Console maker Solid State Logic (SSL) will be introducing the AWS 924 and AWS 948, updated versions of the AWS 900 console, at AES 2010. First launched in 2004, the AWS professional production console combined classic SSL analog console technology with DAW control hardware in a single work surface. Now the same unit with the 24-fader footprint is available in 24-input (AWS 924) and 48-input (AWS 948) versions with numerous new features.

Significant new features include dual path channels with stereo EQ and Insert, eight fader bay Digital Scribble strips, and "A-FADA" (Analogue Fader Accesses DAW Automation) automation where motorized analog faders follow DAW automation data.

According to SSL, the increase from 24 to 48 inputs on the AWS 948 is achieved via the introduction of the dual path channel strip design where each channel has a single mic pre and two line level inputs, plus a new stereo EQ and stereo insert. This new channel allows for three different operating modes (Stereo Mix, In-Line Mix, and In-Line Tracking) that add extra workflow options that enhance the capabilities of modern production environments. The new Stereo EQ design featured on the AWS 948 is similar to the SSL SuperAnalogue mono 4-band parametric Channel EQ, but adds independent switching of HF / LF and Mid Frequency bands between E and G series tonal characteristics.

The A-FADA mode brings the most radical change to the AWS 924 and AWS 948, notes SSL. This mode enables the analog motorized faders to follow continuous DAW automation data, and in turn delivers all the advantages of automation of the analog audio path with the workflow advantages of DAW-based automation data, with nonlinear editing and large GUI manipulation.

Additional improvements to both the 924 and 948 consoles include a redesigned meter penthouse with a new phase meter and improved master metering, new LCD Digital Scribble Strips, updated cosmetic styling with new console legs, the addition of the timesaving TR Autoscan, summing bus injects for the Cue and FX busses, and SD-card based multiple project storage.

New Features for the AWS 948:

• 48 inputs
• In-Line Tracking: 1 mic and 1 line inputs per channel
• In-Line Mix: 2 mono line inputs per channel
• Stereo Mix: 1 stereo line input per channel
• Stereo EQ design with independent E / G curve switching of HF / LF and HMF / LMF bands
• Dual path channel with 3 versatile operating modes

New features for both the AWS 924 and AWS 948:

• Analogue Fader Access DAW Automation mode
• New console legs and cosmetic styling
• 8-Channel LCD Solo / Cut tile displays
• SD Flash card enables onboard storage of multiple projects
• TR Autoscan streamlines TR operation
• New Phase meter and 20 segment bargraph meters
• Bus injects for Cue and FX

Key AWS features:

• Combination of analog console and advanced DAW controller
• SSL SuperAnalogue mix bus provides pristine audio foundations
• SSL SuperAnalogue mic pres transparent record path
• Versatile 4-band channel EQ, assignable dynamics, and SSL Master Bus Compressor
• 5.1 Surround monitoring and monitor speaker calibration, including bass management
• MIDI over Ethernet multi layer DAW workstation control
• Console project management with SSL Logicitivity Remote Browser and SD card storage
• SSL’s Total Recall system
• "Green" manufacturing and reduced power consumption
• Compact 24-fader frame ideal for small control rooms

For more information about the new AWS 924 and AWS 948 consoles, visit solidstatelogic.com. Solid State Logic will be showing the new models next week at AES 2010 (Booth 902).