Solid State Logic has remained at the forefront of music and audio production technology for over 50 years, and was never involved in designing and manufacturing affordable equipment for musicians or home studios. So why would the famous brand from Oxford, England decide to put their logo onto $200 desktop audio interfaces? Only they know why, but the fact that Solid State Logic is now part of the AudioTonix group of companies might help explain it a bit.
When these USB-C audio interfaces were launched in 2020, everyone was working from home due to the global pandemic, and good USB audio interfaces (never mind USB-C ones) were sold out in many online marketplaces. And anyway, the audio interfaces did so well in the project studio market that SSL even launched an expanded 4-channel model in its line of Audio Creation Products (ACP) with the SSL 12 USB-C desktop audio interface.
For the new MKII USB audio interfaces, SSL doubled-down on the things that made the original production successful, most of which are a testament to the brand's heritage and understanding of what matters in music production. And to increase the value of the hardware, SSL is adding the SSL Production Pack software bundle (worth over $1100), clearly appealing to the music production market and no longer to streamers working from home.
This package of professional-quality software from industry-leading brands, includes virtual instruments, synthesizers, and samplers for songwriting and production; plus premium channel strips, dedicated vocal and drum processing, and effects processing for recording, mixing, and mastering. This makes the SSL 2 MKII and SSL 2+ MKII interfaces as a complete studio package for recording, monitoring, and processing tools.
It all starts with two high-performance mic/line preamplifiers with dedicated Hi-Z instrument inputs, next-generation 32-bit/192 kHz converters and redesigned pro-grade monitoring and headphone outputs. As SSL puts it, the analog circuits, before the converters, are the same as in the iconic SL 4000 Series consoles, and they add that "familiar magic" to any vocals or instruments, which is what the company calls "Legacy 4K Analogue Enhancement." For this series, SSL developed a sound-tuning circuit that distills the two essential characteristics of the 4K mixing consoles, resulting in "a sweet-sounding harmonic distortion and a ‘forward’ yet musical high-frequency EQ boost - imparting a presence that world-renowned artists and engineers have come to love."
SSL also adds that both new interfaces feature significant audio performance enhancements across the board and deliver "SSL quality at home, in the studio, and on the road" thanks to their USB-bus-powered design, unmistakable sound quality and robust construction. The basic SSL 2 MK II model is perfect for individual singers, songwriters, and media creators, while the SSL 2+ MKII offers expanded I/O for musicians and producers working and recording together.
Both the SSL 2 MKII and SSL 2+ MKII interface models are equipped with two high-performance SSL-designed microphone preamps, which deliver a massive 64dB gain range and an outstanding 116.5 dB dynamic range. Each channel also features independently switchable High Pass Filters to clean up rumble, and switchable +48V phantom power for condenser microphones. The combi-XLR inputs double up as line-level inputs, designed to capture keyboards, synths, samplers, drum machines, or external audio processors like EQs and compressors. These feature a 117dB dynamic range and +24dBu maximum input level – making it compatible with all professional line-level equipment.
On the front panel, both MKII interfaces feature two dedicated auto-detect instrument (DI) inputs. These Hi-Z inputs, as found on SSL’s larger desktop mixers, allow users to record guitar, bass, or anything with a high-impedance output. The MKII interfaces also offer professional-grade DC-coupled balanced outputs, with 120dB of dynamic range. The SSL 2 MKII features two balanced outputs for connecting monitors, whilst the SSL 2+ MKII features a total of four balanced outputs for connecting monitors and additional line-level equipment.
Both units have dual headphone outputs on the front panel that feature high-current NJM headphone amps. These are capable of driving any type of headphone and deliver 119.5dB of dynamic range. A ‘Mix’ control on the front panel allows users to blend between the USB output (DAW) and input sources for zero-latency monitoring. For producers and content creators looking to collaborate, the SSL 2+ MKII headphone outputs ‘A’ and ‘B’ feature independent volume control and can also be fed from different DAW outputs - perfect for creating separate 'artist' and ‘producer’ headphone mixes.
For electronic music producers and DJs, the SSL 2+ MKII interface also includes MIDI input and output to control keyboards, drum machines, trigger samplers, sequencers, and more. Both the SSL 2 MKII and SSL 2+ MKII’s DC-coupled outputs are capable of sending CV (control voltages) to compatible instruments and processors, giving modular synth users almost infinite modulation options. Additionally, both MKII interfaces feature Stereo Loopback to keep content creators and streamers in the flow.
The icing on the cake is the next-gen 32-bit 192 kHz conversion, but these audio interfaces will prove its value for the professional-grade mic preamps, Neutrik XLR and jack connectors and Alps potentiometers. The new range also features updated switches on the front panel with status LEDs, offering clear configuration visibility. Amazing value considering the SSL 2 MKII are priced at USD $229.99 or EUR €219,99, and the SSL 2+ MKII at USD $299.99 or EUR €289,99.
www.solidstatelogic.com
