The new SSL CONNEX is not only a surprising announcement for a company that is know for top of the range studio mixing consoles, but the groundbreaking USB microphone designs promises to set a new standard for convenient, high quality audio capture, exploring the full potential of a digital audio USB interface and multicapsule microphone array. Whether the application is conferencing, live streaming, or portable music recording, the SSL CONNEX was designed to be a no-compromise solution that is portable, easy to use and features advanced DSP taken directly from SSL’s leading studio and broadcast production tools.
This shouldn't be a complete surprise for anyone that follows the recent announcements from Solid State Logic, a company that is now part of the Audiotonix group, and given the recent announcements from the company in the project studio and home recording space. Effectively, microphones are one of the very few categories that Audiotonix was not covering, save for the recent announcement of the acquisition of Slate Digital, which has made a very strong entry in the microphone modeling space.
Compatible with MAC/PC and USB equipped tablets, the new SSL CONNEX works with all major videoconferencing platforms and was designed to be a high quality audio companion for office, working from home and remote videoconferencing. But being SSL, the microphone is also suitable for podcasting, live streaming or music capture. Its USB powered design means that it can be used anywhere. Measuring just 9cm x 9cm x 4cm, the SSL CONNEX can be used on a flat surface or easily mounted to a microphone arm or camera stand.
"SSL CONNEX is the ultimate 'portable problem solver' for today's fast-paced digital age," comments Enrique Perez, Solid State Logic’s CTO. "We are excited to apply our decades-long expertise to bring one of the most useful, high-quality and value-based audio products to the consumer market. Whether you are a remote worker, an international jetsetter, an inspired content creator or a musician, SSL CONNEX is an extremely high-quality solution that will help deliver and capture your ideas with immediacy and clarity."
The microphone's high-quality, precision quad microphone array is acoustically designed with an efficient decoupling mechanism and powered by sophisticated studio quality sound processing / DSP. Developed using Solid State Logic’s deep understanding of music and audio production, four tailored ‘user modes’ are available to achieve the best sound in any scenario. For people pushing the boundaries of creation, an advanced immersive mode is also available.
Users are able to select a Solo mode, optimized for a single sound source from the front of the unit, (e.g. conference / WHF calls or live streaming with a single presenter). In this mode, the SSL CONNEX microphone array is optimized for speech coming from the front while reducing unwanted sound from back and side faces. When selecting the Group mode, the microphone configuration is optimized for multiple sound sources (e.g. round table conference call or live streaming with multiple presenters). The quad microphone array and automatic smart mixer means adjusts the signals from all presenters while unwanted background noise eliminated.
There's also a Vocal mode for when inspiration hits and the user wants to record a performance. Utilizing legendary SSL EQ and dynamics processing algorithms to enhance the recording or live stream, this mode will reject sound from the sides and rear. In complement, the Music mode was designed for a group of musicians positioned around SSL CONNEX. The SSL CONNEX array intelligently alters the sensitivity of the microphones to reduce the noise floor and unwanted background noise. Music mode accepts louder signals as commonly found on acoustic instruments.
Finally, all four modes feature an advanced immersive recording setting. This allows users to access each of the four individual mic sources for the purpose of immersive and spatial recordings or broadcasts.
The signal from the quad condenser microphone array is always processed using the algorithms for the different usage modes, while the advanced immersive mode allows users to access individual mic signals. An intelligent touch-sensitive interface at the top of the unit provides options to adjust headphone levels, microphone muting, 'push-to talk' and the ability to cycle through the four different DSP settings, as well as accessing immersive mode. A back-lit, colored SSL panel allows users to quickly identify both the microphone muting state and which DSP setting is currently activated.
At the base of the microphone there is a 1/4" camera tripod thread with included mic stand thread adapter for flexible mounting options. The SSL CONNEX package also includes a 2 meter USB Type C to C cable and USB Type C (female) to Type A (male) adapter included. It will work powered over USB, and works with Windows and Mac OS computers or USB tablets.
According to the company, the SSL CONNEX is priced at a RRP/MSRP of $199.99 but is available for now an at introductory price of $149.99 for those who buy in the SSL online store.
www.solidstatelogic.com
