Solid state logic SIX User Manual

www.solidstatelogic.com

SiX

User Guide

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 specifications 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 first 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 Stonesfield.

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 fit into hand luggage, providing engineers and musicians an amazing combination of analogue summing, processing and workflow 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 flow can be used. It’s definitely 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 defined 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 Deflection 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 significantly 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 amplifier 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 benefits 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 difficult to measure - issue that brings high frequency ‘waste’ to bear on the audible spectrum in poor or bandwidth-limited designs. Feedback paths in amplifier 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 significant 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 fulfil 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 specifications 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

	Contents
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-amplifier 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
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 Specification	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 Specification	28
Audio Performance	28
SuperAnalogue Channel Microphone Amplifier	28
SuperAnalogue Channel Line Input Amplifier	28
Channel Equaliser	29
Channel Compressor	29
SuperAnalogue Stereo Channel Line Input Amplifier	29
Overall Channel Signal Chain Specifications	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 flexibility audio professionals expect from an SSL console, but in a compact package that is designed to be small enough to fit 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 qualityTwo 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 switchingFast, accurate peak response LED meters

Mixing Versatility

12 channel stereo summing - probably more studio grade analogue summing per square inch than any other consoleMain bus with fully balanced insert

Simplified 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 feedsVersatile B-Bus/Mute switching provides record and mix buses for simple overdubs

Useful, flexible signal routing and summing

Versatile ‘summing’ monitor section with two external source selectors

‘Listen mic compressor’ with flexible 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 find the following items.

SiX

SSL Black Book

IEC power cord for your country

External Power Supply with 5-Pin XLR connectorSafety Guide

Quickstart GuideRegistration 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 specifications in Appendix B of this User Guide to make sure that it is used within its designed enviromental parameters.

Optional rack mounting kits to fit 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 airflow to cool the unit correctly.

2	SiX User Guide

Console Overview

Console Overview

This section details the console features of SiX.

Front panel

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

Channel Pan

Stereo Cue1

Level & Pan with switched ALTernate Input Source

Fully Balanced

Channel Insert

	100 mm	PFL
	Channel
		switch
	Fader

	Two Fully Balanced	Stereo	Talkback
			Microphone Input,
	SuperAnalogue	Headphone
			48V and LMC
	Stereo Line Inputs	Output
			Switch

	Mute/Bus B	SuperAnalogue Stereo	Monitor Level and
		Channels with Switched	Output Switch
	switch
		Stereo Sends	Control

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

100 mm Main Fader

Headphone

Level and

Source Selector (normally follows Monitor Source)

Summing Monitor

Source Selector

and External

Input Level

Controls

SiX User Guide	3

Console Overview

Rear Panel

The rear panel of SiX is shown below. The connectors are identified on a panel that is fitted to the face above the connector panel.

	DC Power Switch	Channel and Main	Bus B Outputs	Main Monitor Outputs	Main Bus Outputs
		Balanced Insert Sends
			(Balanced TRS	(Balanced TRS 1/4"	(Balanced Male
		Monitor OP Parallel
			1/4" Jack)	Jack)	XLR, Pin 2 Hot)
		(See Appendix A for
		Pinout)

			Channel and Main
	DC Power	Foldback/Stereo	Balanced Insert Returns	Alternate Monitor
		Cue 1 & 2 Outputs	Alternate Input 1 & 2	Outputs
	Connector
		(Balanced TRS	(See Appendix A for	(Balanced TRS 1/4"
	(5 Pin XLR)
		1/4" Jack)	Pinout)	Jack)

4	SiX User Guide

Detailed Description

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)

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-amplifier 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 filters 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 influence on the channel’s exceptionally flat frequency response from the tolerance of the EQ control centre detent positions.

EQ HF Frequency Response

EQ LF Frequency Response

6	SiX User Guide