Solid State Logic BiG SiX User manual

BiG SiX
www.solidstatelogic.com
BiG SiX
User Guide

Visit SSL at:
www.solidstatelogic.com
© Solid State Logic
All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions
SSL®and Solid State Logic®are ® registered trademarks of Solid State Logic.
BiG SiX™, SiX™ and SuperAnalogue™ are trademarks of Solid State Logic.
All other product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are hereby acknowledged.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, whether mechanical or electronic,without the written
permission of Solid State Logic, Oxford, OX5 1RU, England.
As research and development is a continual process, Solid State Logic reserves the right to change the features and
specications described herein without notice or obligation.
Solid State Logic cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from any error or omission in
this manual.
PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS, PAY SPECIAL HEED TO SAFETY WARNINGS.
E&OE
November 2021
Revision History
Revision V1.0, September 2021 - Initial Release
Revision V1.1, November 2021 - Updated 'Sum to Mix Bus' details
Revision V1.2, November 2021 - Updated compressor details

Introduction to BiG SiX
In the mid '70s Solid State Logic designed the rst A Series Console and Studio Computer. The idea behind the project was to
build a system for the company’s studio which was buried deep in the Oxfordshire countryside, in a small village called Stoneseld.
SSL’s development of advanced analogue mixing consoles has been continuous since those early days.
As the name implies, BiG SiX is the natural expansion of SSL’s successful SiX desktop console. Both BiG SiX and SiX are studio
grade, SuperAnalogue consoles that deliver all of the quality and exibility audio professionals expect from SSL, but in very
compact footprints. SiX is designed to be small enough to t into hand luggage or a half 19” rack space, BiG SiX is over twice the
size, ts a full 9U of 19” rack space and has many additional features, but with the same focus on audio quality and exibility of use.
Like SiX, but bigger...
BiG SiX is the big sister to SSL's acclaimed SiX console. Although both BiG SiX and SiX are small by SSL standards they carry
the same values and inherited DNA. What follows are some of the key elements that make BiG SiX a professional product for the
highest quality audio applications.
Fully balanced inputs and outputs
All of BiG SiX’s inputs and outputs are fully balanced (with the exception of the Phones output). This means professional equipment
with balanced connections can be properly interfaced allowing longer cable lengths without noise/hum pick-up penalties and the
best signal to noise performance from the whole signal chain.
Short is beautiful…
To provide the purest audio signal paths, BiG SiX has several features not normally found on small footprint mixing consoles e.g.
the channel processing is switched, allowing it to be removed from the signal path if it’s not being used. It’s denitely worth taking
some time to understand the BiG SiX block diagram and reading the examples later in this manual. We hope you’ll really unlock
the versatility of the console when discovering the many signal paths that are available and the multiple ways they can be used.
Meter scales and response
The upper LED meter points on BiG SiX’s main meters have been carefully chosen. The console is designed with a huge +27
dBu headroom and the meters have dened segments for +24 dBu and +18 dBu, this is to match the two most common 0 dB
Full Scale (dBFS) alignment standards, i.e. European/EBU at 0 dBFS=+18 dBu and the US/SMPTE standard at 0 dBFS=+24 dBu
ensuring optimum performance for converters and proper gain structure throughout the signal chain. The meters in BiG SiX have
been designed with a fast ‘peak’ response (rise time to 60% Full Scale Deection approx 1 ms @ 1 kHz) and a slower release time
to give the ability to meter fast peaks while still being able to show useful signal levels.
Converter alignment levels
The sixteen A to D and D to A converters in BiG SiX are aligned for 0 dBFS=+24 dBu to give the optimal performance from the
console's dynamic range.
Power and power management
You will have noticed that BiG SiX is powered by an external power supply with a multipin connector. This signicantly helps the
design and performance of BiG SiX. It moves the power supply's electromagnetic interference away from the SuperAnalogue
circuits inside BiG SiX. This allows us to design the internal electronics to have a bandwidth as wide as possible and thus deliver
the great phase and transient response SSL large format console users have come to expect in a very small footprint package.
Another thoughtful design feature for an analogue console is how the power rails are ramped on power-up to minimise thumps
on monitor and headphone outputs.

BiG SiX User Guide
This Page Is Intentionally Almost Blank!

