Solid State Logic BiG SiX SuperAnalogue Mixing Console and USB Audio Interface Review

Max I/O Capacity refers to the total number of input and output channels available on the BiG SiX mixing console. With a configuration of 18x input and 12x output, this feature allows users to connect multiple audio sources simultaneously and manage various output paths, making it ideal for both studio recording and live sound applications. The higher the I/O capacity, the more flexibility you have in routing audio signals for complex projects.Show More

Number of Analog Input Channels indicates the total number of analog channels available for audio input. The BiG SiX features 12 channels, comprising 4 mono and 4 stereo inputs. This variety allows for versatile signal routing from different sources, such as microphones, instruments, and playback devices. The distinction between mono and stereo channels helps users manage and enhance the spatial qualities of their audio mixes effectively.

Number of Mic Preamps denotes the quantity of built-in microphone preamps within the console. With 4 mic preamps, users can easily connect multiple microphones, enabling them to capture vocals and instruments with high clarity and gain control. The quality of the preamps greatly influences the overall sound quality, allowing for greater detail and richness in the audio signal.

Analog Output Channels refer to the different pathways through which audio can exit the console. The BiG SiX provides multiple outputs, including a stereo master output, subgroup outputs, and various monitor outputs. This extensive output configuration facilitates seamless integration with other audio equipment, allowing for flexible monitoring and routing of final mixes or submixes.

Mix Routing encompasses the ways in which audio signals can be directed within the console. The BiG SiX features 2x stereo aux sends per input channel, a stereo main mix, and a stereo bus/subgroup option. This routing capability allows users to send audio to external effects processors or create submixes for easier control during mixing, enhancing creative possibilities and workflow efficiency.

Faders & Level Adjustment highlight the physical controls used to adjust volume levels for each channel. The BiG SiX includes 8 channel faders and one master fader, each measuring 3.9 inches or 100 mm. These faders provide tactile control over audio levels, ensuring precise adjustments during mixing and balancing of tracks for optimal sound output.

Meters serve as visual indicators of audio levels, enabling users to monitor signal strength and avoid clipping. The BiG SiX features various types of meters, including 12x channel meters, 2x main meters, and a bus meter, each with different LED segment displays. This visual feedback is essential for maintaining optimal levels and ensuring a clean mix.

Meter Range specifies the operational range of the meters, indicating the lowest and highest levels they can display. For the BiG SiX, the channel meter range spans from -21 to +24 dB, while the main meter shares the same range. This broad range allows for accurate monitoring of both quiet and loud signals, helping users to maintain a balanced audio mix without distortion.

Gain/Trim Range: The gain or trim range specifies the level of amplification applied to the audio signal coming from the input channels. For the mono channels, the mic input can be boosted from +6 to +72 dB, allowing for a wide range of microphone sensitivities and sound sources. For line inputs, the range varies: -3 to +63 dB for mono channels and -10 to +20 dB for stereo channels. This flexibility ensures optimal signal levels are achieved, enhancing the overall sound quality and clarity.Show More

Input Polarity: Input polarity refers to the ability to reverse the phase of the input signal. This can be crucial when dealing with multiple microphones or sources, as it helps to eliminate phase issues that may cause cancellations or comb filtering in the audio. The BiG SiX allows for both normal and reverse polarity settings, giving users control over their sound's integrity.

Dynamic Processing: Dynamic processing is a crucial feature for controlling the dynamics of audio signals. The BiG SiX incorporates a compressor for mono channels, which allows for effective management of audio levels by reducing the volume of louder signals while boosting quieter ones. This feature is essential for achieving a polished and balanced mix, ensuring that no individual sound element dominates the overall output.

Compressor Parameters: The compressor's parameters include threshold, ratio, attack, and release. The threshold determines the level at which the compressor begins to act, while the ratio defines how much compression is applied. The attack time controls how quickly the compressor responds to signals that exceed the threshold, and the release time specifies how long it takes for the compressor to stop affecting the signal after it falls below the threshold. These parameters can be finely adjusted to shape the dynamics of the audio accurately.

EQ: The equalization (EQ) feature in the BiG SiX allows users to shape the tonal quality of their audio. With a 3-band EQ on the input channels, users can boost or cut frequencies at high, mid, and low ranges. Specifically, the high band operates at 3.5 kHz, the mid at 700 Hz, and the low at 60 Hz, each with a range of ±15 dB. This provides significant control over the sound, allowing users to tailor their mixes to their preferences or the requirements of the project.

Filters: The filters available on the BiG SiX include a high-pass filter for the mono channels, set at 75 Hz with a slope of 12 dB per octave. This filter helps eliminate unwanted low-frequency noise and rumble, ensuring that the mix remains clean and focused on the desired frequencies. By using high-pass filters, users can enhance the clarity of their audio by removing frequencies that may muddy the overall sound.

Solo/Mute: The solo/mute functionality allows users to isolate or silence individual input channels, which is vital during the mixing process. The BiG SiX provides PFL (pre-fader listen) for each input channel and mute options for both individual channels and the master output. This capability enables engineers to focus on specific elements of the mix without distraction, facilitating more precise adjustments and improvements.

