Alchemea College switches to SSL Duality SE

Alchemea College has installed an SSL Duality SE desk for its Studio Sound Engineering program.

The aim of the audio program is to give students a wide variety of skills to go out into the real world and be prepared for the different needs and challenges they will face.

“When the time came to get a new console, we wanted a desk that was analogue, had full 5.1 mixing capabilities and offered in-depth DAW control,” said Neil Pickles, director of short courses for Alchemea. “Looking at the current available analogue consoles, Duality has the most exciting and advanced implementation of DAW control over any other console. Duality offers an industry-standard channel configuration with mic pre, EQ and dynamics, along with extremely flexible routing and real 5.1 mixing.”

The console lives in the SSL Duality Control Room – Alchemea’s flagship studio – and is used for mixing and tracking. Capture is done through a Pro Tools HD system and a two-inch 24-track analogue tape recorder. The control room enjoys natural light during the day with climate control to promote a relaxed creative environment. Students also have access to a plethora of plug-ins and racks of outboard dynamics and effects units.

“We have had a very good experience with our SSL G-Series that was put into service 20 years ago and it’s still going strong to this day,” Pickles continued. “Back then, tape was still the recording medium and the G-Series set the standard. SSL is clearly setting the standard for DAW integration with Duality, effectively carrying on its renowned legacy. If you want to have a clean and open sound you can, but the VHD mic pres allow students to fatten up the sound as well. Duality provides students with a unique and powerful performance, and feature benefits to help them understand the creative nuances of sound production.”

Alchemea also wanted a console that would be around in the business for a long time, while maintaining its relevancy over the years.

“We felt there was an interesting teaching element with Duality in supplying our students with a console that is part of a family of consoles and that you’re going to find all over the world,” concluded Pickles. “The SSL people were brilliant from our meeting at the head office to installation and commissioning, and that’s also a part of the confidence we have in SSL.”

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