BiG SiX User Guide
About SuperAnalogue
SSL’s SuperAnalogue technology is the sum of an applied design philosophy, constant invention, and dedication to optimising
every detail of our precision audio products. There are many contributing aspects, including our bespoke circuits, ground-breaking
low-noise gain control, servo-coupled amplier stages, and many more. The design of BiG SiX is unique amongst small footprint
mixers in that it uses SuperAnalogue technology to bring large console sonics and processing into a very compact design.
Listed below are some of the main benets SuperAnalogue philosophy brings to BiG SiX.
Wideband audio
Typically a 20 kHz upper frequency limit is recognised as adequate for audio. A lucky few people can identify frequencies beyond
20 kHz. However, there is a secondary hearing mechanism, directly related to ‘rise-time’ (the transient performance of components)
and evidence to show that even though the basic frequency spectrum of human hearing degrades over time, our sensitivity to
rise-times does not. In addition, Transient Intermodulation Distortion (TIM) is a real - if difcult to measure - issue that brings high
frequency ‘waste’ to bear on the audible spectrum in poor or bandwidth-limited designs. Feedback paths in amplier circuitry are
a good example. For fast, accurate rise times and low TIM, SSL implements precision, high-frequency analogue technologies and
tests everything to better than 80 kHz. BiG SiX’s main signal path frequency response extends to beyond 100 kHz.
Elimination of signal path electrolytic capacitors
The physical construction of electrolytic capacitors means that their performance is imprecise and they are vulnerable to
electromagnetic interference so even expensive ‘high-quality’ electrolytics do not meet our standards. In addition, over time and
with temperature variations, electrolytic capacitors degrade and become ‘leaky’ resulting in signicant noise issues, altered sonic
character, and shortened product life. SSL avoids using electrolytic capacitors for decoupling between analogue stages wherever
possible. Instead we use advanced DC servo coupling techniques for wide bandwidth, low noise and high precision DC offset
control.
Discrete design and innovation
Many modern analogue audio products are the result of the ‘cookbook’ approach where off-the-shelf blocks are strung together to
full a practical brief, but lack the additional details that take them from functional to fantastic. To do that, you have to understand
how to augment commercially available components with discrete elements, do original research and sometimes even design
your own components.
SSL does not do ‘data-sheet design’ and continues to optimise and improve upon data-sheet specications and ‘serving
suggestions’ - we have even licensed our advances back to semiconductor manufacturers. BiG SiX represents the cumulation
of over 40 years of experience and expertise in improving the canon of analogue music electronics to continually exceed and
progress our own high standards.
Not one component, a whole design philosophy
Our philosophy is simple, we spare nothing in designing and manufacturing the best precision music tools available anywhere.
There is no single magic stage in BiG SiX - everything from the pre-amps through the line level electronics, signal processing and
output stages plays its part.

BiG SiX User Guide
Table of Contents
Introduction ..........................................................................................................................................1
Unpacking.......................................................................................................................................................................2
Safety Notices .................................................................................................................................................................2
Heat & Ventilation and Rack Mounting Option................................................................................................................2
USB-C Digital Interface ...................................................................................................................................................3
USB Cables & Power ....................................................................................................................................................................3
USB Hubs .....................................................................................................................................................................................3
USB Drivers, Mac and Windows...................................................................................................................................................3
Console Overview................................................................................................................................4
Front panel ......................................................................................................................................................................4
Rear Panel.......................................................................................................................................................................5
Detailed Description ............................................................................................................................7
SuperAnalogue Mono Channels .....................................................................................................................................7
SuperAnalogue Pre-Amp input.....................................................................................................................................................7
Mic Input (XLR) .............................................................................................................................................................................7
Line Input (¼” TRS).......................................................................................................................................................................7
USB Return (From USB 'n')...........................................................................................................................................................7
Channel EQ...................................................................................................................................................................................8
Channel Compressor....................................................................................................................................................................9
Channel Insert...............................................................................................................................................................................9
Stereo Cue Sends.......................................................................................................................................................................10
Channel Fader and Pan..............................................................................................................................................................10
USB Send....................................................................................................................................................................................10
Stereo channels.............................................................................................................................................................11
SuperAnalogue Stereo Input.......................................................................................................................................................11
Stereo Cue Sends.......................................................................................................................................................................11
Stereo EQ....................................................................................................................................................................................11
Channel Fader and Pan..............................................................................................................................................................11
USB Send....................................................................................................................................................................................11
Monitor section..............................................................................................................................................................12
MAIN and ALT monitor outputs...................................................................................................................................................12
Headphone (Phones) outputs.....................................................................................................................................................13
Monitor Source section ...............................................................................................................................................................13
External 1 and 2 Levels...............................................................................................................................................................13
Stereo Cue Master Section (including Talk Input).........................................................................................................14
Talk Input Pre-amplier and LMC ...............................................................................................................................................14
Talk Input and LMC.....................................................................................................................................................................15
Artist Cue Mixes..........................................................................................................................................................................15
Foldback Outputs as Effects Sends ...........................................................................................................................................15
Main Meter.....................................................................................................................................................................16
Bus B Master.................................................................................................................................................................16
Main Bus........................................................................................................................................................................16
External to Main Bus Summing...................................................................................................................................................16
Main Bus Insert ...........................................................................................................................................................................16

