Solid State Logic (SSL) once only known for their large format consoles, they have been more than just dipping their toes into smaller form factor devices. It started with the rather brilliant Fusion 2U rack colour processor, then came the SSL SiX and now just in time for NAMM 2020 they bring us the SSL 2 and SSL 2+ twin channel USB audio interfaces.
The SSL 2 And SSL 2+
The new SSL 2 and SSL 2+ are more than just two new audio interfaces, they could be the centre of your new Solid State Logic studio world. SSL know a thing or two about high-end design so it is great to see then forging a path into the smaller interface market with a pair of small form factor USB of interfaces with class-leading mic preamps and the addition of the 4K analogue enhancement which we can only hope are direct descents of the 4000 series consoles. You then get studio-quality monitoring and the SSL Production Pack software bundle, which includes the SSL Native Vocalstrip 2 and Drumstrip plug-ins.
SSL have been designing cutting-edge mixing consoles and processing tools for studios around the world for over 40 years and at last, they have come up with one we can all afford and we can easily take with us on a flight. You really can’t say that of a 9000 G+ console!
Andy Jackson, SSL Studio Product Manager told us…
“We focused on developing the best sounding and performing audio interfaces at this price point and then raising the bar again with features and add-ons that make a significant difference when creating. Our attention to excellence even goes down to the use of Neutrik connectors and Alps pots throughout, because anything else is a compromise. We are fortunate to have a phenomenal heritage of product, technology and successful artists to draw on during development, so if you’re starting out in recording music, why wouldn’t you start with the best?”
Check out the videos below from SSL for what to expect from the SSL 2 and SSL 2+.
While these new interfaces show nothing new when it comes to form-factor and audio I/O, if they sound as good and a solid as they look then they are destined to do very well. We do however wonder, considering the very small variation in connectivity between the 2 and 2+ how many potential buyers will just stump the extra cash for the 2+ meaning that while offering the lower priced SS2 might have been a good idea of paper, they may not go on to sell all that many over the 2+. We shall see. For some the extra I/O, both audio and MIDI might be exactly what they are looking for, with an additional headphone output, an independent monitor mix, MIDI I/O, and additional unbalanced outputs for DJ Mixers
Pricing And Availability
We now have confirmed pricing from SSL…
The SSL 2 is available priced: £149.99 + VAT, $229.99 + Tax, €179.99 + Tax
The SSL 2+ is available priced: £199.99 + VAT, $279.99 + Tax, €239.99 + Tax
You can find out more about the new SSL 2 and SSL 2+ USB interfaces at the Solid State Logic website.
You can also hear the new interfaces in action in the videos below.