Solid State Logic SSL Duality 48 SE/Delta (Used)

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SKU: Duality48SEPD-Preowned

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Solid State Logic SSL Duality 48 SE/Delta (Used)

Model

Solid State Logic SSL Duality 48 SE/Delta (Used)

This pre-owned Solid State Logic Duality 48 SE/Delta

console, originally commissioned in 2010, is in very good condition. With only one owner in a private studio, it's had very light use and has been serviced and updated throughout its life. Upgraded from SE software to new Delta software, it includes a patchbay system with 6 TT bays and all interconnect wiring, dual producers desks, stand, and manuals. Full installation, service and warranty package available

Duality is SSL's top-of-the-range, large-format console, combining comprehensive DAW control with SSL's remarkable DC-coupled SuperAnalogue signal path. First introduced in 2009, the Duality SE offered a number of DAW-control and analog enhancements over the original Duality, which appeared in 2005. All of the software control upgrades found in the SE are included in Delta-Control software, which is the current and most advanced control system for SSL Duality desks. This console features 48 VHD (variable harmonic drive) preamps, 96 simultaneous inputs, the latest version of Delta-Control software, dual-curve E- and G-series equalizers, 5.1 surround monitoring with multiple loudspeaker support, and of course, SSL's ultra-transparent Superanalogue Signal path.  

Solid State Logic Duality 48 SE/Delta - Just the Facts:

  • Combined large format SSL console and DAW controller
  • Legendary SuperAnalogue mic preamps and signal processing
  • VHD (Variable Harmonic Drive) preamp stage
  • Comprehensive monitoring up to 5.1 surround with multiple loudspeaker support
  • Direct control of DAW recording, editing and mixing functions from the console surface
  • Flexible signal routing enhanced by the channel “Split” function
  • Logictivity Remote browser for session management
  • Console Feature Summary
  • Integrated console, signal acquisition, signal processing, studio monitoring, bass management, and DAW control
  • Advanced DAW control through a high resolution integrated TFT screen
  • Elegant, ergonomic design with a number of add-on options
  • Innovative large fader dual-control of both DAW and console input path with follow-fader metering
  • Legendary SSL sound quality
  • SuperAnalogue technology derived from SSL's acclaimed XL 9000 K Series console
  • VHD Input Preamp
  • DC-coupled for excellent low-frequency response
  • Balanced signal paths throughout ensuring maximum dynamic range
  • Audio bandwidth exceeding that of 192kHz recorders
  • Ultra low-noise dual impedance mic amps
  • Channel EQ with twin-curve SSL E and G Series 4-band parametric equalization
  • Channel dynamics sections with gate, expander and compressor/limiter
  • 5.1 implementation of SSL's classic mix bus compressor
  • Highly flexible signal processing order
  • Hex mix bus design configurable as a 5.1 bus or three stereo pairs (A, B, C)
  • 5.1, stereo or stereo down-mix main outputs
  • 24 track buses
  • 2 Stereo Cue plus four Aux busses on all channel modules, with EFX re-assign system to feed track buses and channel output
  • Wide range of solo modes including Solo-In-Front
  • 4 stereo echo returns with full mix/foldback routing
  • Unrivaled studio monitoring section with comprehensive user options
  • Hi-visibility channel TFT screens for metering and optional Total Recall displays
  • 2 main VU meters and phase meter
  • Direct access to all major DAW mixing, editing and automation parameters via HUI and MCU protocols
  • Direct control of plug-in settings
  • Dedicated control processor to maximize console performance
  • Integral color TFT display with dedicated control keys
  • 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 Pro Tools, Nuendo/Cubase, Logic Audio, and others
  • MIDI over Ethernet for enhanced control of two DAW systems
  • System Options
  • Multi-operator Total Recall, including Autoscan, for accurate resetting of session parameters
  • Comprehensive automation based on SSL's legendary Ultimation, including switch automation

SSL Duality 48 SE/Delta - Beneath the Surface

The SE Feature Set

The primary focus of SE enhancements was the way Duality communicates and controls DAW applications through the introduction of an Ethernet connection between the console and DAW host computer. This single cable approach greatly simplifies installation and streamlines DAW control setup, furthermore improving the "feel" on the DAW control layer. Dual Layer DAW control enables Duality to control two independent DAW's simultaneously, with seamless switching of hardware surface controls between control over each DAW layer. The Duality Logictivity Browser was refreshed with new features providing a modernized user interface and new visual appearance. The Solo/Cut tiles across all of the consoles channel strips were replaced with a new set of LCD screens providing more space for a greater level of information and improved viewing angles, and enhancement of Mackie Control supported DAWs.

