SSL Origin Console | MY 2 YEAR REVIEW | Not a Sponsored Video!

In this video, I update the channel after having my console for 2 years. What do I like, and dis-like, have there been any quality issues?
Products mentioned in the video
We-Audio NG Level - wesaudio.com/product/ngleveler/
Fader-Mate - fadermate.co.uk/
Check out my new Hybrid Mixing courses here:
www.homerecordingmadeeasy.com...
Gear I have in my studio. I get all my gear at Sweetwater. (affiliate links). Thank you for supporting my channel!
SSL Origin - imp.i114863.net/4edbBZ
SSL Fusion - imp.i114863.net/EaqG92
SSL UF-8 DAW Controller - imp.i114863.net/qnAXGn
SSL UC-1 - imp.i114863.net/QOJ3xY
Empirical Labs Distressor - imp.i114863.net/rngeK3
U/A Apollo x16 - imp.i114863.net/BXKrYL
Switchcraft Patch Bay - imp.i114863.net/doLjrQ
Wes Audio NG Bus Comp - imp.i114863.net/6bexvE
Wes Audio Titan - imp.i114863.net/EaKyQ4
Wes Audio Dione - imp.i114863.net/b3aVRx
Black Lion Audio Bluey - imp.i114863.net/e4rdG1
This channel is all about my journey of setting up and mixing in an analog / hybrid fashion. Come with me as I purchase and set up all the gear that is involved with my studio. If you are into hybrid and/or an analog workflow then welcome!
I also have a website with more content & my mixing services
www.mixingmusicanalog.com
For more mixing, mastering, recording training visit
www.homerecordingmadeeasy.com
If you are interested in learning how to mix music using a DAW and plugins only then check out my mixing membership "Mixing Made Easy".net.
www.mixingmadeeasy.net
For "in the box" mixing, mastering, plugin demos etc.. visit my KZbin channel
/ homerecordingmadeeasy
Where I get all of my gear, Sweetwater of course! They have the very best customer service in the business! The next time you need anything for your studio, please consider using my affiliate link below. You don't pay a penny more and you are helping support what I do here. I thank you in advance!
imp.i114863.net/c/2224454/792...

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

If you mix "all in the box", check out my online training which includes a FREE 90 min mixing course. www.homerecordingmadeeasy.com

[@JuanDale]

Appreciate the honest review. I'm an audio engineer at a university that's getting ready to install an Origin 32, so it's nice to hear a real world take.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

You're welcome Juan. Good luck with the install.

[@audiomaximo]

Your are a honest man with your opinions. You make really interesting videos

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thank you very much!

[@braxal6983]

Nice to have these videos every Friday. Thanks Dave!!!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

You're welcome!

[@georgeclarkmusic]

thanks for the insight! I work at a uni and we have just ordered a 32, 16 and XL for our refurbished studios, along with the UF8. Visited SSL not too long ago and thoroughly enjoyed the pure drive!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Fantastic! Enjoy all that new gear!!

[@SlumlordStudios]

Thanks Dave for putting this together. I started out recording/mixing in a completely analog world, but have found so many great advantages to the hybrid setup I use now. It is the best of both worlds. It's understandable that cost is always a factor, but I would recommend for anyone mixing in the box, to at least try an incorporate some type of analog device (e.g., summing, 2 BUS master compression, etc.) into their chain. But, I really like the feel of having my hands on a desk than a mouse.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Great point!

[@marcinmima4779]

Amazing, as always Love your channel

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

That is very kind of you! Thank you

[@notakindofmagic]

Another subscriber. Great honest review. Many thanks.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for the sub!

[@djpanntro]

My friend, I love your videos, I live in Toronto Canada, I'm a crazy lover of SSL consoles and this year I'm going to get my ORIGIN, thank you very much for the advice and for the Feedback, it's been amazing for me that I live in the digital age and Dawn more than I love the true practicality of Analog's Son and Punch, thank you very much, your videos have helped me a lot. stay with God friend, I look forward to more videos from you 🙏🏽👍🏾

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Congrats on getting your Origin! You'll love it!

[@AJOrpheo]

Oh wow new camera setup? Looking good dave!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks AJ

[@the1songwriter]

I've watched a few of your videos, and each one has been fantastic. So, I'm subscribing. :) Cheers!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Welcome aboard!

