Solid State Logic Sigma Delta – Remote Controlled Analog Summing Mixer Engine

The Sigma Delta from Solid State Logic is a remote controlled analog summing mix engine that brings the sound of an SSL console together with the workflow advantages of mixing in a DAW. Sigma uses the same Superanalogue technology as SSL’s Duality and AWS consoles, offering analog summing with an extended frequency response, precision stereo imaging, depth, and clarity. Additionally, the unit can be controlled remotely using MIDI control and automation data from a DAW or hardware control surface.

Sigma’s rear panel offers 16 inputs via DB25 that are switchable between mono and stereo, offering a total of 32 channels at mixdown. Each input also features an individual direct output for printing individual channels back to your DAW. Two pairs of stereo mix busses, each with dedicated outputs and stereo inserts for implementing parallel compression and convenient printing of stems back to the DAW. Additionally, Mix Bus B can be routed into Mix Bus A during final mixdown. The studio monitor section offers two pairs of monitor outputs; Mains and Alternative. A separate artist monitor output features a comprehensive matrix system for signal routing with front and rear panel output connections.

The front panel offers accurate LED metering for all inputs and the master meter. Pressing the push-button rotary control cycles through monitors, headphone, Mix A, and Mix B, while turning the knob adjusts the level control. The LED ring around the level control offers visual feedback of level setting with the red LED indicating 0 dB. All levels are scalable between +18, +22, or +24 dBu. The two user buttons offer four controls and are user customizable. By default, they are set up to control main and alternative monitors, mono check, loud speaker mute, and loud speaker dim. A 1/8″ stereo jack input on the bottom right of the interface offers connections for any audio playback device, such as MP3 players and iOS devices.

While much of Sigma’s controls are available from the front panel interface, the system offers complete control through a web browser interface. The Channels page is used to configure each of the 16 channels, while the Master page is used for monitor configuration, user button settings, and MIDI learn functionality. The Settings page provides additional configurations with DAW protocols, controller setup, network connections, and miscellaneous settings, while all settings can be saved and recalled. The web browser interface also allows the unit to be wirelessly controlled via iOS devices or other tablets.

Once the system is set up, Sigma is controlled by the first 16 channels of your DAW, allowing for full automated control over the mix engine. Outboard processors are typically connected inline between an optional audio interface and Sigma. The DAW controlled mix engine circumvents the issue of DAW volume changes affecting outboard signal processors, like compressors, during mixing operations. The Sigma ships with an AC power adapter.

Key Features
Advanced DAW automation-driven SSL SuperAnalogue mix engine
Works with all major DAW’s including Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase/Nuendo, Ableton Live
16 flexible channels individually switchable between stereo or mono for up to 32 channels at mixdown
2 stereo mix busses with individual stereo insert points
Independent main and alternate monitor outputs
Direct outputs on all channels
Talkback facility with adjustable dim level
Intuitive cross platform set-up and configuration software interface
High speed external MIDI control via single Ethernet cable
Sigma Setup Concepts
Sigma is an analogue summing unit which can be controlled remotely using MIDI control and automation data from a DAW or a hardware control surface
Sigma uses an application called ‘IP MIDI’ which runs on your computer and lets you use a standard Ethernet cable connected between your computer and Sigma to carry MIDI information. You need to install IP MIDI before you can use Sigma
Sigma can also be remote controlled using a software browser. This browser is not a piece of software you install on your computer; it is actually a set of web pages which are hosted inside Sigma. You access those web pages using a standard internet browser such as Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, etc. To access the Sigma Browser ‘software’ you simply open a tab in your internet browser and type in a number (the IP Address of your Sigma unit). This address can be bookmarked like any normal web page
Both the Sigma browser and IP MIDI require that a network connection exists (via Ethernet) between your computer and Sigma. This is set up in a similar way to configuring a wireless hub and requires selection of appropriate settings in your network control panel in your computer
To use a tablet/smartphone device (iPad, etc) to control Sigma you will need an optional wireless router, to which your computer and Sigma are already connected (using optional Ethernet cables). You connect your tablet via your WI-FI’s wireless router/accent point, which allows you to connect to and control Sigma’s web pages, in a tab within your web browser. This is necessary as Sigma does not have a wireless connection of its own
The network and MIDI control aspects of Sigma are entirely separate to the audio side of Sigma. All audio connections are made between the Sigma unit and an optional computer audio interface/converters