Solid State Logic (SSL) has unveiled its latest innovation, the Odyssey console, a groundbreaking analogue console that promises to revolutionize the way engineers work. The Odyssey is not just another console; it's a game-changer, offering a unique blend of traditional analogue sound and modern digital control, all while ensuring that the console's state can be recalled instantly. This is a significant advancement in the audio industry, addressing a long-standing weakness in large-format analogue consoles: the slow reset time and the risk of getting settings slightly wrong.
One of the key features of the Odyssey is its Instant Recall capability. This allows engineers to restore, compare, and switch between different console states effortlessly, across various stages of the production process, from tracking to mixing, stem building, and client revisions. This is particularly appealing for large-scale productions, where time is of the essence and precision is paramount.
Niall Feldman, Director of Special Projects at SSL, emphasizes the console's speed and efficiency, stating that it's 'designed to move at the speed of creativity.' This is a bold claim, but it's backed up by the console's innovative design. The Odyssey retains the full analogue signal path, ensuring the SuperAnalogue sound that SSL is known for, while high-resolution digital control runs behind it, eliminating the noise, distortion, and power draw issues associated with older digitally controlled desks.
The Odyssey is equipped with PureDrive mic preamps, fully analogue dynamics, switchable E and G Series EQ, high and low pass filters, insert points, and motorised dual-fader control. Every channel can be recalled, handling both clean and driven sounds with equal ease. This level of control and recallability is a game-changer for engineers, offering the best of both worlds: the warmth and character of analogue and the precision of digital.
The centre section of the console is a powerhouse, handling monitoring, routing, mix control, bus processing, talkback, automation, and DAW integration. It also includes THE BUS+, an Analogue Dynamic EQ, and a Dolby Atmos renderer control, making it ideal for immersive work. The Odyssey can be configured with 24+8 to 96+8 channels in straight, curved ProStation, or custom builds, with the analogue circuitry housed in remote racks and controlled by SSL's O-Control software and O-Motion automation.
For existing Oracle console owners, the Odyssey offers additional benefits. The O Series V2.0 ensures compatibility between the two desks, allowing sessions started on Odyssey to open seamlessly on Oracle. It also introduces Snapshot filtering, O-Motion DAW plug-in automation, and Odyssey's TouchView dynamics display. This interoperability is a significant advantage, making the transition between the two consoles smooth and efficient.
In my opinion, the Odyssey console is a masterpiece of engineering and design. It represents a significant leap forward in the audio industry, offering a unique blend of traditional and modern technology. The Instant Recall feature is a game-changer, addressing a long-standing issue in analogue consoles. The console's speed, precision, and recallability make it an ideal tool for engineers, allowing them to work at the speed of creativity without compromising on sound quality.
However, what makes this console particularly fascinating is its ability to bridge the gap between analogue and digital. It offers the warmth and character of analogue while providing the precision and recallability of digital. This is a rare and valuable combination, and it's what sets the Odyssey apart from other consoles on the market.
In conclusion, the Odyssey console is a significant advancement in the audio industry. It offers a unique blend of traditional and modern technology, addressing a long-standing weakness in analogue consoles while providing engineers with a powerful and versatile tool. The Instant Recall feature is a game-changer, and the console's speed, precision, and recallability make it an ideal tool for creative professionals. Personally, I think it's a must-have for any serious audio engineer looking to push the boundaries of their work.
