This page about Avid S6 is a stub. You can help improve it:

Pricing and availability

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Step into the future of audio mixing with the Avid S6, a powerful, modular console that seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technology with intuitive design. This console is a game-changer for professionals seeking to elevate their studio recording experience. Drawing from the best of Avid’s ICON and System 5 families, the S6 is a customizable control surface offering superior ergonomics and intelligent studio control. Designed to grow with your business, its modular design allows you to tailor the setup to your exact needs, whether you're working in a small studio or a high-end facility.

The S6 is not just about flexibility; it's about delivering an immersive, efficient workflow. With its high-speed EUCON Ethernet connectivity, you can control up to eight DAWs simultaneously, making it a versatile addition to any studio environment. Its high-resolution TFT display modules provide unprecedented visual feedback, ensuring you stay on top of every detail in your mix. Whether it's accessing plug-ins with precision or viewing scrolling waveforms, the S6 acts as a physical extension of your software, making every project faster and more intuitive.

Tailored for the modern sound engineer, this console offers extensive customizability with a range of modules, including fader, knob, process, and display modules. Its deep integration with Pro Tools and other EUCON-enabled DAWs means you'll experience streamlined workflows and enhanced visual feedback. Whether you're mixing music or audio for post-production, the Avid S6 ensures you deliver the best sounding mixes possible.

Key Features:

  • Modular design for customizable control surface
  • High-speed EUCON Ethernet connectivity for multi-DAW integration
  • Superior ergonomics for intuitive mixing experience
  • High-resolution TFT display modules for enhanced visual feedback
  • Deep integration with Pro Tools and other EUCON-enabled DAWs
  • Supports up to 64 channel faders (M40 configurations)
  • Extensive visual feedback with top-lit knobs, OLEDs, and TFT displays

Owner's manual

Avid S6 User Manual

FAQs

What makes the Avid S6 mixer unique in terms of design?

The Avid S6 features a revolutionary modular design, allowing users to customize the control surface with up to 41 individual modules, tailoring it to their specific workflow and studio needs.

How does the Avid S6 integrate with Pro Tools and other DAWs?

The Avid S6 offers high-speed EUCON Ethernet connectivity for extremely intelligent control of Pro Tools, as well as flexible mixing options for other EUCON-enabled DAWs, providing deep integration and responsive handling.

What kind of visual feedback does the Avid S6 provide?

The Avid S6 includes four high-resolution TFT color displays that offer extensive visual feedback, enhancing the user's ability to monitor and control their sessions with precision.

Can the Avid S6 be expanded with additional modules?

Yes, the Avid S6's modular design allows users to add modules as needed, supporting up to a total of 41 individual modules for expanded functionality and customization.

How many channels does the Avid S6 support?

The Avid S6 supports 32 channels, each equipped with 9 knobs, allowing for detailed control and high-precision editing and mixing.

Eric Ferguson

Eric Ferguson

AVID S6 - Getting Around on The S6

Video thumbnail for AVID S6 - Getting Around on The S6 by Eric Ferguson

AVID S6 - Getting Around on The S6

Eric Ferguson

Eric Ferguson

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Avid S6.

Software and compatibility

  • Logic Pro reportedly crashes frequently with the Avid S6 due to a Eucon incompatibility issue, indicating a need for a fix to use both Pro Tools and Logic smoothly.

    Source
  • Despite not being listed officially, Reaper is known to work with the Avid S6, suggesting potential for other unlisted DAWs to be compatible with tweaks.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Using Select VCAs allows quick access to needed tracks by spilling only the necessary ones, improving workflow efficiency.

    Source
  • The console's meter bridge can show scrolling clips, providing visual cues that help locate desired audio quickly.

    Source
  • Displays above each fader bucket can be set to clip view, offering various metering options for detailed monitoring.

    Source
  • Ad-Hoc Select VCAs can be modified throughout the session to group tracks from different VCAs, enabling tailored workflow adjustments.

    Source
  • Shift + Ctrl + Select key on the S6 swiftly scrolls the Pro Tools window to the selected track, enhancing navigation efficiency.

    Source
  • Spill zones and custom plugin maps on the S6 enhance workflow by allowing users to quickly access selected areas and assign plugins to knobs or faders.

    Source
  • The S6's automation modes, particularly Preview, Capture, and Write to Selection, are highly recommended for mastering complex automation tasks.

    Source
  • The master module of the S6 is essential for daily commands, but over-customization can lead to issues when switching studios, as default locations are generally preferred.

    Source

User experience

  • The S6's modular design allows for physical rearrangement of modules, offering flexibility but potentially resulting in broken solo and mute buttons, which require spares on hand.

    Source
  • The S6 is considered a large network of individual devices, each with embedded Windows 8 computers, necessitating a specific managed switch for optimal functionality.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The S6 faders are reported to feel similar to average control surfaces, suggesting a potential mismatch between build quality expectations and actual performance.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review: Avid Pro Tools S6 Control Surface — AudioTechnology

audiotechnology.com

The Avid Pro Tools S6 Control Surface is a powerhouse for professional audio work, boasting impressive scalability and intuitive ergonomics that streamline the mixing process. Its sleek, all-black design is complemented by OLED displays that provide clear, accessible feedback. The ability to control multiple DAWs simultaneously is a standout feature, making it a versatile choice for modern studios. However, the hefty price tag starting at over $26,000 for basic configurations may deter budget-conscious users. Additionally, the transition from Avid's former Icon series might leave some traditionalists longing for the past. Overall, the S6 represents a significant leap in control surface technology, but it comes at a cost that may not be feasible for all.

positive

High-End DAW Controllers

soundonsound.com

The Avid S6 stands out as a premium DAW controller, boasting extensive customization and compatibility with various DAWs. Its modular design allows for a tailored setup, making it a powerful tool for serious studios. However, its steep price tag and reliance on the Pro Tools ecosystem may deter some users, particularly those with budget constraints or different DAW preferences. While it excels in flexibility and functionality, the S6's high cost and niche appeal place it in a challenging position within the market. Overall, it’s a remarkable choice for those who can afford it, but not without significant considerations.

