Somehow, a dream come true or at least become affordable. Solid State Logic has launched SSL 2 / SSL 2+, an USB audio interface which gives every musician, music producer, junior audio engineer, basically, every single person, the opportunity to capture an audio signal in the same way as the big sharks in the industry does.
Dual channel SSL 2 and SSL 2+ USB sound cards comes with SSL microphone preamps and offer built-in technology for analog signal enhancement named Legacy 4K. The guys from Solid State Logic are saying that the preamps and technology behind SSL 2 and SSL 2+ Audio Interfaces are designed on the algorithms used in the SSL 4000 professional studio console.
SSL 2 USB Audio Interface
Solid State Logic USB Audio Interface features two combo inputs with SSL microphone preamps and also phantom power. The preamps offer 62 dB of gain and a signal-to-noise ratio of −130.5 dB. To output sound, one stereo TRS output and headphone output are used.
There are two “4K” engage switches on the interface that activate the analog effect. According to SSL, the 4K button improves the input signal with two notable features of the SSL 4000 console – high-frequency boost and harmonic distortion giving that certain and known magic of the SSL to the input signal.
In addition to microphone preamps and LED indicators of signal level, the front panel of SSL 2 Audio Interface also brings: a large general level control, a Mix control for setting the ratio between the input signal and the DAW signal, as well as a headphone volume knob. The audio interface relies on a USB 2.0 connection via a USB-C connector. Two cables are supplied with the sound card – USB-A and USB-C.
SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface
The other form of the Audio Interface, SSL 2+ also comes with two combined inputs and a Legacy 4K Processor Switch. The main difference from the entry model is the presence of additional ports. So the TRS outputs are combined with two pairs of RCA ports. You can connect monitors or other equipment not only through jack plugs, but also using RCA Connectors. Additionally, the sound card comes with MIDI In / Out connectors and a second headphone output with independent volume control.
If you buy SSL 2 or SSL 2+ Audio Interface you will receive also a collection of of plug-ins and other software. The package includes the SSL plug-ins Native VocalStrip 2 and SSL Native DrumStrip, DAW Avid Pro Tools First and Ableton Live Lite, virtual instruments Native Instruments Hybrid Keys and Komplete Start, as well as 1.5 GB of samples from LoopCloud.
SSL 2 / SSL 2+ Audio Interfaces Top Features
System requirements and Specs
- Mac OS 10.11 and above | Class-Compliant, Plug-and-play
- Windows 8.1, Windows 10 | Install included ASIO/WDM driver
Connectivity
- USB 2.0 Type C Connector (Box includes Type C to C and Type C to A)
Mic Preamps
- EIN: -130.5 dB
- Gain Range: 62 dB
Instrument/Line
- Max Instrument Input Level: +15 dBu
- Max Line Input Level: +24 dBu
* Specs (Measured to AES17 Standards)
Monitor Outputs
- Dynamic Range: 112 dB
- Max Output Level: + 12.5 dBu
Headphone Output(s)
- Dynamic Range: 111 dB
- Max Output: +10 dBu
Sample rates
- 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
Availability and Prices
SSL2 and SSL2+ Audio Interfaces will be available this spring. The price for SSL 2 will be $229.99 (excluding taxes) while SSL 2+ is estimated a little more expensive, $279.99 (excluding taxes).
More info about you can find directly on the official site, here.
