Solid State Logic Origin EVO 16

SSL Origin Evo: Ever Closer to the Grail

For many Solid State Logic aficionados, the classic SSL consoles of the late 1970s and early 1980s represent the Holy Grail of what an in-line analog console should be. With the Origin, SSL created a board that epitomized that ideal at a size and price that made it accessible to smaller studios. Now, the Solid State Logic Origin Evo gets you even closer to the magic of those cherished consoles of yesteryear, honoring the iconic dual-path in-line architecture and signal-routing flexibility while introducing a new “Evo” channel strip that features PureDrive preamps with Drive control and E-Series EQ, plus the addition of SSL’s coveted E-series dynamics processing and a new lowpass filter to complement the HPF. Origin Evo provides all these upgrades in an updated Mk2 console mainframe with a state-of-the-art, energy-saving power supply.

Note: For existing Origin owners who wish to update their consoles with EVO channel strips, SSL has made available the Evo 8-channel Upgrade Kit. Please contact your Sweetwater Sales Engineer for details.

Taking Origin the the next level

SSL revisited its storied history to inspire Origin, a fully analog recording and mixing console with an in-line workflow and modern appointments for hybrid analog-digital production environments. Simple, intuitive, and incredibly powerful, Origin was the culmination of nearly half a century of technological innovation, integrating the best of SSL’s legacy designs into an engaging new format aimed at contemporary DAW-based studios. Now, Origin Evo takes all those virtues to the next level. Available in your choice of 16- or 32-channel mainframe sizes, Origin Evo incorporates Origin’s PureDrive preamps with Drive control for even greater sonic flexibility. Origin Evo can handle even the most demanding tracking and mixing sessions with ease. And loaded with E-Series 4-band parametric EQ, E-Series dynamics, and SSL’s legendary bus compressor, Origin Evo enhances your mixes with the signature SSL sound that has powered countless hits.

Significantly reduced operational costs

Most busy studios tend to leave their large-format consoles permanently switched on to avoid problems related to heat cycles and stresses on linear power supplies, which can trigger failures on power-up. For Origin Evo, Solid State Logic developed a new, cutting-edge power supply that’s specifically designed to be powered off and on regularly. The power supply monitors console activity and automatically engages Sleep mode after a period of inactivity. Sleep mode cuts power consumption from 500 watts to that of a 40-watt light bulb. To indicate Sleep mode, an LED on the Wake/Sleep button in the center section glows slowly. Simply press this button to instantly awaken Origin Evo with all your settings intact. This unique feature benefits your studio by significantly reducing running costs, providing a boost to your bottom line.

Designed for hybrid setups

Designed for modern hybrid production studios, Origin Evo provides the analog punch absent from purely digital, “in-the-box” setups while seamlessly integrating into your DAW workflow. To that end, Solid State Logic has made available the new UF-8 Retrofit Kit, a metalwork kit that allows the SSL UF8 advanced DAW controller to be fitted into Origin Evo’s fader tray and the stereo group faders to be relocated to the center section rack space. Origin complements each stage of production, feeding life into your digitally captured tracks on the front end and providing you with the spaciousness and depth of analog summing during mixdown. Origin Evo features the intuitive SSL in-line channel strip design that will be immediately familiar to guest engineers. SSL’s PureDrive mic/line preamps deliver the transparent sound for which SSL’s legacy consoles are famous, but add Drive circuitry that lets you introduce complex, gain-dependent harmonics for sonic richness. Additionally, each channel comes equipped with the acclaimed SSL E-Series parametric EQ, arguably one of the most detailed and flattering equalizers in pro audio history, favored by scores of multi-platinum and Grammy-winning artists, producers, and engineers.

