Buyer's Guide: Solid State Logic

A Solid State Logic console in a professional recording studio.

Solid State Logic is truly one of the most storied brands throughout the history of the pro audio industry. Their contributions in terms of gear reach all the way back to 1969 when founder Colin Sanders began creating switching systems for pipe organs. More on that in just one minute.

Throughout this Buyer's Guide, we'll be highlighting the history of SSL, the consoles they've created, and their current crop of products that are being utilized in studios all over the world. Continue onward to enter a world of pristine audio sounds.

The History of Solid State Logic

After getting Solid State Logic started with organ switching systems, Colin Sanders turned his attention to building his own recording studio. It was at Acorn Studios that Sanders would first begin building and working on consoles. By 1976, he had completed the first A Series console.

Solid State Logic's watershed moment would occur upon the release of the SL 4000 E Series in 1979. The console would become a favorite in recording studios around the world for the next two decades and lead to the massive expansion of SSL as we know it today. As technology continued to advance, Solid State Logic's console offering did too.

The brand's SuperAnalogue™ design, which first was used in the SL 9000 J Series console, incorporated a capacitor-free signal path that could deliver very high bandwidth and low amounts of distortion. This technology continues to be used in their console offerings including the Duality and AWS series.

The Sound of Solid State Logic

When it comes to the classic console makers, each brand is often known for its own signature sound. Neve equals "warmth," API has "punch," and Solid State Logic is beloved for its sonically pure analog sounds. It's the pristine nature of Solid State Logic consoles and outboard gear that have made them a favorite for years. There are currently 3000 SSL consoles in use throughout the entire world, including in the studios of Bryan Adams, Blur, Sting, and many more.

Solid State Logic Consoles

Solid State Logic Duality Fuse Console

For large recording studios and production facilities, the Solid State Logic Duality Fuse console series is everything an engineer with a hybrid workflow could dream of. The desk comes in 24, 48, 72, and 96 fader configurations, and gives users the ability to take advantage of an analog signal path while offering controls over two separate DAWS simultaneously.

The Duality Fuse console series features dual mic preamps, including the SuperAnalogueTM and Variable Harmonic Drive (VHD) circuit. If you prefer the pure, pristine sounds SSL is known for, you'll want to use the SuperAnalogueTM. Prefer something a little more distorted? The VHD circuit is for you. SSL's other classic signal processing tools are at play with the Duality Fuse console series.

Each channel strip has high and low pass filters, EQ, and a compressor/gate. The desk also features the beloved SSL master bus compressor, which has been used on countless recordings.

Solid State Logic AWS Delta Console

When creating their AWS Delta console series, Solid State Logic set out to design a desk for medium-sized recording and production facilities. AWS, which stands for Analogue Workstation System, takes the beloved SuperAnalogue™ console technology and blends it with intuitive controls over your DAW.

The Delta-Control (D-Ctrl) Single Fader Plug-in allows you even more control as you are capable of automating AWS channel and mix bus volume. The DAW's automation system can record the volume control data and send it back to the AWS during playback over an ethernet connection.

Solid State Logic's AWS Delta also features many of the same signal processing effects as the Duality. The consoles include SSL SuperAnalogue™ mic pres, SSL dual curve EQ on every channel, two SSL Dynamics channels, the legendary Stereo Buss Compressor, and more.

To learn more about the AWS Delta console series, check our recent Buyer's Guide by clicking here.

Solid State Logic Origin Console

The Solid State Logic Origin is an inline, 32-channel analog console with two independent signal paths per channel, 16 buses with centralized bus switching, and advanced communications controls in a compact, ergonomic design. Inspired by the iconic SL 4000 E, SSL Origin combines classic SSL components like the legendary 242 EQ and Bus Compressor with innovative new features like a fully customizable Center section and an all-new transistor-based PURE DRIVE preamp design to deliver unparalleled sound quality and versatility.

In October 2022, SSL introduced the new Origin 16, a 16-channel version of the popular Origin console. Learn more about the SSL Origin 16 on our blog.

To learn more about the Solid State Logic Origin console, check our recent Buyer's Guide on the console.

Solid State Logic System T For Music

Debuting in 2023, SSL’s System T for Music is a specialized variant of the System T console that’s tailor-made for immersive and stereo music workflows. System T for Music bridges the gap between working in the box and traditional analog console workflows. Combining cutting-edge immersive audio technology with legendary SSL multichannel dynamics and EQs, System T for Music is a game-changer for mixing music. Available in two primary formats, the customizable S500, and the fixed S300. Here’s a quick look at what each configuration has to offer.

Solid State Logic XL Desk

Solid State Logic's XL Desk was created for those who crave the non-automated glory years of the recording studio. This vintage-style analog console has a simplified workflow that features 20 channel strips (16 mono/4 stereo), including eight of the distortion-friendly VHD mic pres. The signal path of the XL Desk is 100% analog. A unique feature of the XL Desk is that it offers 18 slots to load up with your favorite 500 Series modules. This gives you the ability to take advantage of Solid State Logic's classic signal processors, while also seamlessly working in any single or double-wide module that you love.

To learn more about Solid State Logic, check out our Buyer's Guide on SSL Outboard Gear And 500 Series Modules, our Buyer's Guide on SSL Audio Interfaces and Desktop Mixers, or our Buyer's Guide on SSL Control Surfaces.

If you're interested in learning more about Solid State Logic consoles or outboard gear, please contact a Vintage King Audio Consultant via email or by phone at 866.644.0160.