SSL AWS 948 DELTA
The SSL AWS 948 (Analogue Workstation System) represents the pinnacle of the professional production console. By seamlessly combining classic SSL SuperAnalogue™ console technology with advanced DAW control hardware in a single work surface, the AWS has become the choice for leading international recording artists, producers, and engineers. It is designed for mid-scale commercial recording and production facilities, offering a compact 24-fader frame with 48 inputs.
The SSL AWS 948 is the ultimate analogue/digital hybrid console, providing the sonic excellence of SSL SuperAnalogue™ technology along with advanced DAW control for modern production environments. Its versatile features, exceptional audio quality, and integration capabilities make it a powerhouse for professional recording and production studios.
Key Features
- SuperAnalogue™ Console Technology:
- The AWS 948 incorporates classic SSL SuperAnalogue™ console technology, delivering exceptionally low THD, noise floor, and crosstalk levels. The console provides pristine audio quality with legendary headroom, allowing engineers to mix at higher levels without distortion.
- 48 Inputs - 24 Mic Pres:
- The AWS 948 features 24 SuperAnalogue mic preamps with stereo/dual mono channel strips. Each channel offers a second line-level input, providing a total of 48 summing channels for comprehensive recording and mixing capabilities.
- PureDrive™ Mic Pre:
- The PureDrive™ mic preamp design offers ultra-clean, low-noise performance in 'Pure' mode. Switching to 'Drive' mode introduces gain-dependent non-linear harmonic saturation, adding warmth and character to the audio signal.
- Mix Bus and Mix Amp Architecture:
- The AWS 948 employs a new mix bus and mix amp architecture, delivering an ultra-low noise floor and significant headroom. The result is SSL SuperAnalogue™ summing that retains the classic SSL sound while providing expansive space to mixes.
- Balanced Insert Points and Direct Outputs:
- Each channel path includes balanced insert points (both large and small fader) and dedicated channel direct outputs. This facilitates seamless integration with external processors and enables stem-ready 0dB fader bypass switches.
- Configurable Centre Section:
- The adjustable centre section features 12U of rack space, allowing the repositioning of the modular 6U master tile. This creates space for software controllers, a computer keyboard, or additional outboard processing. The meter bridge can be lowered for optimal screen positioning.
- Master Control Section:
- The Master Control section at the heart of AWS 948 offers hands-on control of recording, routing, mixing, and editing functions in major DAW applications. It features SSL Bus Compressor enhancements, bus trim masters and routing, Auto Sleep mode for power efficiency, a comprehensive solo master section, a mix bus with a high-quality 100mm fader, and monitoring features.
- SSL Bus Compressor:
- The AWS master section stereo compressor is based on the legendary G Series bus comp, providing new compression ratios, insert return, and a built-in side-chain filter. It adds cohesion and strength to mixes, offering the classic SSL "audio glue" with SuperAnalogue™ audio performance.
- 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.
- Communications:
- The AWS features comprehensive talkback routing with dedicated independent communication buttons for independent foldback sends. It includes GPIO connections, SLATE, LMC input, and RED light activation.
- Monitoring & Metering:
- The monitoring section offers control over two independent 5.1 main loudspeaker outputs, two stereo "mini" LS outputs, and a dedicated Headphone Out. The centre section provides total control over Bass management and an external source selector for flexible monitoring options.
- TotalRecall™:
- SSL's patented TotalRecall™ technology allows the saving and recalling of analogue console control settings for a specific project or session. TR Autoscan feature draws attention to channels that need adjustment, saving time and ensuring accuracy.
- Summing Bus Injects:
- The AWS consoles feature an independent Summing Input to accommodate modern production methods. It allows additional tracks from the DAW to access Cue and FX send busses, providing access to hardware outboard units and creating dedicated Cue mixes from the DAW.
- δelta-Control Plug-ins for AWS:
- The δelta-Control Single Fader and 24 Channel Plug-ins allow automation of AWS channel and mix bus volume as if it were a DAW plug-in. This provides control over volumes and cuts for all 24 AWS channels and offers compatibility with Logic users.
- Industry Leading DAW Control:
- The AWS goes beyond other analogue consoles by integrating seamlessly into DAW-based facilities. It offers hands-on control of recording, routing, mixing, and editing functions in major DAW applications.
