Solid State Logic SSL 2 & SSL 2+ Audio Interfaces Launched: NAMM 2020

For the first time ever, Solid State Logic is introducing its audio interfaces in the market comprising SSL 2 and SSL2+ both of which are being showcased at this winter NAMM 2020. One of the most exciting things about these interfaces is the ability to get the same legendary sound of classic SSL 4000 analog consoles. Even more exciting is the unbelievable low price.

Difference between SSL 2 and SSL 2+

The difference between SSL 2 and SSL 2+ audio interface is that SSL 2 supports 2 inputs and 2 outputs whereas SSL 2+ features 2 inputs and 4 outputs. Additionally, the SSL 2+ comes with 2 headphone outputs instead of 1 as in SSL 2. While both interfaces are bus-powered with USB Type-C connectivity, SSL 2+ also incorporates MIDI In and Out ports beside the USB slot.

SSL 4K Analog Mode

To get the essence of the classic SSL 4000 analog console, you just need to press the 4k switch available on the left side of the SSL 2 and SSL 2+ audio interfaces. This beautifully enhances the presence of the audio signal adding rich harmonics to the sound. Either you’re in +48V, line, or Hi-Z mode, you can take advantage of this 4k analog mode in both input channels.

Gain, Dynamic Range, Frequency Response, Sample Rate, and Bit Depth

With an incredible low Equivalent Input Noise (EIN) of -130.5dBu, the preamps do not introduce any source noise at all. These new SSL audio interfaces also boast an outstanding gain range up to 62dB. In terms of frequency response, they feature an amazing level of accuracy throughout the spectrum.

While the monitor outputs of SSL 2 and SSL 2+ audio interfaces support 112dBA of dynamic range, the headphone outputs also offer an almost similar range at 111dB. Whereas the inputs offer up to 110.5dB of dynamic range. Additionally, the sample rate support up to 192kHz at 24 bits helps to capture pristine audio with lots of headroom.

Top Panel

On the top panel of these Solid State Logic SSL 2 and SSL 2+ interfaces, you will find 2 channel sections on the left. Here, you can switch the signal between +48V phantom power, line level, and Hi-Z instrument input. Just below that, there are gain knobs for each channel as well as 5 segment LEDs to represent the signal strength. At the bottom, the 4k switches are present to harmonically color your sound just like SSL 4000 consoles.

That was the left section of the top panel featuring input settings. Now let’s talk about the right section that features monitoring controls. Here, the first thing you will see is the big knob that will control the monitor level. Besides that, you will find a single headphone knob on the SSL 2 and two HP knobs (“Phones A” and Phones B”) on the SSL 2+ audio interface since it features two HP outputs. Along with Phones B knob, you can also control the levels of output 3 & 4 path with the “3&4” switch.

On top of the right section, there is also a Monitor Mix knob that controls the balance between inputs and the mix. To monitor in mono or stereo, a stereo switch is also available.

Back Panel / Connectivity

These new SSL audio interfaces feature 2 class-leading mic/line/Hi-Z preamp inputs. On SSL 2, there are two 1/4″ TRS monitor outputs as well as a single HP output. Whereas on SSL 2+, there are two HP outputs and 4 RCA unbalanced outputs as well along with two 1/4″ TRS monitor outputs. Furthermore, SSL 2+ also includes two 5-pin MIDI In and Out ports. Both interfaces incorporate the same USB Type-C 2.0 port for connectivity purposes.

What’s Included?

Along with these new Solid State Logic SSL 2 and SSL 2+ audio interfaces, you also get the “SSL Production Pack”. It includes a wide collection of top-notch plugins including SSL’s native plugins such as Vocalstrip 2 and Drumstrip. DAWs such as Pro Tools First and Ableton Live Lite also come along with these interfaces. Not only that, but you also get Native Instruments Hybrid Keys, Komplete Start, and 1.5GB samples from Loopcloud to get going right away.

A USB 2.0 Type C-to-C and Type C-to-A also ships along with these interfaces.

Pricing

Although these interfaces carry a big name and feature characteristics of classic SSL 4000 consoles, it’s very surprising to see the price they carry.

Check out the current price for SSL 2 & SSL 2+ audio interfaces from Solid State Logic.

Solid State Logic SSL 2 Vs SSL 2+ Audio Interface Comparison

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