Berlin-based EMP Music Publishing has installed a larger mixing desk to allow it to handle orchestral session and big mixes. The company creates music tracks for television and radio programing, as well as commercials, and has installed a Solid State Logic AWS 948 with an XLogic X-Rack in its Fake Palm Studio facility.

‘We produce music for companies that include ARD TV and RTL TV in Germany and Swiss Television, specialising in live instrument recordings and new classical compositions,’ says owner, Rainer Eichhorn. ‘We have been in business since 1980 and have used a lot of different consoles, and I can tell you the sound of the SSL AWS 948 is simply the best. With the AWS 948, I have SSL’s sound and EQ, at the same time I have the comfort of controlling my Pro Tools® and Logic DAW systems through the console. When it comes to recording and mixing classical music, acoustic instruments and voices, I think there is nothing better.’

EMP receives tracks for mixing that feature big band, brass and orchestra performances, with an emphasis on strings. These recordings are done in studios as far away as Dallas Texas and Los Angeles, and sent along to EMP for mixing. In the past, Eichhorn would mix at EMP or in another studio, but with the advent of the AWS 948, Eichhorn will only mix through the AWS 948 at EMP.

‘When we first installed the AWS 948, I played back a stereo track that was mixed on our former digital console,’ he says. ‘I tweaked the filters a bit and it made all the difference. The previous track was good, but the SSL track came alive. It is amazing that I have all this sonic power at my fingertips. The AWS 948 is not just a tool, it is a creative instrument. This console gives me the sound I have always envisioned.’

Eichhorn has been using an SSL SuperAnalogue Channel Strip unit for single channel recording for several years, so he is very familiar with the performance of SSL EQ and dynamics. To accompany the AWS 948, Eichhorn ordered up an SSL XLogic X-Rack loaded with eight dynamics modules. The advantage here is that X-Rack works in conjunction with the console’s TotalRecall automation for fast set up when updating mixes. It also allows Eichhorn to preserve the SuperAnalogue signal flow.

‘I am very familiar with the EQ, filtering, dynamics and the sound of the mic pre that is on the AWS 948,’ he agrees. ‘We purchased the X-Rack with all dynamics units to round out the feature set of the console. With classical instruments, especially strings and oboes, precisely capturing the subtle overtones and color of an instrument is crucial. The AWS 948 gives us the perfect tool to record every nuance of a performance. The AWS 948 with X-Rack dynamics is a dream come true for me.’

More: www.solidstatelogic.com