SSL AWS 948 Delta

The Solid State Logic SSL AWS Recording Console reinvented the professional production console by combining classic SSL SuperAnalogue™ console technology with comprehensive DAW control hardware in a single work surface. The AWS is now used by leading international recording artists, producers and engineers and has shaped expectations for session workflow within today's and indeed tomorrows' production environments. The new console marks the introduction of delta-Control (d-Ctrl), a completely new analog console automation platform for SSL studio technology that unites the very best of automation in the analog console domain with DAW based workflow.

Designed for mid-scale commercial recording and production facilities, the AWS 948 features 48 inputs within a compact 24 fader frame. It also includes 24 mic pres and a stereo/dual mono channel strip that offers a second line level input per channel to provide 48 summing channels. All models deliver pristine SuperAnalogue™ summing, 24 ultra-clean SSL SuperAnalogue mic pres, classic SSL dual curve EQ on every channel, two assignable SSL Dynamics channels, legendary Stereo Buss Compressor, TotalRecall™ and full 5.1 monitoring. In addition to on board classic SSL Automation, all models feature the new d-Ctrl system.

The AWS also features Ethernet connectivity for streamlined hardware control over your entire Digital Audio Workstation environment. AWS delivers elegant, ergonomic physical control with dedicated heavy duty DAW transport, V-Pot multifunction encoders with position indicating LED's, Digital Scribble Strips, DAW fader mode, global and channel routing control and built-in TFT display for advanced plug-in editing. Project Session Management is kept simple through SSL's proprietary Logictivity interface.

The AWS is an SSL SuperAnalogue™ console, featuring the audio performance specifications that have established the benchmarks by which other manufacturers are measured. Exceptionally low THD, noise floor & crosstalk levels keep your audio absolutely pristine, while our legendary headroom carries every nuance of your audio and allows engineers to mix 'hotter' without distortion.

New in the AWS 948

The first new addition to the AWS 948 is Stereo Channel Output rear panel connections. These enable Stereo channel mode stem recording in a single pass and in place, post pan, stereo stem generation in In-Line channel mode. These additions are ideal for users who print analog processed content back to their DAW for streamlined future project recall.

The second new feature is independent insert IN/OUT switching on In-Line channels via a new soft key in the small screen Chan Setup page. This simplifies installation and expands the versatility of the Monitor path by utilizing the existing insert points for outboard processing instead of relying on patch bay access to the DAW playback outputs and desk inputs.

Finally, the graphics for the small screen signal flow GUI have been enhanced so that the Chan Setup page dynamically displays processing order and IN/OUT status on Stereo and In-Line channels. This software feature is compatible with all AWS 948 consoles.

Features:

• Combination of SuperAnalogue™ console and advanced DAW controller
• SSL SuperAnalogue™ mix bus provides pristine audio foundations
• SSL SuperAnalogue mic pre's provide transparent record path
• Innovative Dual Path Channel with three versatile operating modes (948 only)
• 48 inputs on AWS 948;
  • IN-LINE TRACKING = 1 mic + 1 line inputs per channel
  • IN-LINE MIX = 2 x mono line inputs per channel
  • STEREO MIX = 1 x stereo line input per channel
• NEW! delta-Control advanced integration of console and DAW automation.
• AWSomation SSL motorized fader mix automation based on the heritage of G and K series Ultimation
• Versatile 4 band channel EQ, assignable Dynamics and SSL Master Bus Compressor
• 4-Band EQ design with independent E/G curve switching of HF/LF (Stereo on 948 only)
• 5.1 Surround monitoring and Monitor calibration including Bass management
• MIDI over Ethernet multi layer DAW workstation control
• Digital Scribble Strips for console and DAW data
• Elegant project setup via SSL Logictivity Remote Browser and SD card storage
• SSL's unique trademarked TOTAL RECALL™ system with 'TR Autoscan'
• Responsible 'green' manufacturing and reduced power consumption
• Compact 24 fader frame ideal for small control rooms

SSL Delta-Control (d-Ctrl)

The Delta-Control is a unique new SSL console automation system unites the very best of automation in the analog console domain with DAW based workflow.

d-Ctrl is a native AAX/RTAS/VST/VST3 plug-in that allows automation of AWS 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 the console. The d-Ctrl plug-in is inserted into a DAW mixer audio channel. The plug-in then receives and sends control data from an assigned AWS 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 d-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 d-Ctrl messages and routes these back to the console via the SSL Logictivity Network connection.

Automation data can be viewed and edited as normal plug-in data in the DAW tracks. The console Fader Absolute and Trim values are saved using the same dB law as your selected DAW automation so that the ‘Paste Special’ command can be used to copy existing DAW fader data into the plug-in. d-Ctrl retains all the key operational elements of SSL’s Signature Mix System with much loved features such as JOIN, REVISE, MOTORS OFF and SNAP Override all actions from dedicated front panel switches. The MOTORS OFF mode offers the full non-moving fader SSL VCA mix experience as preferred by key industry re-mixers. A new MOTORS OFF, Touch Write mode emulates the SSL G Series Mix system Immediate Pickup (IP) option. d-Ctrl also works with SSLDuality delta consoles.

The d-Ctrl plug-in uses iLok2 encryption. An iLok2 is not supplied with the console or upgrades. Five plug-in licenses are included with a console or upgrade purchase and additional licenses can be purchased form the SSL Online Store.

About d-Ctrl and Logic

Currently there isn't an AU d-Ctrl plug for use in Logic. During beta testing of the d-Ctrl automation system SSL uncovered a significant limitation in the way Logic handles automation data from the delta-control plug-in. For this reason, we put on hold our plans to release an AU version for use with Logic. SSL is researching ways to overcome this limitation and we will make an announcement of an AU delta-ctrl plug-in in due course.

Financing

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Check out this SSL AWS 924/948 Review in TapeOp!