SSL X Rack or 500 series users? Especially EQs

Thanks for chiming in -- the general consensus I've seen elsewhere (purple site) is that the E Series EQs are better and the SuperAnalogue (k series?) comps are better -- but I can't imagine the truth is that simple for all sources. I don't trust most of what I read over there either, but I did see a thread where BradM said he wasn't a fan of the SSL EQ's he heard, but I'm not sure if that was in reference to the E/G/K series or something else. 

SSL EQ's don't get a lot of love on internet forums....But it seems that a lot of people trashing SSL are doing so because they find that an entire SSL signal chain to be too clean, edgy, etc, which makes sense. But my hybrid setup won't suffer from that issue, since I've got lots of gnarly transformers in the chain

That makes sense -- I've got some experience with API/Pultec, so I get what you mean, and I think the SSL's should fit nicely into my workflow. 

I plan on buying used, so the worst that can happen is I resell them for minimal loss.

Thanks for the tip -- I'll definitely read up on him. I've always played hard/heavy music myself, but I've also been working with pop/blues/folk musicians lately, so I probably need a broad range of tools.

Thread update... found a good video comparing the SSL EQs and compressors:

Yeah that's why I would only consider buying them used... Also, they don't require any software to function, so hopefully would stay useful long after they become 'abandonware.' Definitely a bit of a gamble though.

Just doesn't seem like anyone else is doing much with hybrid digital/analog gear... except bettermaker and the (very cool) mimas compressor from wes audio, and those require USB, which I'm not thrilled about.

Mimas 1176 

I was interested in XRack but it feels like SSL has kind of pushed it to the wayside to focus on 500 series.

They haven't upgraded the Xrack bus comp to include the Sidechain filter.

They're introducing new modules for the 500 series and when questioned about bringing them to Xrack, Jim at SSL danced around it with the skill of a ballerina.

In fact, watching Jim so expertly using corporate doublespeak and excel at talking a lot in a thread without really saying anything when questioned about Xrack and further developments, well, it's put a dark sense of foreboding for me into the whole Xrack system.

In short, I was interested and started losing interest watching SSL ignore it like a red headed step child. Then Jim came by and put the final nail in the coffin for me in the whole format. Very sad as the Xrack is a system with a ton of potential and is way more functional than 500 series. I even love how you can have stereo modules in one space.

But the Main XRack power supply still has something like a piddly 32 memories to memorize setups. In this day and age, that's really lacking. I know you can back it up through MIDI but still, it doesn't take much to burn through 32 presets. The way SSL is treating the Xrack, I'm sure that design will never be brought up to modern times.

Like you, I agree that if you want to get into the Xrack, used is the way to go but if it's not working for you make sure to dump it fast while it's still worth what you paid for it before more people get wind of the fact that SSL has the Xrack format on life support and what little value it has left, drops.

Yeah I wonder how much lower they can go.... typical ebay prices are already about 40-60% of new.


ionian , regarding the 32 memory banks, I wasn't planning on really even using the presets if I can back up directly to the project, but then again, I've never seen how that actually plays out. I wonder how much of a hassle it is to back up via midi data.

levon , any comments on the recall via midi sysex data?

SSL consoles and plugin EQ are so popular I can't see any doubt on their popularity or usage in modern music. They seem to be the standard, really. And they do I think have a specific tone. I think a big part of the SSL sound must be the EQ. Along with the buss compressor. And the desks are famous for having multiple mix busses for the "Brauer" type technique of sending different stems to different compressor chains or whatever as needed for the overall sound.

I've always been slightly curious about the X-Rack but for some reason it's been squarely off of my radar for a long time. Hopefully that means you could find deals.

Another fun thing to think about is some of your favorite music probably had zero SSL on it. Or any other brand for that matter. Which doesn't make the choosing any less fun.

I hear you.  I'm not slagging on the current X-Rack system, just SSL's horrible support of it! 

I mean, I went back and forth for years on the damn system.  Like years ago - Maybe around 2010 or so.  Before I ever was into 500 series.  

