SSL Matrix console chosen by IIFA award winning producer
Published: ASIA
INDIA: Renowned Bollywood producer and mix engineer Eric Pillai recently installed a Matrix SuperAnalogue mixing console from Solid State Logic at his Nick Whittaker-designed Future Sound Of Bombay facility. Mr Pillai has described the desk as ‘allowing me to build up the studio the way that I want it’ and ‘a dream come true’.
The IIFA award-winning producer attributes his choice of console to wanting to move away from working inside the box following the opening of his two-room studio in 2011.
‘I first started working in the box around 1999/2000, but always found working with a mouse to be very frustrating and boring,’ he explained. ‘When I set up the studio I finally decided that I needed a console. That was when Shiv Sood of SSL distributor Sound Team told me about the Matrix. I thought it was great, because I could set it up the way that I want it. I’m able to incorporate external EQs and effects. I installed an X-Rack system, together with some other compressors and stuff, and I’ve got a second X-Rack coming soon. I’ve got my analogue section and I’ve got my DAW control, so I’m using both.’
He added: ‘The whole summing thing and headroom thing is working for me. I just go with what I’m hearing, and I can hear that it’s slightly wider, warmer, and a little bit spongy, which is great. Now everything is also on the fader, which allows me to really feel what I’m doing too.’
Mr Pallai is reportedly a long-term SSL admirer, having first become fascinated with the 4000 Series console that featured in the video for The Police single Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic. Later, he continues, ‘I used to work in my bedroom on my computer, but when it came to mixing I used to carry my DAW and I/O to a local SSL studio to get all of the tracks out onto the console and then back again.’
Indeed, he still hopes to one day acquire a large-format SSL console. ‘My rooms right now are 12-feet by 10-feet, and I’m on the fourth floor of a building, so I can’t get anything bigger. I’m just waiting for the right property, but once that happens I’ll definitely get a bigger board! That’s my dream.’