SSL Channel Strip

Revelation · 25th August 2004, 02:45 PM

I had the opportunity to check out the SSL XLogic Channel strip at a local music store. I had great aspirations on this unit. So how is it? It’s good and ok. The mic pre is transparent, but it lacks any sparkle to make you say Wow. I would say I would use it on keyboards, drums, and electric guitar for a nice neutral sound. But definitely not for vocals. As the sales rep said to me, usually those with SSL boards do not use the mic pre’s for vocals, but go to other outboard gear.

The EQ is definitely very helpful and I have yet to hear a plug in EQ give the same results as the SSL EQ, with it’s transparent but has a pleasant analog touch. It adjusts the frequencies nicely without having to alter its overall tone.

The Gate and compressor works as one would expect, and better than the Cubase gate and compressor. However my Focusrite Compounder sounds just as good, however it is more flexible compared to the SSL due to additional features on it.

If I had the money, I would go with the DM 2000 and maybe a pair of the XLogic Strips in my studio over the new 900 SL mixer. In regards to the XLogic, for the money and sound, the Focusrite ISA 430 Mk II or Manley Voxbox to me both sound better, though the SSL is not bad by any means.

Lindell 2nd · 25th August 2004, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Revelation
..... However my Focusrite Compounder sounds just as good as the SSL....

I bet !

JonCraig · 25th August 2004, 09:35 PM

i've played with the unit. the pre is just as you described. gets the job done just fine, but nothing to write home about. the EQ is indeed quite powerful. the compressor, however seemed to thin out anything that was run through it. especially on DI bass. the box was indeed flexible, which one would expect from an ssl. but for that price tag...

MIKEHARRIS · 26th August 2004, 07:31 PM

I think your assesment is correct Revelation....the $$65,000 difference tween the DM2000 and the SSL gets you A LOT of cool outboard...and releives theDSP in your DAW to concentrate on plug-ins and editing..if you are woorkin @ 48k..you can bring 96 inputs into the DM2000.

**TonyBelmont** · 27th August 2004, 05:52 PM

You can't really compare the DM2000 to the SSL, though. Except for maybe that both can control PT. But if you just want a controller get a Control 24 and save another $10K....

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25th August 2004, 02:45 PM	#1
Revelation Lives for gear Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: New York Posts: 1,131	SSL Channel Strip I had the opportunity to check out the SSL XLogic Channel strip at a local music store. I had great aspirations on this unit. So how is it? It’s good and ok. The mic pre is transparent, but it lacks any sparkle to make you say Wow. I would say I would use it on keyboards, drums, and electric guitar for a nice neutral sound. But definitely not for vocals. As the sales rep said to me, usually those with SSL boards do not use the mic pre’s for vocals, but go to other outboard gear. The EQ is definitely very helpful and I have yet to hear a plug in EQ give the same results as the SSL EQ, with it’s transparent but has a pleasant analog touch. It adjusts the frequencies nicely without having to alter its overall tone. The Gate and compressor works as one would expect, and better than the Cubase gate and compressor. However my Focusrite Compounder sounds just as good, however it is more flexible compared to the SSL due to additional features on it. If I had the money, I would go with the DM 2000 and maybe a pair of the XLogic Strips in my studio over the new 900 SL mixer. In regards to the XLogic, for the money and sound, the Focusrite ISA 430 Mk II or Manley Voxbox to me both sound better, though the SSL is not bad by any means.

26th August 2004, 07:31 PM	#4
MIKEHARRIS Lives for gear Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: MIAMI FLA Posts: 1,308	I think your assesment is correct Revelation....the $$65,000 difference tween the DM2000 and the SSL gets you A LOT of cool outboard...and releives theDSP in your DAW to concentrate on plug-ins and editing..if you are woorkin @ 48k..you can bring 96 inputs into the DM2000. __________________ harrisaudiosystems.com

27th August 2004, 05:52 PM	#5
TonyBelmont Moderator Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boston,MA Providence,RI Posts: 10,150	You can't really compare the DM2000 to the SSL, though. Except for maybe that both can control PT. But if you just want a controller get a Control 24 and save another $10K.... __________________ Tony Belmont We Sell Gear! Need plugins? Check out PluginDiscounts.com

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25th August 2004, 09:35 PM	#3
JonCraig Lives for gear Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,801	i've played with the unit. the pre is just as you described. gets the job done just fine, but nothing to write home about. the EQ is indeed quite powerful. the compressor, however seemed to thin out anything that was run through it. especially on DI bass. the box was indeed flexible, which one would expect from an ssl. but for that price tag...