Channel Output/Source Monitoring: The channel output/source monitoring feature lets users listen to different audio sources before they are sent to the main mix. The BiG SiX allows for PFL monitoring and insert return monitoring, giving users flexibility in how they manage and evaluate their audio signals. This feature is particularly useful for ensuring that the levels and tonal qualities of each channel are as intended before finalizing the mix.

Built-In Effects: The BiG SiX does not include built-in effects, which may be a consideration for users who prefer to apply effects externally. While some mixing consoles offer a range of internal effects, the BiG SiX focuses on high-quality signal processing and routing, allowing users to integrate their preferred effects units into their workflow for tailored sound manipulation.

Sample Rates: The sample rate refers to the number of samples of audio carried per second, measured in kilohertz (kHz). In the case of the BiG SiX, it supports a maximum sample rate of 96 kHz for both analog-to-digital (A/D) and digital-to-analog (D/A) conversion. A higher sample rate generally captures more detail in the audio, making it suitable for professional-grade recordings and ensuring that the nuances of sound are preserved effectively.Show More

Bit Depth: Bit depth indicates the number of bits of information in each sample, which directly influences the dynamic range and the audio quality. The BiG SiX operates at a 24-bit depth for both A/D and D/A conversion. This allows for a greater dynamic range, providing more headroom and minimizing distortion at high volume levels. A higher bit depth also means that softer sounds can be captured more accurately, making it ideal for intricate musical performances.

DSP: Digital Signal Processing (DSP) refers to the manipulation of audio signals using digital technology. The BiG SiX does not include DSP capabilities, which means it focuses on delivering pure analog sound without digital effects or processing. This design choice appeals to users looking for a traditional mixing experience while maintaining high audio fidelity.

Converter Dynamic Range: The converter dynamic range indicates the range within which the audio signal can be accurately captured and reproduced, measured in decibels (dBA). For the BiG SiX, the dynamic range is 117 dBA for both A/D and D/A conversion at a sample rate of 48 kHz. A higher dynamic range signifies better performance in capturing quiet sounds while avoiding distortion from louder signals. This feature ensures that recordings maintain clarity and detail across a wide range of audio levels.

Headroom refers to the amount of signal level that can be handled by the console before distortion occurs. In the context of the BiG SiX, having a higher headroom value, such as +24 dBu for channels and +27 dBu for mic and line inputs, means that the console can accommodate louder signals without clipping. This is particularly beneficial during recording or mixing, as it allows for greater dynamic range and flexibility when processing audio signals.Show More

Frequency Response indicates the range of frequencies that the console can accurately reproduce. The BiG SiX boasts a frequency response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with minimal deviation, ensuring that both low and high frequencies are captured and played back with fidelity. Additionally, the extended frequency response up to 80 kHz and 100 kHz for different inputs highlights the console's capability to handle high-frequency content, which is essential for modern audio production.

Max Input Level specifies the highest signal level that can be accepted by the console's inputs without introducing distortion. The BiG SiX features a max input level of +21 dBu for mic inputs and +27 dBu for line and stereo inputs, which translates to the ability to handle strong signals from various sources, allowing for high-quality recordings without unwanted artifacts.

I/O Impedance indicates the input and output resistance of the console, affecting how it interacts with connected devices. The BiG SiX has a mic input impedance of 1.2 kilohms and line inputs at 10 kilohms, which are standard values that ensure compatibility with a wide range of microphones and instruments, providing optimal signal transfer and minimizing loss.

CMRR (Common Mode Rejection Ratio) measures the console's ability to reject unwanted noise and interference that can occur during signal transmission. With a CMRR of >90 dB for mic inputs, the BiG SiX demonstrates excellent performance in maintaining clean audio by minimizing hum and noise, particularly in environments with electrical interference.

EIN (Equivalent Input Noise) quantifies the noise level present at the inputs of the console, which can affect the overall sound quality. The BiG SiX shows an EIN of -129 dBu for mic inputs at max gain, indicating a very low noise floor that enhances the clarity and detail of the audio, especially for quiet sources.

Noise Floor represents the level of background noise in the system when no audio signal is present. The BiG SiX maintains a noise floor lower than -90 dBu across various outputs, ensuring that the audio remains clean and dynamic, allowing for subtle details in recordings to be heard without interference from noise.

THD+N (Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise) measures the amount of distortion and noise introduced in the signal path. The BiG SiX achieves very low THD+N levels, below 0.0015% for mic and line inputs, indicating high fidelity and transparency in audio processing, which is crucial for professional audio applications.