2.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how A.R. Rahman uses Avid S6

A.R. Rahman

Singer, Keyboardist

SuperHeavy

...
Verified via YouTube

At 16:01 of the video titled "AR Rahman & Firdaus Studios: A Scoring Stage For The 21st Century" by Sound On Sound magazine, Firdaus Studios' head Aditya Modi states that the Avid S6 is integrated alongside the Rupert Neve Designs 5088 into the mixing desk and also digitally controls the Rupert Neve Designs 5088, confirming A.R. Rahman's use of the Avid S6.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Avid S6, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

More Avid Mixers

Avid S6M40

 

 
Hans Zimmer
1 artist using
Behringer Xenyx 802 Mixer

$28.00 - $415.00

# 1

Rank

Machine Girl Unknown Mortal Orchestra Dylan Walker
13 artists using
Behringer X32 Rack

$677.00 - $989.00

# 2

Rank

Rabea Massaad Dean Lamb Justin Deblieck
15 artists using
Yamaha MG10XU

$213.37 - $294.99

# 4

Rank

Tyler Larson Kazumoto Endo Shota Izawa
4 artists using
Yamaha MG12 XU

$338.46 - $429.99

# 6

Rank

Kevin Parker Underworld Richard Devine
5 artists using
Mackie 1202VLZ4

$222.00 - $329.99

# 7

Rank

Paul McCartney Ryuichi Sakamoto Ela Minus
4 artists using
Behringer Xenyx 502

$45.30 - $89.00

# 8

Rank

Steve Hillage Samus Paulicelli Krzysztof Drabikowski
5 artists using
Mackie 802-VLZ4

$180.25 - $219.99

# 9

Rank

Grimes Alexander 23 kid606
5 artists using
YAMAHA MG 16XU

$200.00 - $674.99

# 10

Rank

St. Vincent Positive Mental Trip The Toxic Avenger
5 artists using
Behringer XENYX 1204USB mixer

$129.00 - $209.00

# 11

Rank

Mauro Remiddi Larry Gus DJ FABI
3 artists using
Mackie Mix8

$95.00 - $99.99

# 13

Rank

Evgeniy Gorbunov Alex Melton Astro (Hiroshi Hasegawa)
4 artists using
Mackie MicroSeries 1202-VLZ

$75.00 - $329.99

# 14

Rank

Richie Castellano lifelike Chief Xcel
3 artists using
Behringer Xenyx X1222USB

$189.00 - $309.00

# 15

Rank

Lil Ugly Mane Jeff Ellis Joe Rogan
4 artists using
Yamaha MG06X

$139.79 - $175.00

# 16

Rank

Kevin Parker Clem Burke Yusuke (Lynch)
4 artists using
Behringer Eurorack Pro RX1602

$65.00 - $219.50

# 17

Rank

Yuki Kajiura Danny Federici
2 artists using
Soundcraft EPM6

$279.00 - $382.00

# 19

Rank

Toro y Moi goreshit Daniel Hayhurst
4 artists using
Allen & Heath ZED-10

$244.00 - $399.99

# 20

Rank

Emika STATIK SKY NL Tom Alexander Schmitt
5 artists using
Mackie 1604VLZ4 Mixer

$849.99 - $1,049.99

# 21

Rank

Tim Hecker Ulrich Schnauss Sidney "Senator Predator" Mills
4 artists using
Behringer Xenyx 1202fx

$35.00 - $295.00

# 22

Rank

Danny Serrano
1 artist using
Yamaha MG10

$181.00 - $219.99

# 23

Rank

VOIA Ben Minal
2 artists using
Behringer XENYX X2222 USB Mixer

$205.00 - $329.00

# 24

Rank

Samus Paulicelli pauldrums
2 artists using
Soundcraft Signature 22MTK

$550.00 - $1,271.95

# 25

Rank

Kassian Franz Alice Stern
2 artists using
Alesis MultiMix 8 USB FX

$99.00 - $179.00

# 26

Rank

Holly Drummond Mario Siperman Yegua
3 artists using
PreSonus StudioLive 32 Series III

$1,900.00 - $2,999.99

# 27

Rank

Deadmau5 Chester Thompson Ellis K.
3 artists using
Solid State Logic Six

$1,006.00 - $1,499.99

# 28

Rank

Wes Borland Richard Devine Espen Kraft
4 artists using
Behringer Micromix MX 400

$14.70 - $45.00

# 29

Rank

Owain AMULETS
2 artists using
PreSonus StudioLive 16.0.2

$666.00 - $1,159.99

# 30

Rank

Leo Moracchioli Troy Wright Dj Guv
3 artists using
Allen & Heath Zed-14

$416.00 - $679.99

# 34

Rank

Merzbow
1 artist using
Behringer X32 Compact Digital Mixer

$1,049.00 - $1,649.00

# 35

Rank

James Petralli DFEX
2 artists using
Mackie CR-1604

$200.00

# 36

Rank

Elliott Smith Daft Punk Brian Eno
21 artists using
See also: Mixers, Avid, Avid Mixers

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    hashimoto
    hashimoto

    Gear IQ 14698