I’m trying to find gear that offers a similar workflow to the SSL Big Six, that bridges analog mixing with DAW integration.
Basically, I want to…
Run my hardware through my DAW, using VST plug-ins on the same channels.
Use analog inserts but still record and recall everything easily.
Keep latency and patching as simple as the Big SiX’s USB routing.
At the moment I’m using a SSL SiX with an RME Digiface connected to a Ferrofish Pulse 16, and it works great sonically but routing everything through ADAT isn’t as simple as I’d like. The SSL SiX also uses DB-25 connectors for the inserts, so I’m looking for a ‘simpler’ solution.
Are there any other mixers or interfaces out there that give this kind of hybrid analog/digital integration?
I’ve looked at the Big SiX, Soundcraft Signature MTK series, and some of the Allen & Heath ZED desks briefly.
It would be great hear what setups people are using to combine DAW plug-ins and outboard in a similar way, or if the SSL Big SiX is the only option that does this simply (with the hands on interaction of a mixing desk).
The latest Mackie Onyx series, Korg Soundlinks, and Tascam Model series are what come to mind other than those you mention in the post. I have no experience with any of them, so this is not a recommendation!
Love big six for this, wished it had one send and a couple more stereo channels though. And i wish the master insert could switch between line and USB send/receive. But it’s immediacy and bridging between hardware and software is golden.
That’s one of the thoughts I had about the amount of sends, but I’ve thought about swopping out the SiX for one. Friend of mine also rates it, plus you get the G Comp.
+1 to Tascam Model series which has very flexible routing and multitracking so you can mix a variety of DAW / analog / multitrack / live sources. But it’s transparent, doesnt have character EQs the way the SSL does.
Tascam Models are great, but be aware that the send outs aren’t addressable via USB, so if you want to use a VST as a send effect, you need to run a cable from the send-out back into a channel and deal with the latency.
Yeah I truly love mine… But I wouldn’t mind a Bigger one! Still you can do plenty with it very versatile I kinda like the imitations it has sometimes it keeps me creative.
Buss comp is really good when you add your own Hardware on the Master insert… currently I have Drawmer 1971 EQ Saturater and Xmax its an unreal combo and all I need on the Mix Buss.
I was using an SSL Six for a few years with a similar setup to yours for a while and found it overly complicated. I now use an Apollo x6 hooked to a patchbay for easier access to the i/o with SSL fader and channel strip controllers. The sound is (more or less) identical, but if I really feel the need to for analog drive or distortion, I hook up a DI to push the unison preamps or use the Analog Heat +fx pre-interface inputs. My typical AH+ use case is Overbridge only. I don’t know what kind of stuff you are making, but for 90% of electronic music, I think analog outboard gear is complete overkill in 2025.
I think BigSix is superb but a lot of desktop real estate and not quite enough channels for me.
I’ve also tried the old school route (Mackie mixers down to two-track master output into audio interface) which is great for simplicity and immediate hands-on tweaking but clearly no multitrack option, recording automation etc
FWIW I’ve settled on multitrack audio interface (UAD Apollo X4 + Arturia ADAT IN expander) plus a smaller number of super capable MIDI controllers with faders that map natively to Ableton Live using remote scripts (no MIDI-mapping needed).
The FaderFox MX12 is right in front of me which gives me 12 channels with 2 x FX sends, solo, mute and a v high quality 60mm fader (long enough to do the job IME). Because it’s mapped natively it just kinda works and feels like a good quality 12 channel mixer.
It’s also possible to add a second MX12 also with a native Live script at which point there’s 24 channels available, much more than I need TBH.
Same deal with the RotoControl, native mapping in Live and jumping immediately to stored values is just great from a workflow perspective.
Not saying the BigSix isn’t a solid option (I really like what I’ve seen of it) but I found I needed a bit more and in a smaller footprint on the desk.
I mean I still think its useful… it still ads a little extra glue but also you can use the Stereo cue 1 to send to G Comp to do parallel compression so dial in as desired on your mixer channels.
The Xmax covers the Master buss almost completely but I like the added EQ and shine the Drawmer adds… Im going to do less multitracking right now and record more full direct to stereo mixes so the combination of Xmax and EQ gives me a very finished mix feel that I like.
I’m really interested in the Xmax also. I already have the Xpressor, Xfilter and Karacter 500, and have been considering this as end of chain. Looks great from what I’ve heard.
Not analog at all, and no faders at all, so that could be a downside if you need those. But for compactness, lots of ins/outs and flexible routing, the A&H CQ-18T is also worth looking into for a hybrid setup. I found one for a very nice price second hand while i was looking for something else and i am very happy with it.
With that set up I don’t think the Xmax adds much…
SPL just released a studio rack unit with tubes based on there 500 series BIG stereo widener maybe that could add something as a last stereo winner with a bit of tube warmth depends if thats your thing.
Thanks, that SPL Big studio looks interesting. There’s also the Singular Audio Tubedrve plus they are releasing something new imminently (which could be an extension of the Tubedrve).
I love this kind of topic! Do you have a really specific workflow and signal path in mind? Or are you just wanting to go for full flexibility?
For example the Soundcraft Mtk which I think is now discontinued could use USB like an insert/tape out and send the signal after the preamp to a DAW and then return it back to the channel before the EQ.
In this case you are locked into a particular signal path where whatever channel effect applied in the DAW is always before the analog controls on the mixer. Which may not be an issue if you just want the pan and volume on the mixer.
But yeah, what are some of the specific DAW fx you want to apply to individual channels?
I think you would also have a lot of challenges with latency depending on what tracks are going through the DAW and plugins vs those that aren’t. Do you potentially need to have all tracks going through the DAW so you can adjust them all to compensate for any latency introduced by plugins (and combinations of plugins)?
Is there a specific number of channels you want this flexibility on? It might be more achievable on 2-4 channels in a reasonable budget vs 8-16.
Do you just want this for mix down, or do you want to have the flexibility while jamming or recording as well?
Are controller solutions like the SoftTube Console or the SSL daw/plugin controllers a better option for you for hands on control without the hybrid digital/analog challenges?
Is something like the Wesaudio digital recall 500 series rack and modules (combined with an interface) a solution where you can have digital plugin control and recall over the modules?
