Franklin Audio SS-6 Stereo Switching DI

The modern music workflow starts at home. Most producers and songwriters—whether emerging or established—create from compact personal studios filled with synths, samplers, pedals, and outboard gear. But routing this gear is messy. Constant re-patching interrupts creative flow—and leaves great equipment unused. The SS-6 was designed to solve this overlooked friction point: to switch between stereo sources instantly, without stopping the session. The added challenge was to make it intuitive enough for non-engineers to use with no learning curve. Passive, compact, and bulletproof, the SS-6 helps creators use more of their setup, more often, with zero technical barriers.

The SS-6 uses a fully passive, transformer-balanced design to route six stereo inputs to one stereo XLR output and one stereo TS throughput. Fitting 16 connectors onto the rear panel within a desktop-friendly form factor—while preserving a clean internal and external layout—was a key design challenge. The folded steel enclosure was custom designed and prototyped in multiple thicknesses to balance strength with minimal weight. The large top-mounted switch knob was injection molded to Franklin’s spec, improving tactile control over existing off-the-shelf parts. Every design decision supports fast, intuitive signal flow and long-term reliability for musicians and engineers alike.

The SS-6 has become a staple in studios worldwide, from bedroom setups to iconic rooms like Abbey Road and The Church in London. With customers including Finneas, St Vincent, Charlie Puth, and Trent Reznor, it’s been widely embraced for its reliability, simplicity, and sound integrity. One producer described it as being “in every single studio I visited during my year in LA.” With over 3,300 units sold across North America, Europe, and Australia, its passive circuitry and serviceable internal layout reduce waste and eliminate energy use—built to last and shipped in minimal, plastic-free packaging.

As simple as it sounds, there was no dedicated product for switching between multiple stereo instruments before the SS-6. It filled a gap in modern studio workflows—combining passive DI functionality with input switching in a compact desktop format. Since its release, it’s inspired copycat products and earned hundreds of five-star reviews, many echoing the same reaction: “Why didn’t this exist before?” Six Stereo Inputs Connect up to six stereo sources and route them to a stereo DI output—ideal for synths, samplers, and outboard gear. Stereo XLR Output + TS Throughput Feed a balanced input and an unbalanced path simultaneously for effects, amps, or monitoring. Top-Mounted Switch Custom-moulded for feel and visibility, with satisfying tactile response. Passive, Transformer-Balanced Design No power required. Transparent signal flow with high headroom and no coloration. Custom Steel Enclosure Powder-coated and folded to spec. Repairable Internal Layout Built with standard fasteners and no proprietary parts for long-term serviceability. Minimal, Studio-Friendly Aesthetic Matte black with white graphics—designed to complement vintage and modern gear without distraction. Plastic-Free Packaging Ships in recyclable, tape-free materials—minimising waste across its lifespan. Australian Designed and Made Designed and hand-built in Sydney by members of the audio community.