Solid State Logic AWS900+ SE

Love analogue? Work digital?

The AWS 900+ SE is the latest incarnation of the popular compact Solid State Logic Superanalogue console. With over 400 consoles sold to date the AWS has redefined the analogue console paradigm.
By combining a traditional world class analogue production console with a comprehensive DAW controller within a single product, SSL has shaped expectations for session workflow within today’s and indeed tomorrows’ production environments.

Already used by leading international recording artists, producers and engineers, the AWS has now undergone an exciting upgrade and is now in its 3rd incarnation, the AWS 900+ SE.

This new SE version introduces the “Logictivity Browser“ concept first seen on the larger format SSL Duality console. This allows the AWS to connect via a standard Ethernet connection.

The Browser software is a simple Java application that runs on both Mac and PC. Currently supported functionality includes the saving, naming and restoration of Total Recall and AWSomation data (previously done via MIDI SYSEX), the ability to add names to the Channels’ scribble strips, and a number of other studio session project management tools. 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.

A further advantage of a direct console computer Ethernet connection, is that now all MIDI data is passed through Ethernet rather than traditional 5 pin MIDI cabling. This greatly simplifies installation and set up, removes the need for an external MIDI interface and provides a tighter integration with your chosen DAW.
Furthermore all future console software updates will take place via Ethernet, thus significantly improving the speed of AWS console software upgrades.

Other new features in the AWS 900+ SE include AUTOCUE functionality, MONITOR VOLUME POT CALIBRATION, SOLO ISOLATE, the ability to control two DAWS simultaneously, addition of SOFT BOOT power cycling.

Already established features of the AWS include ultra clean SuperAnalogue mic pre’s, precise twin curve E+G Eq, classic SSL Dynamics processing, 5.1 Mixing and Monitoring, motorised faders, and established analogue sound to bring a difference to your digital audio.

The AWS allows you take command of the modern studio by fully integrating traditional analogue signals with all inclusive DAW mastery.

• Exceptional Signal Processing
• Legendary SSL sound quality
• SuperAnalogue™ technology derived from SSL’s flagship XL 9000 K Series console
• DC Coupled for excellent low frequency response
• Balanced signal paths throughout for optimal dynamic range
• Greater bandwidth than 192kHz recorders
• 24 Ultra low-noise dual impedance mic amps
• 24 channels with twin-curve SSL E and G Series 4-band parametric equalization
• Assignable dynamics sections with gate, expander and compressor/limiter
• G Series stereo mix buss compressor
• Flexible processing order
Creative Versatility
• Dual mix bus design for comprehensive control of Inputs and DAW mixing and monitoring
• 5.1, stereo or stereo down-mix monitor outputs
• 8 Track busses
• Two main busses – Record and Mix
• 8 aux busses plus EFX re-assign system on all 24 channel modules
• Wide range of solo modes including Solo-In-Front
• 4 stereo echo returns
• Unrivalled comprehensive studio monitoring section
• Hi-visibility channel meters, 4 main VU meters and complete bus metering in the centre section


DAW Controller
• DAWs provide the power and convenience of recording and editing audio, but a keyboard and mouse is not the most intuitive way to access these controls. For most users, finding an integrated solution that answers all of their working needs is strongly desired. The AWS 900+ SE achieves this to an extent and quality that has previously been unavailable.

Controller Features Summary
• Direct access to all major DAW mixing, editing and automation parameters
• Direct control of plug-in settings
• Dedicated control processor to maximize console performance
• Integral colour TFT display with dedicated control keys
• User-definable controls on every channel
• High quality motorized faders to write/replay level moves in your DAW
• Simple switching between console layer and DAW control layer
• Full remote control implementation
• Operation independent of platform – works with ProTools™, Nuendo™, Logic Audio™, and many more
• MIDI connection via Ethernet

Performance Figures
• Headroom: < +27dBu @ 1kHz (< 1% THD)

Mic To Insert Send (max gain)
• Frequency Response: ±0dB at 20Hz, +0/–0.08dB at 20kHz, –4dB at 200kHz
• Noise: < –127dBu EIN 20Hz - 20kHz

Line In To Direct Out
• Frequency Response: ±0dB at 20Hz, +0/–0.08dB at 20kHz, –3dB at 135kHz, –6dB at 195kHz
• Noise: < –89dBu 20Hz - 20kHz
• THD: < 0.002% @ 1kHz (+24dBu, 80kHz filter)

•Line To Track And Aux Bus Out
• Frequency Response: ±0dB at 20Hz, +0/–0.08dB at 20kHz, –3dB at 135kHz, –6dB at 185kHz
• Noise
-< –89dBu (no channels routed)
-< –80dBu (all channels routed)
• THD: < 0.002% @ 1kHz (+24dBu, 80kHz filter)

Line To Mix/Rec Bus Out
• Frequency Response: ±0dB at 20Hz, +0/–0.08dB at 20kHz, –3dB at 135kHz, –6dB at 185kHz
• Noise
-< –89dBu (no channels routed)
-< –84.5dBu (all channels routed)
• THD: < 0.002% @ 1kHz (+24dBu, 80kHz filter)

Size
• Height (maximum) 925mm (36.4 inches)
• Height of Faders 723.4mm (28.5 inches)
• Height Adjustment +20/–10mm (+0.8/–0.4 inches)
• Width 1,445mm (57 inches)
• Depth (maximum) 873mm (34.4 inches)

Power
• Heat Dissipation Less than 600 Watts
• Supply Voltage 90 - 250 Volts, Auto Ranging
• Supply Current 5.5 - 2.0 Amps
• Power Factor 0.95