The X-Rack is a modular rack system that incorporates a unique Total Recall® capability. Featuring the same SuperAnalogue processing as our XL 9000 K series console, the X-Rack now boasts eight optional modules - Stereo Bus Compressor, X-Rack VHD Input, Eight Input Summing Module, Four Channel Input, Master Bus, Mic Amp, Channel EQ and the original Dynamics module... This combination now make it possible to configure X-Rack as a stand alone mixer & analogue summing system, or as a stand alone processing solution for studio & live applications or working with the flexible inserts of an AWS 900+ to provide a complete 'SSL' channel processing solution for the console.
Key Features
* New * X-Rack Stereo Bus Compressor Module
The Stereo Bus Compressor Module delivers the classic tonal characteristic of the G-Series Compressor but with the added benefit of the ultra high bandwidth, ultra low noise SuperAnalogue™ circuit design. The classic Threshold, Attack, Ratio, Release and Make Up controls make the module extremely simple to operate. True Stereo Side Chain Input is accompanied by a ‘link’ feature that enables multiple Stereo Bus Compressor Modules to be combined for surround processing.
Key features of the X-Rack Stereo Bus Compressor Module include:
- Classic sonic character and mix finalising capabilities of SSL Stereo Bus Compression
- True Stereo side-chain input for external signal keying
- Link control enables several modules to be combined for surround compression
- Gain reduction meter as fitted to the classic SSL console range
- Electronically balanced XLR connections
* New * X-Rack VHD Input Module
SSL’s unique VHD system is a 100% analogue circuit that adds a variable blend of 2nd or 3rd harmonic distortion to your signal. At relatively low input gain settings ‘VHD’ preamps deliver ultra-clean recordings. Increase the input gain and adjust the VHD control and the user can inject his source recordings with anything from ‘50s valve-style overdrive through to hard-edged ‘70s transistor-style grit or any blend of the two.
The VHD Input module combines five key elements; a high bandwidth mic amp stage that can handle mic, instrument or line inputs, SSL’s innovative Variable Harmonic Drive circuit, an additional line input/ trim control section, a set of High and Low Pass Filters and the classic Listen Mic Compressor.
Key features of the X-Rack VHD Input Module include:
- Electronically balanced ultra-high bandwidth Mic input with +20dB to +70dB gain control
- Hi-Z and Pad Switches on Mic Amp Input
- Dedicated Additional XLR Line Input
- Variable Harmonic Drive circuit adds a controllable blend of 2nd or 3rd order Harmonic distortion
- Dedicated Trim control after the VHDstage
- Classic Listen Mic Compressor with fixed attack and release curves… ideal for drums
- High- and Low-Pass Filters
X-Rack Master Bus Module
The new Master Bus module allows control of the X-Rack’s internal Master & Record stereo busses, as well as acting as a studio control room module. It has mix insert and insert sum points, mono compatibility check, and metering of the master out. In addition to this it can be connected to two pairs of speakers (main/mini), and provides dedicated controls for level, dim, and cut.
X-Rack Eight Input Summing Module
The Eight Input Module was developed in response to requests from X-Rack users for a line input module designed to accommodate larger quantities of stereo line level inputs from studio sources such as multichannel audio interfaces, sub mixers and synthesizers.
The Eight Input Module offers greater connectivity than the Four Input Module but does not offer independent Level, Solo & Pan control. The Four and Eight Input Modules are both designed for use in conjunction with the recently released Master Bus Module, the summing, metering & control room module that enables users to configure the X-Rack as a multi input, dual stereo bus mini SSL summing mixer with Total Recall®.
Key features of the X-Rack Eight Input Module include:
- Eight line level inputs configured as four stereo pairs
- Mono/stereo switching for each stereo pair
- Additional insert points for inputs 1&2 and 3&4
- Independent On/Off switches for each stereo pair.
X-Rack Four Channel Input
The new Four Channel Input module takes four line-level mono signals, each with their own solo, volume and pan controls and provides options to route them into either the X-Rack Master Bus or Record Bus. Each input also has its own insert point to integrate other X-Rack modules (or outboard units), that can be switched into the signal path. Combining multiple Four Channel Input modules, a 28 input, dual stereo SuperAnalogue mix bus can be created in a single X-Rack chassis.
X-Rack Dynamics Module
The X-Rack dynamics module is based on the channel dynamics unit from the XL 9000 K Series console. This incorporates compression, limiting, expansion and gating with a number of options for hard or soft knee operation and peak, or RMS sensing. All of this circuitry is designed using SSL's acclaimed SuperAnalogue design techniques to deliver fantastic sound quality with very low noise and distortion.
X-Rack Mic Amp Module
The Solid State Logic Mic Amp module for the X-Rack is designed to handle the varied input needs of the project studio. Made using the same SuperAnalogue circuitry as the XL 9000 K console, the X-Rack Mic Amp module sports a killer Mic Pre with 75db of gain, variable impedance control, phantom power and phase reverse, line input with level control, front panel instrument input and High and Low pass filters – all in one tiny box.
X-Rack Channel EQ Module
Many producers and engineers have a “lunchbox” made of old EQ modules removed from SSL consoles. Some would even say that an SSL EQ is an indispensable tool for their mix. The Channel EQ module brings the legendary SSL twin-curve E and G series EQ from our large-format consoles into an affordable package with the X-Rack. The EQ is 4-band parametric with variable “Q” on the 2 mid bands, and shelf/bell control on the High and Low bands.
Total Recall
All of the modules integrate fully with the X-Rack, giving Total Recall™ of all pots and switches. This can either be recalled from the X-Rack’s internal memory, 9-pin from a console such as the AWS900, or via your choice of sequencer. The X-Rack's recall capability provides the ability to store presets into Flash memory within the unit. This provides a simple way to save and recall favourite settings and it further integrates with the AWS 900's Total Recall option to provide a single store of all settings that can be archived with a workstation's project. This level of integration is right at the heart of the philosophy of workstation integration that both the XLogic and AWS 900 products set out to address.
