At Musikmesse 2013, Solid State Logic debuted Sigma ($4,499), a remote controlled analog mix engine in a two-rackspace unit designed for the DAW user who seeks the sound of an SSL console while retaining the convenience of working in the box. Sigma is controlled remotely using MIDI via Ethernet using a DAW or an iDevice-compatible software interface.
Using proprietary MDAC control technology first featured in SSL’s Duality and AWS studio consoles, Sigma’s 100-percent analog summing engine can be driven by automation data created within a 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 accurate front panel LED metering for all channels. There are two stereo mix buses 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. Mix Bus B can also 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. Control and switching of a wide range of functions—including monitor level and source, inserts, talkback, sum B>A and mono check—can be achieved using any standard MIDI hardware control surface.
A MIDI learn feature is designed for simple and easy setup. A pair of user-assignable dual action push/hold buttons on the front panel or a footswitch 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.
