The SSL Big SiX is the enlarged version of the well-known SSL SiX and not only equipped with more channels, but also with additional features. Compared to SiX, the integrated USB audio interface with 16 input and output channels is particularly noteworthy, making the Big SiX predestined as a complete studio frontend for project studios and demanding home studio applications. The console offers 4 channel strips with SSL's popular Super Analogue preamps and direct routing to the two stereo aux paths. For sound shaping, it features fixed 3-band EQs with switchable treble and bass filters, high-pass filter and single-knob compressor. Simple handling and musical circuit design make these functions perfect for pre-processing directly during recording.
The core concept of the Big SiX, similar to the SiX, is to provide the most comprehensive monitoring section possible, so in addition to the interface and converters, a monitor controller is also substituted. In addition to the main out, the Big SiX allows switching between 2 pairs of monitor speakers as well as monitoring via 2 separate headphone paths. Additionally an adjustable (!) dim and a mono function can be used. For overdubs, 2 or 4 tracks from the DAW respectively can be switched in via the additional external ins. For purists and analog lovers alike, the Big SiX can also be switched to inline operation on a channel-by-channel basis, e.g. to beautiful tracks from the DAW via an aux path through a hardware device or to use the desk as a summing unit or for stem mixing.
In addition to high-end channel features, the Big SiX is also equipped with simplified versions of two of SSL's most famous effects: The G-Series Bus Com pressor and the Listen Mic Compressor. Compared to the big version, the bus compressor does without direct access to the ratio and time functions, but has the Auto Release function, which is preferred in the vast majority of cases anyway. The SSL LMC was originally designed for talkback channels, but since the 80s it has been used for drum rooms and snares. In the Big SiX, it is switched to the versatile routable talkback channel at the push of a button and controlled with the Talk Level knob.
Compared to most other consoles, the SSL Big SiX also stands out due to its excellent analog design. The Super Analogue circuitry used fully matches the sonic presence, punch and clean sound you'd expect from SSL, with low distortion, low noise and wide dynamic range. All inputs and outputs - line and insert - are balanced for optimal, noise-free signal quality. The entire circuit design is state-of-the-art and the result of over 40 years of experience with analog audio equipment.