Solid State Logic (SSL) has announced the launch of new MKII USB audio interfaces — SSL 2 MKII and SSL 2+ MKII — that build on their predecessors while adding features as well as the inclusion of the SSL Production Pack software bundle (worth over $1,100).
The SSL 2 MKII and SSL 2+ MKII interfaces offer dual mic/line preamps, dedicated Hi-Z instrument inputs, 32-bit/192 kHz converters and re-designed monitoring and headphone outputs. Users can also add the flavor of the SL 4000 Series console to vocals, instruments, and more with Legacy 4K Analogue Enhancement.
The SSL Production Pack includes virtual instruments, synthesizers, and samplers for songwriting and production. Channel strips, dedicated vocal and drum processing and FX are available for crafting sound, while mastering tools are designed to help to get the most out of music and audio.
The SSL 2 MK II is well-suited for individual singers, songwriters, and media creators, while the SSL 2+ MKII offers expanded I/O for musicians and producers working and recording together. Each channel also has independently switchable High Pass filters to clean up rumble, and for condenser microphones, switchable +48-volt phantom power so you can record with a mixture of microphone types at the same time.
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 have a stated 117 dB dynamic range and +24 dBu maximum input level, making them compatible with professional line-level equipment.
On the front panel, both MKII interfaces offer two dedicated auto-detect instrument (DI) inputs. These Hi-Z inputs, as found on SSL’s larger desk-top mixers, allow the user to record guitar, bass, or anything with a high-impedance output. They also offer professional-grade DC-coupled balanced outputs with a stated 120 dB dynamic range. The SSL 2 MKII has 2x balanced outputs for connecting monitors, while the SSL 2+ MKII features a total of 4x balanced outputs for connecting monitors and additional line-level equipment.
Both units have dual headphone outputs on the front panel with high-current NJM headphone amps. These are capable of driving any type of headphone and have stated 119.5 dB 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” have independent volume control and can also be fed from different DAW outputs.
4K analogue flavour
The MKII series also includes the Legacy 4K Analogue Enhancement circuit, inspired by the SSL 4000 series console (often referred to as ‘4K’). SSL has developed a circuit that distills the two essential characteristics of the 4K sound into a single design, resulting in a sweet-sounding harmonic distortion and a “forward” yet musical high-frequency EQ boost.
For electronic music producers and DJs, the SSL 2+ MKII includes MIDI I/O to control keyboards, drum machines, trigger samplers, sequencers, and more. 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 have Stereo Loopback to keep content creators and streamers in the flow.
The new range of interfaces also includes updated switches on the front panel with status LEDs, offering clear configuration visibility.
www.solidstatelogic.com
Australian Distributor: Amber Technology www.ambertech.com.au