E-Series 4-band parametric channel EQ

The Black Knob 242 E-Series EQ was SSL’s third console EQ design, following the Brown Knob EQ and the Orange Knob 132 EQ. It improved on its predecessors in several ways: it was more powerful, with an additional 6dB of cut and boost; featured a steeper slope for the highpass filter; and had the capacity to switch the highpass and lowpass filters out of circuit when not being used. However, beyond the spec sheet improvements, the Black Knob EQ quickly gained notoriety for its open and transparent sound, and engineers were struck by how generously they could apply EQ without adding distortion to a signal, especially when cranking up the bass. Origin Evo is equipped with Black Knob 242 E-Series-style EQs on every channel, which can be flipped between the small and large fader paths. When recording into a DAW, the highpass filter is especially useful for eliminating unnecessary low frequencies that can chew up digital headroom. With variable cut and boost per band and switchable EQ curves between bell and shelving on the high-frequency and low-frequency bands, Origin Evo has incredible tone-shaping power with an unmistakably analog sound.

E-Series channel dynamics

A particularly notable upgrade from the Origin is the addition of iconic E-Series channel dynamics. With its painstakingly replicated circuits and components, the compressor/gate implementation in Origin Evo remains faithful to that of the original E-Series — a design that delivered the aggressive compression and fast gating and shaped the sound of mega-hit records in the ’80s (drum sounds, perhaps most memorably). Origin Evo’s channel dynamics circuitry includes a true RMS sidechain detector and an all-discrete gain-reduction stage identical to the Class A voltage-controlled amplifier chip used in vintage E-Series consoles. As implemented in Origin Evo, a flexible control set lets you bypass the soft-knee curve, activate fast-attack mode, and select between logarithmic or linear release curves. Together, these features give you a broad range of tone-sculpting options.

Multifunction large and small faders

Each of Origin Evo’s channels includes small fader control, with a high-quality 60mm audio fader and pan knob with center detent, and large fader control, with a premium 100mm fader, plus independent pan, solo, and cut. Additionally, both small and large fader paths contain a discrete insert point, with the option to place the insert pre-fader. Cognizant that many contemporary mix engineers prefer to automate within their DAW, SSL supplied Origin Evo with 0dB switches on the large and small fader paths that subtract the faders from those paths, passing unity gain. So, you have the ease of computerized automation along with Origin’s warm, analog character. Typically, the channel input feeds the small fader, and the monitor input feeds the large fader; however, Origin Evo lets you flip the paths with the Path Flip switch, according to your workflow preference. And, during mixdown, the small fader path can be routed to the mix bus, doubling Origin’s channels for handling larger mixes without having to comp tracks in your DAW, for a true large-format console mixing experience.

Comprehensive master control streamlines your workflow

Origin Evo’s master control section is the heart of the console and offers quick, fingertip access to its vast functionality, including talkback and rear-panel listen mic, ±10dB trim pots, and routing assign switches for the console’s 16 buses, four stereo returns, monitor management, DIM and MONO controls, left and right mutes, and polarity switch. Sitting prominently in the master control center is SSL’s iconic bus compressor, celebrated for its ability to glue a mix together and make it “sound like a record.” The master control section is customizable, with a modular design and 6U of additional 19-inch rack space to load up with your favorite outboard gear, keyboard, monitor, or DAW controller.

Flexible monitor section and clear-cut communications management

SSL is famed for designing well-organized and navigable monitor and communication sections, and Origin Evo continues that tradition. The monitor section is exceptionally flexible, allowing for three sets of monitors — main monitors and two alternate sets with independent trim knobs. So, you can quickly cycle between your monitors, or hook up grot box speakers to check the integrity of your mixes on a less-than-ideal medium. You can select five different monitor sources (mix, 3.5mm jack in, and three external stereo inputs) and simultaneously monitor multiple sources for expanded reference listening and creative applications. Origin Evo’s matrix of sources and outputs simplifies communications management and foldback, keeping engineers, producers, and artists connected throughout the recording process. Customize foldback mixes on two stereo cues or utilize any of the four aux sends for mono parallel mixes. Origin Evo has two options for talkback: a built-in microphone and an XLR input for an external microphone. Each has a dedicated compressor, which, alternatively, can be inserted into any audio channel for the hyper-compressed sound popularized on Phil Collins’ epic “In the Air Tonight” drum solo.

