Could this be SSL for the rest of us?

[Mind-Over-Midi]

Here is EQ mag's review of the SSL XLogic channel: http://www.eqmag.com/archive/0404/0404_Reviews1.htm

[Tim Halligan]

Hmmm...
I don't think I've ever heard of anyone lusting after an SSL front-end.
Neve - yep, other "gucci" pre's - yep, but SSL - nope.
Mixing...definitely...but that's the backend. Different kettle of fish entirely.

Every SSL studio that I have ever been in seems to have spent big on external pre's. Caveat: I've not been on a J or K studio, so that may not be as applicable. Ask around the forum.

Remember, some people maintain that SSL stands for Simply Sounds Lousy.

Having said that, it might actually be GREAT...but for the entry price, it had better be! Merely "Good" won't cut it for me.
If it spins your wheels, then go for it.

Cheers,
Tim

[Mind-Over-Midi]

Originally posted by Tim Halligan
Hmmm...
I don't think I've ever heard of anyone lusting after an SSL front-end.

Hop over to this thread: http://gearslutz.com/board/showthrea...hlight=new+ssl and you'll find plenty of lusting! Note that I'm not one of them. I've logged plenty of hours on an SSL but never a 9 series so I'm curious. I guess time will tell all.

There is no automation! How is this good for mixing? This is meant to be a front end and controler only, not a mixing desk. Besides, how many of you who use DAW's ever use 24 tracks? I don't.

I think that I will wait for the Flying Faders II automation to come out. Not only will it smoke Neve's current automation, but it will enable fader control in ProTools, Nuendo and vice versa. There will be a new computer and interface that connects via USB.

Word is that Martinsound will also release a version of it's 24-channel side car mixer with a high-end master/monitor section, a few channels of their pre, and include Flying Faders II for a very comparable price of the SSL.

I am not some wannabe rapper with penis envy for an SSL. I am gonna wait.

[jazzius II]

I tried the X-Logic compressor recently, which sounded horrible......i'd definately demo the unit before you plunk down the cash.

[TonyBelmont]

That's strange.... How did it sound "horrible"??? Which XLogic compressor did you use? I've used the stereo G series compressor with great results, and one of the biggest names in mastering just purchased multiple units of the surround compressor for his studio after demo'ing it. From what I understand the XLogic G series stereo compressor is basically the SSL 384 in a new box.

[jazzius II]

Originally posted by TonyBelmont
That's strange.... How did it sound "horrible"??? Which XLogic compressor did you use? I've used the stereo G series compressor with great results, and one of the biggest names in mastering just purchased multiple units of the surround compressor for his studio after demo'ing it. From what I understand the XLogic G series stereo compressor is basically the SSL 384 in a new box.

No way....i compared it directly to a 384 that we have here and it sounded nowhere near as good......and this definately wasn't confirmation bias because i was honestly expecting it to sound good......

The XLogic comp was supressing the sub-bass and adding some sort of harmonics in the hi-end....harsh....also, the auto release sounded very different and unmusical (to me)....big dissapointment......my findings were confirmed when talking to a well known engineer, so it wasn't a bust unit.

Also, in these days of THE BIG SQUASH, what a certain big name ME is doing or using doesn't really say much to me.....unless it was Bob L who i have big respect for.....but even he wouldn't turn down some free gear, i'm sure!

[TonyBelmont]

jazzius II check your pm for something interesting....

As far as the sound difference between this and the 384... I'll have to look into this, because I was told that they didn't change anything except for basically the front panel.

I have changed my mind about the SSL. From my meeting with the GCPro guy, I learned that the rack mount stuff is a derivative of the 9k topology/design, but it is not an exact copy in rackmount form. The AWS900 is a smaller version of the 9k console, sans TR. It does have moving fader operation and uses HUI. Fran Manzella told me that the monitor section was quite good.

I guess Digidesign locked SSL out by only allowing HUI support. That said, I did the math on buying, racking, toting individual components for a live remote recording rig, and the SSL is smaller, is more portable and makes more sense. There are only a couple in existance right now. None are in the US. You boys in Europe should be able to see it some where.

The other option is an ICon, but it is a control surface. I can atleast use the SSL without Pro Tools. I am going to listen to it, then make my decision.

[hollywood_steve]

Besides, how many of you who use DAW's ever use 24 tracks? I don't.


???

Well, I use atleast 48-50 tracks for what I do, but I am capturing live bands, etc.

[hollywood_steve]

Well, I use atleast 48-50 tracks for what I do, but I am capturing live bands, etc.

My god, man.....whatever for? I've had my Genex 8ch recorder for just over 1 yr and I have yet to use more than 5ch on a project. But then I'm recording live bands......

[The MPCist]

Originally posted by hollywood_steve
Well, I use atleast 48-50 tracks for what I do, but I am capturing live bands, etc.

My god, man.....whatever for? I've had my Genex 8ch recorder for just over 1 yr and I have yet to use more than 5ch on a project. But then I'm recording live bands......

I need at least 24. Actually was thinking of buying a Trident just to have alot of inputs when tracking.

Originally posted by hollywood_steve
Well, I use atleast 48-50 tracks for what I do, but I am capturing live bands, etc.

My god, man.....whatever for? I've had my Genex 8ch recorder for just over 1 yr and I have yet to use more than 5ch on a project. But then I'm recording live bands......

Ok, lets see. If I am taking feeds from a splitter, I have to have a track for every mic/line used on stage, plus I have to have multiple crowd mic tracks, plus I record the cue chatter, etc (helps with the editing/mixing process).