Solid State Logic Launch SSL 18 Rackmount Audio Interface.
Meet SSL 18 – a new era in rack-mount production technology from Solid State Logic. Developed from our unmatched expertise in analog and digital design, SSL 18 offers exceptional audio performance with a feature set ready for studio sessions, delivered with the signature SSL sound and premium quality trusted by professionals. Whether you are recording, producing or mixing, SSL 18 enhances production workflows while increasing the performance of your creative space, it is the ultimate centerpiece for your studio. SSL 18 is designed to be the ultimate studio centerpiece in a single 19″ rack unit. It enhances production workflows and boosts the performance of almost any recording, production or mixing space. Whether a desktop setup or the heart of a professional studio, SSL 18’s best-in-class conversion specifications, high-performance mic pre’s, flexible I/O, monitor control capabilities, and signature SSL sound make it the new industry standard in rack-mount audio interfaces.
Best-in-class audio performance coupled with flexible I/O
Next-generation 32-bit/192 kHz converters provide the platform for SSL 18’s analog design to shine, with an unmatched 120 dB dynamic range across all its microphone, line-level and instrument inputs – for faithful recording of sources, with the detail and clarity professionals expect from SSL. With SSL 18’s 125 dB dynamic range on the monitor and line outputs, users can experience music and audio with unparalleled fidelity. Meanwhile, the integrated high-current amplifier has dual headphone outputs with 120 dB dynamic range. With eight high-performance SSL designed microphone preamps with switchable Mic/Line configuration, SSL 18’s inputs provide ultra-low noise floor and huge dynamic range allowing every detail of a performance to be captured with stunning accuracy. A two-stage circuit design ensures ultra-low distortion during recordings while maintaining the natural character of the source. Each input can also be switched to Legacy 4K Analogue Enhancement Mode, which adds true analogue saturation and a musical boost for the high frequencies – giving users access to the 4000 Series’ iconic sound character for vocals, drums and more. Inputs 1 & 2 are conveniently located on the front panel and provide instrument/Hi-Z inputs to DI’d guitars and vintage synths/drum machines. “SSL 18 embodies our commitment to making a 19-inch rack audio interface that delivers SSL quality. Our engineering team applied their analog and digital design expertise to exceed expectations. With the powerful SSL 360 software, SSL 18 delivers a world-class studio experience for any setup. We are eager for everyone to experience the sound and workflow.” Andy Jackson, Senior Product Manager, Studio.
Line outputs and powerful monitor controller
The SSL 18 is equipped with 10 balanced line-level outputs on the rear of the unit. Line outputs 1&2 and 3&4 can be configured at +9 or +24 dBu, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of studio monitors and vintage equipment. Outputs 3 to 10 operate at +24 dBu, making them perfect for integrating professional outboard equipment. All outputs are DC-coupled and can send Control Voltage (CV) to synthesizers and/or modular setups. In addition, the SSL 18 has configurable analog insert points for inputs 1 and 2, making it easy to track with analog processing in the chain. The SSL 18 also has a full monitoring control section with talkback input. Line outputs 1&2 and 3&4 offer alternative speaker switching with Alt Speaker and Cut controls directly on the front panel. The talkback input can be switched to LINE mode to process sound through the classic SSL Listen Mic Compressor – perfect for crushing drums, parallel vocals and more. Using the SSL 360 software, these features and many others can be customized to the user’s workflow.
Expand and enhance with SSL 18
With a wide range of possible audio connections and workflows, the SSL 18 is scalable to meet the needs of any user and is the perfect complement to SSL’s upcoming ALPHA 8 (expected Feb. 25/March). The number of mic or line level I/O channels can be increased by 18 channels by using the ADAT and S/PDIF connections. Also SSL 18’s dedicated Word Clock output provides a rock-solid clock for integrating external digital devices.
Spark your creativity > SSL Production Pack
SSL 18 comes with the acclaimed SSL Production Pack, creating a complete hardware and software ‘SSL studio’ solution. The SSL Production Pack includes a selection of indispensable virtual instruments, plugins, samples and DAWs, including Harrison Mixbus 10 (worth over $1100). In addition, users get an extended 6-month trial of Complete Access that includes every plug-in from SSL, Slate Digital and Harrison Audio. SSL 18 key features:
- 26-in/28-out USB-C audio interface for Mac and Windows.
- Next-generation 32-bit/192 kHz converters.
- 8 x Microphone/line-level inputs with 48V, HPF and phase inversion:
- ‘Legacy 4K Analogue Enhancement’ color circuit on each input.
- Configurable insertion points for inputs 1 and 2.
- Inputs 1 and 2 can be switched to instrument level.
- 10 x balanced line outputs:
- Alternative speaker circuit is available for pairs 1&2 and 3&4.
- DC-coupled – suitable for sending control voltage to synths and drum machines.
- Professional +24 dBu operating levels with +9 dBu/+24 dBu level configuration options for pairs 1&2 and 3&4.
- 2 independent, powerful headphone outputs with their own level control:
- 3 mode options for different impedances of headphones – Standard, High sensitivity, High impedance.
- Create custom mixes for headphones.
- Reusable as line outputs.
- Dedicated talkback input with analog Listen Mic Compressor (LMC).
- 16 channels of ADAT I/O at 44.1/48 kHz, 8 channels at 96 kHz.
- 2 channels S/PDIF (coaxial or optical).
- MIDI I/O on 3.5mm TRS jacks.
- Clock options – internal (clock signal available on Wordclock output), or clock from incoming ADAT or S/PDIF.
- Comprehensive management of all inputs and outputs via the SSL 18 low-latency mixer:
- Easily create the mix for the control room, plus an additional 4 custom monitor mixes – HP A (stereo), HP B (stereo), LINE 3-4 (stereo or dual mono).
- Flexible Mirror Routing system to route any input or aux master directly to an output – perfect for feeding personal monitoring systems, remote metering and external FX.
- Customize the buttons on the front panel of the monitoring section to suit your own workflow
