SSL

F
for those of you
familiar with SSL’s
SiX, you’d be forgiven
for thinking this is
just a larger version of
that device, and to an
extent there is some
truth in that. It clearly follows the
same design language and I’m sure
many of the components are the
same and, well, the name suggests
as much. It is the SiX but BiGgEr.
However that isn’t the full story. This
isn’t just an expanded SiX with more
channels. The BiG SiX is far more
than that.
Although the physical similarities
are obvious, there are a few
differences. The biggest is the size,
which is slightly larger than a 19”
rack but the end-cheeks are
removable, ready for the fi tting of
rack ears, allowing for mounting in
any standard rack. The main fascia
has a handful of IO for quick access,
including four XLRs for the fi rst four
channels, plus things like headphone
outs. The rest of the IO is on the
back panel, which is heavily
recessed, a good move for those
mounting this in a rack, and handy
for those keeping it on a desk too.
Numbers game
The next big change – and the one
that really makes the BiG SiX stand
apart from its smaller sibling – is the
smattering of buttons with ‘USB’ in
the label, along with the USB port on
the rear. Because, yes, the BiG SiX is
also a class-compliant USB audio
interface. The SiX, that I’ve been
using since its release, is a fantastic
bit of kit but I’ve always felt that it’s
a shame I have to run audio into
another device when working in my
DAW. The BiG SiX fi xes that, and
some, in this regard. Class
compliance negates the need for any
drivers to keep updated which can
be a real headache. It also makes it
a much simpler task for not just
managing a room but for recording
and mixing two ways. It’s a real joy to
work with multiple synths (which I
do a lot) and being able to mix
stems, as well as record via the usual
inputs, is a big advantage and takes
just a simple click of a button to
choose the USB behaviour of the
BiG SiX.
As mentioned, there are four XLR
inputs on the top panel, feeding the
fi rst four channels, all mono, with
EQ, single-knob compressor and a
solid industrial design. I would
highly recommend it to anybody
looking for the combo, and even for
those only looking for a mixer and for
whom the interface might never be
used.
fader with LED ladders for level. The
controls all provide a good level of
resistance and are colour coded. The
interface is intuitive to navigate, with
everything falling to hand.
BiG buCKs well spent?
There’s an awful lot of functionality
at hand with the BiG Six. So much
so that I won’t go into it here. That’s
what the manual is for after all.
However, I will say that everything is
rock solid, as you would expect from
SSL. There are many options for
signal fl ow and, of course, there is
the legendary SSL compressor
quality on board too. The preamps
sound fantastic and the device runs
at up to 96kHz.
The SSL BiG SiX isn’t the
cheapest mixer out there but you get
a heap of quality and functionality
for your investment, along with some
THE PROS & CONS
+
Excellent build
Easy integration with
your DAW
The bus compressor
is brilliant
-
Not cheap
FM VERDICT
9.0
Full of functionality and
quality. Big SiX marries
two key devices in a way
that makes it hard to justify
keeping them separate ever
again. Worth the money
SSL BiG SiX | Reviews
77
FMU381.rev_ssl.indd 77FMU381.rev_ssl.indd 77 21/02/2022 13:5521/02/2022 13:55