SSL Upgrades Live Console Demo Facility

Solid State Logic (SSL) has upgraded the sound system in its live console demonstration facility at its Oxford headquarters, installing an EM Acoustics Reference Series loudspeaker system to give visiting engineers a more realistic live sound experience.

The British console manufacturer selected EM Acoustics to provide a system that would allow engineers to experience its Live Series desks in an environment more closely reflecting the conditions they would encounter in live production.

SSL's purpose-built demonstration facility enables engineers to work hands-on with the company's consoles in a range of settings. Its rooms support applications ranging from traditional mains and nearfield monitoring for recording to immersive audio for broadcast.

In the Live console room, the previous studio monitoring system has now been replaced with a portable EM Acoustics setup designed to deliver the power and coverage associated with live sound applications.

The room had been equipped with another portable loudspeaker system for approximately 12 years. As the system approached the end of its operational life, SSL began looking for a replacement, with EM Acoustics emerging as its preferred choice.

The new installation comprises a pair of R8 compact precision point-source loudspeakers, fitted with a narrow 80 x 50-degree rotatable waveguide, alongside an S-15 subwoofer.

The system was selected to provide sufficient output for the demonstration space while retaining the portability required for SSL’s working environment.

Following listening tests and band rehearsals through the system, Arnold said the loudspeakers matched his preferred sound characteristics.

Power and processing for the system are supplied by EM Acoustics’ DQ10 lightweight, four-channel Class D switchmode amplifier. Configuration and management are handled through the manufacturer's System Engineer software.

For SSL, the sound quality of the new system was a central consideration, as the loudspeakers needed to demonstrate the audio capabilities of its Live Series consoles.

emacoustics.co.uk