The Analog Inputs section of the Solid State Logic BiG SiX provides a variety of connections tailored for different audio sources. With a total of 4 XLR 3-pin balanced mic inputs, users can easily connect professional microphones, ensuring high-quality audio capture. Additionally, the console features multiple 1/4" TRS inputs that accommodate balanced, unbalanced, and Hi-Z signals, allowing for versatile connections to instruments and line-level devices. The inclusion of various line inputs and returns ensures seamless integration of multiple audio sources, making it ideal for both studio and live settings.Show More

In the Analog Outputs section, the BiG SiX offers several outputs that facilitate effective routing of audio signals. The 1/4" TRS balanced mono line sends and main outputs allow users to send mixed audio to external devices or monitors. Furthermore, dedicated bus outputs and monitor outputs provide flexibility in managing audio chains, whether for recording or live sound applications. The presence of foldback outputs is particularly useful for live performances, enabling musicians to hear themselves through monitors, thus enhancing their performance experience.

The Phantom Power feature is crucial for powering condenser microphones, delivering a +48 V supply that can be selectively turned on or off for individual inputs. This functionality ensures that users have control over their microphone setup, allowing them to use a wide range of mic types without needing external power sources. The ability to apply phantom power to the talkback mic is also a significant advantage, facilitating communication in studio environments.

While the BiG SiX lacks Digital I/O and MIDI I/O, it compensates with a robust USB I/O capability. The USB-C 2.0 host connection supports 16x input and 16x output channels, making it easy to connect to computers for recording and playback. This feature is particularly valuable for users looking to integrate the console within a digital audio workstation, ensuring a seamless workflow for both recording and mixing.

The OS Compatibility specification indicates the operating systems that the Solid State Logic BiG SiX supports. In this case, it is compatible with macOS 10.14 or later versions and Windows operating systems. This means users need to ensure that their systems are running one of these compatible versions to utilize the mixer fully. Compatibility with specific OS versions often affects the performance, stability, and features available within the software environment of the mixing console.Show More

The Internet Connection requirement highlights the need for an active internet connection for certain initial tasks related to the BiG SiX. This includes activities such as registration of the product and downloading necessary software or drivers. An internet connection is essential to accessing updates and support resources, ensuring that users can maximize the functionality and longevity of their mixing console.

Lastly, the Required Hardware points to the necessity of having an available USB-A port. This is crucial for connecting the BiG SiX to a computer or other devices. The presence of a USB-A port allows for high-speed data transfer and connectivity, which is vital for efficient communication between the mixing console and the host system. Having the correct hardware ensures that users can enjoy seamless integration and operation with their audio setup.

The DC Input Power specification indicates the type of power supply the BiG SiX requires to operate effectively. In this case, the console needs a 15 VDC input at a current capacity of 3.3A. This specification is crucial because it ensures that the mixer receives the proper voltage and current for optimal performance, preventing any potential issues related to insufficient power supply that could affect audio quality or device functionality.Show More

Power Consumption refers to the amount of electrical power the BiG SiX uses during operation, which is specified as 70 W. This figure is important for users to consider, especially when planning their studio setup, as it impacts the overall power requirements of the system. A lower power consumption rate can lead to increased energy efficiency, while a higher rate may necessitate more robust power management solutions to accommodate the mixer and any other connected equipment.

Rack Mountable: This feature indicates whether the mixing console can be mounted in a standard rack system. In this case, the BiG SiX is not rack mountable, which may influence the setup and placement options in a studio environment.Show More

Rackmount Size: Although the BiG SiX cannot be directly mounted, it has a specific size measurement of 9 rack units (RU) if one were to use non-included hardware for mounting. This specification provides users with an idea of how much vertical space it would occupy in a rack if adapted for such use, which can be important for spatial planning in professional setups.

Operating Temperature: The operating temperature range of 33 to 86°F (1 to 30°C) indicates the optimal conditions under which the console can function effectively. Staying within this range helps ensure that the electronics perform reliably and maintain sound quality without overheating or malfunctioning.

Storage Temperature: The storage temperature range of -4 to 122°F (-20 to 50°C) defines the temperature limits for safe storage of the device when not in use. This specification is vital for protecting the console's internal components and overall integrity, ensuring it remains functional when needed.

Dimensions: The dimensions of 19.3 x 5.6 x 15.4 inches (49 x 14.2 x 39.1 cm) including feet and trim provide users with a clear understanding of the physical size of the console. This information is crucial for determining the placement of the device in a studio or live setup, as well as ensuring compatibility with other equipment.

Weight: Weighing in at 15 lb (6.8 kg), the weight of the BiG SiX is a consideration for transport and setup. A lighter console can be easier to move and position, while the weight also reflects the build quality and durability of the device, which is important for professional use.

The Package Weight of the Solid State Logic BiG SiX is 21.66 lb, indicating the overall weight of the product when packaged for shipping. This weight is significant for users who may need to transport the console, whether for studio sessions or live performances. A heavier console often suggests a robust build quality, which can be crucial for durability and stability during use.Show More

The Box Dimensions listed as 23.6 x 21 x 10.2 inches provide insight into the size of the packaging, which is important for determining how much space the console will occupy during storage or transport. The dimensions also inform users about the necessary space available for setup in their studio or performance area. Adequate space is essential to ensure optimal workflow and accessibility to all features of the mixing console.