SSL Debuts Sigma – Remote Controlled Analog Mixing and Summing Engine

April 20th, 2013 by David Weiss

Summing is not sitting still.

The latest addition to this competitive space is the SSL Sigma, a new “mix engine” that combines SSL SuperAnalogue summing with all the convenience and control that comes with DAW mix automation. For those in search of the SSL console sound while staying in the box, Sigma may very well solve their quandary.

SSL’s Sigma is a 32-input analog summing mixer with remote control.

Sigma has the makings of an advanced summing solution for a wide range of facilities, from personal studios all the way up to world-class commercial rooms. In addition to providing 16 individually switchable mono/stereo channels for up to 32 channels at mixdown, it has a built-in monitor controller and is ready to work with all major DAW’s including Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase/Nuendo, Samplitude/Sequoia and Soundscape.

Availability commences in August, for $4499. Here are the full details, as provided by SSL:

Solid State Logic is proud to unveil Sigma, the remote controlled analogue mix engine. Designed for the DAW user that seeks the legendary big sound of an SSL console while retaining the convenience of working in the box, Sigma is a unique analogue mix engine in a 2U rack unit, that is remote controlled using MIDI via Ethernet using a DAW or an iDevice compatible software interface.

Using proprietary MDAC control technology first featured in our Duality and AWS studio consoles, Sigma’s 100% analogue summing engine can be driven by automation data created within your DAW of choice. Sigma features 16 flexible input channels, which can be individually switched between being mono or stereo for up to 32 channels at mixdown. There is accurate front panel LED metering for all channels. There are two stereo mix busses with dedicated outputs for convenient printing of stems back to the DAW and individual stereo insert points to facilitate implementation of parallel compression. Each input channel also features an individual direct output. Mix Bus B can also be injected into Mix Bus A for final mixdown.

An Artist and Studio monitoring section provides a Monitor and Headphone output. The Main monitor output has Main and Alternative connections to accommodate two sets of monitors. A comprehensive switching matrix enables selection of your monitor source. A large front panel rotary control uses a push-select mechanism to determine whether it adjusts Mix A, Mix B, Main Monitor or Headphone levels. There is also a Talkback input with adjustable Dim level. Control and switching of a wide range of functions including; monitor level and source, inserts, talkback, sum B>A and mono check, can all be achieved using any standard MIDI hardware control surface. A MIDI learn feature makes setup simple and easy. A pair of user-assignable dual action push/hold buttons on the front panel or a foot-switch can also be assigned to the same collection of switching functions. Sigma uses MIDI over Ethernet for control and to connect to a cross platform software interface, which provides additional control and setup capability. The software interface enables Sigma to be remote controlled using an iDevice.

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