BiG SiX User Guide
SUM INPUT TO MAIN BUS........................................................................................................................................................ 17
ST CUE 1 TO G COMP & SUM TO MAIN BUS .......................................................................................................................... 18
G-Series Bus Compressor.............................................................................................................................................19
USB-C Interface ............................................................................................................................................................20
USB Cables & Power ................................................................................................................................................................. 20
USB Hubs .................................................................................................................................................................................. 20
USB Drivers, Mac and Windows................................................................................................................................................ 20
USB Signal Routing and Block Diagram .......................................................................................................................25
USB Returns 1 - 16 (Signal ow from the DAW to BiG SiX)....................................................................................................... 25
USB Sends 1 - 16 (Signal ow to the DAW from BiG SiX) ......................................................................................................... 25
Application Examples - Desktop Studio........................................................................................................................28
Application Examples - Small Project Studio, Record/Overdub ...................................................................................30
Application Examples - Small Project Studio - Hybrid SuperAnalogue Mixdown.........................................................32
Application Examples - Post Production - ADR or Foreign Language Dubbing...........................................................34
Application Examples - Podcast Studio ........................................................................................................................36
Troubleshooting & FAQs...................................................................................................................37
Troubleshooting Tips.....................................................................................................................................................37
Warranty ........................................................................................................................................................................38
All returns................................................................................................................................................................................... 38
Appendix A - Physical Specication ................................................................................................39
Connector Details..........................................................................................................................................................39
Mono Channels.......................................................................................................................................................................... 39
Stereo Channels......................................................................................................................................................................... 39
Insert Sends/Returns.................................................................................................................................................................. 40
DC Power Inlet ........................................................................................................................................................................... 40
Appendix B - Performance Specication ........................................................................................41
Audio Performance........................................................................................................................................................41
SuperAnalogue Channel Microphone Amplier............................................................................................................41
SuperAnalogue Channel Line Input Amplier ...............................................................................................................41
Channel Equaliser .........................................................................................................................................................42
Channel Compressor ....................................................................................................................................................42
SuperAnalogue Stereo Channel Line Input Amplier....................................................................................................42
Overall Channel Signal Chain Specications................................................................................................................43
Overall Console Noise...................................................................................................................................................43
ADC and DAC Converter ..............................................................................................................................................43
Environmental Requirements ........................................................................................................................................43
Appendix C - BiG SiX Block Diagram ..............................................................................................44
Appendix D - Recall Sheet ................................................................................................................45

Introduction
HBiG SiX User Guide
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BiG SiX User Guide
Introduction
1
Introduction
BiG SiX is a studio grade, SuperAnalogue mixing console that delivers all of the quality and exibility audio professionals expect
from an SSL console, but in a package that is designed to t the compact footprint needed for smaller personal studios. Its
design doesn't compromise on performance because of its size, but delivers a powerful set of professional features in a 9U 19"
rack width package.
BiG SiX incorporates professional quality A to D and D to A converters and a multi-channel USB DAW interface, however the
connections and signal ow is such that it can be used as a wholly analogue mixing console, without reliance on the digital
connection.
Audio Excellence
➤Four SuperAnalogue wide gain range mic pres for pristine recording quality
➤Four wide gain range stereo line inputs
➤Individually switchable phantom power on each Mic Input
➤Line level input with true HiZ (1 MΩ) impedance switch for passive coil inputs (e.g. guitar pickups)
➤Four recording channels with fully balanced inserts, simple three band SSL EQ and Dynamics and true bypass processing
switching
➤Fast, accurate peak response LED meters
➤Inbuilt 16 channel high quality AD and DA Converters with USB-C interface for DAWs
Mixing Versatility
➤18 channel stereo SuperAnalogue summing
➤Main bus with fully balanced insert
➤Simplied SSL Bus Compressor
➤100 mm studio grade long throw faders
➤Stereo Mix Bus Summing Input to cascade mixing consoles.
Application Flexibility
➤A ‘proper’ foldback section with two stereo send/cue buses with talkback, local monitoring plus two stereo cue feeds
➤Versatile B-Bus/Mute switching provides record and mix buses for simple overdubs
➤Useful, exible signal routing and summing
➤Versatile ‘summing’ monitor section with two external source selectors
➤Two Headphone Outputs with separate source selectors
➤‘Listen mic compressor’ with exible routing for studio talkback or more creative applications

