Analogue Workstation System

AWS 924 / 948

Super Analogue

TM

Console with Advanced DAW Control

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Digital Control for Analogue Souls

Launched in 2004, 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. Hundreds of consoles later 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.

Designed for mid-scale commercial recording and production facilities, the AWS is available in 24 input ( AWS 924) or 48 input (AWS 948) variants within a compact 24 fader frame. Both models deliver pristine SuperAnalogue™ mixing, 24 ultra-clean SSL SuperAnalogue mic pre’s, classic SSL dual curve EQ on every channel, two assignable SSL Dynamics, legendary

Stereo Buss Compressor, TotalRecall™ and full 5.1 monitoring. In addition to on board classic SSL Automation, both models also feature the revolutionary new A-FADA mode where motorised analogue faders follow DAW Automation data.

AWS 924 & 948 also feature Ethernet connectivity for streamlined hardware control over your entire Digital Audio Workstation environment. AWS delivers elegant, ergonomic physical control over your DAW with dedicated heavy duty 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 benchmark 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.

Key Features

• Combination of SuperAnalogue™ console and advanced DAW controller

• SSL SuperAnalogue mix bus provides pristine audio foundations

• SSL SuperAnalogue mic pre’s provide transparent record path

• Innovative Dual Path Channel with three versatile operating modes (948 only)

• 48 inputs on AWS 948;

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IN-LINE TRACKING = 1 mic + 1 line input per channel

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IN-LINE MIX = 2 x mono line inputs per channel

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STEREO MIX = 1 x stereo line input per channel

• A-FADA Mode where motorised analogue faders follow DAW automation

• Versatile Channel EQ, assignable Dynamics and SSL Master Bus Compressor

• 4-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 management

• MIDI over Ethernet multi layer DAW workstation control

• Digital Scribble Strips for console and DAW data

• Elegant project setup via SSL Logictivity Remote Browser and SD card storage

• SSL’s unique trademarked TOTAL RECALL™ system with ‘TR Autoscan’

• Responsible ‘ green’ manufacturing and reduced power consumption

• Compact 24 fader frame ideal for small control rooms

Since the launch of the original AWS 900, hundreds of private and commercial studios have chosen to install the console, here are comments from just a few AWS owners:

“When SSL came along with this compact design, it was all my dreams come true in one box. With the AWS’s analogue inputs and my favourite gear, it really is incredibly powerful and gives me the best of both worlds.

The console is just fabulous. The way it interfaces with Pro Tools™ demonstrates its great design. It’s just great - really, really great.”

David Tickle, Producer

“First and foremost, the AWS gives us super high-quality analogue summing. Add to this the SSL-reputable automation, control room facilities,

EQs, and SuperAnalogue™ mic preamps and you have a winning package.”

Tal Herzberg, Engineer & Mixer

“I love mixing analogue. For me it is an important part of getting space and all of the other things that make mixes work. The AWS has got all of that but in a compact package that sounds as good as and in some respects even better than a big mixing console.”

Simon Gogerly, Producer & Mixer

“There’s no competition, because there’s nothing else like it.”

Mike Elizondo, Producer

Backstage Recording

UK

Vision Seven

Germany

AWS. This is SSL.

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AWS 924 Channel

The AWS 924 continues the classic design of the AWS 900.

Input

The AWS 924 Channel Input section features a balanced Line Input with +/-20dB of gain and a world class SuperAnalogue™ Mic Amp featuring continuous mic gain control (+15 to +75dB), phase reverse and switchable 48V phantom power.

An Instrument D.I allows for high impedance sources such as guitars. The Flip control overrides the Master Mic/Line input selection assigned globally via the console centre section.

EQ

Taken from the legendary XL 9000 K Series console and its current successor

Duality, the AWS 924 features a highly flexible EQ section, switchable between a default ‘E Series’ operation and the characteristic ‘G Series’ curves and control interaction. The INS IN switch routes the channel via the balanced Insert Send and Return. 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 position

• G-EQ Curve switch - toggles all four bands between the default ‘E-Series’ and

‘G-Series’ tonal characteristics and control interaction

• HF - High frequency shelving equalizer switchable to fixed Q parametric response via the Bell switch

• HMF - High frequency parametric mid-band EQ section

• LMF - Low frequency parametric mid-band EQ

• LF - 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

The AWS 924 features precise L/R pan control.