Bus matrix for advanced routing

One of the ways Origin Evo keeps its vast functionality within a relatively condensed footprint is by routing assignments to a compact, centralized bus matrix. The bus matrix includes ±10dB trim pots for each of the console’s 16 buses, and its simple 2-button operation makes bus assignment incredibly efficient. Select the bus and track you wish to assign to it, and a blue light indicates they are linked — that’s it! If your routing becomes overly complicated and you need to start from scratch, you can reset it with the push of a button. Below the bus matrix are Origin Evo’s four stereo returns, which have independent trim and level controls, foldback A and B sends, and a bus routing button and indicator light. Not only does this configuration provide an intuitive interface, but it also uses fewer components than other large-format consoles with the same level of routing, reducing future maintenance requirements.

Classic SSL bus compressor

The center-section compressor from SSL’s G-Series console has taken on legendary status for its uncanny ability to glue together a mix in a distinctly vital and musical way. Origin Evo includes a faithful re-creation of the G-Series bus compressor. No mere emulation; it’s the real deal, true to the original specs, with added sidechain access and a highpass filter to keep the compressor from over-responding to low frequencies. Featuring classic Threshold, Attack, Ratio, and Makeup controls, the Origin’s bus compressor is effortless to use, and, even at higher ratios, retains the dynamic topography of your mix without sounding squashed and lifeless. One of the final links of Origin Evo’s beautifully rendered analog signal chain, the bus compressor imparts the timeless vibe and personality that made SSL synonymous with world-class pro audio.

Versatile, customizable physical design

Origin Evo’s modular center section and compact footprint allow for installation flexibility to meet your ergonomic preferences and space requirements. Based on the industry-standard 19-inch pitch, the console mainframe accommodates inboard rackmount processors and panels. Furthermore, the Master Section can be repositioned to cater to varying priorities dependent on the nature of your work. Additionally, Origin Evo is provisioned with separate insert points for both the large and small fader paths, allowing for additional processing to be easily incorporated into the signal flow. Shipped to you fully assembled, Origin Evo is designed for easy installation. With no external PSU to contend with, you plug it directly into your AC supply, and the intelligent internal power supply auto-adjusts between 90 and 250 volts. Audio wiring is either XLR or AES 59 (TASCAM) DB-25 connectors, and the connector pin layout is designed to plug directly into a standard DB-25 to TT (Bantam) patchbay. The console is passively cooled (no internal fans) and designed to be mounted on legs or to be installed into custom furniture.

The Solid State Logic legacy

Since its founding by Colin Sanders in 1969, Solid State Logic has followed a design philosophy that prioritizes the needs of artists, engineers, and producers. The company’s products facilitate creativity by removing technical impediments and streamlining workflows. From the groundbreaking SL 4000E with TotalRecall to the SuperAnalogue SL 9000 J and K, AWS, and Duality, SSL consoles have captured the magic of countless iconic recordings. Indeed, installed in the world’s top studios, Solid State Logic consoles have shaped the sound of modern music. Firmly ensconced in the pantheon of pro audio greats, SSL continues to innovate, bringing its uncompromising quality and signature sonics to a new generation of artists and creators. Sweetwater is proud to offer you SSL’s pedigreed line of consoles, signal processors, and audio interfaces.

Solid State Logic Origin Evo 16 Features:

16-ch. analog recording and mixing console

• 16 mono in-line channels
• SuperAnalogue preamps with preset Drive/4K switch
• In-line architecture with 2 paths per channel
• 60mm small fader and 100mm large fader with balanced inputs in each path, and independent pan, solo, cut, and 0dB switch to set unity gain
• Channel inserts: 2 (1 per path)
• 8 stereo sub groups
• E-Series 4-band parametric EQ
• Sweepable highpass and lowpass filters
• E-Series channel dynamics
• SSL’s iconic stereo VCA bus compressor with sidechain HPF
• 1 stereo mix bus; 8 track buses
• Comprehensive master control section
• Monitor outputs: main (12 wide) + 1 alternate + headphone
• Aux sends: 2 stereo, 4 mono
• 3 foldback outputs
• Auto Sleep mode
• Designed and crafted in England