Introduction
2BiG SiX User Guide
Unpacking
The unit has been carefully packed and inside the box you will nd the following items.
➤BiG SiX Console
➤IEC power cord or cords (depending on territory)
➤ 1.8 m, 6 A IEC mains Cable - UK Plug (SSL Part # 32VGL3A1)
➤1.8 m, 6 A IEC mains Cable - EU Plug (SSL Part # 32VGL3A3)
➤1.8 m, 6 A IEC mains Cable - US Plug (SSL Part # 32VGL3A2)
➤1.8 m, 10 A IEC mains Cable - JPN Plug (SSL Part # 32VGL3J3)
➤External Power Supply with multi-pin connector (SSL Part # 37147HHJ)
➤1.5 m USB-C to USB A cable (SSL Part # 66AURM20)
➤1.5 m USB-C to USB-C cable (SSL Part # 66AURM00)
➤Safety Guide
➤Quickstart Guide
➤Registration card
It is always a good idea to save the original box and packaging, just in case you ever need to send the unit in for service.
Safety Notices
IMPORTANT: Please read the safety notice information included in the Safety Guide supplied inside the box before using BiG SiX.
Heat & Ventilation and Rack Mounting Option
BiG SiX packs a lot of SuperAnalogue electronics into its compact size. It is designed to get warm in normal operation. Please
consult the operational specications in Appendix B of this User Guide to make sure that it is used within its designed environmental
parameters.
Optional rack mounting kits to t a BiG SiX console within a standard 19-inch rack are available.
The rack mount kit has the SSL Part Number: 729752XR
Whenever rack mounted, or mounted in furniture, please ensure at least 1 inch (2cm) of ventilation space is left available in the
front and rear of the console. You will see the ventilation holes in the console chassis - these need to have clear airow to cool the
unit correctly.

BiG SiX User Guide
Introduction
3
USB-C Digital Interface
BiG SiX contains a class compliant USB interface to connect to a PC or MAC. The interface is paired with 16 high quality A to D
and D to A converters that are connected to the SuperAnalogue signal chain in BiG SiX.
USB Cables & Power
Please use one of the provided USB cables ('C' to 'C' or 'C' to 'A') to connect BiG SiX to your computer. The connector on the rear
of BiG SiX is a 'C' type. The type of USB port you have available on your computer will determine which of the two included cables
you should use. Newer computers may have 'C' ports, whereas older computers may have 'A'. As this is a USB 2.0 compliant
device, it will make no difference to the performance as to which cable you use.
BiG SiX is powered independently from the computer's USB-bus power. When the unit is locked to USB correctly, the green
USB LED will light a steady green colour. For best stability and performance, we recommend using one of the included USB
cables. Long and low quality USB cables (especially 3m and above) should be avoided as they tend to suffer from inconsistent
performance.
USB Hubs
Wherever possible, it is best to connect BiG SiX directly to a spare USB port on your computer. If you do need to connect via a USB
2.0 compliant hub, then it is recommended that you choose one of high enough quality to provide reliable performance - not all
USB hubs were created equal. With BiG SiX, we optimise the audio performance of a USB interface and as such, some low-cost
self-powered hubs might not always be up to the task. Usefully, you can check out our FAQs at solidstatelogic.com/support to
see which hubs we've successfully used and found to be reliable with BiG SiX.
USB Drivers, Mac and Windows.
Mac
The USB interface in BiG SiX is Core Audio compliant, which means it should be seen by a Apple's OSx software without the need
for any additional drivers. Core Audio was introduced by Apple in OSx version 10.3 (Panther), however the BiG SiX USB interface
has only been tested with Apple OSx version 10.14 (Mojave) or later.
Windows
Windows based PCs will need to install the SSL USB Audio ASIO/WDM driver, which can be found in the Support/Downloads
section of the SSL website at www.solidstatelogic.com/
More information about the use of the USB interface can be found in the USB section of this Guide.
Safety Notices
Please read the Important Safety Notices at the end of this User Guide before use.
System Requirements
Mac and Windows operating systems and hardware are constantly changing. Please search for 'BiG SiX Compatibility' in our online
FAQs to see if your system is currently supported.

