SOLID STATE LOGIC BiG SiX

Product overview

The SOLID STATE LOGIC BiG SiX is a SuperAnalogue desktop mixer with a built-in 16-channel USB interface: four SSL mic pres, four stereo channels, 3-band E-Series EQ and channel compression on every mono channel, the G-Series Bus Compressor with Auto release, and advanced monitoring and routing.

BiG SiX combines production tools from iconic SSL studio consoles with the latest in hybrid workflow, all designed on a SuperAnalogue foundation and brought together with full USB integration. As the natural evolution of SiX, it increases capacity in almost every area: four SuperAnalogue mic pres, four SuperAnalogue stereo inputs with dual mono switching, 3-band EQ on every channel, dual independent headphone outputs with a source matrix and much more. For content creation, post-production, multitrack recording or stem mixing, BiG SiX offers flexibility and creative agility for any production scenario.

Key features

• Four SuperAnalogue mic / line / Hi-Z inputs with 48 V, high-pass filter and polarity switch
• Four SuperAnalogue stereo line inputs with dual mono switching
• 16-channel 96 kHz / 24-bit USB-C interface with advanced routing
• G-Series Bus Compressor with renowned Auto release
• 3-band SSL EQ on every channel, E-Series curves
• Classic SSL channel compression
• Listen Mic Compressor on the talkback input
• Dual independent headphone outputs with source matrix
• 100 mm console grade faders and professional metering
• Comprehensive monitoring: Main / Alt, Dim, Cut, Mono; two stereo cue feeds; Bus B / Mute
• Two balanced stereo external inputs; up to 18 inputs at mixdown
• Mix bus inject for cascading additional SiX / BiG SiX

SuperAnalogue pre-amps and channel processing

The SuperAnalogue pre-amps are fast, detailed and very punchy, and their wide gain range handles a wide variety of microphones, ribbons included: +6 to +72 dB on the mic input and -3 to +63 dB on the line input, which switches to a 1 MΩ Hi-Z input for passive guitar pickups without a DI box. A 75 Hz high-pass filter and polarity switch follow. The 3-band EQ has its roots in SSL's classic E-Series: high and low shelves at 3.5 kHz and 60 Hz with +/-15 dB and a fixed mid at 700 Hz, with bell curves that move to 5 kHz and 200 Hz. The classic SSL channel compressor, with a gentle 2:1 ratio, programme-dependent attack and automatic make-up gain, smooths and adds character.

G-Series Bus Compressor

Strapped across the mix bus is the legendary G-Series Bus Compressor, using exactly the same circuit topology as the original design on the SL 4000 G-Series console: fixed 4:1 ratio, 30 ms attack and 100 ms release, the 'set and forget' settings many SSL console users engage early and mix into, plus the renowned dual-rate Auto release. Adjustable make-up gain, an IN switch and a side-chain high-pass filter complete it.

USB interface and hybrid workflow

The class compliant USB 96 kHz / 24-bit interface pairs 16 high-quality A/D and D/A converters with the SuperAnalogue signal chain. The first 12 channels are split across the first 12 inputs and outputs, switchable pre or post fader; USB channels 13-16 route to and from the external inputs and master buses, and sends 9/10 and 11/12 can be fed from the stereo cue buses for in-the-box processing. Stereo channels and external inputs can take USB returns, so stems from the computer can be summed through the SuperAnalogue mix bus.

Monitoring, cues and talkback

Main and Alt loudspeaker outputs come with Monitor Level, DIM, CUT and MONO, and the monitor sources sum rather than switch. Two independent headphone outputs follow the monitor source or the two stereo cue buses. The talkback input feeds the legendary Listen Mic Compressor, so near and distant voices reach the artist at a similar level.

In the box

• BiG SiX console
• IEC mains cable(s) for the territory
• External power supply with multi-pin connector
• 1.5 m USB-C to USB-A cable
• 1.5 m USB-C to USB-C cable
• Safety guide
• Quick-start guide
• Registration card

SOLID STATE LOGIC BiG SiX: frequently asked questions

Is BiG SiX an audio interface as well as a mixer?

Yes. It contains a class compliant 16-channel USB-C interface at 96 kHz / 24-bit, connected directly to the SuperAnalogue signal chain.

How many inputs can I mix?

Up to 18 inputs at mixdown: four mono channels, four stereo channels and the two stereo external inputs.

Can BiG SiX be rack mounted?

Yes, with the optional SOLID STATE LOGIC rack mount kit. Leave at least 2 cm of free space at the front and rear for ventilation.

Is it powered by USB?

No. BiG SiX uses the supplied external power supply and is powered independently of the computer's USB bus.

Where can I buy the SOLID STATE LOGIC BiG SiX in India?

The SOLID STATE LOGIC BiG SiX is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Desktop studio: tracking vocals and guitar

Artists and producers recording at the desk.

Connections

Setup

1. Set gain and switch 48 V for condensers.
2. Shape with the 3-band EQ and channel compressor.
3. Record via USB channels 1-4, pre or post fader.
4. Send a headphone mix from Stereo Cue 1.

Tip: The insert send works as a pre-fade, post-processing record feed.

Workflow 2: Hybrid stem mixing

Mixing stems from the computer through SuperAnalogue.

Connections

Setup

1. Switch the stereo channels to their USB returns.
2. Balance with the 100 mm faders.
3. Engage the G-Series Bus Compressor.
4. Record the mix back on USB 13/14.

Tip: Up to 18 inputs can be summed at mixdown.

Workflow 3: Bus compression on the mix

Adding glue and punch to a mix.

Connections

Setup

1. Press IN on the Bus Compressor.
2. Set the threshold to a few LEDs of gain reduction.
3. Try AUTO RELEASE.
4. Match level with MAKE UP and compare with IN.

Tip: Many SSL console users engage the Bus Compressor early and mix into it.

Workflow 4: Podcast and content creation

Hosts and guests on several microphones.

Connections

Setup

1. Set mic gain and the high-pass filter.
2. Add gentle channel compression.
3. Give each headphone output its own source.
4. Record the multitrack via USB.

Tip: The monitor sources sum, so external signals can be heard alongside the main mix.

Workflow 5: Post-production dubbing

ADR or language dubbing rooms.

Connections

Setup

1. Route the picture audio to the cue mix.
2. Use talkback to the talent.
3. Record via USB.
4. Monitor on Main or Alt speakers.

Tip: The Listen Mic Compressor keeps near and distant voices at a similar level.

Workflow 6: Expanding with a second SiX or BiG SiX

Studios needing more channels.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the second mixer to the summing inputs.
2. Switch SUM to the main bus.
3. Balance the two mixers.
4. Run the combined mix through the Bus Compressor.

Tip: Mix bus inject is designed for cascading additional SiX / BiG SiX mixers.