[@the1songwriter]

Thank you! @@MixingMusicAnalog

[@SoundcastStudios]

that was my reaction with an SSL style hardware EQ. I compared it to the plugin on my channel and was surprised.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@elruso7524]

It would be very interesting to see your experience with Wes Audio ngLeveler. There is very little information about the product and very few videos. The newest is 2 years old. It seems to be the ideal complement for the SSL Origin. Glad to see you're enjoying the console. Cheers.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Maybe at one point I'll check out the NG level

[@jonathanrichard6881]

Hi Dave I can attest to that I owned an AMEK Big 28 analog console now I'm running Digital QSC Touchmix-30 Pro into a Tascam DA-3000. Very different sounding mixes. I have worked with multitracks from Studios that had upwards $750,000 worth of gear down to a UAD 4 ch- Volt $476 Studio. The Volt held its own in fact one of my best mixes came from the Volt. You are right its more about skill than a ton of gear. I am trying to convince my son of the same thing, he's all about the analog with the hefty price tag. Anyway I love your Studio, Jon📀🎸🎧

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

I agree. However, for me, it is way more about the workflow. working on a console with gear is 100X more fun than working in the box. It just is, and for me you have to have fun! ;)

[@acimbobby]

Certainly you are right to be using an SSL. I think they have a great reputation in the UK studio world and are liked by my friend who is an engineer. You got to know that so many great albums have come from SSL Consoles. Thanks Dave for a bit of honesty on the YT. LOL

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

You're very welcome and thank you for watching and supporting the channel

[@imremozsik1012]

Thank you for your superb and very informative videos! Question: why didn't you get a console with dynamics per channel? How do you solve compression this way?

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

There is no console on the market with dynamics on every channel for less than $150K, that's why...LOL. I dont usually compress on every channel anyway. I go through that in great detail in my Hybrid Mixing course. You should check that out. www.homerecordingmadeeasy.com/mixing-hybrid-pop-rock

[@davidchurch8828]

Great video Dave. Ive followed your videos for years and been very interested in your experience with your console. I just record as a hobbyist and cant really justify the cost of a console. My wife would kill me. I do know what you mean by the sound or sonic qualities of analogue and it is noticeable when i compare recordings i did on consoles in the early 90s compared with completely ITB. I wonder if its got a lot to do with the period we grew up in and that over time the sonic differences wont be as bigger deal? Then again, a lot of people love analogue. It'll be interesting to watch what happens. All the best.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Not sure, all I know is that working on a console with gear makes you feel like you're actually part of the music, and its like playing an instrument. working with a mouse and keyboard and squinting at a screen makes me feel like I am working in a cubicle on a spreadsheet. It's waaaaaay more inspiring and fun to work hybrid, at least for me :)

[@davidchurch8828]

I totally agree Dave. It's the whole experience and what inspires you to do your best work. Look forward to your next videos.

[@JordonBeal]

I *really* need to get some time on one of these for a mix or two. I'm seriously considering a console in the next two years, and this is high on the list. The big bummer for me is the lack of the SSL dynamics on each channel, since I lean heavily on those. But I could work around that.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

I thought I would miss the dynamics as well but come to find out, I didn't at all. I have several ssl E-Dyn in my 500 rack for when I need them. You wont find ANY console on the market with dynamics on every channel for less than $150K so at the 50-60K price point there are sacrifices to be made

[@thaexception3406]

Informative

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thank you

[@zonarecordingstudio]

In my humble opinion,the magic of my console is in the tracking, makes all the difference.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Agreed!

[@jdigital1]

I think you can use SSL Sigma for 16 stereo channels 32 mono of automation and SSL AWS Style summing, not that you need the summing with plus A and/or B mix buses, mix b can be injected into mix A it also has a few insert channels for some of your rack gear with the SSL Sigma I also believe you can use your analog console faders to write the automation that is then played back via the Sigma software which is also accessible/recallable in you DAW and saved with the session.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Yes, I did speak to SSL about the Sigma and they told me its no longer made or supported so I decided against it. I now have the Wes Audio NG Leveler on all 32 channels and that is one killer recallable automation system. Videos coming soon!

[@svenisaksson3970]

I hope you figure out way to test the Fadermaster system. That would be very interesing. I'm not sure about retrofitting, but what if one could buy the origins without the faders and then install Fadermaster faders in it? I think that that would be an ineresting option (provided the Fadermaster system cuts it).

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Not happening on this channel....LOL. Fadermate is not a company I would be willing to spend money with.

[@ABS_AD77]

Curious to know what's the sonic difference between SSL SuperAnalog console vs Old SSL Console and SSL Origin. Thanks for a great video. Cheers.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Not sure to be honest.

[@karymwillemsen5564]

Dear Dave I have said this before. But it just really blows my mind that you are not sponsord yet. I look at other channels that do get sponsord and to be honest they are not even close to you in quality and knowledge. The only reason I can think of is that you are to honest. I am a very early subscriber to your channel and watched almost all of your video's, and your comparising video's are just insanely good I believe every letter that comes out of your mouth. I can understand that that is not very beneficial for a company like sweetwater. For example I see other channels talking about a product (hardware or software) And saying "this is the best I use it on every mix and every recording" just to see that they are using something completely different in the next video 🤭. You Rock and thank you for all you have done you saved me a lot of money over the years. Because of you I made some really good decisions when purchasing new stuff. ps have you tried to contact bax-shop or thomann ??

