX’s inputs and outputs are fully balanced (with the exception of the Phones output). This means professional equipment
with balanced connections can be properly interfaced allowing longer cable lengths without noise/hum pick-up penalties and the
best signal to noise performance from the whole signal chain.
Short is beautiful…
To provide the purest audio signal paths, SiX has several features not normally found on small footprint mixing consoles e.g. the
channel processing is switched, allowing it to be removed from the signal path if it’s not being used. Also, the Insert Sends are
always active, meaning that the purest path from Mic Pre to DAW is achieved by using the Insert Send as a direct channel output,
with the Dynamics and EQ switched out of circuit. This is one example of how SiX’s versatile signal ow can be used. It’s denitely
worth taking some time to understand the SiX block diagram and reading the examples later in this manual. We hope you’ll really
unlock the versatility of the console when discovering the many signal paths that are available and the multiple ways they can be
used.
Meter scales and response
The upper LED meter points on SiX’s main meters have been carefully chosen. The console is designed with a huge +27 dBu
headroom and the meters have dened segments for +24 dBu and +18 dBu, this is to match the two most common 0 dB Full Scale
(dBFS) alignment standards, i.e. European/EBU at 0 dBFS=+18 dBu and the US/SMPTE standard at 0 dBFS=+24 dBu ensuring
optimum performance for converters and proper gain structure throughout the signal chain. The meters in SiX have been designed
with a fast ‘peak’ response (rise time to 60% Full Scale Deection approx 1 ms @ 1 kHz) and a slower release time to give the ability
to meter fast peaks while still being able to show useful signal levels.
Power and power management
You will have noticed that SiX is powered by an external power supply with a locking connector. This signicantly helps the design
and performance of SiX. It moves the power supply's electromagnetic interference away from the SuperAnalogue circuits inside
SiX. This allows us to design the internal electronics to have a bandwidth as wide as possible and thus deliver the great phase
and transient response SSL large format console users have come to expect in a very small footprint package. Another thoughtful
design feature for an analogue console is how the power rails are ramped on power-up to minimise thumps on monitor and
headphone outputs.
SiX User Guide
About SuperAnalogue
SSL’s SuperAnalogue technology is the sum of an applied design philosophy, constant invention, and dedication to optimising
every detail of our precision audio products. There are many contributing aspects, including our bespoke circuits, ground-breaking
low-noise gain control, servo-coupled amplier stages, and many more. The design of SiX is unique amongst small footprint mixers
in that it uses SuperAnalogue technology to bring large console sonics and processing into a very compact design.
Listed below are some of the main benets SuperAnalogue philosophy brings to SiX.
Wideband audio
Typically a 20 kHz upper frequency limit is recognised as adequate for audio. A lucky few people can identify frequencies beyond
20 kHz. However, there is a secondary hearing mechanism, directly related to ‘rise-time’ (the transient performance of components)
and evidence to show that even though the basic frequency spectrum of human hearing degrades over time, our sensitivity to
rise-times does not. In addition, Transient Intermodulation Distortion (TIM) is a real - if difcult to measure - issue that brings high
frequency ‘waste’ to bear on the audible spectrum in poor or bandwidth-limited designs. Feedback paths in amplier circuitry are
a good example. For fast, accurate rise times and low TIM, SSL implements precision, high-frequency analogue technologies and
tests everything to better than 80 kHz. SiX’s main signal path frequency response extends to beyond 100 kHz.
Elimination of signal path electrolytic capacitors
The physical construction of electrolytic capacitors means that their performance is imprecise and they are vulnerable to
electromagnetic interference so even expensive ‘high-quality’ electrolytics do not meet our standards. In addition, over time and
with temperature variations, electrolytic capacitors degrade and become ‘leaky’ resulting in signicant noise issues, altered sonic
character, and shortened product life. SSL avoids using electrolytic capacitors for decoupling between analogue stages wherever
possible. Instead we use advanced DC servo coupling techniques for wide bandwidth, low noise and high precision DC offset
control.
Discrete design and innovation
Many modern analogue audio products are the result of the ‘cookbook’ approach where off-the-shelf blocks are strung together to
full a practical brief, but lack the additional details that take them from functional to fantastic. To do that, you have to understand
how to augment commercially available components with discrete elements, do original research and sometimes even design
your own components.
SSL does not do ‘data-sheet design’ and continues to optimise and improve upon data-sheet specications and ‘serving
suggestions’ - we have even licensed our advances back to semiconductor manufacturers. SiX represents the cumulation of over
40 years of experience and expertise in improving the canon of analogue music electronics to continually exceed and progress
our own high standards.
Not one component, a whole design philosophy
Our philosophy is simple, we spare nothing in designing and manufacturing the best precision music tools available anywhere.
