SSL Duality Fuse 24-Channel SuperAnalogue Console with DAW Interface

The Solid State Logic Duality Fuse 24-channel recording console combines the analog colouration tools of Fusion with SSL's industry-standard large-format Duality SuperAnalogue console, adding the detail, warmth and finesse that only real analog circuits can provide.

The addition of Fusion to the center section brings even more flexibility to this industry-leading console and only adds 90mm/3.5-inches to the width. There’s flexible, patch-free press-button routing with Mix Bus A and Stereo Submix inserts, plus an independent Fusion Insert on patch. The simple vertical layout of the panel is intuitive, with high-quality rotary controllers for Vintage Drive, EQ, compression and precision stereo image control, plus four user buttons with indicators.

Duality is firmly established as the industry standard for large-scale professional audio production worldwide. Akin to previous generations of classic SSL consoles, Duality enables engineers and producers to work quickly and ergonomically, as well as delivering superior sonic results. It's innovative hybrid approach has found many fans, by combining a traditional analog path and signal processing along with exceptional DAW control and integration, all within a single hardware surface. The introduction of Delta-Control launched the next evolutionary step in plug-in control for Duality, and now with integrated Fusion processing, it’s simple to add an almost limitless range of tonal character, weight and space to your mix, delivering superior sonic results on any style of production.

SSL VARIABLE HARMONIC DRIVE (VHD)

Each channel of Duality Fuse features a SuperAnalogue mic preamp and an additional Variable Harmonic Drive (VHD) preamp. The VHD Pre is a patented SSL preamp design that can deliver ultra-clean SSL grade recordings but also features the VHD circuit which can be switched into the signal path. The Variable Harmonic Drive circuit uses a 100% analog signal path to generate rich harmonic distortion. As you increase the input gain, the Variable Harmonic Drive circuit introduces either 2nd or 3rd harmonic distortion or a blend of the two to your source material. At lower gain settings it adds gentle valve-style warmth or a touch of transistor edge. As the gain is increased the more extreme the distortion becomes until at high gain settings it delivers fierce trashy transistor-esque grunge. VHD pre's give the user ultimate versatility from a studio grade preamp. Whether it's ultra-clean traditional SSL, subtle warming or totally trashy transistor distortion, VHD will change your expectations of what a preamplifier should deliver.

DELTA-CONTROL

Delta-Ctrl is a native AAX/AU/RTAS/VST/VST3 plug-in that allows automation of Duality Fuse as if it were a DAW Plug-in. The automation system in the DAW is used to record and playback control data from the faders and switches on the console as an alternative to using the SSL legacy automation system in Duality Fuse. The δ-Ctrl plug-in is inserted into a DAW mixer audio channel. The plug-in then receives and sends control data from an assigned Duality Fuse channel, VCA or Master fader via a high speed Ethernet Network connection. Audio on the DAW track passes through the plug-in slot unprocessed so the plug-in can be combined with other DAW plug-ins. The console Fader, mutes and relevant switches are represented as plug-in parameters in a δ-Ctrl plug-in GUI and their automation data is recorded to the automation lane of the selected DAW channel. In playback the plug-in converts the stored automation data from the DAW into δ-Ctrl messages and routes these back to the console via the SSL Logictivity Network connection.

FUSION PROCESSORS

• Vintage Drive: Unique non-linear harmonic enhancement circuit that brings cohesion and strength to your mix. Drive and Density controls interact to produce harmonic saturation and soft compression derived from overloading an analog circuit.
• Violet EQ: All-new minimum phase-shift, two-band shelving EQ designed to quickly dial in low-end weight and high-end sheen. High and Low frequency circuits each offer four switched frequency points and +/-9dB attenuation.
• HF Compressor/LMC: HF Compressor delivers the distinctive sound of high frequency rounding in the analog domain or hold down the in/out button for 5 seconds to unlock the legendary Listen Mic Compressor with parallel processing control.
• Stereo Image: This enhancer provides a true analog Mid-Side circuit that manipulates the Side signal, allowing for widening and spatial manipulation of the stereo field.
• Transformer: A switched, custom-designed SSL Transformer circuit introduces subtle low-frequency saturation, alongside a high-frequency phase-shift.

INDUSTRY LEADING DAW CONTROL

While Duality Fuse offers a powerful, comprehensively equipped large format analog console, it also goes further than any other analog console by integrating seamlessly into a DAW-based facility by incorporating hands-on control of important recording, routing, mixing, and editing functions in all major DAW applications including Pro Tools, Logic Audio, Nuendo, Sonar and many others.

In the console Centre Section the DAW Control Panel includes a high quality TFT to display DAW status and Plug-in parameters, plus additional console set-up information. Below this is the DAW HUI Plug-in/Process Controller - four rotary encoders auto mapped from the DAW with integral push-push switches, and four assign keys. Two additional keys are for page up/down control. The Plug-in Editor is assigned via the channel SEL switches in conjunction with the EDIT switch. Plug-ins can also be controlled via the faders by using the Mackie Control protocol.

Users can assign DAW channel levels, send levels and routing functions to individual channel rotary encoders with rotary LED level display. Channel and Send levels can be "flipped" on to the main channel fader. Duality features a DAW panel in the console centre section with five vertical buttons (the Window Select Keys) allow for quick access to the most commonly used DAW windows such as the edit/arrange window or the DAW mixer window. The four uppermost buttons duplicate commonly used keyboard functions on a standard computer keyboard, including ESCAPE, UNDO, SAVE and ENTER. The lower four buttons shadow the keyboard modifier keys. In combination these buttons can remove the need for a keyboard and mouse for almost all tasks. The DAW control panel includes a Master Rotary Encoder, together with six function keys and a 2-digit display.