Solid State Logic SSL 2 USB Audio Interface Review

The Solid State Logic SSL 2 is a high-quality USB audio interface designed for recording music, podcasts, and other audio content on a computer. SSL has been a leading manufacturer of professional audio gear for recording studios for decades, so the SSL 2 brings that pedigree to the home studio and content creator market. In this extensive review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the features, performance, and usability of the SSL 2 to see how it stacks up for producers, musicians, and podcasters looking to step up their audio game.

Overview and Features

The SSL 2 is a 2 input, 2 output USB interface that connects to your computer via USB-C or USB-A ports. It offers 24-bit, 192 kHz conversion for professional-grade audio quality on both the inputs and outputs. The 2 combo XLR/TRS inputs provide crystal clear preamps for recording microphones, instruments, or other external audio sources. There are also 1/4″ TRS outputs to connect to studio monitors or headphones.

Some of the key features of the SSL 2 include:

• 2 SSL E-Series preamps with up to 57dB of gain for mics and instruments
• Phantom power for condenser microphones
• 2 line inputs for synths, drum machines, or other sources
• Direct Monitor blending for zero-latency monitoring
• Bass Boost and HF Tilt EQ for shaping tone
• Independent Main and Alt headphone outs
• Loopback functionality for streaming or podcasting
• Bus-powered for easy portability

In a compact desktop unit, the SSL 2 provides extensive connectivity and control options for recording or mixing audio on a computer. The preamps and conversion quality allow you to record high-resolution audio from microphones, guitars, keyboards and more. Then you can monitor via studio monitors or headphones with flexible tone shaping and zero-latency blending.

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Build Quality and Design

In terms of build quality, the SSL 2 lives up to the Solid State Logic namesake. The unit has an all-metal chassis with glass finish panels that looks sturdy and durable for desktop use. The knobs have a nice weight and smooth rotation for dialing in settings. The buttons have a satisfying click as well. Overall the build inspires confidence that this is pro-grade audio interface that will hold up to regular use.

The SSL 2 has a clean, uncluttered appearance. Inputs and outputs are clearly labeled, as are the gain knobs, buttons, and status LEDs on the front panel. Having direct monitor blending, EQ, and headphone level controls right on the surface makes it easy to shape your sound without having to dig into software menus. The compact size takes up minimal space on your desktop too.

Ease of Use

Setting up the SSL 2 is very straightforward. Simply download the SSL 360° software and connect the interface to your computer via USB. The software scans for the device and installs the proper drivers automatically. Within minutes you can have the interface detected in your DAW or recording software.

Using the SSL 2 is also smooth and intuitive. The front panel controls allow you to quickly gain stage and monitor your inputs. There are large gain knobs for each input to optimize levels and avoid distortion when recording. The Direct Monitor knob blends your zero-latency input signals with the playback from the DAW, so you can hear yourself while recording without distracting lag.

Having dedicated Main and Alt headphone jacks is very convenient for producer/artist tracking scenarios. You can cue up headphone mixes independently. The Bass Boost and HF Tilt buttons also make it easy to tune your headphone tone on the fly. Once you have set levels, monitoring, and EQ to your liking, the interface pretty much runs itself.

Recording Performance

So how does the SSL 2 actually perform when recording audio? In a word: excellently. The E-Series preamps provide tremendous quality for the price point. They offer wide gain range to accommodate everything from dynamic mics to passive instruments. Even at high gain settings they maintain very low noise. The clarity and depth of recordings is impressive.

The 24-bit/192kHz conversion captures all the subtle details from vocals, acoustic instruments, drum rooms, and more. Compared to stock computer soundcards, the improvements in depth and resolution are immediately obvious. The circuitry delivers very high headroom as well so you can record loud signals without clipping.

Overall the transparent preamps and pristine conversion let you capture clean, accurate recordings. The audio retains its dynamics and spatial characteristics through the interface signal chain. As a result, tracks have presence, impact and that “analog” quality that makes mixes sound more professional.

Playback and Monitoring

On the playback side, the SSL 2 also performs well. The headphone amps have plenty of power to drive studio headphones at high volumes. You can push 300 ohm headphones without distortion thanks to the discrete Class A output stages. The direct monitor blending makes it easy to get balanced input/playback levels as you record.

