Solid State Logic SSL SiX The Ultimate Desktop Mixer

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To the casual observer SiX looks like any other compact desktop mixer. Look a little closer and like all SSL consoles, SiX reveals a carefully considered feature set that is driven by an obsessive desire for total flexibility, to encompass every creative eventuality. It may be small but SiX is a classic SSL design. It carries the DNA of 40 years of true expertise in creative studio workflow. Listen to SiX and you will experience the impeccable sonic performance that is the hallmark of every SSL console. It is powerful and intuitive. Inspired and rewarding.

SiX is a condensed professional console for use in the studio, in post-production, on stage, and for podcasting. SiX offers big console sound and an impressive set of utility features in a format that is small enough to stick in a bag a go wherever you need it. SiX is stunning value; it offers two recording channels with SuperAnalogueTM mic pres, two band EQ, an essential one knob version of the classic SSL Channel Compressor, a new two-band Channel EQ, inserts and 100mm faders.

There is a two-knob version of the legendary G-Series Bus Compressor on the main mix bus and the unique Listen Mic Compressor on the Talkback. In mixdown mode it is a very capable twelve channel summing system that offers analogue detail, depth and width to your mixes.

What it is

The SSL SiX is a compact desktop analogue mixer / small-format console from Solid State Logic (SSL) that brings many of the high-end studio features of SSL’s large format consoles into a much smaller footprint.
More specifically:

• It provides two mono SuperAnalogue™ mic/line channels (with mic preamps, Hi-Z/line switchable input, phantom, HPF) plus two stereo line channels.

• It also offers professional routing, summing capability (up to 12 inputs at mixdown), and an integrated stereo bus compressor based on SSL’s classic “G-Series” bus compressor design.

Key Features & How It Works

Here are some of the standout features and workflow highlights:

• SuperAnalogue™ mic preamps: On the two mono recording channels you get console-grade preamps with generous gain (~66dB) and high performance.

• Channel processing: Each of the mono channels has a one-knob compressor (feed-forward style) and a two-band EQ (shelving or bell modes).

• Stereo line channels + extra inputs: In addition to the two mono channels, you have stereo line inputs and external stereo sources you can route into the bus.

• Stereo Bus Compressor: The main mix bus has an SSL “G-Series” inspired compressor that gives the “glue” and punch characteristic of SSL consoles.

• Routing & Monitoring: Includes features like alternate monitor outputs, mono/alt/mono check, talkback with a “Listen Mic Compressor” (LMC) on the talkback mic, cue sends for foldback, and an “Alt” bus (Bus B) for alternative routing or parallel processing.

Selected Technical Specs

Here are some of the important technical specs:

• Gain on mic channels: up to ~66 dB gain on the preamp.

• Fully balanced signal path (except headphone output) with headroom > +27 dBu at onset of clipping.

• Size: width ~218 mm (8.6") excluding trim, depth ~310 mm (12.2") and height ~120 mm (4.7") in some listings. 

  Use-Cases & Who It’s For

  • Project / home studios: If you want high quality analog front-end with console feel but don’t have space (or budget) for full large-format racks, the SiX gives you a lot.

  • Mobile / location recording: Compact size, built-in quality, makes it suitable for mobile rigs, small live setups, podcasting, broadcast.

  • Mix summing / hybrid workflows: Use the SiX for analog summing of your DAW outputs, or as an analog front-end for some tactile control in your mixing chain.

  • Anyone who likes analog workflow: Channel faders, insert points, physical routing, plus SSL branded character and features.

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  Considerations / Things to Keep in Mind

  • While it has excellent features, it’s not a full 24+ channel console — you’ve got two dedicated mic channels + stereo lines + external channels. So if you need many mic channels at once, this might be limited.

  • It doesn’t provide built-in digital I/O (USB audio interface) — it’s an analog mixer. If you need direct audio interface features, you’ll need additional gear.

  • Some users on forums have made note that although the build and sound are excellent, the pricing is relatively high for what’s essentially 6 channels.

  • Because of its analog nature, if your workflow is entirely “in-the-box”, you may not exploit all the routing/analog benefits — but if you want hands-on feel and analog character, it shines.

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