SSL expands XLogic X-Rack with two new modules

Solid

State
Logic, the manufacturer of
professional digital and analogue consoles, proudly announces two new components
for the X-Rack modular rack system: the VHD Input Module and the Stereo Bus
Compressor Module.

Solid

State Logic exhibited X-Rack
and the entire XLogic range at the 123rd Audio Engineering Society Convention at
The Javits Center in NYC.

The Stereo
Bus Compressor Module answers the clamor from customers for the audio legend
that is the center section compressor from SSL G-Series Consoles to be made
available for the X-Rack system. The module, which is the first double width
module occupying two X-Rack slots, is a simple unit with a simple purpose; it
makes complete mixes sound bigger, with more power, punch and drive. It brings
cohesion and strength to the mix without compromising clarity. The Stereo Bus
Compressor Module delivers the classic tonal characteristic of the G-Series Compressor
but with the added benefit of the ultra high bandwidth, ultra low noise
SuperAnalogue circuit design. The classic Threshold, Attack, Ratio, Release and
Make Up controls make the module extremely simple to operate. True Stereo Side
Chain Input is accompanied by a ‘link’ feature that enables multiple Stereo Bus
Compressor Modules to be combined for surround processing.

When loaded
with Stereo Bus Compressor, 4 Input, 8 Input & Master Modules, X-Rack can
now be configured as an exceptionally high quality analogue summing mixer with
instant ‘audio glue’ appeal that can breathe life and power into cold ‘inside
the box’ DAW mixes.

Key
features of the X-Rack Stereo Bus Compressor Module include:

Classic
sonic character and mix finalizing capabilities of SSL Stereo Bus Compression.

True
Stereo side-chain Input for external signal keying.

Link
control enables several modules to be combined for surround compression.

Gain
reduction meter as fitted to the classic SSL console range.

Electronically
balanced XLR connections.

The VHD
Input Module combines some classic SSL heritage with a generous helping of
cutting edge circuit design to deliver a devilishly warm and dirty alternative
to the pure X-Rack Mic Amp Module. The VHD Input Module is based on the input
section of the popular SSL E-Signature Channel 1U rack processor. The VHD Input
module combines five key elements; a high bandwidth mic amp stage that can
handle mic, instrument or line inputs, SSL’s innovative Variable Harmonic Drive
circuit, an additional line input/ trim control section, a set of High and Low
Pass Filters and the classic Listen Mic Compressor.

SSL’s
unique VHD system is a 100% analogue circuit that adds a variable blend of 2nd
or 3rd harmonic distortion to your signal. At relatively low input gain
settings ‘VHD’ preamps deliver ultra-clean recordings. Increase the input gain
and adjust the VHD control and the user can inject his source recordings with
anything from ‘50s valve-style overdrive through to hard-edged ‘70s
transistor-style grit or any blend of the two.

When
loaded with Mic Input, VHD Input, EQ and Dynamics Modules, X-Rack can now be
configured as an exceptionally high quality and extremely versatile recording
and processing system to serve as the perfect front end with the capacity to
add analogue shimmer to potentially cold DAW recordings.

Key
features of the X-Rack VHD Input Module include:

Electronically
balanced ultra high bandwidth Mic input with +20dB to +70dB gain control and
phantom power

Hi-Z and
Pad Switches on Mic Amp Input.

Dedicated
Additional XLR Line Input.

Variable

Harmonic Drive
circuit; adds a controllable blend of 2nd or 3rd Harmonic distortion.

Dedicated
Trim control after the VHD stage.

Classic
Listen Mic Compressor with fixed attack and release curves… ideal for drums.

High and
Low Pass Filters.

Based on
SuperAnalogue electronics from SSL’s XL 9000 K Series console, X-Rack is a
modular rack system with Total Recall that delivers the classic SSL sound in a
uniquely versatile form. Each X-Rack chassis holds up to eight modules in any
configuration; with the introduction of these new modules eight different
modules are offered. The hugely popular X-Rack delivers the very highest-quality
analogue recording and summing path and is the perfect configurable solution
for studio or live applications.

In the
words of SSL Marketing Manager Dan Duffell, “The release of these new modules
takes the evolution of the X-Rack system to a new level of versatility. X-Rack
has caught the wave of understanding out there of the vital role of analogue
depth in the often clinical modern DAW powered studio. The Stereo Bus
Compressor Module makes X-Rack the must have analogue summing solution that will
breathe depth and power into mixes. The VHD Input Module expands the power of
X-Rack as a tracking system, bringing a collection of controllable warmth and
grit characteristics to the recording engineer’s palette that will really make
sounds cut through a mix.”