From the original Duality introduced in 2006, the analog side of Duality received 25 individual feature additions, with a few key areas of focus:

  • The Talkback system saw the addition of an Autocue system that provides options to set how the Red Light, Talkback, and Listen switches, operate and respond to Play or Record transport commands
  • SSL Automation was significantly enhanced with the addition of an Offline Trim facility, selection of Automation Update Status at the head of the mix, and the creative addition of automation for all Cue, FX and EQ insert switches
  • The SuperAnalogue monitoring was improved with a new Calibration facility, a new “fine” mode that increments in 0.4dB steps and the ability to display in three different modes: Film (off-95db), Music (1-11) or Gain (off-0db).
  • The Total Recall system received an upgrade with the addition of an Autoscan feature that significantly speeds up Recall by conducting a sequential scan of the channels only stopping at those which require attention

Duality SE combines technology from SSL's acclaimed XL 9000 K Series console with design concepts that faithfully recreate the overload characteristics of tube circuitry. It offers all of the sonic benefits of capacitor-free, servo coupled SuperAnalogue circuitry, with the ability to add variable harmonic coloration on a channel-by-channel basis - all implemented in a control surface that will be familiar to any recording engineer who has previously used SSL consoles.

Duality SE has been carefully designed with DAW integration and ubiquitous functions in mind, including visual audio editing, integrated digital effects processing, and convenient session storage and recall. It addresses all the needs of current DAW production techniques in an integrated, high-quality and robust design, coupled with all of the sonic benefits expected from a Solid State Logic console.

The Duality SE provides the ultimate capture path for up to 96 simultaneous inputs into the DAW, where recorded signals can be edited, processed and mixed via Duality SE's control surface. The signal paths can then be either summed internally within the DAW or returned to the analog domain for further processing via Duality SE's channel path EQ and dynamics processors, before final summing via the console's balanced analog mix bus architecture. With a comprehensive 5.1 monitoring section, audio can be auditioned with the highest possible audio integrity.

A high-resolution, digitally controlled gain element in each channel allows the motorized faders to be switched to control any DAW that supports the HUI or Mackie Control protocols while retaining control of the analog signal path. The faders and their associated channel-based rotary encoders (D-pots) provide direct control of DAW faders, pans, sends, plus input and output routing. The Master Control Panel and Duality SE's center section screen give paged control of all plug-in parameters.

Split Mode Architecture

Instead of retaining the in-line architecture of previous SSL consoles, the Duality SE features a Split Mode topology, which provides the equivalent of in-line operation but without the cost and complexity of separate channel and monitor paths.

In DAW-based productions, there is no longer the fixed track count limitation of conventional analog or digital tape-based recording. This means that most sources are recorded individually to a track with or without processing as production requirements dictate, but without requiring constant access to a channel fader. The Duality SE channel supports two input paths normally designated as the Channel Input and the DAW Monitor Return, with a single channel output as the DAW Send. The Split Mode architecture allows the input signal to be “picked off” the channel path at the input stage, or pre-fader, and replaced with the DAW return. The input signal automatically becomes the DAW send and the remaining section of the channel handles the DAW return. Toggling Split Mode on and off is the equivalent of the classic send/return (Group /Tape) monitoring. The console sends can select either the channel fader signal or the channel output signal as a source, offering the choice of zero-latency stereo cue and FX mixes, or post-DAW processed sends.

What is SSL SuperAnalogue?

The AWS is an SSL SuperAnalogue console, featuring exceptionally low THD, noise floor, and crosstalk levels, while SSL's legendary headroom allows you to mix hotter without distortion. Superanalogue is defined by DC-coupled circuitry, which eliminates ICs, electrolytic capacitors*, and transformers in the signal path. DC-coupling provides an extraordinarily transparent audio path with flat, ultra-wide frequency response, extremely low distortion, and an almost immeasurable noise floor. SSL's SuperAnalogue's bandwidth is greater than 192kHz recorders and has a dynamic range well beyond 24-bit ADA converters. SuperAnalogue circuits are designed to be the fastest-acting, most tonally accurate audio circuits possible.

PAD Tech Note: SSL avoids using electrolytic capacitors for de-coupling between analog stages. The performance of an electrolytic capacitor is rendered imprecise by virtue of its physical construction, which makes it vulnerable to electromagnetic interference. Even expensive, high-quality electrolytics are not up to the specifications required by Superanalogue standards. Doubtless, you've heard the word, “recapped” when it comes to console maintenance. Due to temperature variations over time, electrolytic capacitors degrade and become leaky, resulting in significant noise issues, altered tonal characteristics, and a shortened product life. 

