Solid State Logic, the world‘s leading manufacturer of professional digital and analogue consoles, proudly announced two new components for the X-Rack modular rack system: the VHD Input Module and the Stereo Bus Compressor Module. Solid State Logic exhibited X-Rack and the entire XLogic range at the 123rd Audio Engineering Society Convention at The Javits Center in NYC.
The Stereo Bus Compressor Module answers the clamor from customers for the audio legend that is the center section compressor from SSL G-Series Consoles to be made available for the X-Rack system. The module, which is the first double width module occupying two X-Rack slots, is a simple unit with a simple purpose; it makes complete mixes sound bigger, with more power, punch and drive. It brings cohesion and strength to the mix without compromising clarity. The Stereo Bus Compressor Module delivers the classic tonal characteristic of the G-Series Compressor but with the added benefit of the ultra high bandwidth, ultra low noise SuperAnalogue™ circuit design. The classic Threshold, Attack, Ratio, Release and Make Up controls make the module extremely simple to operate. True Stereo Side Chain Input is accompanied by a ‘link‘ feature that enables multiple Stereo Bus Compressor Modules to be combined for surround processing.
When loaded with Stereo Bus Compressor, 4 Input, 8 Input & Master Modules, X-Rack can now be configured as an exceptionally high quality analogue summing mixer with instant ‘audio glue‘ appeal that can breathe life and power into cold ‘inside the box‘ DAW mixes.
Key features of the X-Rack Stereo Bus Compressor Module include:
• Classic sonic character and mix finalizing capabilities of SSL Stereo Bus Compression.
• True Stereo side-chain Input for external signal keying.
• Link control enables several modules to be combined for surround compression.
• Gain reduction meter as fitted to the classic SSL console range.
• Electronically balanced XLR connections.
The VHD Input Module combines some classic SSL heritage with a generous helping of cutting edge circuit design to deliver a devilishly warm and dirty alternative to the pure X-Rack Mic Amp Module. The VHD Input Module is based on the input section of the popular SSL E-Signature Channel 1U rack processor. The VHD Input module combines five key elements; a high bandwidth mic amp stage that can handle mic, instrument or line inputs, SSL‘s innovative Variable Harmonic Drive circuit, an additional line input/ trim control section, a set of High and Low Pass Filters and the classic Listen Mic Compressor.
SSL‘s unique VHD system is a 100% analogue circuit that adds a variable blend of 2nd or 3rd harmonic distortion to your signal. At relatively low input gain settings ‘VHD‘ preamps deliver ultra-clean recordings. Increase the input gain and adjust the VHD control and the user can inject his source recordings with anything from ‘50s valve-style overdrive through to hard-edged ‘70s transistor-style grit or any blend of the two.
When loaded with Mic Input, VHD Input, EQ and Dynamics Modules, X-Rack can now be configured as an exceptionally high quality and extremely versatile recording and processing system to serve as the perfect front end with the capacity to add analogue shimmer to potentially cold DAW recordings.
Key features of the X-Rack VHD Input Module include:
• Electronically balanced ultra high bandwidth Mic input with +20dB to +70dB gain control and phantom power
• Hi-Z and Pad Switches on Mic Amp Input.
• Dedicated Additional XLR Line Input.
• Variable Harmonic Drive circuit; adds a controllable blend of 2nd or 3rd Harmonic distortion.
• Dedicated Trim control after the VHD stage.
• Classic Listen Mic Compressor with fixed attack and release curves... ideal for drums.
• High and Low Pass Filters.
Based on SuperAnalogue™ electronics from SSL‘s XL 9000 K Series console, X-Rack is a modular rack system with Total Recall™ that delivers the classic SSL sound in a uniquely versatile form. Each X-Rack chassis holds up to eight modules in any configuration; with the introduction of these new modules eight different modules are offered. The hugely popular X-Rack delivers the very highest-quality analogue recording and summing path and is the perfect configurable solution for studio or live applications.
In the words of SSL Marketing Manager Dan Duffell, “The release of these new modules takes the evolution of the X-Rack system to a new level of versatility. X-Rack has caught the wave of understanding out there of the vital role of analogue depth in the often clinical modern DAW powered studio. The Stereo Bus Compressor Module makes X-Rack the must have analogue summing solution that will breathe depth and power into mixes. The VHD Input Module expands the power of X-Rack as a tracking system, bringing a collection of controllable warmth and grit characteristics to the recording engineer‘s palette that will really make sounds cut through a mix.”
Solid State Logic is the world‘s leading manufacturer of analogue and digital audio consoles and provider of creative tools for music, broadcast and post production professionals. For more information about our award-winning products, please visit: www.solid-state-logic.com.
