Solid State Logic (SSL) announced the launch of Oracle, a new analog mixer that offers instant, effortless, and complete recall and reset across the entire console, promising to reenergize studio production. The famous British brand calls it a “future analogue console” concept that uses ActiveAnalogue technology to deliver SSL’s signature analog sound and processing with the convenience of digital control, fulfilling the dreams of producers, engineers, and studio owners worldwide.
It’s been some time since the studio world has seen an announcement of a mixing console of this caliber (the previous one was precisely from the Audiotonix group and it was a Harrison console, now manufactured by SSL). The new Oracle desk is a true professional solution, delivered with SSL quality, reliability, and support, but compact enough to be extremely appealing to modern project and even private studios.
Since SSL launched the groundbreaking SL 4000E console with total recall in 1979, producers, engineers, and studio owners have dreamt of a mixing solution that could deliver the unmistakable analog sound quality of SSL, but without the disruption and uncertainty of manual recall between sessions; a mixing console that could instantly recall settings and adapt to on-the-fly creative shifts, while effortlessly switching between multiple sessions in a single day.
After all, that’s exactly what live sound digital consoles from DiGiCo, Calrec, Allen & Heath, and other brands in the Audiotonix group that owns SSL already provide. Solid State Logic just needed to leverage that vast experience and combined it with its own analog mixing console technology.
The SSL Oracle is that groundbreaking realization: a fully analog in-line mixing console offering large-format features in a compact, AWS-size footprint (see here for details of the SSL AWS surfaces), with instant, effortless, and complete recall of all processing, routing, gain, and pan settings thanks to the company’s innovative new ActiveAnalogue technology.
With the ability to instantly switch between mixing or tracking set-ups, change the session’s workflow in less time than it takes the artist to switch tracks, the new ActiveAnalogue technology within Oracle significantly increases the potential throughput of any studio facility, while delivering the authentic analog tone that artists and producers crave. ActiveAnalogue combines the renowned sound and power of SSL’s analog processing and summing with ultra-precise adjustment and an active recallable control system. No trade-offs, no downtime, no disruption.
The Oracle is a large-format, small footprint, in-line console, with up to 112 inputs at mixdown, offering 4x stereo mix busses, 16 track busses, 10 aux busses, and 16 stereo ‘Flex’ groups. The console can be ordered with 24 or 48 mono line-in channels, all with the iconic SSL analog circuitry, controlled with new ActiveAnalogue technology, and fitted with next-gen PureDrive mic preamps with ‘Drive’ control.
On the surface, users will be able to find the legendary SSL 4-band parametric EQ with switchable E/G Series curves, integrated THE BUS+ and dynamic EQ processors, and a flexible channel architecture to track, overdub, and mix with Oracle using small and large fader paths with assignable EQ and insert points. The flexible monitoring provides multiple stereo options and the console is immersive mix ready, benefiting from insightful VU or plasma ‘style’ meters with dynamic “Detail View”.
Of course, the console features advanced DAW control with SSL 360 integration, and is SSL Dynamic Automation System ready. The dedicated O-Control app provides an offline tool for session preparation and console configuration. And to provide even more flexibility of installation, the Oracle surface is connected to 13U 19” rack(s) that houses all analog circuits and can be located remotely, within the control room, or under the console.
A New SSL Sonic Signature
As SSL describes it, the new Oracle merges the harmonic drive technology of the latest SSL PureDrive mic preamps, the current-driven busses introduced in the SSL Origin, and various flavors of harmonic saturation accessible throughout the console. Additionally, it delivers unprecedented recall and reset capabilities along with the sonic flexibility of SSL’s latest analog circuit design. “It is capable of producing the beautifully precise sounds of SuperAnalogue audio, to a palette of driven analog tones, and everything in between. From an SSL legacy perspective, Oracle embodies the DNA of the classic E, G, and J/K consoles, while taking SSL’s sonic signature into the future,” the company details.
To signal the launch of the SSL Oracle, the company is going to livestream the launch event from four locations in Japan, China, the UK, and the USA. Those events will be streamed on the SSL YouTube channel and the SSL website.
www.solidstatelogic.com
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