SSL's Sigma Remote Controlled Analogue Mix Engine Now Shipping

Solid State Logic, the manufacturer of creative tools for audio professionals, is now shipping the new Sigma Remote Controlled Analogue Mix Engine. Designed for the DAW user that seeks the big sound of an SSL console while retaining the convenience of working in the box, the company says Sigma is a unique analog mix engine in a 2U rack unit that is remote controlled using MIDI via Ethernet via a DAW or an iDevice-compatible software interface. Sigma will be featured at the SSL booth during the 135th International AES Convention October 17 - 20 at the Javits Center in New York City (booth 2821).

Using proprietary MDAC control technology first featured in the company's Duality and AWS studio consoles, Sigma's 100% analog summing engine can be driven by automation data created within a user's DAW of choice. Sigma features 16 flexible input channels, which can be individually switched between being mono or stereo for up to 32 channels at mixdown. There is an accurate front panel LED metering for all channels. Sigma also offers two stereo mix busses with dedicated outputs for convenient printing of stems back to the DAW and individual stereo insert points to facilitate implementation of parallel compression. Each input channel also features an individual direct output. In addition, mix bus B can be injected into mix bus A for final mixdown.

An artist and studio monitoring section provides a monitor and headphone output. The main monitor output has main and alternative connections to accommodate two sets of monitors. A comprehensive switching matrix enables selection of your monitor source. A large front panel rotary control uses a push-select mechanism to determine whether it adjusts mix A, mix B, main monitor, or headphone levels. There is also a talkback input with adjustable dim level. The unit also offers control and switching of a wide range of functions, including monitor level and source, inserts, talkback, sum B>A, and mono check, which can all be achieved using any standard MIDI hardware control surface. A MIDI learn feature makes setup simple and easy. A pair of user-assignable dual action push/hold buttons on the front panel or a foot-switch can also be assigned to the same collection of switching functions. Sigma uses MIDI over Ethernet for control and to connect to a cross platform software interface, which provides additional control and setup capability. The software interface enables Sigma to be remote controlled using an iDevice.