Upgrade the SSL SiX to BIG SiX? No!

The SSL BIG SiX is by no means what I expected from SSL as a replacement for my SiX. I have several issues with the new BIG SiX and in summary it means I will not trade up my SiX for the BIG. This is based on my workflow and ergonomics of course and what's best for you is not for me to say.
Since I've featured the SiX in so many of my videos I've already getting lots of questions on this, so this video is my way of not replying in text to all that wonders. ;-)

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Growing up I listened to so much synth-pop and it's only natural that my own music takes inspiration from many of the acts I loved back then. I still love them and listen to them!

Howard Jones, Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys, New Order, Erasure, Thompson Twins, Tears for Fears, The Human League, Propaganda. FGTH, Ultravox, OMD, Eurythmics, Duran Duran, Giorgio Moroder, Jean Michel Jarre, Jan Hammer, Alphaville, A-ha as well as loads of artists doing what is now called Italo Disco. And many more great acts like Nik Kershaw, Spandau Ballet, Wham, Dire Straits ++

[Alexrivasmusic]

Just to clarify, you are wrong about the ALT input. Function is there on the big six. And you can also totally bypass the usb interface. Be 100% analog mixer. Fair

[LeadingMotive]

A good tip to save even more space with the SiX is to remove the plastic side cheeks. They don't serve any purpose and without them the mixer looks like a piece of badass time travel technology from the 80ies!

[Vidphoto]

Good points. There is a big gap, and a need in the market for a high quality sound analog mixer with (min.) 8 in/outs, very good converters, and good in/outs to the external hardware. No need for build in (especially stripped versions) of effects-EQ-comp. They maybe good for live, but I am referring to studio rec./mix/mastering. A&H has good choices, but the Neve, SSL, Trident, API etc. start from 17-20K. A 5-6K unit from those guys, with just (8 min.) in/outs, not even pre-amps more than 2, or 4 (we all have our gear, and like to be flexible), and maybe an additional ADAT in/out (for 500 series, Cranborne etc.) would have a ton of options for the user, and have their 3D sound. Basically a clean, high grade router, and AD/DA converter with ADAT (or USB) would be a center piece.

[ZAYAZOfficial]

Great Vid Espen. Lots of very valid points here!

[mixphantom]

Fellow SSL SiXer here... I reached the same conclusions but the biggest oversight for me was not having ADAT in/outs to use it as an expander with my Antelope Audio interface. I'm also considering a second SiX for 24 channels of summing - I'm pretty sure the "cheeks" are cosmetic, so removing one on each mixer would enable them to sit flush to each other and look like one 12 channel mixer.

[PylonRecordsdotcom]

These are super valid points, and for those who got excited about the new one, my question is, how good is the USB Audio driver, how much latency are we going to have, most of us already have proper audio interfaces, I think putting in an audio converter is not a good idea, they should make one without it, that should super easy and fast to do. Great Video, love the track "Shop Lifting".

[midimoog]

To be honest, the Big Six does attract my attention quite a bit. However, I seldom record more than 2 channels from microphones, and if I had to, I would use external rack mic preamps and converters. When I want to play my synths and drum machines and apply effects, 16 channels is far from sufficient.
It doesn't seem to fit in my studio setup in terms of its size and configuration. It is nice to know that our Guru is feeling the same way ;-)

[luxviewlodge]

You as an individual have valid reasons for not upgrading but I think it's obvious outside your current workflow and setup most people will benefit from this amazing new offering from SSL.

[delvis]

Thankyou Espen, great video. I literally bought my ssl six a few weeks back and a Cranborne R8 and when I saw the big six I thought exactly the same "oh dear why did I buy just the six?" Not realising there even was an upgrade coming. I also have a whole chassis now of 500 units that can be processed straight to my Daw. But I still feel the ssl six will still add an extra dimension with routing and help with summing in my workflow. and not be redundant at all. Your video calmed my anguish.

[kehindea]

Interesting video snd all valid reasons. All the best

[mrfuzztone]

Heard you will be on GEOSynths Synth Show next Sunday December 19. Great! Jamie is cool.

[grahamjohnston]

I feel the same way. I would like SSL to put out an extension to the Six without the monitor section.

[alphare]

I use 3 SSL Six, now i have seen this video i am not gonna buy a big six but SSL equalizer apart, thank you Espen Kraft for your welcome video's!

[glenesis]

Honestly, I'd add a second SiX, if I needed extra channels. The value of the Big SiX is not as good as the SiX. Cheers, Espen! Great video.

[charliekey]

There are routing capabilities on the Big Six that the six does not have, the 3 band EQ is another and finally the USB allow you to use plugins as effects through your mixer, to me that's the way to go!

[intnrmri]

Big 6 is amazing value, you already have your 500 rack and separate interface. It's clearly not for you. However I would say you would be better off with an X-desk a two 500 series preamps.

[quantika]

Yes, you are right, the point is not to upgrade your system just because a company came out with a new version, is if your setup will really benefit of that upgrade and that additional investment. 🤙🏼

[FridayEveryday]

I think SSL started out really nice with the small form factor console the SSL X DESK (2009), and expander but from there on SLL's small mixer feature sets have been a little messy in my opinion.
Anyway, thank You for another great video 👍

[DBCisco]

I am so glad I have two Alesis mixers with 16 simultaneous channels out to DAW each.

[robbiewabisabi]

Those are all very good reasons to not upgrade, especially with space being such a premium. I have loved ssl for years and have been so happy with my audio interface from them.