SSL BiG SiX

SSL BiG SiX

Introducing BiG SiX. You asked for more SiX, and SSL listened.

The SSL BiG SiX is the ultimate tool for audio engineers, producers, and musicians seeking the highest level of sound quality and control over their production.

For stage, studio, or broadcasting live, this cutting-edge device delivers crystal-clear audio processing, versatile routing options, and unparalleled precision. With its intuitive interface and advanced features, the BiG SiX empowers you to achieve your creative vision and elevate your audio to new heights.

The natural evolution of the modern-day studio classic, SiX. The 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.

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

Bus Compressor

The legendary G Series Bus Compressor is strapped across the mix bus of the BiG SiX, 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 a 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.

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

USB Interface, Pre-amp's, Channel Compressor and 3 Band SSL EQ

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 SuperAnalogue^TM 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.

Fast, detailed and very, very punchy. BiG SiX’s SuperAnalogue^TM 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.

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.

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, SuperAnalogue^TM technology is at the heart of BiG SiX and is fundamental to what sets it (and SiX) apart from other desk-top mixers. SuperAnalogue^TM technology is the sum of 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.

Key Features:

• Four SuperAnalogue^TM Mic / line / Hi-Z / 48V / HPF and polarity switch
• Four SuperAnalogue^TM stereo line-level inputs with dual mono switching
• Built-in 16 channel  96 Khz / 24-bit USB interface with advanced routing
• Essential version of G-Comp Bus Compressor with 'Auto' release
• 3 Band SSL LF/MF/HF EQ on every channel
• Classic SSL channel dynamics processing
• Listen Mic Compressor
• Dual independent headphone outputs with source matrix
• 100 mm console grade faders
• Professional metering
• Comprehensive monitoring section
• Two stereo cue feeds
• Bus B / Mute switching
• Two fully balanced stereo external inputs
• Up to 18 inputs at mixdown
• Mix Bus inject for cascading additional SiX/BiG SiX

For SSL's original studio classic, see the SSL SiX Desktop Mixer.