SSL 500 series Channel Strip on sale

[GovernorSilver]

Several stores have it for $200 off for the rest of the year

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=ssl+500+series+channel+strip&sxsrf=ALiCzsZAToKApb4Sn6mzQIT0gPIv0BKCYw:1664824309128&source=lnms&tbm=shop&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjHi7zs4cT6AhUiLFkFHUa8D_0Q_AUoAXoECAIQAw&biw=1920&bih=856&dpr=1

 

I don't have any 500 series anything so looking forward to the wise folks saying get it because/don't get it because, etc.

[KuruPrionz]

SSL has decades of experience and they make quality stuff. I have their SSL 2+ audio interface and while it's fairly small with only 2 inputs, it sounds GREAT.

The headphone amps (there are 2 of them) are truly excellent. The mic preamps are great as well. The layout is straightforward and easy to use. Little things like separate phantom power switches for each mic pre and the ability to plug the output of headphone amp 2 into your home stereo via RCA jacks are useful and appreciated in a small interface down in the $300 range for new, especially given the sound quality. I had a Steinberg UR22 MKII for a small interface and the sound quality of the SSL is clearly superior. I gave a friend a deal on the Steinberg, I won't miss it although it was pretty nice kit. 

 

If you are wanting to get into 500 series it wouldn't be a bad place to start. I don't have it and don't plan on moving in that direction but you might be inclined to do so. Hows that for vaguely encouraging? 😇

[MAJUSCULE]

Seems to be a US-only sale, unfortunately. I've been planning on grabbing a couple for a rack.

[GovernorSilver]

I'm trying to convince myself I'm getting along just fine - for recording purposes - with my Focusrite Scarlet 18i8, it's 4 built-in mic preamps, and DAW-compatible plugins for compression duties, etc.   This was how I talked myself out of buying the SSL Six mixer last year.

 

The SSL mystique though is a draw, for the price of those two channel strips, even when accounting for the price of a 500-series chassis.  A 6 or 8-slot chassis loaded with 2 SSL channel strips would cost more than a Focusrite Octopre for adding more 1/4" inputs to the Scarlett, but.... sometimes you get what you pay for, and this might be one of those times.

[MAJUSCULE]

Yeah, you totally should be fine with the Focusrite, there really is no reason to get the SSL... right?

 

In all seriousness, you can make the argument for either side. It's up to you how much you value turning physical knobs etc. I most certainly do, as much as I often wish I didn't.

 

I've been slowly working on a rack to serve both stage and studio. 4u with power conditioner, Radial Powerstrip w/ two of these 500-SiXes, and a KL-8. When it finally all comes together, it'll be glorious.

[KuruPrionz]

6 hours ago, MAJUSCULE said:

Yeah, you totally should be fine with the Focusrite, there really is no reason to get the SSL... right?

 

In all seriousness, you can make the argument for either side. It's up to you how much you value turning physical knobs etc. I most certainly do, as much as I often wish I didn't.

 

I've been slowly working on a rack to serve both stage and studio. 4u with power conditioner, Radial Powerstrip w/ two of these 500-SiXes, and a KL-8. When it finally all comes together, it'll be glorious.

I started with one rack, it was 8 spaces and the price was a bargain. I thought I'd have room for other stuff. It's full of goodies.

Then a 6 space came up on craigslist for $20 so I grabbed it and it turned out to be full of XLR cables, the seller just wanted them gone. All good, quite a few belong to friends now. 

And the 6 space rack is pretty much full as well. 

Time to shrink it down a bit. I do like "conditioning" sounds going in. A bit of transient control and scooping out some low midrange and/or bass can make a big difference and save set up time. Dedicated channels for convenience rather than performance. Mostly an Army of One. 

 

I'm not going to try and convince the Governor as to whether he needs the SSL or not. He does need to at least try one to know, otherwise it will remain a mystery. 

I'm really happy have a few different mic pres and I'm convinced that great R&D and QC combined with modern manufacturing processes can provide very high quality audio recording gear at bargain prices. 

[Dave Bryce]

Being a very happy owner of the SiX mixer from which these were lifted, I’m quite fond of these channels.  I do recommend grabbing a few if you’re in the market. 

 

dB