BiG SiX User Guide
Console Overview
4
Console Overview
Front panel
Fully Balanced SuperAnalogue
Microphone(XLR) or
Line (TRS Jack) Preamp Inputs
Mute/Bus B
switch
Two Independent
Headphone Level
Controls and Source
Selector
12 LED Main Meter
Monitor Level and
Output Switch
Control
100 mm
Channel
Fader
Talkback
Microphone Input,
48V and LMC
Switch
Two Fully
Balanced External
Inputs
External From USB
Return Selector
Switches
Talkback Level Master
Summing Cue &
Foldback Masters
Summing Main Output
Master Section
100 mm Main Fader
with Cue/Bus Comp
Parallel Mix Feature
Summing Monitor
Source Selector and
External Input Level
Controls
SuperAnalogue Stereo
Channels with Switched
Stereo Sends
PFL
switch
Fully Balanced
Channel Insert
USB Channel
Output with Post
Fader Option
Switch
Channel Pan
Two Stereo Cues
switched with Post
switch, level and
pan controls
3 Band HF/MF/LF
EQ with switchable
HF & LF Bell
Curve with Centre
Frequency Shift
Mic/Line Input Level
USB Source Select
Polarity Invert Switch
Two Stereo
Headphone
Outputs
Channel
Compressor with
Threshold control
switch and meter
SSL G-Series Bus
Compressor with Auto
Release Switch
Bus B Master Level
and Mute

BiG SiX User Guide
Console Overview
5
Rear Panel
The rear panel of SiX is shown below. The connectors are identied on a panel above the connector panel. All audio connectors
are Balanced TRS 1/4" Jacks.
DC Power
Switch
Stereo Cue 1 & 2
Outputs
Main Bus
Outputs
Channel Balanced Insert
Returns
Bus B
Outputs
Alternate
Monitor
Outputs
Stereo Main
Bus Summing
Inputs
Main Monitor
Outputs
DC Power
Connector
(4 Pin mini DIN
Connector)
USB-C
Connector
Main Bus
Insert Sends
Main Bus
Insert
Returns
Channel Balanced Insert
Sends
Right Stereo Channel
Inputs
Left Stereo Channel
Inputs

