Solid State Logic SiX

The Solid State Logic SiX is a fully professional desktop mixer you can use in the studio, in post production, and for podcasting. At first glance, SiX may look like other compact mixers, but a closer look will reveal its SSL large-format console lineage, with a flexible, intuitive feature set designed to accommodate any creative workflow. Take a listen, and you’ll hear the SSL pedigree: impeccable sonic performance that carries the DNA of over four decades of legendary SSL consoles.

SiX’s first two mono channels make a superb front end for recording. Each includes a transparent SuperAnalogue mic preamp with +72dB of gain (enough to handle your passive ribbon mics), phantom power, a 75Hz highpass filter, a separate line-level input that can be switched to instrument level, and a newly designed SSL compressor with program-dependent attack time, fixed ratio and release time, and automatic makeup gain. At Sweetwater, we’ve found that this compressor design makes it easy to achieve great-sounding results very quickly.

A new 2-band SSL equalizer design also makes its debut on channels 1 and 2, switchable between shelf and bell curves, with unique center frequencies for each type. There is also a balanced insert point for integration with outboard signal processing, and in the SSL tradition, the insert send is always active, so it can be used as a record send to your DAW. SiX features full-size 100mm faders with tapers that give you maximum control over the most usable gain range for both studio and live sound applications.

Channels 3 and 4 are stereo, with trim and pan controls and 100mm faders. SiX gets its moniker from its two mono and two stereo channels, but it also features two stereo EXTernal inputs (with level controls) that can be sent to the mix bus. It all adds up to 12 inputs that can be summed to the main mix bus during mixdown.

Given its diminutive size, you may be surprised to learn that SiX is equipped with two cue buses for artist mixes. The console’s master section has main and alternate monitor outputs with a proper monitor source matrix, as well as mono check, dim, and cut. There’s also a talkback mic input with phantom power and SSL’s classic Listen Mic Compressor (LMC).

SiX sounds like an SSL — and from that vantage point, it’s a tremendous value when you consider what it (and its G Series Bus Compressor) can do for the sound of your program material. Second, derived from SSL’s large-format studio consoles, SiX’s professional feature set is like nothing we’ve seen thus far in a compact mixer. Who ever heard of a desktop mixer with SuperAnalogue mic pres, full-size faders, two cue sends, a monitor source matrix, 12 line inputs during mixdown, and a G Series Bus Compressor? Lastly, an invaluable intangible benefit: if you have clients or artists coming into your studio, appearances matter. When they see the SSL marque, they’ll know they’re in a professional studio with serious equipment. The name commands instant respect. Case closed.

Tech Specs

• Type:Analog Console
• Channels:6
• Faders:5 x 100mm
• Inputs - Mic Preamps:2 x XLR (SuperAnalogue)
• Phantom Power:Yes
• Inputs - Line:2 x 1/4" (line/Hi-Z), 4 x 1/4" TRS (2 x stereo line), 4 x 1/4" TRS (2 x stereo SuperAnalogue line)
• Outputs - Main:2 x XLR (main out), 2 x 1/4" TRS (main monitor), 2 x 1/4" TRS (alt monitor)
• Aux Sends:2 x Cue Sends
• Send/Return I/O:2 x 1/4" TRS (send L/R), 2 x 1/4" TRS (send L/R), 2 x 1/4" TRS (Bus B out)
• Busses/Groups:1 x Bus B
• Inserts:2 x DB-25 In/Out (channel, main)
• Headphones:1 x 1/4" TRS
• Talkback:1 x XLR
• EQ Bands:2-band EQ, Switchable Bell Curve
• Effects:Channel Compressor, G Series Bus Compressor
• Power Source:5-pin 15V DC Power Supply (included)
• Height:4.7"
• Width:10.6" (including trim)
• Depth:12.2"
• Weight:7.7 lbs.
• Manufacturer Part Number:729750X2