Should You Upgrade to the New SSL 2? Here's What You Need to Know
The new Solid State Logic audio interface are here! The SSL 2 and SSL 2+ are the successor to a first generation that has gained significant attention in the audio production world, and for good reason. SSL, a brand synonymous with professional studio consoles, has brought their quality and pedigree to more affordable interfaces suitable for home studio producers who can’t fit a full SSL mixer in their bedroom. With impressive build quality, excellent preamps, and features that harken back to SSL’s storied legacy, the SSL 2 and 2+ are an attractive choice in a crowded market. From the iconic 4K Legacy button that pays homage to SSL’s heritage to the high-quality preamps that outperform most at this price range, SSL has packed these interfaces with tools that enhance recording quality and creativity. Whether you choose the SSL 2 or the SSL 2+, these features make them more than just another audio interface—they're a powerful addition to any studio setup. Let’s dive in!
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1. Legacy 4K Button
One of the standout features of the SSL 2 is the Legacy 4K mode, inspired by the iconic SSL 4000 series consoles. This button is designed to add a distinctive analog flavor to your recordings by enhancing the high frequencies and introducing subtle harmonic distortion. This effect helps give recordings an airy, polished character, which is especially useful when tracking vocals and instruments that might otherwise sound a little flat. The simplicity of adding the SSL signature sound with just a button press makes it an accessible tool for beginner producers while still being powerful enough to enhance a professional studio environment.
The Legacy 4K mode is modeled after the SSL 4000 E and G series consoles, which were instrumental in shaping the sound of countless hits from the 1980s onward. With just the touch of a button, you can introduce the color and presence that have made SSL a staple of major recording studios around the world. Whether it's adding warmth to a vocal or giving a guitar track more bite, the Legacy 4K button adds a dimension of analog character that helps recordings stand out, all without the need for complicated plugin chains or expensive outboard gear.
2. High-Quality Preamps and Conversion
SSL has built its reputation on the quality of its preamps, and the SSL 2 and 2+ bring that same pedigree into the home studio space. Both interfaces feature SSL-designed microphone preamps with a gain range of 64 dB, providing plenty of headroom for even the quietest of sources. With an equivalent input noise (EIN) rating of -130.5 dBu, these preamps deliver exceptionally clean recordings, ensuring that your sound remains true to the source without unwanted noise or coloration. These characteristics make the SSL 2 and 2+ ideal for recording vocals, acoustic instruments, and other detailed sources.
In addition to the impressive preamps, SSL has equipped both interfaces with high-quality A/D and D/A converters capable of 24-bit/192 kHz audio. This means you can capture recordings in high fidelity, preserving all the details of your performance. The new generation converter chips used in the SSL 2 and 2+ represent a significant improvement over earlier models, with an output dynamic range of up to 120 dB. This ensures a transparent and dynamic signal path, which is crucial when capturing the subtleties of vocals and acoustic instruments, or when monitoring your mix with clarity and precision.
3. MIDI I/O and Additional Headphone Output On The SSL 2+
For those looking for a bit more connectivity, the SSL 2+ offers some extra features that make it particularly well-suited for collaboration. The inclusion of MIDI in and out allows for easy integration with external gear, such as synthesizers and drum machines, making it a versatile centrepiece for your studio setup. This is especially useful for producers and musicians who work with hardware instruments or need to sync various devices. Unlike the SSL 2, which focuses on basic functionality, the 2+ adds this level of connectivity, providing more opportunities for creative workflow expansion.
Another notable feature of the SSL 2+ is the dual independent headphone outputs, allowing for separate mixes to be routed to each headphone. This is particularly valuable in collaborative settings where a musician and a producer need to hear different elements of the track during a recording session. The second headphone output can be routed to monitor outputs 3 and 4, making the SSL 2+ an excellent choice for those who work with multiple musicians or need flexible monitoring solutions in their studio.
4. Software Bundle
Both the SSL 2 and 2+ come with an impressive software bundle, making them an excellent value for those starting out in music production. The SSL Production Pack includes light versions of industry-standard DAWs such as Pro Tools and Ableton Live, as well as Native Instruments plugins and over 1.5 GB of samples from Loopcloud. This bundle allows new users to dive right into music creation with professional-level tools, without needing to invest in additional software upfront.
In addition to the DAWs and plugins, the SSL Production Pack includes SSL’s own Vocalstrip 2 and Drumstrip channel strips, offering users high-quality processing tools for enhancing vocal and drum tracks. These plugins are designed to replicate the legendary SSL console sound, giving your recordings a polished and professional finish. With easy-to-use controls, Vocalstrip 2 helps you achieve articulate and powerful vocal recordings, while Drumstrip provides punchy and dynamic drum processing, making it an invaluable addition to any producer’s toolkit.
The inclusion of these tools—alongside Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools First, and Native Instruments plugins—gives users a complete package that covers everything from music creation and production to mixing and mastering. This comprehensive approach ensures that you have access to the same sound quality that has made SSL a trusted name in professional studios around the world.
Is the SSL2 Right for You? Should You Upgrade?
If you are in the market for an audio interface that brings professional studio quality into your home setup, the SSL 2 and SSL 2+ are solid options to consider. For those who value high-quality preamps and A/D and D/A conversion without spending a fortune, these interfaces excel in delivering clean, transparent recordings that capture the subtleties of any performance.
The Legacy 4K button is a unique feature that helps to easily add warmth and character, making it ideal for both beginners looking to enhance their sound and experienced producers seeking that iconic SSL touch. If you are starting your home studio journey or need a reliable second interface, the SSL 2 provides an affordable yet powerful solution. However, if collaborative features like MIDI I/O and dual headphone outputs are important to you, the SSL 2+ offers additional connectivity that could make a big difference in your workflow.
When deciding whether to upgrade to the new SSL 2 or 2+, consider your current needs and future goals. If you already own an interface that lacks the rich preamp quality or distinctive analog flavor offered by the SSL 2 and SSL 2+, upgrading could significantly improve your recording quality, especially if your work involves capturing detailed vocals or instruments.
Overall, the SSL 2 and SSL 2+ offer a balance of quality, features, and ease of use that makes them worthy contenders for both first-time buyers and those looking to upgrade their studio setup.
Disclosure: This blog contains affiliate links, which means Internet Tattoo may receive a commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you.