There is no single magic stage in SiX - everything from the pre-amps through the line level electronics, signal processing and
output stages plays its part.
SiX User Guide
Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Unpacking 2
Safety Notices 2
Heat & Ventilation and Rack Mounting Option 2
Console Overview 3
Front panel 3
Rear Panel 4
Detailed Description 5
SuperAnalogue Mono Channels 5
SuperAnalogue Pre-Amp input 5
Mic Input (XLR) 5
Channel EQ 6
Channel Compressor 7
Channel Insert 7
Stereo Cue Sends 8
Channel Fader and Pan 8
Stereo channels 9
SuperAnalogue Stereo Input 9
Stereo Cue Sends 9
Channel Fader and Pan 9
Monitor section 10
MAIN and ALT monitor outputs 10
Headphone (Phones) output 11
Monitor Source section 11
External 1 and 2 Levels 11
Foldback and Stereo Cue Master Section (including Talk Input) 13
Talk Input Pre-amplier and LMC 13
Talk Input 13
Switching the Stereo Cues from Pre to Post fader 14
Artist Cue Mixes 14
Foldback Outputs as Effects Sends 14
Main Meter 15
Main Bus 15
Main Bus Summing 15
Main Bus Insert 15
G-Series Bus Compressor 16
Contents
Application Examples 17
Recording A Singer/Songwriter 17
Recording Drums 18
Music Production - Writing and Tracking 19
Music Production - Mixdown 20
On Stage 21
Post Production 22
Podcasting 23
SiX User Guide
Contents
Troubleshooting & FAQs 24
Troubleshooting Tips 24
Warranty 25
All returns 25
Appendix A - Physical Specication 26
Connector Pinouts 26
Mono Channels 26
Stereo Channels 26
Insert Sends/Returns, Alternate Inputs and Auxilliary Outputs 27
DC Power Inlet 27
Appendix B - Performance Specication 28
Audio Performance 28
SuperAnalogue Channel Microphone Amplier 28
SuperAnalogue Channel Line Input Amplier 28
Channel Equaliser 29
Channel Compressor 29
SuperAnalogue Stereo Channel Line Input Amplier 29
Overall Channel Signal Chain Specications 30
Overall Console Noise 30
Environmental Requirements 30
Appendix C - SiX Block Diagram 31
Appendix D - Recall Sheet 32
SiX User Guide
Introduction
Introduction
SiX is a studio grade, SuperAnalogue mixing console that delivers all of the quality and exibility audio professionals expect
from an SSL console, but in a compact package that is designed to be small enough to t into hand luggage. Its design doesn't
compromise on performance because of its size, but delivers a powerful set of professional features in a small 1/2 rack width
package.
Audio Excellence
➤ Two SuperAnalogue wide gain range mic pres for pristine recording quality
➤ Two wide gain range stereo line inputs
➤ Individually switchable phantom power on each Mic Input
➤ Line level input with true HiZ (1 MΩ) impedance switch for passive coil inputs (e.g. guitar pickups)
➤ Two recording channels with fully balanced inserts, simple SSL EQ and Dynamics and true bypass processing switching
➤ Fast, accurate peak response LED meters
Mixing Versatility
➤ 12 channel stereo summing - probably more studio grade analogue summing per square inch than any other console
➤ Main bus with fully balanced insert
➤ Simplied SSL Bus Compressor
➤ 100 mm studio grade long throw faders - unique in this form factor
Application Flexibility
➤ A ‘proper’ foldback section with two stereo send/cue buses with talkback, local monitoring plus two stereo cue feeds
➤ Versatile B-Bus/Mute switching provides record and mix buses for simple overdubs
➤ Useful, exible signal routing and summing
➤ Versatile ‘summing’ monitor section with two external source selectors
➤ ‘Listen mic compressor’ with exible routing for studio talkback or more creative applications
SiX User Guide
1
Introduction
Unpacking
The unit has been carefully packed and inside the box you will nd the following items.
➤ SiX
➤ SSL Black Book
➤ IEC power cord for your country
➤ External Power Supply with 5-Pin XLR connector
➤ Safety Guide
➤ Quickstart Guide
➤ Registration card
It is always a good idea to save the original box and packaging, just in case you ever need to send the unit in for service.
Safety Notices
IMPORTANT: Please read the safety notice information included in the Safety Guide supplied inside the box before using SiX.
Heat & Ventilation and Rack Mounting Option
SiX packs a lot of SuperAnalogue electronics into its compact size. It is designed to get warm in normal operation. Please consult
the operational specications in Appendix B of this User Guide to make sure that it is used within its designed enviromental
parameters.
Optional rack mounting kits to t one or two SiX consoles within a standard 19-inch rack are available.
