New Music Gear Monday: Solid State Logic SSL 18 USB Audio Interface

There are a load of computer audio interfaces available in all shapes and sizes but most are of the 2 and 4 input variety perfect for the home studio. If your needs are greater than that, usually the price shoots up considerably, but then again it’s likely that you’ll also find something that will fit your needs at a strain to your pocketbook. What if there was a interface with more I/O available from a company with a unquestioned pedigree of building large analog consoles, but at a reasonable price? That’s what you’ll find in the new SSL 18 from Solid State Logic.

The I/O

The SSL 18 is an 8 mic input, 10 balanced output USB-C interface that can be expanded up to 26 inputs and 28 outputs with external I/O into ADAT connections. These features are not uncommon, but what is unique is that the preamps are a true SSL-design and even feature the “Legacy 4K Analogue Enhancement” sound found in its revered 4000 series analog desk.

A great feature is that in Line mode the mic preamp stage is completely bypassed so it doesn’t influence the sound when connecting external outboard gear. There are also 2 microphone inputs located on the front panel that also offer instrument/Hi-Z inputs to capture DI’d guitars and vintage synths/drum machines.

An interface doesn’t distinguish itself solely on its analog circuitry though, and the SSL 18 features high-quality next generator convertors capable of 32 bit / 196kHz operation. As said before, there’s also an ADAT input and output that boosts the digital ins and outs by another 16, plus 2 additional SPIDF inputs as well.

Other Features

SSL 18 also features a full monitor controller section complete with built-in talkback input. Line outputs 1&2 and 3&4 offer alternative speaker switching with Alt and Cut accessible via the monitor controls located on the front panel. You can also customize the monitor controls via the SSL 360 software mixer (more on this in a minute) and tailor them to your workflow.

SSL 18 also features a dedicated talkback input channel that can operate in MIC or LINE mode. LINE mode is great for reprocessing audio through the classic Listen Mic Compressor that’s included to crush drums, parallel vocals, and whatever else you think might need it.

To top it off, there are also 2 high-current (meaning loud) headphone outputs capable of different mixes, each with their own volume control.

Software

There’s also plenty of software that comes with SSL 18. The SSL 360° mixer also you to manage all inputs, outputs and routing, as well as the control room monitor mix and up to four independent mixes for performers. In addition, a flexible Mirror Routing system allows you to route any input or aux master directly to an output.

The SSL Production Pack also comes free with the unit, which includes SSL Vocal Strip and Drum Strip, IK Multimedia Amplitube 5 SE, Celemony Melodyne Essential, Native Instruments Hybrid Keys and Komplete Start, Ableton Live 11 Lite, AAS Session Bundle plug-ins, and 1.5 GB Samples from Loopcloud. There are also limited-time subscriptions to Complete Access, Autotune, and Arcade included.

The best part is that the SSL 18 is available for just $1,199, which is a great price considering all the unit can do and the software included.

You can find out more here, or watch the video below for more info.