SOLID STATE LOGIC SiX CH Module

Product overview

The SOLID STATE LOGIC SiX CH Module is a single-width 500-series channel strip with the SuperAnalogue channel processing of SSL's SiX console: mic pre, HF and LF EQ and the one-knob compressor. Deceptively simple, extremely effective.

SiX CH is a simple way to add extra mic / line inputs to the line-level returns of any professional audio device, including the stereo channels of the SiX console, and a flexible way to build a professional modular mixer from a summing 500-series rack. Its SuperAnalogue mic pre uses the same technology as SiX and the large-format SSL consoles, with a wide gain range and ultra-low noise: clean, fast and punchy, the perfect preamplifier for any source.

Key features

• SSL SuperAnalogue mic pre with +48 V phantom power
• Phase (polarity) invert switch
• 5-segment LED meter in dBu
• Switched 12 dB/octave, 75 Hz high-pass filter
• Classic SSL HF and LF EQ, switchable from shelf to bell
• Single-knob channel compressor with variable threshold
• Front panel TRS line input with 1 MΩ Hi-Z switch

SuperAnalogue pre-amp

GAIN adjusts the mic pre-amp from +6 to +72 dB or the line amp from -3 to +63 dB. The rear 500-series XLR is the default mic input (1.2 kΩ) with individually switched 48 V; the [LINE] switch selects the front 1/4" TRS jack. A switched 12 dB/octave 75 Hz high-pass filter removes rumble and AC noise, Ø inverts the polarity of the XLR mic amp and a five-segment LED meter shows the output level in dBu.

SSL HF and LF EQ

A classic SSL-style gentle, broad-stroke two-band design rooted in the E-Series EQ: high and low shelving filters at 3.5 kHz and 60 Hz with +/-15 dB of gain. Each band can be independently switched to a bell curve, which moves the centre frequency to 5 kHz and 200 Hz for greater versatility. EQ IN switches the EQ in circuit or bypasses it completely.

Channel compressor

A one-knob compressor using the tried and tested SSL feed-forward design: attack of about 5 ms (programme dependent) with an over-easy soft knee, release of about 300 ms and a 2:1 ratio. The threshold runs from +10 to -20 dBu with three LEDs showing gain reduction, and automatic make-up gain maintains the signal level. CMP IN bypasses it for easy comparison.

TRS line input

The front TRS line input is a convenient way to add instruments on the fly or to use SiX CH as a feature-packed summing module. Its 10 kΩ impedance changes to 1 MΩ with Hi-Z, suitable for passive guitar pickups without an external DI box.

In the box

• SiX CH Module (500-series)

SOLID STATE LOGIC SiX CH Module: frequently asked questions

What is in the SiX CH channel strip?

A SuperAnalogue mic pre with 48 V, polarity and 75 Hz HPF, a two-band SSL EQ with shelf / bell switching, a one-knob compressor and a front TRS line / Hi-Z input.

Can I plug a guitar into it?

Yes. Select [LINE] and press Hi-Z for a 1 MΩ input suitable for passive pickups.

Can it be used for summing?

Yes. In a summing 500-series rack it becomes part of a professional modular mixer.

Can the EQ and compressor be bypassed?

Yes. EQ IN and CMP IN bypass each section completely.

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

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

Workflow 1: Vocal channel

Singers and producers.

Connections

Setup

1. Set GAIN on the meter.
2. Engage the HPF.
3. Lift HF shelf for air.
4. Add the compressor with a few LEDs.

Tip: Bell mode moves HF to 5 kHz for presence.

Workflow 2: Guitar DI

Guitarists recording direct.

Connections

Setup

1. Press [LINE] and Hi-Z.
2. Set gain.
3. Shape with LF / HF.
4. Light compression.

Tip: No external DI box needed.

Workflow 3: Extra inputs for SiX

SiX console owners.

Connections

Setup

1. Patch the module into a stereo channel input.
2. Set mic gain.
3. Use the channel EQ.
4. Mix on SiX.

Tip: A simple way to add mic inputs to line returns.

Workflow 4: Modular mixer

Studios with a summing 500-series rack.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit modules in the rack.
2. Patch sources.
3. Set gain, EQ and compression.
4. Sum in the rack.

Tip: Each strip runs at +4 dBu nominal.

Workflow 5: Drum overheads and room

Recording drums.

Connections

Setup

1. Set gain.
2. Use Ø to check polarity.
3. Shelve LF as needed.
4. Compress the room mic.

Tip: The 2:1 soft knee keeps it natural.

Workflow 6: Re-processing in a mix

Mixers sending tracks out.

Connections

Setup

1. Select [LINE].
2. Set level.
3. EQ and compress.
4. Print back.

Tip: Line gain runs from -3 to +63 dB.