Solid State Logic (SSL), is a British recording console manufacturer associated with the most famed temples of sound. Formerly accessible solely in multi-million-dollar A-list recording studios, the legendary SSL sound is now available in modular USB interfaces. The SSL 18 is a 26-input/28-output rackmount USB-C audio recording interface designed for professional and home recording studios that need a high-performance expandable audio interface for tracking, mixing, and music production.
SSL 18 features eight mic preamps, with switchable Mic/Line configuration. Boasting ultra-low noise, state-of-the-art dynamic range, and ultra-low distortion, the preamps can run in a neutral coloration mode to maintain transparency or in Legacy 4K Mode to add real analog saturation and the famous SSL 4000 series sound that was heard on countless hits dating back to the 1980s. Inputs 1 and 2 also offer instrument/Hi-Z inputs to capture any instrument that can connect via 1/4” guitar type cables.
Specifications are all top notch. The SSL 18 features 32-bit/192 kHz converters with dynamic range performance of 120 dB across all inputs. The monitor and line outputs offer 125 dB dynamic range. Two independent headphone outputs are configurable for ‘Standard,’ ‘High Sensitivity,’ and ‘High Impedance’ settings and measure 120 dB dynamic range. SSL 18’s headphone outputs can also be repurposed as line-level outputs.
SSL 18 comes equipped with 10 balanced line-level outputs located on the rear of the unit. Line outputs 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 can be configured between +9 and +24 dBu, providing compatibility with studio monitors operating at lower levels. Outputs 3 to 10 operate at +24 dBu, for connection with line level outboard equipment or a mixer.
Designed to be the front end of your studio, SSL 18 features a full monitor controller section with built-in talkback input. Line outputs 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 offer stereo speaker switching via monitor controls on the front panel. For surround and ATMOS setups, all 10 outputs can be assigned to the front panel monitor control using their SSL 360° software. The talkback channel can operate in MIC or LINE mode. The LINE mode enables re-processing audio through the famous console Listen Mic Compressor that engineers used to crush drums, parallel compress vocals, getting more of that classic SSL sound.
The brains behinds the SSL 18 is SSL’s software control system, SSL 360°. In SSL 360°, the SSL 18 low-latency mixer offers control of all inputs and outputs, and you can create the control room monitor mix, as well as configure up to four independent mixes for performers. A Mirror Routing system allows you to route any input or aux master directly to an output—useful for feeding personal monitoring systems, external metering, outboard FX or using additional SSL 18s as mic preamp expanders. All your templates for tracking and mixing can be saved in the SSL 18 mixer.
SSL is one of the most respected names in the audio recording industry. With the SSL 18, you can bring their renowned sound into your professional or home studio without breaking the bank. Includes the SSL Production Pack, loaded with dozens of plugins like Melodyne, Autotune, Spitfire V.I.’s and many more. $1,199.99
