SSL XL-DESK Console

SSL XL‑Desk 20‑Channel Analogue Console with Integrated 500‑Series Rack

Get 24‑into‑8 SuperAnalogue™ console power in a compact format—featuring 16 dual-input mono strips, four stereo paths, eight legendary SSL VHD mic pres, an 18‑slot 500‑series rack (two slots reserved for SSL’s onboard G‑Series stereo bus compressor), four mix buses, cue sends, talkback, foldback monitoring, and built-in bass management. Perfect for DAW-centric studios craving tactile control and pro-grade summing.

Professional Analogue Heart, Hybrid Studio Brain
Designed for tracking and mixing engineers seeking console-grade analogity without DAW automation, XL‑Desk delivers a pure, smart-dumb console experience. The unit provides 20 channel strips—16 mono (switchable to DAW returns) and four stereo—complete with 100 mm faders, direct outputs, and insert points for flexible stem printing.

The first eight mono channels include SSL’s Variable Harmonic Drive (VHD) mic preamps for transparent to harmonically rich saturation. Channels 9–16 can access 500-series mic pres via the rack for expanded input versatility.

Key Features

• 20‑channel SuperAnalogue™ console: 16 dual-input mono + 4 stereo
• Eight built-in VHD mic preamps on channels 1–8
• 18-slot 500-series rack integrated: 16 user‑configurable + 2 bus comp slots
• SSL G‑Series bus compressor in slots 17–18, hard‑wired to Mix A
• Four mix buses (A–D), with buses B–D summing into Mix A
• Mono AUX sends, stereo returns, foldback and dual headphone mixes
• Cue stereo bus with pan and level controls
• Direct outputs, pre/post fader, for stem printing per channel
• Talkback with dedicated Listen Mic and classic compressor
• Comprehensive monitoring: three speaker sets, subwoofer, bass management
• Solo-In-Place, AFL, Solo Safe/Clear modes, balanced D-sub I/O

Technical Specifications

• Channels: 16 dual-input mono, 4 stereo; 100 mm long-throw faders
• Mic Pres: 8× SSL VHD mic preamps on CH1–CH8
• 500‑Series Rack: 18 slots (full/half-width modules); powered independently
• Bus Compressor: SSL G-Series fixed insert in rack slots 17–18 on Mix A
• Mix Buses: A (master), B, C, D with summing to A
• Sends/Returns: 2 mono aux sends per channel; 2 stereo returns
• Cue Monitoring: Dedicated Cue-ST bus with pan/level per channel
• Direct Outs: Pre-/post-fader per channel, stereo returns, and mix buses
• Talkback System: Built-in Listen Mic + compressor; individual foldback outputs
• Monitoring Section: Three stereo speaker outputs + subwoofer, foldbacks A/B, bass management
• Solo Modes: Solo-In-Place, AFL, Solo Safe/Clear
• I/O: Balanced DB25 rear panel; front headphone and iJack sockets
• Power: High-spec internal PSU; separate 500-series rack PSU
• Dimensions & Weight: Approx. 47″ × 27″ × 14″, approx. 122 lb

Why You'll Love It
XL‑Desk bridges vintage console character and modern DAW workflows in a hands-on hybrid format. It offers rich SSL signal chain, flexible routing, deep analogue summing and pristine monitoring. Whether you're a content creator, producer, or session engineer, this console empowers you with control and creativity—without compromises.