Digital Scribble Strips

When the AWS is in analogue focus mode the Digital Scribble Strips display name and parameter information for the selected analogue signal path. When the AWS is in DAW focus mode they then display DAW channel and processing parameters dependent on your chosen DAW and selected functions.

Fader

The AWS features touch sensitive 100mm motorised faders. In analogue mode they control the analogue signal path of either the Channel input or DAW return path. In DAW mode they default to control over channel level control but can be used for other controllable DAW parameters.

AWS. This is SSL.

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AWS 948 Channel

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 CHOP) goes to the Large fader.

IN-LINE MIX is identical in operation to the AWS 924 channel strip, but adds a secondary path that provides an additional mix input with routing to the main console mix busses or an extra mono send via the track busses or Channel Out. In this mode the Channel V-Pot acts as the second path gain control (along with the associated SOLO/CUT switches). The V-Pots level and mute status can be automated, allowing 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).

STEREO MIX mode provides a fully featured Stereo channel aimed primarily at stem mixing with 4 Band EQ, HPF, Stereo Insert, Balance/Width control and routing to the REC and MIX busses, the track busses, and the Stereo CUE. The FX sends and the CHOP are sourced by a mono sum of the stereo signal.

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 SuperAnalogue™ Mic Amp featuring continuous mic gain control (+15 to +75dB), phase reverse and switchable 48V phantom power. A -20dB PAD allows for high impedance sources such as guitars. 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 that used on the AWS 924. The 948 channel EQ has the added benefit that HF/LF and Mid

Frequency bands are independently switchable between E and G series response curves and tonal characteristics.

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 the PAN control becomes a stereo Width control and

L/R balance is controlled by the 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.

Versatile Centre Section

Stereo Bus Compressor

The AWS centre section stereo compressor is based on the legendary G Series Bus Compressor which has provided numerous hit mixes for the world’s best audio engineers. It can be assigned to either the REC or MIX stereo busses. Activated, the AWS Stereo

Bus Compressor instantly adds cohesion and strength to your mix without compromising clarity, bringing the classic SSL ‘audio glue’ to your mix with spectacular SuperAnalogue™ audio performance.

Assignable Dynamics Processing

Two classic SSL Channel Dynamics processing strips with separate

Compressor and Gate/Expander sections can be assigned to any channel. The assignable Channel Dynamics section features SSL’s standard RMS compressor, switchable to Peak sensing, with hard knee characteristic via the ‘ PK’ button. There are separate controls for the Expander/Gate section encompassing range, threshold, release and hold. Expansion is selected via the ‘ EXP’ switch. Each processing strip includes dedicated metering, fast attack buttons

& dedicated key input.

Communications

The AWS features comprehensive talkback routing with dedicated independent communication buttons for independent foldback sends. A full compliment of GPIO connection, SLATE, the famous

LMC input, and RED light activation are all standard on the AWS.

Monitoring & Metering

The AWS offers a new level of sophistication when working with control room monitoring. The centre section affords total control over two independent 5.1 main loudspeaker outputs plus two stereo “mini” LS outputs, and a dedicated Headphone Out.

Comprehensive Bass management is also included. A highly flexible external source selector section can sum, assign and route up to four 5.1 sources, and four stereo input sources to either the control room, studio loudspeaker and headphone foldback feeds. A six channel wide monitor insert point and a separate six channel external meter output allow full interfacing with additional third party monitoring systems and 5.1 surround encoder/decoder combos.

There is a dedicated Stereo VU meter for the MIX, REC, Monitor and Solo busses, a VU Phase meter, 5.1 monitor metering, 8 individual Track Bus meters and all Cue and FX send level indication. Each channel sports a dual 12-segment meter which allows DAW Stereo track monitoring. Other features in the AWS include AUTOCUE functionality, MONITOR VOLUME POT

CALIBRATION, SOLO ISOLATE, the ability to control two DAW’s simultaneously, and the addition of SOFT BOOT power cycling.

Above all, latency free punch in record monitoring is standard, this is analogue!

