Solid State Logic SSL 2 USB Audio Interface – 24 bit/192 kHz, 2-in 2-out, with SSL Legacy 4K Analogue Enhancement and included SSL Software Production Pack
2-In / 2-Out USB-C Audio Interface
SSL 2
SSL have been involved in helping musicians, producers and engineers create amazing music for 40 years, and all that knowledge and experience is at the heart of their audio creation products. As the next generation of aspiring music and audio professionals, the SSL 2 professional personal studio gives you the tools and technology to make your productions stand out from the crowd.
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SSL 2
2 Class Leading Mic Preamps
SSL have designed 2 class-leading mic preamps to capture every nuance of every performance, with enough gain to cope with whatever microphone you’re plugging in.
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SSL 2
Legacy 4K: SSL Analogue Enhancement
Legacy 4K is an all-new analogue enhancement effect, inspired by the character of an SSL 4000 series console (often referred to as ‘4K’). With the Legacy 4K button, SSL have distilled 2 essential characteristics of the 4K sound into a single-circuit, which you can engage when you need to breathe some life into ‘boring’ or ‘dull’ sounding input sources.
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SSL 2
Ins and Outs
With SSL 2, you use the same industry-grade parts as found in our larger consoles and I/O products, delivering the same kind of quality you’d expect from a large SSL-equipped studio, into your personal workspace.
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SSL 2
Software Production pack included
SSL Native Vocalstrip 2 & Drumstrip plug-ins + an extended trial of the complete suite, Native Instruments Hybrid Keys & Komplete Start, Avid Pro Tools | First + an exclusive SSL collection of AAX plug-ins, Ableton Live Lite, 1.5GB Samples from Loopcloud
| 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 | -130.5 dBu EIN 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 |
| Weight: | 1.16 kg |
| Dimensions: | 27.94 x 20.32 x 10.16 cm; 1.16 Kilograms |
| Model: | SSL2 |
+48v buttons feel a bit weird and cheap but other that than good gear.
I use it routinely to support microphones in online working. The single best thing is it is manual, I set the dials and they stay set when it is restarted or reconnected. The Audient ID14 I also have kept resetting volume to zero every time it was reconnected, this led to a number of very confusing calls where it was not clear why I had no audio input.
It also has excellent low noise, high gain amplifiers and runs my audio-technica and syncho microphones with ease.
It looks less slick in design than the Audient, but it delivers more ease of use and at least as good sound quality. Plus it is made in England..
What a fantastic interface we have here! Well worth my hard earned cash you get so much with it aswell in software, logic, vsts and samples. The build quailty is top drawn and the overall feel is elite level just buy it and never look back I’d only put universal audio on this level if quality but you’d be paying atleast double.
This is a great audio interface. It worked instantly when plugged into my mac laptop.
I have been really impressed with its sound quality. It’s well built and although its a little bigger than I expected it sits nicely in my work space.
My only problem with this package is the free software which comes with it. I was looking forward to using the SSL plugins which have a great reputation. However are spending a few hours juggling with the tedious iLok system I just gave up on them as I didn’t want to be frustrated wasting any more time.
It’s SSL and affordable – what more can you say? Sound quality is top notch, software bundle is premium and it just works without any driver updating etc.
Bought to replace an old MK1 KA6 which hasn’t seen a driver update in many years. The SSL works perfectly – latency IN/OUT dropped immediately to around 5ms (KA6 was around10ms) and has been rock solid so far. Sonically theres a little bit more clarity and depth to the sound – its not a massive eureka difference in sound quality, its subtle but its there. I also considered the Audient and Motu which are both very comparable and worthy contenders, got put off them a little by some reports of driver issues but they are both worth considering. Anyway – very happy with my choice so far , its been brilliant , no issues to report.
I upgraded from a Behringer UMC22 interface, to a Scarlett 2i2 3rd gen. I hated the Scarlett and returned it, despite being better than the Behringer.
But THIS interface blew me away. It has perfectly flat inputs and outputs, crystal clear sound, and a very satisfying layout. I can reach for any dials or buttons I need, without the cramped front-facing controls like Focusrite has. The volume meters are useful, gain knobs have a perfect ‘gradient’ while turning – you get exactly the levels you expect. Helpful line marks on every dial too.
And the Legacy 4K mode is no gimmick; it actually works. Unlike the terrible “Air mode” on the Scarlett. The preamps are much better too. Very dynamic and transparent; capturing every detail.
