SSL kicks off AES show with new Origin console

The first major news from AES 2019 is the launch of SSL’s first in-line console in over 15 years. Dubbed Origin, the new 32-channel desk sets out to marry the analogue heritage of SSL with features for the DAW-based producer.

All analogue

Origin is something of a ‘greatest hits’ for the company – you’ll find the E-series EQ, the iconic bus compressor and also the Listen Mic Compressor, but there is also a range of new features designed to work with a hybrid workflow.

DAW-friendly

First among these is SSL’s new PureDrive microphone preamps that offer both clean and ‘Drive’ tonalities. Based on E-series signature, the new pre is made to offer both pristine clarity and a harmonically rich, non-linear sound with added “punch, crunch and bottom end,” said an SSL spokesman.

The centre section of the console is essentially a bank of 19-inch rack spaces which can be rearranged and supplemented depending on your set up. If you need to add a monitor, you can move the meter bridge in the centre section down a slot. You can alternatively load in a control surface, a favourite piece of outboard or 500-series rack in here, too.

Another feature that’s geared towards a hybrid approach is 0dB bypass switches on every channel for easily creating stems or offloading channel automation to your DAW.

Mix options

Thanks to an in-line design, the console boasts 88 channels at mixdown, 16 busses and, of course, the must-imitated Mix Bus Compressor. It also has three dedicated monitor outputs, a separate headphone output for mix referencing.

The SSL Origin is set to ship by the end of Q1 2020 with a price of $49,999. For more information, keep an eye on our news pages or visit solidstatelogic.com.