Solid State Logic AWS 948
MPN #729948A1
The AWS 948 has stereo/dual mono channel strips that offer a second line level input per channel to provide 48 summing channels.
The AWS (Analogue Workstation System) 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 spring 2015 release of AWS elta is another step in the constant evolutionary development that has characterised its enormously successful life. The new console marks the introduction of elta-Control (-Ctrl), a completely new analogue console automation platform for SSL studio technology that unites the very best of automation in the analogue console domain with DAW based workflow. All new AWS consoles will be elta models and console upgrades are available for all preceding models.
Designed for mid-scale commercial recording and production facilities, the AWS is available with 16 inputs (AWS 916), 24 inputs (AWS 924) or 48 inputs (AWS 948) within a compact 24 fader frame. The AWS 916 has 16 mic pre's, the AWS 924 and 948 have 24 mic pre's. The AWS 916 & 924 have mono channel strips and the 948 has stereo/dual mono channel strips that offer a second line level input per channel to provide 48 summing channels. All models deliver pristine SuperAnalogue? summing, 24 ultra-clean SSL SuperAnalogue mic pre's, classic SSL dual curve EQ on every channel, two assignable SSL Dynamics channels, legendary Stereo Bus Compressor, TotalRecall? and full 5.1 monitoring. In addition to on board classic SSL Automation, all models feature the new -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.
The AWS 948 maintains the same 24 fader footprint as the AWS 924 (and classic AWS 900) and achieves its 48 input count via a unique Dual Path Channel Strip design where each channel has a single Mic Amp and two line level inputs, a new Stereo EQ and Stereo Insert. This new channel enables three different operating modes: STEREO MIX, IN LINE MIX and IN LINE TRACKING. These differing modes offer a wealth of workflow options that enhance today's versatile production environments;
IN-LINE TRACKING is similar to the AWS 924 with either the MIC or the LINE signal providing the CHOP and Track Bus source. Normally this primary signal is level controlled by the V-Pot. However through "fader flip" it is possible to use the large fader instead. In this setup the secondary signal (DAW output/Monitor Return or the even the CH OP) goes to the Large fader. AUTO-M takes control of the RETURN switch to provide automatic monitor source switching between the channel paths, following the DAW transport status. The monitor path is heard in Play, and the input path is heard in Record or Stop. S-CUE employs automatic cue send source switching between the channel paths, following the DAW transport status, to provide full zero latency drop-in and record monitoring, a sum of both paths is heard in Play and only the input is heard when in Record or Stop.
IN-LINE MIX provides identical operation to the AWS 924 channel strip with the exception that a second signal path is available as a Mix input in classic "In Line" console fashion. In this mode the Channel V-Pot acts as the second input gain control (along with the associated SOLO/CUT switches). Furthermore the V-Pots level and mute status can be automated. This allows all 48 channel signal paths level and cut automation in the analogue domain. Note that it is also possible to move the Insert into the secondary path (ideal for X-Rack processing etc).
Channel configuration and Setup is accomplished via the AWS 948 onboard TFT screen and soft keys, and it is even possible to move or divide the channels processing resources (EQ, Insert etc.) between each of the dual paths.
Input Section
The AWS 948 Channel Input section features two balanced Line Inputs with +/-20dB of gain and a world class SuperAnalogueTM Mic Amp featuring continuous mic gain control (+15 to +75dB), phase reverse and switchable 48V phantom power. The -20dB PAD is intended for use with very high output microphones. The routing functionality of the Insert varies according to the three different operating modes.
EQ Section
The Stereo EQ design featured on the AWS 948 is sonically identical to the SSL SuperAnalogueTM mono Channel EQ taken from the legendary XL 9000 K Series console and its current successor Duality. It is a highly flexible 4 band parametric EQ design. HF/LF and Mid Frequency bands are independently switchable between E and G series response curves and tonal characteristics. PRE places the Insert before the EQ section. In conjunction with the dynamics CHIP and CHOP routing keys, the order of the EQ, INSERT and DYNAMICS blocks can be re-ordered.
HPF - 18dB/Octave high-pass filter with detente bypass positionG-EQ Curve switch - toggles between the default E-Series and G-Series tonal characteristics and control interaction with independent switches for the HF/LF and Mid Frequency bandsLMF - Low frequency parametric mid-band EQHF - High frequency shelving equalizer switchable to fixed Q parametric response via the Bell switchHMF - High frequency parametric mid-band EQ sectionLF - Low frequency shelving EQ Switchable to fixed Q parametric response via the Bell switch
Routing & Sends
Each channel has access to 2 main Stereo Busses (RECORD and MIX) in addition to 2 Stereo Cue busses and 4 mono FX sends. Every AWS Channel features a Direct Channel Output (CH OP) and can also feed 8 independent Track Busses. SSL's unique "EFX" system is present on all channels significantly enhancing creativity by allowing free assignment of send controls.
Pan/Width
In IN LINE MIX and IN LINE TRACKING modes the Pan control is a standard L/R pan control, in STEREO MIX mode it is a stereo Width control. For stereo signals the pan pot functions as a width controller with normal stereo image in the centre. When the pan pot is turned to the right an out of phase left component is introduced to the right signal, and vice-versa, resulting in a widening of the signal's width beyond the speakers. When the pan pot is turned left in-phase components are introduced into the signal in a similar way, resulting in a narrowing of the width with fully left being mono. Furthermore, stereo signal balance is controlled using the channel V-Pot.
Digital Scribble Strips
When the AWS is in analogue mode the Digital Scribble Strips display name and parameter information for the selected analogue signal path. When the AWS is in DAW mode they display DAW channel and processing parameters.
Features
Combination of SuperAnalogue? console and advanced DAW controllerSSL SuperAnalogue? mix bus provides pristine audio foundationsSSL SuperAnalogue mic pre's provide transparent record pathInnovative 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 channelNEW! elta-Control advanced integration of console and DAW automation. Read moreAWSomation SSL motorised fader mix automation based on the heritage of G and K series UltimationVersatile 4 band channel EQ, assignable Dynamics and SSL Master Bus Compressor4-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 managementMIDI over Ethernet multi layer DAW workstation controlDigital Scribble Strips for console and DAW dataElegant project setup via SSL Logictivity Remote Browser and SD card storageSSL's unique trademarked TOTAL RECALL? system with 'TR Autoscan'Responsible 'green' manufacturing and reduced power consumptionCompact 24 fader frame ideal for small control rooms
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