Musikmesse 2013: SSL Unveil SIGMA

SSL have certainly been busy recently with another new product, this time a MIDI controlled analogue summing mixer which will allow for better workflow and recall when working in the box. Can’t wait to get our hands on this one.

Official Press Release:

Solid State Logic, the world’s leading manufacturer of creative tools for audio professionals, is proud to unveil Sigma, the remote controlled analogue mix engine, at Musikmesse 2013 (Hall 5.1, Stand B.73). 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.

Key Features:

• Advanced DAW automation driven SSL SuperAnalogue™ mix engine
• Works with all major DAW’s including Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase/Nuendo, Samplitude/Sequoia and Soundscape
• 16 flexible channels individually switchable between stereo or mono for up to 32 channels at mix down
• 2 stereo mix busses with individual stereo insert points
• Independent Main and Alternate Monitor outputs
• Direct outputs on all channels
• Talkback facility with adjustable Dim level
• Intuitive cross platform set-up and configuration software and control interface
• High speed External MIDI control via single Ethernet cable

Sigma is due to ship in August 2013.

£2799, $4499, 3359€ + VAT or Sales Tax