SSL Oracle - the analog console of the future

Since the introduction of the groundbreaking SL 4000E with Total Recall in 1979, producers, engineers and studios have been dreaming of a console that would deliver superior analog sound quality, but without the inconvenience of manually recalling settings between sessions. A mixing console that could instantly recall settings, adapt to the way a performer works in the blink of an eye, and effortlessly switch between multiple sessions in a single day. This dream has become a reality, as Solid State Logic has once again revolutionized analog mixing console technology.
Solid State Logic is proud to introduce Oracle, an all-analog mixing console offering multi-format features in a compact AWS-sized chassis, with instant, easy and complete recall of all processing, routing, gain and panning settings thanks to innovative ActiveAnalogue™ technology. With the ability to instantly switch between mixing or recording configurations, changing the flow of a session in less time than it takes an artist to change a track, Oracle's ActiveAnalogue™ technology dramatically increases the potential efficiency of any studio, while providing the authentic analog sound that artists and producers crave.

Oracle is available with 24 or 48 In-line mono channels, with 24 or 48 next-generation PureDrive microphone preamps. All configurations include 4 x Stereo Mix Bus, 16 x Track Bus, 10 Aux (stereo/mono), 16 stereo „Flex” groups, and 5 stereo monitor outputs (including subwoofer monitor management).

Revolutionary ActiveAnalogue™ technology

ActiveAnalogue™ is a revolutionary new technology from Solid State Logic that combines the superior sound quality and power of SSL analog processing and summing with ultra-precise regulation and active control. No compromise. Smoothly. Flawless. Superior SSL SuperAnalogue™ sound quality and extraordinary functionality at your fingertips. ActiveAnalogue™ redefines professional audio production by preserving the unmistakable analog warmth and depth that producers and engineers rely on, while completely eliminating the drawbacks of analog console-based studios.

Oracle - ActiveAnalogue™ Console:

• A large-format, space-saving in-line console with up to 112 inputs when mixing.
• 4 x Stereo Mix Bus, 16 x Track Bus, 10 x Aux Bus, 16 stereo „Flex” groups.
• SSL's iconic analog circuits, controlled by new ActiveAnalogue™ technology.
• PureDrive next-generation microphone preamplifiers with „Drive” control.
• SSL's legendary 4-band parametric equalizer with switchable E/G series curves.
• Integrated processors THE BUS+ and Dynamic EQ.
• Flexible channel architecture - record, catch up and mix with Oracle.
• Small and large fader tracks with assignable equalizer and insertion points.
• Flexible monitoring provides multiple stereo and immersive mixing options.
• Precise VU or Plasma type measurement with dynamic „detailed view”.
• Advanced DAW control with SSL 360 integration.
• SSL dynamic automation system.
• O-Control application: an offline tool for session preparation and console configuration.
• 13U 19-inch rack cabinets accommodate all analog circuits and can be placed in a remote location, in a control room or under a console.

New SSL Sonic Signature

Connecting:
- Drive" technology of the latest SSL PureDrive microphone preamplifiers,
- current buses introduced in ORIGIN
- various types of harmonic saturation available throughout the console
Oracle provides the unprecedented recall and reset capabilities and sonic flexibility of SSL's newest analog console. Capable of generating beautifully precise SuperAnalogue™ sound and a palette of analog sounds, Oracle embodies the DNA of the classic E, G and J/K series consoles, while taking the SSL sound into the technological future.

Future Analogue Channel Strip

Oracle's „Future Analogue” channel strip retains the beloved elements of classic SSL consoles, while combining them with the latest analog circuits. Featuring stereo/dual mono channel strips that offer a second line input per channel, each Oracle channel has a traditional in-line design with separate „record” and „monitor” paths, independent input gain and output level control, and processing routing flexibility.
Each channel has dedicated controls for gain, filter, aux sends, four-band parametric EQ, and a top-quality 100-millimeter motorized attenuator that can be assigned to Small or Large Fader tracks. A high-resolution channel screen displays level, pan and full track name.
Oracle's top channel strip features next-generation PureDrive microphone preamplifiers with dedicated Drive control, providing powerful 75 dB gain and a wide sound range.
At the heart of every Oracle channel is a production tool that is continually chosen by professionals to shape extraordinary mixes - the iconic E Series „242 Black Knob” equalizer. This four-band parametric equalizer offers switchable sound characteristics, allowing you to seamlessly switch between the „aggressive” E Series sound with a fixed Q-factor and the „smooth” character of the G Series with a variable Q-factor. Both modes provide a dedicated HP filter, selectable high and low frequency shelf/bell curves and fully parametric mid-frequency bands, providing the distinctive sound of SSL's acclaimed equalizer design. The equalizer is instantly switchable between small and large fader paths. All of this processing power per channel can be „fused” into even/odd channel pairs to provide a simple, single set of controls for handling stereo sources. Each track has an independent, switchable and movable insert point and is equipped with an independent direct output for sending a track or group directly to a DAW.
In addition to the clear markings on the console surface, when you switch to the channel details view, the associated meter screen displays a summary of all channel and routing parameters, including large and small fader paths. The detail view works in conjunction with a navigation control for each section, allowing you to scroll through and control all parameters, switch functions and signal routing.