BiG SiX User Guide
Console Overview
6
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BiG SiX User Guide
Console Overview
7
Detailed Description
SuperAnalogue Mono Channels
There are four SuperAnalogue mono channels on BiG SiX; each channel has identical facilities. This
section explains the features found in each.
SuperAnalogue Pre-Amp input
BiG SiX’s pre-amp is a wide gain range SuperAnalogue design inherited from SiX and developed
from the mic pre-amps of the larger SSL Duality and AWS consoles. In these consoles, line and mic
inputs are served by separate pre-amps. In BiG SiX, a wide gain range, ultra low noise SuperAnalogue
design provides both Line and Mic facilities with a [Line] gain range switch to cover a wide range of
source levels.
The pre-amp consists of a microphone input (XLR) and line level input (¼” TRS Jack Socket).
Mic Input (XLR)
The default microphone input uses SSL’s SuperAnalogue design and includes individually switched 48 V phantom power. The Mic
(XLR) input’s nominal impedance is 1.2 kΩ.
Line Input (¼” TRS)
The XLR is the default source input, the source can be switched to the ¼” TRS jack line input by pressing the ‘LINE’ switch on the
channel. The nominal Line Input impedance is 10 kΩ this can be changed to 1 MΩ using the Hi-Z switch. This input impedance
makes this input suitable for very high impedance sources such as passive guitar pickups without the need for an external DI box.
The Gain control adjusts either the microphone pre-amp gain (+6 dB to +72 dB), or the Line amp gain (-3 dB to +63 dB), depending
on the selected input source. Following the pre-amplier is a switched 12 dB/oct, 75 Hz High Pass Filter (HPF) to reduce unwanted
LF such as Microphone Rumble, AC noise etc.
USB Return (From USB 'n')
These are the D/A Converter outputs from USB Returns 1-4 and they are selectable as unity gain inputs after the Mic/Line Pre-Amp
and are before the polarity invert and High Pass Filter (HPF) sections as shown in the block diagram below.
Input Section Block Diagram
Ø
USB RTN
15/16
TO EXT 2
L
R
USB RTN
13/14
TO EXT 1
EXT 1
EXT 2
PFL
PFL
ALT
DIM
GAIN
+48V
48V
MIC
+dB
+6 to +72dB
[-3 to +63dB]
+
-+
-
SEND
PAN
LEVEL
ST CUE 1
to 0dB
BALANCE
BUS B
+
-
L
R
to 0dB
SUPER ANALOGUE IN (1 of 4)
SSL BiG SiX
Drawn: NF
Revison: 11.d
Date: 29.3.2021
S/C
VCA
VCA
S/C
VCA
VCA
HI-Z
HPF
BELL BELL
LF HF
EQ IN
RETURN PAN
MAIN
BUS B
L R L R
L R
MIX AFL
L R
MAIN BUS B
L R L R
L R
MIX
L R
ST CUE 1 ST CUE 2
L R
PFL
POST
ON
PAN
to 0dB
POST
ON
MAIN
BUS B
ON
POST
LEVEL
ST CUE 2
to 0dB
ON
POST
PFL
+
-+
-
SEND
RETURN
+
-+
-
SEND
RETURN
IN
+
-
ST CUE 1
+
-
EXT 1
+
-
L
R
+
-
EXT 2
+
-
STEREO IN (1 of 4)
MUTE
LEVEL
+
-
L
to +10dB
+
-
R
LEVEL
to +20dB
LEVEL
to +20dB
BUS COMP to
∑ ST CUE 1
MAIN
BUS B
EXT 1
EXT 2
L R
L R
MIX
L R
MON
PFL
PFL
PFL
3dB
+
MONO
CUT
-3 to -30dB
LEVEL
to 0dB
LEVEL
+
-
+
-
ALT MON
L
R
Headphone Jack 1
ST CUE 2ST CUE 1
to 0dB
LEVEL
PHONES 1
MONITOR
+
-
+
-
STEREO
CUE 1 OUT
1L
1R
+
-
+
-
STEREO
CUE 2 OUT
2L
2R
to +10dB
LEVEL
ST CUE 1
to +10dB
LEVEL
ST CUE 2
COMP
IN
+45dB
+
-
LEVEL
to 0dB
+48V
48V
TALK INPUT
IN TB
LMC
T/HOLD
INSERT
INSERT
EXT IN
MAIN
OUT
T/HOLD
MAKE UP
MONITOR
75 Hz
ST CUE 2
1.2K
LEVEL
ST CUE 1
LEVEL
ST CUE 2
-9dB
1M
+20dB
MON SOURCE
CUE OUTPUTS
10K
LINE
MAIN MON
L
R
USB
SEND
15/16
USB
SEND
13/14
USB
SEND
1..4
USB
POST
FADER
USB
SEND
5,7
USB
POST
FADER
USB
SEND
6,8
USB
RETURN
1..4
EXT 1
EXT 2
TALK
L R
L R
MIX
L R
CUE 1
USB RTN
13
EXT 1
EXT 2
TALK
L R
L R
MIX
L R
CUE 2
USB RTN
14
USB RTN
15
USB RTN
16
USB
EQ IN
USB
SEND
9
CUE TO USB
CUE 1 TO 9/10
USB
SEND
10
USB
SEND
11
CUE TO USB
CUE 2 TO 11/12
USB
SEND
12
AUTO
RLS
-10 to + 20dB
dB
TRIM
dB
+
-
INPUT
+
-
L
R
USB
RETURN
5..11
USB
RETURN
6..12
+
MONO
MF
Headphone Jack 2
ST CUE 2ST CUE 1
to 0dB
LEVEL
PHONES 2
LF HFMF
L
R
SUM IP
TO MAIN
LINE
USB
STEREO IN
5..11
STEREO IN
6..12
G SERIES BUS COMP

BiG SiX User Guide
Console Overview
8
Channel EQ
The channel EQ on BiG SiX has its roots in SSL’s classic E series EQ. It is a gentle, broad stroke
three-band design with high and low shelving lters at 3.5 kHz and 60 Hz, adjustable from +15
dB to -15 dB of gain and a xed Mid Frequency control at 700 Hz. The HF and LF bands can be
independently switched between shelving and bell curves using the BELL switch. A useful feature
of the bell curves is that they change centre frequency to operate at 5 kHz and 200 Hz giving
greater versatility from the HF and LF sections.
The EQ is switched 'in' circuit or completely bypassed using the IN switch. This small detail
guarantees no inuence on the channel’s exceptionally at frequency response from the tolerance
of the EQ control centre detent positions.
HF & LF Shelf & MF Frequency Response
HF & LF Bell & MF Frequency Response