Delta-Control (δ-Ctrl)

The unique SSL console automation system unites the very best of automation in the analog console domain with DAW-based workflow. δ-Ctrl is a native AAX/RTAS/VST/VST3 plug-in that allows automation of Duality as if it were a DAW Plug-in. The automation system in the DAW is used to record and playback control data from the faders and switches on the console as an alternative to using the SSL legacy automation system in Duality. The δ-Ctrl plug-in is inserted into a DAW mixer audio channel. The plug-in then receives and sends control data from an assigned Duality channel, VCA or Master fader via a high-speed Ethernet Network connection. Audio on the DAW track passes through the plug-in slot unprocessed so the plug-in can be combined with other DAW plug-ins. The console Fader, mutes and relevant switches are represented as plug-in parameters in a δ-Ctrl plug-in GUI and their automation data is recorded to the automation lane of the selected DAW channel. In playback, the plug-in converts the stored automation data from the DAW into δ-Ctrl messages and routes these back to the console via the SSL Logictivity Network connection.

δ-Ctrl - Just the Facts

  • All fader moves are captured and played with the same accuracy as any other DAW automation parameter; moves are no longer quantized to timecode frames and sub-frames
  • True 10-bit fader resolution
  • TCP/IP Network based control protocol ”“ not embedded MIDI messages
  • Console Automation data automatically tracks all DAW audio editing operations
  • DAW editing tools can be used to draw and edit console fader and switch automation data
  • Motors Off mode offers the full non-moving fader SSL VCA style mix experience as preferred by key industry re-mixers
  • New Motors Off, Touch Write mode emulates the SSL G-Series Mix system Immediate Pickup (IP) option

Automation data can be viewed and edited as normal plug-in data in the DAW tracks. The console Fader, Absolute, and Trim values are saved using the same dB law as your selected DAW automation so that the ”˜Paste Special' command can be used to copy existing DAW fader data into the plug-in. The Paste Special feature is available in Pro-Tools and in most but not all DAWs. δ-Ctrl retains all the key operational elements of SSL's Signature Mix System with much-loved features such as Join, Revise, Motors Off and Snap Override all actioned from dedicated front panel switches. The Motors Off mode offers the full nonmoving fader SSL VCA mix experience as preferred by key industry re-mixers. A new Motors Off, Touch Write mode emulates the SSL G Series Mix system Immediate Pickup (IP) option.

Logic Studio Not Supported

There is an inherent limitation in the architecture of Apple's Logic Studio software. Logic prevents any controller from controlling more than one plug-in at a time. Viewed purely within an 'inside-the-box' paradigm this makes some sense in that the control interface is the mouse or trackpad but it presents significant limitations to the way hardware controllers can be used with the software. It is with much regret that the single Fader δ-Ctrl Plug-in does not contain an Audio Units version and thus doesn't work with Logic. The multi-channel δ-Ctrl Plug-ins available for AWS, Matrix and Sigma are not compatible with Duality Delta consoles.

Logic users can still use SSL's A-FADA system to enable the Duality motorized faders to follow Automation Data from the DAW.

DAW Control

While Duality offers a powerful, comprehensively equipped large-format analog console, it also goes further than any other analog console by integrating seamlessly into a DAW-based facility by incorporating 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 Control - Just the Facts:

  • Direct access to all major DAW mixing, editing and automation parameters via HUI and MCU protocols
  • Direct control of plug-in settings
  • Dedicated control processor to maximize console performance
  • Integral color TFT display with dedicated control keys
  • High-quality motorized faders to write/replay level moves in your DAW
  • Simple switching between console layer and DAW control layer
  • Two independent DAW layers or single Dual DAW layer option
  • Full remote control implementation
  • Operation independent of platform: works with Pro Tools, Nuendo, Logic Audio, and others
  • MIDI over Ethernet for enhanced control of two DAW systems

SSL Variable Harmonic Drive (VHD)

Each channel of Duality features a SuperAnalogue mic preamp and an additional Variable Harmonic Drive (VHD) preamp. The VHD Pre is a patented SSL preamp design that can deliver ultra-clean SSL grade recordings but also features the VHD circuit which can be switched into the signal path. The Variable Harmonic Drive circuit uses a 100% analog signal path to generate rich harmonic distortion. As you increase the input gain, the Variable Harmonic Drive circuit adds either 2nd- or 3rd-order harmonic distortion, or a blend of the two to your input source. At lower gain settings it adds gentle tube-style warmth or a touch of transistor edge. As gain is increased, the distortion becomes more extreme. At high gain settings, it delivers fierce, trashy grunge. A studio-grade preamp, VHD pres give you the ultimate in versatility. Whether it's traditional ultra-clean SSL, subtle warming, or totally trashy transistor distortion, VHD will change your expectations of what a preamplifier should deliver.

The Duality SE offers a complete studio solution for modern DAW-based production environments, and this is your opportunity to own one for a fraction of the original cost. For more information, call or chat online with your PAD Studio Integrator today.  

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