I won’t be needing anything else from now on!
Very high quality piece of equipment at a very reasonable price. All controls have very good tactile feedback, and the 4K buttons really make a difference. Very happy
I needed something small and portable for a specific project. I have a large protools system in my studio that is not really movable and my normal travelling interface was 4000 miles away. I liked the form factor of the SSL and thought it would be worth a punt. I was surprised how good it sounded, especially with the 4K button used. I recorded a bunch of overdubs at an artists house with this and my laptop and found it great. The input/replay pot deals with latency in a simple and reasonably effective manner. I went for the SSL 2 and not the plus as I did not need the midi for this project although the 2nd headphone feed would have been helpful. I did think the taper of the mic amp pot a bit odd. Like some other semi pro interfaces I have used, at some point at about 75% gain the gain takes big leap up. With my ribbon mics that spot seemed to be something I needed to work around. Other than that issue I cannot fault this interface. However it is in a crowded market and there may be other interfaces that deliver just as well with even more features for less outlay. If cost is not a big consideration I would point you to the JoeCo Cello which is superb.
I bought this to replace a 5 years old Audient ID22 interface that had issues for a while then power regulator packed up and too costly to fix.
The Audient had a great sound but I always thought the gain/recording level wasn’t right. Audient say you may need to put the gain up near max and that’s normal but I’d have liked headroom and not to have to push things so hard to record quiet picked guitar etc. at decent input levels.
This SSL2 arrived and having used for a couple of weeks I’m really pleased with it. Usb connection rather than powered which saves leads/sockets so just plug in and go. More gain/headroom when recording quiet parts and clear professional quality sound into Logic through both mic input (with Rode NT1, AKG414) used for vocals and acoustic and line/Hi Z input for electric guitar.
It does have a different overall sound from the Audient ID22- not better or worse – slightly less ‘warm’, but not lacking anything, really clean and there’s a considerable price difference between the two.
The ‘Legacy’ 4K feature is nice and adds a bit of life/air so will probably use on some things.
I really recommend this interface – incredible quality sound for the price.
Had quite a few audio interfaces but this is very, very nice. Top quality converters and pre-amps with switchable 48v for both inputs. Two (loud and clear) headphones inputs with separate volume controls. Hoorah! There’s a ‘monitor mix’ knob! Much better than having the function hidden in a desktop app!!! The 4K function is a little gimmicky. It does add ‘something’ but might be better on guitars than vocals. If you only require two inputs then it’s a no-brainier and I think it’s a better unit than the Audient ID14/Focusrite 2i2.
The best interface in the price bracket, iv had quite a few Including the Audient id4, Audient Id14 mkii, Fluid audio SRI2, This blows them all out the park, If you want good gain on your recordings with next to no noise then buy this interface you won’t be disappointed
I sold my Apollo twin since it doesn’t work with my new Mac. I bought a new guitar and this audio interface and I am super happy with it. In terms of clarity uad was better, but for the price of it – it’s amazing. I don’t think I need something better for a mini home studio.
Nice solid audio interface, works well, no problems, nice chunky knob for volume.
Glad I picked this one and not the scarle
My husband is extremely happy with this. Bought for his birthday. He also liked Babyface Pro FS but was just a bit too pricy for him.
With the Logic SSL, he likes the dual ports for microphones and headphones. He loves that connection are on the back as it makes his desk top look neater. Also he really liked that switching between speakers to headphones, he only needed to turn down the volume on the interface and not have to switch the speakers off. His old Roland didn’t have separate volume knobs. Using with Dynaudio Lyd 5 monitors, so sound wise is all top notch. Drivers all good, but you have to make sure that the power profile doesn’t turn off USB and make sure that sample rate matches DAW and Windows audio driver settings.
Great little interface. I’ve been using a Focusrite 18i20 but this is a step up in sound quality. Obviously not like the SSL of old, but a great bit of kit for comparatively little money.
The SSL2 has been a significant upgrade from my Behringer UMC22. Not only do we get a 24-bit, 192KHz sampling rate, but a really low noise floor thanks to the amazing preamps. The Focusrite Scarlett CM25 is the microphone I am currently using with this interface.
After doing much research into what interface I would get I decided to go with SSL2+ ,pre amps are first class, nice functionality and for the price has pretty much EVERYTHING I need ,would recommend this produc
It’s great – I use it with my Shure SM7B and it’s perfect, not even found that I need a cloudlifer or anything. Would definitely recommend for streamers looking to up their audio quality.
