AWS Sales Reach 450 Worldwide
The Solid State Logic AWS 900+ Analogue Workstation System, the console that re-defined the recording industry, continues its legacy through studio placements with superstar producers, post production and educational facilities. The AWS 900+ delivers SSL’s legendary SuperAnalogue™ sound and dynamics processing while offering complete on console control for multiple DAW systems simultaneously. Worldwide sales have exceeded 450 Systems since the release of the original AWS 900.
“We are very proud to see that the AWS 900+ has such widespread industry acceptance,” says Phil Wagner, President of SSL, Inc. “Recent sales to leading producers, educators and music professionals prove that SSL’s analogue recording techniques and great sound quality are very desirable in the modern digital world. SSL’s hybrid analog and workstation controller approach in AWS 900+, Duality and Matrix continues to be a hit among engineers. Everyone loves the sound and the feel.”
Tricky Stewart’s Triangle Sound Studios, Atlanta, GA
Mega producer Tricky Stewart recently installed two AWS 900+SE consoles as part of a facilities renovation of his private Triangle Sound Studios. Working with such superstars as Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, Usher, Jesse McCartney, Janet Jackson, Rihanna and Beyonce with the current hit “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),” Stewart relies on SSL’s sterling SuperAnalogue sound to create the hits.
“I had really fallen in love with the sound of the K series over the years,” says Stewart. “With the AWS, I found that I could get the sound we wanted and a controller for our Pro Tools systems in one package. So I was really happy about that because now I could get my K and eat it too.”
David Bottrill & Brian Moncarz, Rattlebox Studio, Toronto
Three-time Grammy Award winner, David Bottrill (Tool, Silverchair, Peter Gabriel) and partner Brian Moncarz (The Junction, Pilot Speed) installed an AWS 900+ as the centerpiece of their semi-private production facility, Rattlebox Studio. The studio is used to develop projects that are either tracked and mixed on the AWS or to finish projects that have been tracked in another facility. The AWS 900+ is used in conjunction with a Pro Tools HD system and an SSL XLogic X-Rack filled with dynamics modules.
“The AWS 900+ is a forward thinking console that bridges the gap between the traditional SSL analogue console and the world of Pro Tools,” states Bottrill. “The AWS provides us with the control of our Pro Tools rig right on the console surface, while delivering the SuperAnalogue sound that is a sonic signature for the industry. We are very happy with the AWS 900+.”
Garth Richardson’s Hot Sole Music, a division of Nimbus School of Recording Arts, Vancouver, British Columbia
Music producer and engineer Garth “GGGarth” Richardson, who has worked with artists such as Rage Against the Machine, Chevelle, Shihad, Rise Against, Kittie, and Atreyu, has put together the Nimbus School of Recording Arts with music educator Kevin Williams, business consultant Don Osborn and legendary producer Bob Ezrin, who has worked with groups like Pink Floyd, Alice Cooper, Kiss and Peter Gabriel. The Hot Sole Music AEP Program started by Williams is now a part of the Nimbus project.
The console of choice for this initiative is the SSL AWS 900+ console. The AWS 900+ gives Richardson the SuperAnalogue sound that SSL is famous for, while offering control of the studio’s DAW for a total real world learning experience. “We wanted the AWS 900+ because it offers an industry standard console layout, world class analogue sound and the capability of controlling a DAW system from the console surface,” says Richardson. “The AWS addresses every aspect of how artists create today and that is a valuable tool for our educational program.”
Playback Recording Studio, Santa Barbara, CA
Playback Recording Studio, a stunning Chris Pelonis and RPG designed post production and music recording facility, recently installed a Solid State Logic AWS 900+ SuperAnalogue DAW control console as the centerpiece of the facility. The AWS was chosen for its capability to handle Playback’s wide client base of post production clients like the Discovery Channel and MTV Japan, and music clients including Half Pint, Empire Isis, Smiff & Wessun, El Da Sensei & Tame-1 of the Artificats, Adam Joseph and Broadway talent Kaitlin Hopkins.
“With the AWS 900+, SSL has a console that is not matched in the industry,” says Tucker Bodine, owner and chief engineer for Playback Recording Studio. “It can handle pretty much anything you throw at it, whether you’re working on a film project, or a music project. I need to be able to handle post production and 5.1 surround mixing as well as full music recording and mixing for a four piece up to a 16 piece band. The AWS allows me to attract business from both worlds giving the studio a solid client base.”
Bob Horn, High Valley Entertainment, North Hollywood, CA
Bob Horn, engineering and mix genius behind projects with Akon, the Step Up soundtrack, Brandy, Timbaland and Ne-Yo, is part of a creative collective called High Valley Entertainment (HIVE), an innovative think tank that develops talent and produces entertainment content. Team HIVE operates out of a state-or-the-art entertainment facility located in North Hollywood. The studio complex offers music development, production, mixing and scoring. Studio A is the home of Bob Horn and features an AWS 900+ driving Pro Tools and Logic-based DAWs.
“I recently joined up with High Valley Entertainment and put together my own studio in our new 5000 square foot facility,” says Horn. “My studio has its own lounge, a large control room and a big tracking room with three booths. I chose the SSL AWS 900+ console because of the on-console control of our 48 I/O Pro Tools HD system with Apogee conversion and because of the great SSL sound and reputation.”
B.B. King Recording Studio, Mississippi Valley State University,
Itta Bena, MS
The B.B. King Recording Studio, a part of the School of Fine Arts Music Department at Mississippi Valley State University, gives students the opportunity to experience real world instruction pertaining to the music industry. The School of Fine Arts and Music Department cover the important parts of the music industry including instrumental performance, vocal performance, recording engineering and business. The AWS 900+ SE provides the studio with an industry standard console that bridges the gap between traditional analogue recording and digital capture and control.
“It is my belief that giving students the experiences to record and mix on an SSL is a great investment for the university,” says Daryl Dickerson, lead engineer of the audio program. “In fact, this purchase is one of the best that could have been made to complete the BB King Studio upgrades and allow our students the opportunity to enhance their learning experience here at Mississippi Valley State University. It is important that our students interact with equipment that they will encounter after graduation, thus the purchase of this exceptional console truly fulfills our mission.”
Solid State Logic is the world’s leading manufacturer of analogue and digital audio consoles and provider of creative tools for music, broadcast and post production professionals. For more information about our award-winning products, please visit: www.solid-state-logic.com.
