It wasn’t that long ago that SSL products were almost priceless automatically because only large mixing consoles are manufactured. Like Focusrite, Solid State Logic has found that the market for smaller, simpler devices also has a lot to offer. This was underlined once again with its two new audio interfaces SSL 2 and SSL 2+ at NAMM 2020.
The two USB interface looks very similar on the surface. SSL 2 and SSL 2+ offer two input channels with Mic / Line / Inst with 48V phantom power and impedance switching, 5-segment meter and 62 dB gain (-> 130 dB ON). In addition, “4K” options can be selected, which should give the signals a sound character similar to that of the amps of the legendary large consoles of the SSL-4000 series.
The USB Audio Interface offers a prominent monitor level knob and smaller controls for your headphone out and monitor mix. There are also differences in the outputs, because the larger of the two bus-powered interfaces provide, in addition to the symmetrical monitor outputs, an additional pair of unbalanced outputs, parallel 1-2 outputs and a MIDI I / O ready.
These are inexpensive USB interfaces for beginners, all pots are from ALPS, all sockets from Neutrik. The AKM converters from SSL 2 and SSL 2+ work with up to 192 kHz sample rate, the interfaces are compatible with OS X from 10.11 and Windows 8.1 / 10 (ASIO / WDM).
SSL 2 and SSL 2+ Audio Interfaces Features
- 2 x mic preamps with 62 dB of gain
- Neutrik connectors and Alps pots
- High-current headphone amp
- 24-bit / 192 kHz AKM converters
- Legacy 4K Analogue Enhancement inspired by SSL4000 series console
- SSL Production Pack software bundle
- MIDI I/O (SSL 2+)
- Unbalanced outputs over RCA (SSL 2+)
Price and Availability
Solid State Logic SSL 2 and SSL 2+ Audio Interfaces are now available to pre-order via Bhphotovideo.com, priced at $229.99 and $279.99 respectively.