Proper bit of kit comes with nice plugins too works with windows 10 and Cubase 11 very happy
Very good audio interface. It drives my speakers and headphones louder than my previous ID4. Recoding sound good.
Worthy upgrade, sounds fantastic, and works well with the studio setup.
I’ve been using a Line 6 UX2 for nearly 10 years until it couldn’t hack Mac OS Big Sur, so it was the perfect time to get something new…
WOW, I didn’t think an interface would make such a difference to what this has done for me! Super low noise preamps with enough gain to power dynamic mics such as the Sm7b.
Also something not many people mention is how good the headphone amp is! It’s superb! Drives my power hungry Beyerdynamic 1990 pro’s and AKG K712’s with ease. Wish I’d not bought a dedicated amp dac for them now haha.
Ignore the software that is included, ignore the 4K selection, ignore the old school design and pro studio form factor, the SSL is still a class leading audio interface. Clean, neutral inputs with loads of usable gain, an honest monitoring section that can comfortably drive most headphones you could choose for critical mixing with metering that’s fast and well calibrated, if a little course. Add back in the 4K ‘magic’, the great software bundle and the ease of use and the investment soon adds up to money well spent. I see a lot of comparisons between the SSL and the Focusrite scarlet, but this is better compared to the Claret from Focusrite and even then Solid State Logic has the edge for me.
I would give this five stars if it had the following..
1. A small power switch – I never turn my desktop off, and the interface and lights remain on when the desktop is asleep. A small power switch on the front or back would have been great. I just unplug the USB-C connector when I’m not using it
2. Input mute buttons – Once I have set my gain I rarely need to change it, but sometimes I don’t want the mic to be on. A small mute button below the 4K button would have been great
3. A stereo button for the USB audio interface – The SSL 2 has two channels which are split into L + R (in macOS at least), DAWs let you select mono channels, and some programs that use mic input with just use the left channel (which is great for work zoom meetings), but other applications including some web browsers (Firefox) will treat it as stereo so you will have people mention you’re only coming through on the left channel. I know other USB interfaces have this issue, but there is a useful stereo button for the monitor mix. I wish there was a stereo button on either both channels or just a global one that forces mono out over USB
4. A way to switch the big monitor level dial between outputs and headphones – lots of people only use headphones on these kind of interfaces, this is very minor to the above points though
Overall, no complains. This is what I love most:
1. It is USB-C and USB bus powered, can use this while travelling without a PSU brick
2. Decent preamps, better than other 2 channel USB desktop AIs on the market
3. Connectors are all on the back, looks tidy on a desk. Closer to a mixer in terms of layou
I love this Audio Interface – well designed and put together – sounds amazing – it does give an extra sparkle if you press the 4K Legacy switch – I use it for DJ Streaming – and I have been complemented on the Quality of Audio I am outputting – I Highly Recommend i
This is an awesome unit. The Quality is superb as expected from SSL. The preamp circuits are great sounding with very very low noise and a decent gain range. The 4K switch is an excellent boost to many sources, adds the console sound to your tracks . The amp and headphone circuits are excellent. This is a game changer. If your thinking about it.. just get it .
The SSL2 offer a great sound in terms of listening & recording.
The big volume control is outstanding.
Perfect unit for small spaces with no compromises on sound.
Excellent piece of kit to those who know about such things.
Switching from a Scarlett 2i2 2nd Gen to this was a good choice. This interface runs perfectly, the 4K mode adds in some nice warmth to the mix and overall will be a solid interface until I’m ready to tackle a Universal Audio Interface in the future
What a product. The pre amps are ridiculous for the money and I have been multitracking with zero latency issues. Yes, a little more expensive than some on the market but glad i opted for this interface. Cannot recommend highly enough.
IMPORTANT! PLEASE NOTE.
Before you plug you SSL + 2 I highly recommend checking what onboard sound and if you do it worth disabling whatever onboard sound application/s you have so as to avoid any possible driver conflict and frustrations that might occur…after all it’s your SSL+ 2 you want to use so we need to Disable all sound that you currently have on your pc or laptop ( this will stop any possible and confusing driver-conflict when you plug in your SSL + 2 audio interface) you may have more than one source of sound on your pc / laptop. For example: on my windows pc system I had three Onboard sounds/ I had the standard windows sound plus envida / and a creative Soundblaster card.
HOW DO I DISABLE MY ONBOARD SOUND/S? …….this way please. : ( trust me it’ll only take 5 minutes and save you a lot of possible cursing!!)
