A year on from the launch of the Oracle, SSL have revealed a new flagship console which they say redefines what is possible in analogue production. Powered by the same ActiveAnalogue technology introduced in its smaller sibling, the Odyssey features a modular architecture that supports configurations up to 96+8 channels, and thanks to digital control, offers complete instant recall across every single control and setting. 

Taking the concept that was introduced in the Oracle and pushing it to the extreme, the Odyssey allows users to instantly restore, compare, revise and switch between complete console states, making it possible to quickly move between tracking, overdubbing, mixing, stem creation, immersive production and revision sessions, all without any manual recall or patching. All of the console’s analogue circuitry is governed by high-resolution digital control operating behind the scenes, with SSL’s patented approach said to avoid the noise, distortion and power consumption associated with older digitally controlled analogue systems.

Each of the Odyssey’s channels is kitted out with PureDrive preamps with Drive control, fully analogue dynamics, switchable E and G Series EQ, assignable high- and low-pass filters, insert points and motorised dual-fader control. The combination of SSL’s praised analogue designs and the ActiveAnalogue system offers the same immediacy and responsiveness of a traditional analogue SSL console, but with the convenience of recall offered by modern digital consoles and control surfaces.

Thanks to its modular nature, studios can have the console configured in sizes ranging from 24+8 to 96+8, with straight-frame, curved ProStation and fully custom frame options available, along with the option of an integrated patchbay and producer bays. As with the Oracle, all of the Odyssey’s analogue circuitry is housed in remote processing racks. 

• Instant recall of all settings, processing, and routing across the entire console.
• Four stereo Main Mix Busses, 16 Track Busses, 10 Aux Busses, eight stereo Flex Groups, three stereo Foldback Busses.
• PureDrive mic pre with Drive control.
• Classic fully analogue SSL channel dynamics.
• Switchable E & G Series EQ and high-/low-pass filters.
• Motorised large and small fader.
• Advanced DAW control assignable ‘per-bay’.
• Integrated immersive monitoring support.
• O-Motion dynamic automation system.
• O-Control session and configuration software.

"With the Odyssey, we've taken the revolutionary analogue Instant Recall philosophy first introduced with the Oracle and expanded it into a no-limits modular console platform with full channel processing and Large and Small Fader. The Odyssey gives engineers everything they love about analogue sound and workflow of a familiar in-line console, while removing the compromises that have historically slowed large-scale productions. It's a console designed to move at the speed of creativity." — Niall Feldman, Director of Special Projects, SSL

The Odyssey’s centre section is equally well specified, bringing together monitoring, routing, mix control, bus processing, communications, automation and DAW integration. It boasts an integrated version of SSL’s Bus+ compressor and analogue dynamic EQ, as well as offering support for immersive monitoring systems, including control of the Dolby Atmos renderer. SSL's O-Control Application Suite and O-Motion Automation System software take care of offline session preparation, project and snapshot management, complete console recall and DAW-based automation.

In addition to supporting the Odyssey's new features and functionality, the O Series V2.0 update delivers some significant workflow enhancements for Oracle users, too. Full project compatibility between Future Analogue consoles allows projects created on an Odyssey to be opened directly on an Oracle, enabling seamless movement between studios and production environments. V2.0 also brings advanced Snapshot filtering, O-Motion DAW Plug-In automation and Odyssey's TouchView dynamics display to the Oracle, providing greater recall flexibility, deeper DAW integration and enhanced visual feedback during mixing.

We've already spent some time with the Odyssey, and now that the news is out about its arrival, our full review has just gone live! You can check it out here. 

Odyssey is available now in Standard, ProStation and fully custom configurations ranging from 24+8 to 96+8 channels — pricing is available on request. You can learn more and arrange a one-to-one demo through your local SSL dealer. 

www.solidstatelogic.com/odyssey