Bus architecture

Oracle's bus architecture also features innovative flexibility. A total of 34 mix buses are available for each channel to access. They are divided into 16 x Track Bus, 10 x Aux Bus and 4 x Stereo Mix Bus (Main A + B, C, D). The 10 Aux's can be configured as individual mono buses or paired to create up to five stereo aux's, ideal for foldback submix tasks, mono or stereo tracks or effects sends. Each channel path can be routed individually or simultaneously to any or all of these buses, giving you the option of creating mixes for separate output or parallel mixes for independent processing before summing to the main A bus.

Middle section

Oracle's center section acts as a control center, providing visual feedback and tactile control of key console functions. All information and levels regarding control of main buses, paths and auxiliary buses and returns are available via high-resolution displays as well as encoders.
Detail views include not only channel processing, but also detail views for all final processing . They appear when the detail view of the center section is invoked, and when they appear, they „downsize” the main meters to allow further measurement of the console output buses. Here are examples of these screens that show some of Oracle's midsection processing capabilities.

Integrated THE BUS+, Dynamic EQ and more

THE BUS+ is a modern classic that takes the distinctive sound of the G Comp compressor into the future. It offers four modes of operation: LOW THD, Feed-Back and „4K” Saturation Modes, as well as sought-after analog processors such as Dynamic EQ, Transient Expander and more. Oracle's integrated THE BUS+ provides exceptional flexibility in the console's sonic capabilities and its settings are fully recallable thanks to ActiveAnalogue™ technology.

Monitoring and foldback in the director

Oracle monitoring continues the tradition of previous SSL consoles, supporting a main section and four alternate stereo monitoring sections. The fourth alternate monitor can be configured as a subwoofer/LFE output with bass management. Remote monitoring control functions provide access to control third-party immersive processors such as Dolby Atmos, creating an ideal hybrid immersive production system. Three independent Foldback channels, a headphone output on the surface, and four stereo external inputs, including a stereo input on the console surface, suitable for direct connection of a third-party instrument or Bluetooth receiver.

Eight stereo input groups

Oracle has eight flexible fader-controlled stereo input groups, which can also take signals from sixteen Track Buses in pairs. Each stereo input group has an image control and switchable insert, and can be routed to any Track, Aux or MIX bus, as well as to a dedicated direct output. In addition, track level controls can be assigned to 24 VCA faders, providing a convenient way to control several track level controls simultaneously from a central console section.
M/S encoding upstream of the stereo group insert allows independent processing of mid/side signals, while a selectable MS decoding circuit - located downstream of the insert return - can decode mid/side signals into stereo group channels. Each stereo group input can be routed to any of the four main Mix, Track and also has access to any of the 10 Aux buses.

Classic VU or Plasma type meters

Immediate understanding of setup, routing, EQ, insertion and filter is possible with high-resolution Oracle displays above each section. Small and large fader routing, as well as level metering, bus routing and full track names are available on switchable classic VU or Plasma-type meters - each modeled after the original 4000 console meters.

16 Track and 10 Aux Bus

Oracle offers a wealth of Track and Aux Bus with extremely flexible features. The 10 Aux buses can be individually configured as mono or stereo. Oracle's 16 Track buses can be routed from both large and small fader channels. This routing can be mono or follow the channel pan to create stereo group mixes.

Handling the largest projects

For the largest sessions, it is possible to combine tracks for mixing from both record and monitor faders, independent track inserts and direct outputs. In addition to multiple parallel sub and stem mixes from four Mix Buses, ten Aux Buses and 16 Track Buses, plus a 24-channel processing rack, Oracle can mix up to 48 tracks, with 16 stereo sub mixes and a stereo master bus, all under fader control. An additional rack with 24 line channels doubles the number of channels processed, providing up to 96 tracks for mixing.

Advanced DAW control

Since the introduction of the AWS Series, SSL's console-integrated DAW control allows engineers to instantly switch from the analog world to hybrid and in-the-box mixing, while still enjoying the performance of a mixing console. Oracle Surface's faders can be switched between analog processing and DAW control with the FOCUS key. This can be done for individual sections, providing a powerful tool for combining analog and DAW control in adjacent sections of the console.

Immersive production

Oracle's remote control function is to be extended to allow switching to control third-party immersive monitoring solutions, such as the Dolby Atmos renderer. In practice, this mutes the console's analog stereo monitoring and passes control messages for surface monitoring to the designated immersive renderer.

O-Control application

O-Control is a cross-platform (Win and OSx) suite of control, configuration and session management applications for Oracle. The applications can run standalone/offline and thus can be used as tools to edit/update/create project information from or for Oracle consoles. The application can also work in conjunction with the console to help configure and manage sessions, such as saving/loading presets, snapshots and projects.

O-Setup: Manages console settings.
O-Session: Manages saving/loading of projects, presets, snapshots, as well as control and inspection of console processing sections.
O-View: Displays the „overview” of the console.

Templates

A byproduct of ActiveAnalogue™ technology is Oracle's ability to create templates that bring up all the settings and routing in the console. Each manufacturer and engineer has its own way of working, and Oracle's templates are intended to serve as a starting point for specific applications. Combined with the O-Control application, Oracle makes console setup extremely fast, allowing you to start recording and mixing faster than ever before.

Oracle Rack

A typical Oracle system has two processing racks. These racks can be placed away from the surface, placed on the floor or mounted in a rack. They can also be placed in a control room or separate server room. One rack is used for the central section and the other for I/O. The system can have one or two I/O cabinets, depending on the specifications, making a total of two or three cabinets (central cabinet + I/O cabinets). The cabinets are actively cooled, but designed to have an acoustic noise level below NR25.