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Look for the “speaker icon” in your taskbar bottom right ….double click the icon…a panel appears named ‘Sound’ now click on ‘System Sounds icon’ this will bring up another panel named ‘Sound’ you will now see a panel with has four tabs named ‘Playback/Recording/Sounds/Communication’ we’re interested in ‘Playback and Recording’ (you can play around with the other two tabs ‘sounds and communications if you want to (but it’s not necessary) after we’ve got your SSL+2 up and running) Let’s move on…
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Click on the ‘ Playback ‘ tab and you will see ( depending on what sound is on your PC ) a list of applications… ( you may only have windows sound ) right-click over each application with your mouse and a dialogue box will appear showing a list of preferences…you need to select ‘Disable’ from the dialogue box ‘… if you have more than one application ( remember I had three) repeat the same ‘Disable’ operation on all the applications that you see, if you’ve only see one, then that’s all you need to do. whilst on the same panel take note that you may need to save what you have just done …stay as you are and look at the bottom of the panel you are on and you’ll see .. three buttons ‘OK / CANCEL/ APPLY ( unless you want to cancel click on the button that is/should be illuminated…next
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Now click on the ‘Recording’ tab and follow the same procedure as you, ve just performed on the previous tab ‘Playback’ . You’ll notice the same type of list but with a different name ( on mine there is Microphone/Line-in/Auxilliary/S/PDIF). Do exactly the same as you did on ‘Playback’ ..that is to right-click over each application…select diable from the dialogue-box…when you’ve gone down the list ( or whatever is there) when you’ve done that….remember that you may need to save what you have just done …stay as you are and look at the bottom of the panel you are on and you’ll see .. three buttons ‘OK / CANCEL/ APPLY ( unless you want to cancel click on the button that is/should be illuminated… now you’re done!!
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Now that you’ve disabled all the onboard sound of your PC/Laptop ….Plug in your SSL+2 Audio Interface using one of the cables that came with your SSL+2. On mine, I connected the USB C connector in into my SSL+2 Audio box ( the USB connector looks slightly different than a regular USB terminal) and then connect the other end into the USB terminal on your PC/laptop. ( There is also a Red cable that came with your SSL+2 box that has USB C at one end of the cable and an HDMI connector at the other end) You may want to use this if your PC/Laptop has the hardware capability but if not don’t worry you can use the one I mentioned above without diminishing the audio fidelity of your SSL+2. Now that you’ve plugged in the cable from your SSL+2 to your PC/Laptop…It’s time to reboot your PC/Laptop. When you’ve rebooted (restart your PC/Laptop) your PC/Laptop will recognise your SSL+2 Audio Interface. If for any reason your PC/Laptop doesn’t recognise your SSL+2 Audio Interface …dont panic! Go to the “speaker icon” in your taskbar bottom right ….double click the icon…a panel appears named ‘Sound’ now click on ‘System Sounds icon’ this will bring up another panel named ‘Sound’ you will now see a panel with has four tabs named ‘Playback/Recording/ …Click on the ‘Playback tab ‘ and you’ll see your new SSL+2 Audio Interface ..right click with your mouse on the SSL+2 Audio Interface …a dialogue box will appear with a selection of options …select ‘set as default device’ or it’s equivalent. You may have to reboot again…but try if first.
You can either hear audio via headphones or monitor speakers depending on your preference…if it’s headphones remember you need to plug them into your SSL+2 Audio Interface. Worth noting that if your headphone jack is 3.5 ( small jack) you’ll need to get an extension 3.5 jack into a standard Jack… they’re cheap and make sure it’s a stereo jack ( the regular jack will have two usually black bands around the outside of the jack so it very easy to see)
PS if you do encounter a driver problem with your SSL + 2 ( you shouldn’t really have them but if you do ) go to SSL main site and register your product ( very straight forward) then you’ll see a selection of their products …find the name of yours ( SSL + 2 ) click your product this will take to a dedicated page for your product…This is where you can get the SSL+2 driver and PDF of your product. as I’ve said previously you already have a driver inside your SSL+2 that self-installs. Have Fun!!
Quality as expected from a Solid State Logic product- cannot recommend this highly enough
Great latency and it has the SSL sound to it, in comparison to other DACs it’s just so much more cleaner through both input (especially with the legacy 4k feature) and output. I can’t get over that there’s so much quality there for such an amazing price.
Bravo SSL