Having dual headphone jacks allows producer/artist communication in studio scenarios. Each output has its own level control and 1/4″ jack so you can provide personalized cue mixes. The bass boost and HF tilt buttons are great for adding warmth or brightness to match headphone types as well. It’s a flexible monitoring system in a compact interface.

The main outputs feed studio monitors or powered speakers accurately as well. The balanced TRS connections minimize noise over long cable runs. You can trust that mixes translated through the SSL 2 will retain their imaging and frequency balance. The pristine circuitry ensures a clear signal path at all times.

SSL 360° Control Software

To expand the functionality of the SSL 2, SSL provides the 360° control software. This gives you deeper control and metering right from your computer screen. From the dashboard you can control phantom power, monitor levels, and interface settings. There are even built-in test oscillators for tuning studio monitors or checking connections.

The software also displays live metering for gain staging. You can keep an eye on input levels and output volumes to optimize your signal flow. For loopback streaming and podcasting, the software lets you easily select the SSL 2 inputs and outputs as sources. This makes it simple to get audio from mics, instruments, and playback routed to your broadcasting software.

Pros and Cons

Some of the biggest advantages of the SSL 2 audio interface include:

Pros:

• Excellent audio quality with E-Series preamps
• Flexible monitoring with blend and dual headphone outs
• Easy to set up and integrate with recording software
• Rugged metal construction for durability
• Clean uncluttered appearance takes up minimal space

Cons:

• No balanced line outs or insert points for hardware processing
• Limited to 2 inputs and 2 outputs
• No pad switch for handling very hot input signals

So the SSL 2 sacrifices a few options like balanced outs and additional I/O to hit an appealing price point. But what you do get is an intelligently designed 2-channel interface with great sound, useful features, and the trusted SSL brand.

Who is the SSL 2 Good For?

The straightforward 2 input/2 output design of the SSL 2 makes it ideal for a few core applications:

Musician home studios – The great preamps provide clear tone whether you’re recording vocals, guitar, bass, or electronic instruments. The direct monitoring helps you record confidently.

Podcasting – Podcast producers need clean preamp tone and simple controls. The SSL 2 delivers both, plus loopback for easy streaming to podcast platforms.

Voiceover artists – For professional voice actors and announcers, the low-noise preamps capture crisp, broadcast-ready vocal recordings.

Bedroom producers – Producers working in compact home setups will appreciate the small footprint and bus-powering. The SSL 2 takes up minimal space on the desktop.

For more complex recordings with larger band counts, the 2-channel I/O is limiting. But for solo artists, podcasters, and voice actors, the streamlined SSL 2 has excellent quality and ease of use.

Alternatives to Consider

The SSL 2 resides in a highly competitive price tier for USB audio interfaces around $150-250. Some alternatives worth considering include:

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 – Very popular home studio interface with similar I/O to SSL 2. Clean preamps and conversion.

Presonus Studio 24c – Adds MIDI I/O and 2 extra outputs vs. SSL 2. Great expandability.

Audient Evo 4 – Boutique British preamps for under $200. No extra outputs however.

Native Instruments Komplete Audio 1 – Solid bundled software plus audio interface with Direct Monitor.

Arturia AudioFuse Studio – Hybrid analog/digital design with focus on monitor control.

The SSL 2 compares well to all of these thanks to the pedigree of SSL’s preamps and conversion. It also carries unique advantages like dual independent headphone outs and EQ shaping options. However, if your workflow requires more inputs and outputs, the alternatives may suit you better.

Conclusion and Recommendation

The Solid State Logic SSL 2 provides an impressive taste of SSL’s legendary audio quality in a compact, affordable USB interface. The E-Series preamps offer tremendous tone and low noise for the price. Musicians and podcasters alike will benefit from the clean channel processing. Flexible monitoring options like blend and dual headphone outs also set the SSL 2 apart.

The streamlined 2 input/2 output design is limitations for larger sessions. However, for solo artists and voice actors, the simplified workflow is a benefit. The SSL 2 gives you professional 24-bit/192kHz conversion without complexity. The rugged metal construction also feels built to last.

For under $200, the SSL 2 gives you stellar preamp sound in an easy-to-use form factor. The brand pedigree instills confidence as well. If a straightforward, high-quality interface for vocals, instruments, and podcasting appeals to you, the Solid State Logic SSL 2 is an excellent choice. It provides great value for the money and will elevate your recordings.

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