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for the kind words. Yes, most of the other KZbin channel you see in the audio space are bought and paid for by companies. Most of the studios are filled with free gear and they also get paid hundreds of dollars per video they do for that product so they can't be 100% honest. Everything is great all the time. They are simply salesmen and are relying on KZbin to make a living. I am the exact opposite of those channels. I do not make my money on KZbin of sponsorships. I have never been paid a single dollar to make a video for a company and 95% of everything you see in my videos, I paid for. The only exception is a handful of pieces from Audio-Scape, which I have been 100% transparent about and everyone of their pieces I have kept and use on almost every mix. I could have sold their gear after reviewing it but I do truly like their stuff. This is why I tell my sub's that what I am doing here, I feel is truly unique and honest. I appreciate your feedback!

[@goeaststudios]

I got the NgLeveler on my Origin subgroups. You can saturate like in their 500 Modules also, it sounds very nice and it works via LAN! Also WES Audio Software is solid! A no brainer for that price! Give it a shot!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

I would love to know how you got it hooked up. Where in the chain etc..Are you still mixing with your Origin faders or do you only use the dAW faders?

[@goeaststudios]

@@MixingMusicAnalog The group Origin faders are at 0 dB when I use the automation. And I use the UF8 for riding them. In the NGleveler plug-in you got 2 screen options: Faders and Trim. Faders are rough level and trim is for fine automations like pushing things up or down a bit on the chrorus etc. you can assign it Mono/stereo..whatever. Really flexible! I got it hooked up via my patchbay like so: BUS Outs half-normalized to NGLeveler in. next row: NGleveler Outs half-normlized to Stereo Group Ins. That way you can still insert the outboard gear and the NGleveler will have the last word. And if I dont need it I just unpress the 0 dB button and use the Origin Faders as intended. I could even bypass it completely if needed. But I have to say most of the time it's in my workflow also because of the saturation if you like that. I had a SSL 6k before but having the analog automation within the DAW session is unbeatable. also its 24 dBu in and out!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Ok, I think I got it. Man, I would love to speak with you sometime about this seeing as you also have an SSL Origin. So, you are using the NG level on the console 8 buses, not on the individual 32 channels? So you only have 1 NG level unit correct, which I think is 16 in/out? Do you have anyway to shoot a video about this?

[@goeaststudios]

@@MixingMusicAnalog Exactly! I got 1 unit which is totally fine for my workflow. its 16 in/out and you can configure it mono or stereo per fader just like the 8 faders on the SSL. With the UF8 its so easy to work with. I can seamlessly switch between DAW and NG Leveler. Maybe I make a little video for you just to show you how I have set it up. Hopefully in the coming week!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

I have a NG Level coming in this week to give your set up a try. any chance we could hook up on a Zoom call so you can walk me through the setup? If I can get this done successfully, I will def shoot a few videos for the channel showing how this is done. hit me up via mail at [e-mail]

[@CatalystStudiosUK]

Hi Dave! It's SSL Origin serial 00078 here! Enjoy watching your videos. I don't think Fadermate can be fitted on an Origin. The Fader Tile is a PCB containing 8 faders and various other bits and bobs of circuitry and components. Fadermate relies on you being able to exchange faders that are attached by wire to a PCB. The faders on the Origin are built into a PCB in blocks of 8 and screwed underneath the fader plate or tile as SSL refers to it. If I find appropriate pictures I will email them to you. I hope I made myself understood there? Cheers Andy

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Good info, thanks. I was not planning on trying Fadermate anyway. They dont have a best support communication from my limited experience.

[@CatalystStudiosUK]

@@MixingMusicAnalog No worries, Dave! I gathered that from what you said in the video. I was just letting you (and others) know that flying faders doesn't like an option at the moment. Sadly ☹

[@pvalenti]

Would you consider doing a video comparison with audio rendered thru the analog system and your ITB system, both done to your best abilities so we could hear the sonic difference to the 'end user' Dave?

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

"audio render" you mean do a full mix on both and shoot a video? No, no plans to do that anytime soon

[@pvalenti]

@Mixing Music Analog yeah you might be thinking about a lot more work than I meant. I'm talking about mixing a song both ways, and rendering it and then make a video comparing the two. Obviously that would mean the time to mix in two different environments, and the time to make the video. But it could even be a short if you wanted. Anything to audibly demonstrate the actual difference for your two mix options anyway. It could be cool...but this ain't your only gig obviously...just a suggestion.

[@EdBoogie]

Re: the insert point before/after the compressor - surely you could insert e.g. your SSL Fusion post bus comp by putting it between the bus comp and your converters to DAW? Have the pre-bus comp Insert point in your patch bay as well as the post-bus comp in/outs...?

