SAE Institute upgrades with SSL

Published: October 08, 2012 MEA

UAE: The SAE Institute in Dubai recently invested in a Solid State Logic AWS 948 hybrid console/controller as a part of an upgrade to its primary audio recording room Studio 7 – now named the SSL Studio. When used with the facility’s resident Pro Tools DAW system, the new purchase allows students to work in both analogue and computer-based workflows from the console surface.

‘Our aim is to provide quality, high-end education and training for future aspiring audio engineers, so keeping up with the latest industry standards throughout the course curriculum is essential,’ said Randula De Silva, head of the audio department, SAE Institute, Dubai.

‘We chose the AWS 948 to provide a platform that covers all the bases regarding teaching modern music recording,’ he continued. ‘The console’s size was a perfect fit for the control room and the self-contained operation of the AWS meant that we did not need a dedicated machine room for power supplies. This fits our “green” design considerations practiced throughout the facility. With SSL’s reputation for reliability, the console really ticked all the boxes for this application. We also liked that fact that engineers across the industry were familiar with the console.’

The SSL Studio connects to an SSL Live Room that is utilised for recording instruments. ‘The SuperAnalogue mic preamps on the AWS capture every nuance of each performance, giving the students the opportunity to really hear the differences between microphones and instruments,’ said Mr De Silva. ‘The preamps also give us a very accurate natural sound that helps teach about EQ and dynamics. When a change is made, a student can hear the difference and that helps them train for professional work.’

Mr De Silva reported that he was particularly impressed with the console’s structure and signal flow. ‘The integrated digital section, which makes recalling desk setup fast for analogue sessions, as well as when working on a remote layer for Pro Tools, make overall training easier while getting students acclimatised to sound engineering concepts faster,’ he added. ‘The entire point of the coursework is to enable students to really hear sound and understand how to accurately process and mix different tracks to produce professional results. The AWS 948 completely meets the needs of this programme.’