Whenever rack mounted, or mounted in furniture, please ensure at least 1 inch (2cm) of ventilation space is left available in the
front and rear of the console. You will see the ventilation holes in the console chassis - these need to have clear airow to cool the
unit correctly.
2
SiX User Guide
Console Overview
This section details the console features of SiX.
Front panel
Console Overview
Fully Balanced SuperAnalogue
Microphone(XLR) or
Line (TRS Jack) Preamp Inputs
Channel
Compressor with
Threshold control
switch and meter
Mic/Line Input
Level
Stereo Cue 2
switched with level
and pan
2 Band EQ with
switchable Bell
Curve with Centre
Frequency Shift
Two Fully Balanced
SuperAnalogue
Stereo Line Inputs
Stereo
Headphone
Output
Talkback
Microphone Input,
48V and LMC
Switch
Two Fully
Balanced
External Inputs
SSL G-Series Bus
Compressor
12 LED Main
Meter (follows
Monitor Source)
Cue & Foldback
Master Section
Summing Main
Output Master
Section
Channel Pan
Stereo Cue1
Level & Pan
with switched
ALTernate Input
Source
Fully Balanced
Channel Insert
100 mm
Channel
SiX User Guide
Fader
PFL
switch
Mute/Bus B
switch
SuperAnalogue Stereo
Channels with Switched
Stereo Sends
100 mm
Main Fader
Headphone
Level and
Source Selector
(normally follows
Monitor Source)
Summing Monitor
Source Selector
and External
Input Level
Controls
Monitor Level and
Output Switch
Control
3
Console Overview
Rear Panel
The rear panel of SiX is shown below. The connectors are identied on a panel that is tted to the face above the connector panel.
DC Power Switch
DC Power
Connector
(5 Pin XLR)
Channel and Main
Balanced Insert Sends
Monitor OP Parallel
(See Appendix A for
Pinout)
Foldback/Stereo
Cue 1 & 2 Outputs
(Balanced TRS
1/4" Jack)
Bus B Outputs
(Balanced TRS
1/4" Jack)
Channel and Main
Balanced Insert Returns
Alternate Input 1 & 2
(See Appendix A for
Pinout)
Main Monitor Outputs
(Balanced TRS 1/4"
Jack)
Alternate Monitor
Outputs
(Balanced TRS 1/4"
Jack)
Main Bus Outputs
(Balanced Male
XLR, Pin 2 Hot)
4
SiX User Guide
Detailed Description
SuperAnalogue Mono Channels
There are two SuperAnalogue mono channels on SiX; each channel has identical facilities.
This section explains the features found in each.
SuperAnalogue Pre-Amp input
SiX’s pre-amp is a new wide gain range SuperAnalogue design, developed from the mic
pre-amps of the larger SSL Duality and AWS consoles. In these consoles, line and mic
inputs are served by separate pre-amps. In SiX, a new wide gain range, ultra low noise
SuperAnalogue design provides both Line and Mic facilities with a “Line” gain range switch
to cover a wide range of source levels.
The pre-amp consists of a microphone input (XLR) and line level input (¼” TRS Jack Socket).
Mic Input (XLR)
Detailed Description
The default microphone input uses SSL’s SuperAnalogue design and includes individually
switched 48V phantom power. The Mic (XLR) input’s nominal impedance is 1.2 kΩ.
The XLR is the default source input, the source can be switched to the ¼” TRS jack line input by pressing the ‘Line’ switch on the
channel. The nominal Line Input impedance is 10 kΩ this can be changed to 1 MΩ using the Hi-Z switch. This input impedance
makes this input suitable for very high impedance sources such as passive guitar pickups without the need for an external DI box.
The Gain control adjusts either the microphone pre-amp gain (+6 dB to +72 dB), or the Line amp gain (-3 dB to +63 dB), depending
on the selected input source. Following the pre-amplier is a switched 12 dB/oct, 75 Hz High Pass Filter (HPF) to reduce unwanted
LF such as Microphone Rumble, AC noise etc.
Input Section Block Diagram
SiX User Guide
5
Detailed Description
Channel EQ
The channel EQ on SiX has its roots in SSL’s classic E series EQ. It is a gentle, broad stroke two-band
design with high and low shelving lters at 3.5 kHz and 60 Hz, adjustable from +15 dB to -15 dB of gain.
Each band can be independently switched between shelving and bell curves using the BELL switch - a
feature found on many SSL EQ designs. A useful feature of the bell curves is that they change centre
frequency to operate at 5 kHz and 200 Hz giving greater versatility from the two controls.
The EQ is switched 'in' circuit or completely bypassed using the ‘IN’ switch. This small detail guarantees
no inuence on the channel’s exceptionally at frequency response from the tolerance of the EQ control
centre detent positions.
EQ HF Frequency Response
EQ LF Frequency Response
6
SiX User Guide
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