SSL unveils Duality Pro-Station and A-FADA automation at 133rd AES

Solid State Logic introduces the A-FADA automation system and releases a new ‘Pro-Station’ version of their Duality console at the 2012 AES Show (Booth 1005). With hundreds of units sold, Duality has become a major force in large scale audio consoles today and the introduction of these new features is set to further cement its success. First introduced with the AWS 948, A-FADA (Analogue Fader Accesses DAW Automation) is an innovative way of using DAW automation to drive the analogue faders on an SSL console. Engineers and producers have been using SSL automation to craft hit records since 1979 with the launch of the SL4000B, which was the first ever console to integrate a computer driven VCA automation. Over the years, SSL continued to develop the power and flexibility of analogue automation with the 4000G and 9000K consoles, giving the engineer a complete toolset for creating dynamic mixes. Many automation modes that are taken for granted in today’s DAW were modeled on SSL automation. The widespread use of the DAW has led to more mixing and automation being crafted inside the computer, however many leading mix engineers still look to the analogue domain to achieve their sound. Whether it’s for the practical workflow or the subtle noise colouration, an analogue console still has significant place in the modern day studio. A-FADA combines the best of both worlds; the sound of an SSL automated mix with the convenience of DAW tools and control. A-FADA is made possible by clever use of the MDAC-driven faders on AWS and Duality consoles. This is the same MDAC system that allows the consoles to switch between controlling the analogue signal levels or DAW faders. The workstation automation is used to drive the MDAC faders on each channel, instead of the on-board automation system, which results in the ideal combination of workstation automation and analogue sound. The system can be retrofitted to all models of Duality console. Duality Pro-Station is a new version of the SSL Duality large-format console, which expands the available range of options. Pro-Station offers all of the benefits of SSL’s hybrid workflow, combining the sonic advantages of a classic SSL SuperAnalogue mixing console with integrated hands-on hardware control over the DAW environment. The new winged layout of the Pro-Station is designed to serve producers and engineers who wish to conduct their DAW session editing/arrangement and audio mixing from a single central position. In many studios a separate dedicated DAW station is adjacent to the console and the task of operating the DAW for editing and arrangement is separated from the audio mixing process. Duality Pro-station will appeal to producers and engineers who like hands-on DAW operation that combines the recording, editing, arrangement and mixing processes. The new shape of the Pro-Station was developed to enable the console centre section to accommodate a 27-inch Apple Cinema Display. The display is mounted on an articulated gas arm, which enables it to be pulled forward towards the operator, when desired. The result is that the central operating position can resemble a more traditional computer operating configuration for more intensive arrangement and editing work - the screen can then be pushed back out of the way when not required. With an HD webcam mounted on the back of the screen, the producer or engineer can essentially ‘see through’ the display into the recording area.

A-FADA for Duality and Duality Pro-Station will be available starting November 2012.