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jindrich · 29th March 2009

hi again

please read my post above (page 4) where I described the features, functions and basic uses of the new X-Desk. I can sort of confirm now everything I wrote there (though wait till wednesday for more detailed stuff).

I forgot to add that this mixer sports the same bus connector as the XRACK, which means several X-Desks and/or XRACKs can be connected together sharing all common busses. Of course that doesn't mean it's only compatible with SSL stuff, on the contrary, the mixer is designed to integrate with any kind of gear from any manufacturer.

As for what the X-Desk does and what doesn't, don't forget we're talking about a €2k (incl VAT) piece of equipment (designed and built in the UK by SSL, btw). Consider that for this amount you'd usually get just a monitoring controller (of equivalent quality). To offer all the features present in this new SSL mixer at such a price point (again, at this quality level) is quite an achievement IMO as until now products offering the same amount of features (mostly lego-like systems) cost x2,5 to x5 times more.

The X-Desk won't suit everybody, just like an API 1608, a Duality or a Neve 88R won't either. But the X-Desk has many more applications that one can see at first glance, and at this price point I can hardly see anything else that can even touch it.

If you want a description of the X-Desk in a nutshell:

A compact, hi-resolution "Superanalogue" 7U or table-top professional line mixer from SSL, for both tracking and mixing, with 8 fully featured channels (dual input, gain, insert, direct out, st cue, 2FX, pan, solo+cut and 100mm fader) and a comprehensive "big desk" master section, that can also mix up to 22 channels at mix time.

29th March 2009	#145
jindrich Lives for gear Joined: Mar 2003 Location: Palma+Stuttgart Posts: 1,599	hi again please read my post above (page 4) where I described the features, functions and basic uses of the new X-Desk. I can sort of confirm now everything I wrote there (though wait till wednesday for more detailed stuff). I forgot to add that this mixer sports the same bus connector as the XRACK, which means several X-Desks and/or XRACKs can be connected together sharing all common busses. Of course that doesn't mean it's only compatible with SSL stuff, on the contrary, the mixer is designed to integrate with any kind of gear from any manufacturer. As for what the X-Desk does and what doesn't, don't forget we're talking about a €2k (incl VAT) piece of equipment (designed and built in the UK by SSL, btw). Consider that for this amount you'd usually get just a monitoring controller (of equivalent quality). To offer all the features present in this new SSL mixer at such a price point (again, at this quality level) is quite an achievement IMO as until now products offering the same amount of features (mostly lego-like systems) cost x2,5 to x5 times more. The X-Desk won't suit everybody, just like an API 1608, a Duality or a Neve 88R won't either. But the X-Desk has many more applications that one can see at first glance, and at this price point I can hardly see anything else that can even touch it. If you want a description of the X-Desk in a nutshell: A compact, hi-resolution "Superanalogue" 7U or table-top professional line mixer from SSL, for both tracking and mixing, with 8 fully featured channels (dual input, gain, insert, direct out, st cue, 2FX, pan, solo+cut and 100mm fader) and a comprehensive "big desk" master section, that can also mix up to 22 channels at mix time.