TotalRecall™

TotalRecall™ is SSL patented technology that aides the saving and recalling of analogue console control settings for a specific Project or Session. The system takes a snapshot of current console settings and saves it via the SSL Logictivity Browser. On the AWS a graphical representation of this information can then displayed on the Centre Section TFT display to enable the operator to manually reset the controls. The AWS includes the timesaving ‘ TR Autoscan’ feature which draws the operators attention to only those

Channels that need adjustment.

Summing Bus Injects for the CUE and FX busses

To accommodate modern production methods the AWS consoles now feature an independent Summing Input which allows additional

Tracks from the DAW access to the Cue and FX send busses, therefore allowing those DAW tracks access to hardware outboard units and the creation of dedicated Cue mixes form the DAW.

AWS. This is SSL.

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Unrivalled DAW control

While the AWS offers a powerful large format analogue console feature set within a compact console design, it also delivers elegant hardware control over two DAW layers simultaneously. AWS provides hands-on control of important recording, routing, mixing, and editing functions in all major DAW applications including Pro Tools™,

Logic Audio™, Nuendo™, Sonar™ and many others.

DAW Mixer & Environment Control

Users can assign DAW channel levels, send levels and routing functions to individual channel V-Pots Each V-Pot has a ring of position indicator LEDs and Digital Scribble Strips in the channel bays provide extensive channel name, function and value information. Channel and Send levels can be ‘flipped’ on to the main channel faders. The Centre section also features a ‘DAW

Control Panel’ providing a collection of dedicated buttons and a single rotary encoder. This panel offers a range of control options;

‘Window Select Keys’ allow for quick access to the most commonly used DAW windows such as the edit/arrange window or the DAW mixer window. Dedicated ESCAPE, UNDO, SAVE and ENTER keys and a set of keyboard modifier keys remove the need for a keyboard and mouse for many DAW operations.

DAW Transport Control

Dedicated transport buttons allow easy access to PLAY, RECORD,

REWIND, FAST FORWARD and STOP buttons. A further 10 buttons are available for various commonly used shortcut keys. Controls are included for simple zooming, navigation and selection of DAW objects. The jog/shuttle wheel supports scrub and track navigation functionality.

Plug-in Control

In the console Centre Section the DAW Control Panel includes a high quality TFT to display DAW status and Plug-in parameters, plus additional console set-up information. Below this is the DAW HUI

Plug-in/Process Controller - four rotary encoders auto mapped from the DAW with integral push-push switches, and four assign keys.

Two additional keys are for page up/down control. The Plug-in Editor is assigned via the channel SEL switches in conjunction with the

EDIT switch. Plug-ins can also be controlled via the faders by using the Mackie Control protocol.

Automation

The AWS 924 & 948 feature two different approaches to automation;

SSL AWSomation is a fully featured analogue automation package based on the heritage of the G and K Series Ultimation. AWSomation utilises the classic SSL look and feel, familiar to thousands of audio professionals worldwide, and features dynamic fader and cut automation. Using 100mm motorised faders provides precise, intuitive level control automation.

The unique ‘A-FADA’ mode (Analogue Fader Accesses DAW

Automation) bridges the gap between analogue domain and DAW mix automation. It enables the AWS motorised faders to follow

Automation Data from your DAW whilst controlling the analogue signal path. This unique innovation delivers all the sonic advantages of automation of the analogue audio path with the workflow advantages of DAW based Automation Controller Data, within a non linear editing and large GUI manipulation working environment.

AWS

Logictivity Browser Software

Onboard project data is saved to an SD Card. Archived console data can be treated as standard computer data and sent via email, transferred to a USB stick, etc., greatly simplifying data exchange between sessions. The AWS includes the ‘ Logictivity Browser’ concept, first introduced on the SSL Duality console. This allows the AWS to connect to a standard computer via a simple Ethernet connection. The browser software is a Java application that runs on both Mac and PC. Currently supported functionality includes the saving, naming and restoration of Total Recall™ and AWSomation data, the ability to add names to the channels’ scribble strips, and a number of other studio session project management tools. Furthermore, the AWS can connect directly to SSL X-Rack outboard for integrated X-Rack Recall.

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AWS. This is SSL.