User's Manual

Introduction
Page 1
Introduction
The centre of your SSL scalable studio.
Solid State Logic is proud to introduce its latest scion, the X-Desk, built from the very same
SuperAnalogue™ DNA as our AWS, Duality and Matrix consoles.
We very much hope that you enjoy this compact analogue product. X-Desk combines a 16 channel
SSL SuperAnalogue™ summing mixer with a compact analogue audio hub for your studio.
While at first glance the X-Desk may appear to be a relatively simple analogue console, there
are a number of innovative features that will significantly enhance your studio session work
flow. If you take a short time to read this guide you may discover a few innovations, even if
you are a seasoned old pro. A number of useful user tips have been included.
In many cases, analogue desks have vanished from the smaller studio, since many users are
tied wholeheartedly to a computer DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). DAW users through
the course of average session may reach certain audio stumbling blocks. The main advantage
of an analogue desk is the simplification of studio session work flow. Over the course of time
these benefits should become apparent, as should the SSL ergonomics and quality of sound.
You may wish to consider exactly how you will integrate X-Desk into your studio. Some
examples are given in the X-Desk Installation guide included with your desk.
Taking time to plan X-Desk’s integration into your studio can yield benefits later on, but of
course there is no crime in wanting to rewire your studio mid-session!
X-Desk can be used as an elegant and ergonomically refined desktop mixer or placed in a 19”
rack (by virtue of the supplied removable rack ears) in a 7U space. Up to eight X-Desks or
X-Desk & X-Rack combinations can be cascaded via D-Sub connections to expand up to a
massive 160 analogue inputs on mixdown.
Like all SSL SuperAnalogue™ products, it is extremely robust, hand-built in the UK with an
all metal chassis and utilises high quality controls and components.
Could this be the beginning of your next hit album? Enjoy!