SSL SiX Channel Strip 500 Series Module Overview
The SSL SiX Channel is a single-width 500 Series mini channel strip that takes the SuperAnalogue channel processing features - the Mic-pre, low and high-frequency EQ, and single-knob compressor - from SSL’s SiX console.
The SiX channel is ideal for adding extra Mic/Line inputs to the Line Level inputs of a professional audio device, such as the stereo channels of the SiX console, and it’s a good way to create a professional modular mixer from a ‘summing’ 500 Series rack unit.
The SuperAnalogue design provides a wide gain range and ultra-low noise, and provides both Line and Mic facilities with a ‘Line’ gain range switch to cover a range of source levels. The nominal Line Input impedance is 10 kΩ, which can be changed to 1 MΩ using the Hi-Z switch. The 1 MΩ makes it great for very high impedance sources like passive guitar pickups, without needing an external DI box.
The Polarity Switch (ø) inverts the polarity of the rear XLR Mic Amp rack input, and the five-segment LED meter shows the output signal level in dBu. The EQ is a two-band design with high and low shelving filters at 3.5kHz and 60Hz, adjustable from +15dB to -15dB of gain, and each band can be independently switched between shelving and bell curves. The bell curves change centre frequency to operate at 5 kHz and 200 Hz providing greater versatility from the two controls.
There is a versatile one knob channel compressor with a variable threshold that delivers a powerful and versatile performance, and a three LED meter indicating the amount of gain reduction that’s being applied. The circuit has automatic make-up gain to maintain the signal level for the whole range of threshold settings.