BiG SiX User Guide
Console Overview
9
Channel Compressor
The channel compressor in BiG SiX is an evolution of the design in SiX. As with the design in SiX, it is inspired
by the sophisticated channel dynamics sections of earlier SSL analogue consoles, but with some clever design
features to give powerful and versatile performance from its deceptively simple appearance.
The attack time of the compressor is somewhat program dependant and varies between approximately 8 ms
and 30 ms. This allows the compressor to operate smoothly when working with a wide variety of content. The
release time is approximately 300 ms and the ratio is a gentle 2:1. The knee of the compressor has been slightly
softened from the version in SiX to reduce artefacts on bass signals. The single user control is for the compressor
Threshold adjustable between +10 and -20 dBu and is accompanied with three LEDs indicating the amount of
gain reduction being applied. The circuit has automatic make-up gain to help maintain signal level for the full
range of threshold settings.
As with the EQ circuit, the compressor can be completely bypassed using the IN switch, providing a simple way to compare the
compressed and uncompressed signals. This also prevents component tolerances from inuencing the sound of the channel strip
when the Threshold is turned to minimum.
Channel Processing Overview
Channel Insert
Following the EQ and compressor in the channel signal ow is a fully balanced insert point. In common
with larger SSL consoles, the Insert Send is always active, while the Insert Return switches into the signal
path when selected.
The primary use of the insert is to bring external processing into the channel signal path. For example,
to insert a more surgical EQ or fully featured dynamics unit such as those found in SSL’s X-Rack or 500
series modules.
Another benet of this conguration and the unity gain design is that the Insert Send can be used as a
pre-fade, post-processing direct channel output to act as a record feed. This leaves the Insert Return
free to be used as a pre-fader/pre-pan path input by selecting the Insert IN switch and feeding a
separate line level signal into the Insert Return. This is the shortest signal path to the A/D converter for
the USB channel output connected to the SuperAnalogue channel.
The channel insert sends and returns are found on the dedicaed rear panel Channel Insert Send and
Return 1/4" balanced TRS connectors.
Ø
PFL
GAIN
+48V
48V
MIC
+dB
+6 to +72dB
[-3 to +63dB]
+
-+
-
SEND
PAN
to 0dB
HI-Z
HPF
BELL BELL
LF HF
EQ IN
RETURN PAN
MAIN
BUS B
L R L R
L R
MIX AFL
L R
MAIN BUS B
L R L R
L R
MIX
L R
ST CUE 1 ST CUE 2
L R
PFL
POST
ON
PAN
to 0dB
POST
ON
PFL
COMP
IN
INSERT
T/HOLD
75 Hz
1.2K
LEVEL
ST CUE 1
LEVEL
ST CUE 2
-9dB
1M
10K
LINE
USB
SEND
1..4
USB
POST
FADER
USB
RETURN
1..4
USB
MF
LINE

BiG SiX User Guide
Console Overview
10
Stereo Cue Sends
Each mono channel can access two Stereo Cue sends with independent Level and Pan controls.
The ON switch sends the channel signal to the cue bus indicated by a green LED.
Both sends are fed from channel pre-fade, post-insert, but can be switched to Post Fader by
engaging the corresponding CUE POST switch in the Foldback master section.
The channel signal is unity gain to the Cue Bus when the Send Level control is fully clockwise
and the Pan control is hard left or right. The centre Pan level is -4.5 dB from 0 dB to each bus,
- a traditional SSL compromise between typical mono -3 and -6 dB centre points for constant
perceived level or power.
Channel Fader and Pan
The channel signal level is controlled by a high quality 100 mm fader. The Pan pot directly above this pans the signal to the Main
Mix Bus. Next to the Fader is the Channel Meter, as well as the channel Mute/Bus B switch and PFL switch.
The Fader law is designed to provide more resolution around the 0 dB point, allowing subtle level
changes from modest fader movements. The fader output is unity gain to the bus when the Pan
control is hard left or right. The centre Pan level is -4.5 dB from 0 dB to each bus.
The Mute/Bus B switch mutes the channel feed to the Main Mix Bus, whilst also sending the channel
signal post-fader to the additional stereo Mix Bus B.
The PFL (Pre Fade Listen) switch sends the channel signal to the PFL bus and interrupts the monitor
bus without affecting the main signal output to the Main Mix Bus.
The eight LED Channel Meter is fed from before the fader but after the channel processing. The fast
response peak meter has dened segments for +24 dBu and +18 dBu as well as 0 dBu. The meter
has a fast ‘peak’ response (rise time to 60% Full Scale Deection approx 1 ms @ 1 kHz), and a
slower release time to meter peaks while still showing useful signal levels.
USB Send
By default there is an A/D converter connected
to the USB Send Pre Fader output of each
SuperAnalogue channel strip. This can be
individually switched to Post Fader using the
USB OUT POST FADER switch. These USB
Sends are always post processing and so can
be used for per path outputs for recording in
a DAW.
The "TO USB n" legend at the base of each
SuperAnalogue channel fader shows which
USB send the channel is connected to.
PAN
MAIN
BUS B
L R L R
L R
MIX AFL
L R
MAIN BUS B
USB
SEND
1..4
USB
POST
FADER
FROM
CHANNEL
POST INSERT
RETURN