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Correct

[@LogicKeyz]

Finally someone telly the truth about Analog vs ITB!!! Im tired of these people saying ITB is comparable to Analog..... Not true.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

ITB is great, as I have said 10 million times on this channel....LOL. however, analog is a way different sound and experience.

[@Ultimate_Wasabi]

When you do a mix, are your channel inputs routing through the preamps or are you using the line-in selectors?

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Line in and the "pure drive" preamp can be active on those. There is also a 2nd set of inputs called"monitor" in which can be used

[@SoundOfPirates]

Thanks so much for the review. I have watched all of your Origin videos(they are all so informative and they helped a lot!) and am about to pull the trigger on the Origin 32. After reading the manual for a few times, there is one question if I may ask: can I route the SF and LF from the same channel to the same group bus at the same time? It says in the manual that the SF from LF button can source LF singal to the SF for parallel processing. But if you can't route both the SF and LF to the same group bus to blend, then parallel processing can't seem to be possible. Am I understanding it correctly? Thanks again, Sean

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

No, you cant route the SF and LF of the same channel to the groups at the same time. Its one or the other. I put my parallel tracks on the SF and send them directly to the main outs and blend them that way and its no problem for me. Where are you buying your console from? Sweetwater?

[@SoundOfPirates]

Thanks so much for the reply! Because I am not based in the US so I will be buying from a local dealer here in China. Thanks again and looking forward to more Origin videos in the future

[@ApolloJetsonKND]

What interface/converters do you use paired with this console , and do you like it or do you plan on upgrading them to something else?

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

I am currently using the Presonus Quantum 4848's to give me the 64 I/O. I have been testing many "higher" end converters and none so far sound any "better" than what I am using. There are videos on this channel covering this topic. here is the link to one of those tests kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3zciIOJq8SqbtE

[@JR-bn3ev]

Greetings from Brazil! I need your honest opinion about analog console simulators. Which plugin comes closest to a physical console? Thank you very much in advance. ☺️

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

None of them....thats the honest truth.

[@Pod-e4m]

do you put a dust cover on your console?

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Yes, every day

[@nicefish10]

I have an old 56 channel Neve desk and my power bill for my commercial studio (3000 sq ft) is less than $350 per month. It’s a non issue.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Mine isn't even half of that so its a non-issue for me as well.

[@petercastle4381]

Please hire a Behringer Wing and compare against the SSL Origin

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Sorry, that is not going to happen. I dont have access to that board

[@bridgestreetdesign]

Even if you use ssl plugins, you’re not going to get the analog ssl sound (or neve, or whatever) unless you run the audio through an ssl console. Summing matters.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Of course.

[@bridgestreetdesign]

@@MixingMusicAnalog I’m using a repurposed Midas live console at my studio. Once it was up and running I ran a session through it (a session I knew quite well) and it was a night and day difference. There was a noticeable bump in the low mids and mids, and the mix glued together better. I’m sure your experience with your SSL was similar.

[@Enice43]

Seriously, considering it getting set up like that might need your help

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

I have many videos on this channel to help you. Start bing watching! :)

[@ssjlkrillin]

It appears that for most professional workflows a hybrid setup would be in order. It begs the question: "how did the old school guys do it with an analog console and a tape machine?" They fully dedicated themselves to a single session until it was complete for obvious reasons. An analog console is one thing, but few are willing to go back to tape. I will say that DAWs have spoiled us, making it far too easy to divide one's attention between multiple sessions in a single day. I think the best way to achieve a proper mix on any platform is to live with that one track until you get it right and move on to the next one.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

I could not agree more. That's why I NEVER do recall's and go back. I stay on the project, make it as good as I can, commit and move on!

[@jloiben12]

I wish consoles were built in this range with compressors instead of eqs

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

No one makes a console like that. EQ is a far more important tool than compression and thats why consoles have those over dynamics

[@marklholloway]

Joel Wanasek is another KZbinr who just went with an Origin. Sounds like Tom Lord-Alge sold him on the idea at NAMM.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Cool!

[@JohnSk82]

And why SSL didnt want to work with the sweetest Audio Freak on the internet ? (Yes I'm overdoing it but bottomline it's true)

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Great question....LOL. I am not a large enough KZbin channel for them. Trust me, If this channel had 100k subs, they would be lining up to want to work with me. It's all about the size of the audience.

[@JohnSk82]

@@MixingMusicAnalog But you freaking bought a 50k console man :P And delivering content every other day.What do they need to give you a go , a mars shaped head and a tail or something ? People never seize to ''amaze'' me ...

[@raal007]

Thanks for the video, BTW i'm one of the 30% who subscribed. Your videos are great.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for the sub!