I've looked at some of the comments on this forum about the potentially new SSL type computer product from Dramastic and have some observations to make as follows:1 The price may seem to be a bit too prohibitive for quite few users these days. Consoles used to cost 120K but are now nearer 20k. The computer price should reflect that.
2 If it interfaces to ProTools, that is good for now but, can it be somehow future proofed for something else later on?
3 The iPad screen understandably seems to be too small to deal with. Surely, most studios have fairly large screens these days. Have Dramsatic thought about having a mouse to locate and change settings on an external screen?
4 Does this run on PC as well as Mac?
5 Does it have a split screen facility (same screen and/or different screens)?
6 The older SSL's had a 5" TV with other images projected onto a larger screen (originally a 32" BARCO, supplied by SSL in the early 1980's for about £3,000 from memory). Maybe the keyboard could be on an iPad type device and other functions shown on a bigger screen.
7 If the smaller iPad device is used near the console centre section, have they thought about how it fits on the console (on sliders, just resting on some nearby panels, channels or perhaps mounted on another stand ... even a mic stand!)
8 Are all Timecode issues addressed?
9 Can it print TR and track lists etc like the original SSL products if required?
10 What are the price implications for adding extra channels?
11 Do the existing console 50 way S14E ribbons just plug into the external rack?
12 Would this hardware rack be a 3u version or different?
13 Is TR fully catered for?
14 What does this new computer system add, if anything, to the existing, much older SSL version?15 Looks like it may be available in the summer of 2013. Could some people have a Beta version to test out?
16 If they get the product and pricing right, it could prolong the life of SSL consoles. If not then we all lose out!
17 It seems as though the old 681 keyboard and the 685 screen will be redundant. The bad news is that these items will be worth less and the good news is that you can use these 681 and 682 sized spaces for something else (note that the 685 TV fitted into a 682 sized space).
18 Does it work with Ultimation?
19 Is Midi catered for?
20 Does it interface with various older analog tape machines?
21 What are the various maximum cable length implications (iPad to rack, console to rack etc)?
These are the thoughts I have had so far (excuse me if I have got any details wrong). Obviously, there will be more questions and points to make as things develop over the next few days or weeks. I don't know much about the SSL computer issues but thought I would point various things out as this new product could have an affect on us all. If it keeps the SSL dream alive, that's great.
Hope this helps from Jim Lassen (
www.profcon.co.uk). Based in the UK