I recognized that it had significant strengths over 500 series.  Also, the OCD side of me really liked the idea of a bunch of consistent modules from one company over a mishmash of modules from all over the place! 

I kept envisioning myself building up a nice SSL setup with just very few outside racks to handle what SSL can't - like DeEssers, or Transient Designers.  

Right before I started delving into 500 series, I had about $10,000 set aside to start building my system.  At one point, I even had about $7,000 worth of X-rack sitting in a cart at Sweetwater...my finger twitching over the mouse button.  There was always a little bit of doubt that would stop me from making the big jump.  

Many times over the last few years, I'd check back because I was still looking for an excuse to dump my 500 series and start with X-Rack.  It's like when you have that certain girlfriend - the one you say to, "I WANT to love you - why are you making it so hard!"  Haha

But there was always something.  I was paying attention to how many people have been begging for a Filters module so they didn't have to keep buying $1,000 preamps to get cutoff filters.  The dismissive way SSL kept treating that left a bad taste in my mouth.  


Then in more recent times, when they released those stereo G modules.  I really thought they were going to follow that up with stereo E modules.  I know I'm not the only one who would have wanted those.  A rack filled with Stereo G Dynamics and Stereo E EQs for stem work might be enough to push me over the edge again and buy into X-Rack!  


But no, it never came.  Ever.  Not even a hint of it.  


Then they started releasing the 500 series modules.  I actually thought this would be a good thing because I thought that any development that they put into the 500 series might translate over to the X-Rack.  First they updated the Buss compressor with the sidechain filter.  I thought that the X-Rack version would be released the same day, or within the same week.  Not only has it never come, but there's not even a hint that it ever will.  That's one of the biggest black eyes on SSL to date, in my opinion.  

Then, of course, they're developing new modules for the 500 series and when asked if they will be brought to the X-Rack, Jim dances around it like Muhammad Ali.  "SSL knows that we have X-rack customers to support!"  Nice, Jim.  All "Support" means is that you'll continue to provide service for broken modules.  It doesn't mean you're developing any more modules for X-Rack nor improving the current ones.  I would have actually called him out on that thread but you know, holding manufacturers to task when they use doublespeak is a bannable offense on the big purple/blue site.  Or, at the very least as has happened to me already when you question a manufacturer, a mod just deletes your post.  At some point, it's just not worth it when you already know the answer.

But if I could ask Jim at SSL two questions and get honest answers, they'd be, "1. Is SSL developing any new modules for the X-Rack?  2.  Will SSL be improving any of the current modules for the X-Rack?"  And no cheeky doublespeak like, "SSL is always listening to its customers for its next move!" or "We've been reading feedback from known producers who use the X-rack to decide what our next move should be!" or "There will be changes in our lineup as SSL is always current with modern technology!  Watch our press releases to see what's next!".  Just a straightforward "Yes" or "No".  No BS.  I mean, Jim is Vice President of something or other now at SSL.  I'm sure he knows the roadmap for at least the next 5 years.  Anything other than a straight Yes or No would be just insulting.  

SSL makes me feel like the X-Rack is like the elderly worker who's forced into retirement but with a pension.  "We don't really need you around here anymore, but here's a pension to thank you for your years of service and to show we still support you.  You'll always be part of our family."

I still think that the X-rack is a fantastic system, and in fact, if SSL has put it out to pasture, it's really a shame.  Hope springs eternal, and I still keep waiting for the new product announcements for the X-Rack that will make me say, "Yes!  I'm dumping all my 500 series gear and going full X-Rack!"

I WANT to love you, SSL. Why do you make it so hard?

OT: ionian I hear you, even if I'm not an xdesk user, I've been a Duende (pcie first and then native) user since almost its beginnings and it's been a very unpleasant experience, not to mention SSL's way of handling the thing and their representatives' communication skills/techniques that you described so well

end OT, sorry for the rant.

With that in mind I'd advise the OP to go with 500 architecture if he wishes to go the SSL way.