Two Solid State Logic ORIGIN 32-channel in-line analog consoles have been deployed at the Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences (CRAS) in Arizona, one in Studio B at the main CRAS campus in Tempe and the other in Studio B at the satellite campus in Gilbert, where students are first introduced to the signal flow and operation of large-format recording consoles.
“Students who enter our program have access to both consoles,” says Robert Brock, director of education at CRAS. “On any given day, we’re running the same class at both locations in parallel.”
The two new ORIGINs replace a pair of 25-year-old consoles that were used by CRAS teaching staff to instruct students on the concepts of audio signal flow and the features and functionality of analog consoles. With those two older consoles at the end of their serviceable life, it was time to replace them, Brock notes. “We didn’t see any need to change the core concepts of the training, so it was just about what piece of equipment helps us illustrate those concepts well, that is new and that is going to be reliable.”
Following the evaluation of several large-format analog consoles currently on the market, the staff, having been teaching on four SSL consoles, two 4000 Series and two AWS 948s in other rooms at CRAS for many years, selected the newest large-format console from the manufacturer. “The ORIGIN sounds good; it’s a pro-level console,” Brock says. “It’s an SSL — whether it’s a small interface or a large-format console, SSL is not going to put out something that doesn’t sound great.
“A core concept of CRAS on a technical level, when we’re training a student to be a professional, is to think in terms of signal flow more than anything else. If you can understand signal flow you can navigate your way through almost any situation. We’re big believers in teaching it from an analog standpoint, because it’s easier to see, touch, grab and feel, which we have always felt is helpful for our students. They can visualize the signal flow even when they move into DAW-based environments.”
CRAS has had sidecars fitted at each end of both consoles that match the ORIGIN’s profile and offers integrated 19-inch rack space. “It was a total custom build. We had a guy come in and 3D-scan the side of the console. We teach the use of patchbays, so there is a patchbay in there, and we’re loading up some additional equipment into the sidecars, including 500 series modules,” Brock reports. “I also dig the flexibility of ORIGIN’s center section, where you can add equipment. We have plans to also load that up.”
