SSL XL-DESK ANALOG CONSOLE - MODERN STUDIO CONSOLE

The SSL XL Desk is an SSL analog console designed for recording and mixing in an analog environment without the need for both the integrated DAW control and automation that other SSL devices offer.

It is a traditional device that additionally features a suite of innovative features. Among them were 20 channels, 16 dual mono channels (switchable between the main input and return from the DAW) and 4 stereo channels.

The first eight channels of the console are equipped with microphone preamplifiers VHD, and the remaining channels have line inputs. The console has 18 slots for 500-format modules, which can be freely configured and used for mixing or recording (preamps). The last slots 17 and 18 feature the legendary SSL Bus Compressor.

What's more, the 500-format module slot section has its own dedicated high-end power section. It ensures the highest module performance.

SSL XL-Desk: 4 BUS MIX SUMMARY RACKS (B, C, and D CAN BE SUMMARYED TO RACK A)

Each bus has an insert and the ability to send to 500 format slots. The SSL XL-Desk analog console has 2 mono AUX buses on each channel and two STEREO RETURN inputs. Each channel has a Bus Cue section (with PAN and TOM), which can be used for headphone mixes for recorders.

What's most important about the design of the SSL XL Desk console: when mixing as an option Return Channel DAW The signal can also be routed to the Cue ST bus, resulting in 16 Cue ST inputs, 16 MONO + 4 STEREO faders. A total of 40 channels for summing (using stereo and SUM returns, up to 50 channels).

The monitoring section is equipped with 3 independent outputs for monitors plus subwoofer, Foldback A and B, and a built-in talkback microphone.

CONSTRUCTION OF ANALOG CONSOLE CHANNEL

Although the XL-DESK is a compact design, it has all the classics channel strip, which make SSL consoles so versatile. Each mono channel can work with a 500 module and also has a traditional INSERT. The last four STEREO channels do not work with 500 modules and have no INSERTs. Each channel has a DIRECT output for sending the mixed channel to a DAW program, switchable between PRE/POST.

Moreover, each channel is equipped with TRIM +/-20dB, which can be used in two ways. First as an output level control from the VHD to the channel. Secondly, when using saturated overdrive when using a 500-format module to overdrive the incoming signal to the module. A phase change switch has been placed on the channels. Next to the TRIM knob is a three-color LED signal indicator.

The meters on the XL-Desk can be switched from +24 dBu to +18 dBu scale.

Each channel has a CUE Stereo section with volume and pan controls and a PRE/POST switch. During recording, the section can be used for headphone listening for recorders. The mono channels have ALT switches, which take the signal coming in from the ALT jacks on the rear panel and route it from the CUE ST bus to the MIX A mix bus. This means 32 mono inputs are available for the mix bus. There are 2 MONO AUX sends and also two stereo returns. Each channel has a pan control and buttons to redirect the signal to the 4 mix buses. All of this is complemented by 100mm faders (sliders) for precise level control.

500 FORMAT SLOTS

SSL has tested the slots on more than 30 different modules. Each of the XL-Desk console's mono channels (1-16) has a dedicated 500 format slot and connects to it by pushing the INSERT500 button. The four stereo channels (17-20) do not connect to the 500 modules. Slots 17-18, which house the famous Bus Compressor, are rigidly connected to the summing bus A. The XL-Desk is equipped with a new version of the Bus Compressor 500 module, which additionally features a sidechain HPF. The four mixer buses can be connected to slots 9-16 (in stereo pairs), but not simultaneously to mono channels 1-16. The inputs and outputs of slots 1-16 are located on a DB25 connector on the rear panel. This means that the modules are not connected inside the console to the mono channels, but are equipped with a set of external DB25 cables to allow a different way of configuration.

The advantage of such a solution is that slots with 500 modules can be connected to a patchbay (matrix). This gives full freedom to create connections between 500 format modules. The slots in XL-Desk can also be used for pin6-compliant stereo modules. This is a switch that assigns slots to stereo modules (also odd). It is built in internally, so it must be set before mounting the module.

SUMMING RAILS, OR ANALOG SUMMING

SSL XL-Desk analog console is a project of the team that worked on consoles Duality i AWS. It provides the sought-after separation, clarity and punch. What's more, it can be heard on thousands of the best albums released around the world recorded with SSL consoles. Many well-known implementers use several summing buses to create parallel mixes or instrument subgroups. Therefore, they can compress and edit sounds in unique ways.

XL-Desk has 4 summing rails: A, B, C, D. Bus A is the master bus, from which the final stereo mix comes out. The bus is equipped with a 100-millimeter fader. Each of the B, C, D buses has its own volume control and the ability to sum to the A mix. All 4 buses are equipped with both Direct Out and a separate INSERT, as well as the ability to send to slots 9-16 modules in 500 format.

SSL ANALOG CONSOLE A WORKFLOW

There is a reason why many top sound engineers and producers mix on consoles. Some of them for sonic reasons, and others for convenience. Mixing externally (outside the computer) gives you the opportunity to hear a richer palette of sounds and timbres that no plug-in can match. SSL also receives indications that mixing with a console is much faster. What's more, in a more intuitive way than using a computer mouse. XL-Desk provides the convenience of working with all the capabilities of the device in a small studio giving the comfort of a large studio. Having 2 INSERTs on mono channels, you can mix and match external devices with 500 format modules from the console slots. Therefore, this makes the SSL XL-Desk the center of your hybrid studio.