BiG SiX User Guide
Console Overview
11
Stereo channels
SuperAnalogue Stereo Input
The inputs to the stereo channels are on ¼” TRS balanced jack connectors on the rear of the unit. These are
labelled 5L, 6R, 7L, 8R, 9L, 10R, 11L and 12R for the four pairs of inputs. Optionally the stereo channel inputs
can be switched from DA converters from relevant USB returns by selecting the USB switch at the top of the
strip. The USB input is before the input Trim gain control. The Trim control adjusts the stereo Line amp gain from
-10 to +20 dB with a centre detent at unity gain.
The rear TRS Jack inputs have an automatic ‘Mono From Left’ feature, i.e. if only a single jack connector is used
in the Left input, then the same signal is fed to the Right input. When a jack is inserted into the right input, the
Left and Right signals are passed separately through the channel. Additionally, there is a front panel MONO
switch which mono's both left and right inputs.
Stereo Cue Sends
There are two stereo Cue sends on each stereo channel with independent level controls. These can be switched
on or off using the ON switch; a green LED indicates that the Cue send is switched on.
The sends are fed from channel pre-fader post-insert, but can be switched to post fader with the individual
POST switches. The channel signal is unity gain to the Cue Bus when the Send Level control is fully clockwise.
Stereo EQ
The stereo EQ is similar to the channel EQ in that it's a gentle,
broad stroke three-band design with high and low shelving
lters at 3.5 kHz and 60 Hz, adjustable from +15 dB to -15
dB of gain and a Mid Frequency control centred at 700 Hz.
Channel Fader and Pan
The channel level is controlled by the 100 mm stereo fader,
with a Balance control directly above. This adjusts the balance between the left and right input signals to the
main mix bus.
The Mute/Bus B switch mutes the channel feed to the Main
Mix Bus, whilst also sending the channel signal post-fader to
the additional stereo Mix Bus B.
The PFL (Pre Fade Listen) switch sends the channel signal
to the PFL bus and interrupts the monitoring to switch to this
bus without affecting the signal output to the Main Mix Bus.
The eight LED Stereo Channel Meter is fed before the fader,
but after the channel processing.
USB Send
By default there is a A/D converter connected to the the USB
Send Pre Fader output of each SuperAnalogue channel strip, for the stereo channel, these are conneced in odd/
even pairs, e.g. Send 5/6. The sends can be switched in pairs to Post Fader using the USB OUT POST FADER
switch.
BALANCE
USB
SEND
5,7,9,11
USB
POST
FADER
FROM ST
CHANNEL L
FROM ST
CHANNEL R
TO
MIX/BUS B L
TO
MIX/BUS B R

BiG SiX User Guide
Console Overview
12
Monitor section
The monitoring facilities in BiG SiX are very comprehensive given the size of the console. The block diagram below shows the
structure of the Main Monitor, Alternate Monitor and Headphone outputs.
ALT
DIM
MAIN
BUS B
L R
L R
MIX
L R
MON
PFL
3dB
+
MONO
CUT
-3 to -30dB
LEVEL
to 0dB
LEVEL
+
-
+
-
ALT MON
L
R
Headphone Jack 1
ST CUE 2ST CUE 1
to 0dB
LEVEL
PHONES 1
MONITOR
MON SOURCE
MAIN MON
L
R
Headphone Jack 2
ST CUE 2ST CUE 1
to 0dB
LEVEL
PHONES 2
L R
MIX
L R
ST CUE 1
L R
MIX
L R
ST CUE 2
L R
MIX
L R
PFL
MAIN
BUS
BUS
B
MAIN and ALT monitor outputs
The monitor section has two sets of balanced outputs for loudspeakers labelled MAIN MONITOR
and ALT MONITOR (See rear connector layout below). By default, the MAIN MONITOR output
is used. Pressing the ALT key on the front panel switches the Monitor feed to the ALT MONITOR
output. Both Main and Alt outputs use balanced ¼” jack Sockets on the rear connector panel.
The Monitor outputs are Off when the Monitor Level is fully anti-clockwise (0) and at unity when
fully clockwise (11).
Below the Monitor Level control are buttons for DIM and CUT. The CUT button mutes all of the
monitor outputs. The DIM button lowers the monitor output level as controlled by the DIM level
knob which is directly above the Monitor Level control in the Monitor Source section.
The MONO switch sums the monitor output to Mono with a -3 dB level drop.
BiG SiX Rear Connectors