The new SSL 1 offers one mic channel and one instrument channel in a device that can convert analog signals up to 32-bit/192kHz.
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In recording studios all around the world, two names are mentioned in hushed tones. Those names are Rupert Neve and SSL. Those are two audio brands that dominate the market for professional mixing desks used to lay down tracks in recording studios by some of the world’s best-selling recording artists.
SSL was founded in the UK back in 1969 by the late Colin Sanders. The company has passed through a few hands since then, including Peter Gabriel’s, a long-time SSL user at his iconic Real World Studios. In 2017, the company was acquired by the Audiotonix Group, which also owns other live sound and broadcast brands like DiGiCo and Allen & Heath.
From Madonna to Michael Jackson, SSL mixing desks have given musicians that classic “punchy, clean, aggressive and tight” SSL sound profile. It’s the sound behind countless platinum-selling albums. Now, SSL has revealed its latest consumer audio interface aimed at musicians starting on their musical journey. It’s an interface containing the technology necessary to capture that SSL sound at an affordable price.
The styling of the new SSL 1 USB audio interfacce is unmistakably classic SSL.
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The SSL 1 is a simple two‑channel USB audio interface that turns analog signals from a microphone or a musical instrument into a digital audio signal ready for a computer. The SSL 1 provides the performance and studio sound quality the brand is celebrated for, but in a plug-and-play interface designed for use by anyone starting in the music business. It’s also suitable for use by seasoned producers and recording engineers who need to capture music on the move.
What makes the SSL-1 different from some other budget interfaces is its use of SSL’s class-leading microphone preamps, coupled with a 4K analog enhancement feature that brings in that old-school analog warmth of the classic years of music making. The device can convert analog audio into digital streams all the way up to the professional-grade 32-bit/192 kHz standard.
As well as the professional mic preamp, the SSL 1 includes a high-current headphone output that enables it to drive even difficult or high-impedance headphones that may sound a bit quiet with other interfaces The SSL 1 also has flexible power options and can be bus powered by the host device it’s connected to.
The two channels of the SSL 1 include an SSL-designed preamp with +48V phantom power, 4K analog and a High-Pass filter.
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In addition to bus power, the SSL 1 can be powered through a second USB-C power port using a 5V external power supply, like a phone charger or a portable power bank. This makes the SSL 1 suitable for mobile recording in the field with a battery-powered laptop or tablet. It’s the kind of setup that classic musicologist Alan Lomax would have benefited from when he had when he was criss-crossing America and recording artists like Lead Belly, Muddy Waters, Woody Guthrie and Jelly Roll Morton, using his heavy reel-to-reel tape machine.
The SSL-1 offers seamless use with USB Audio Class 2.0 phones and tablets, as well as Mac and Windows computers. It’s been designed by the same team of engineers who produce Solid State Logic’s professional studio mixing desks used by Grammy-winning producers and artists. In fact, the SSL-1 benefits from some of the trickle-down technology from the brand’s professional tier of studio products, such as the mic preamp and headphone output.
For recording an electric guitar, bass, synth or drum machine, the SSL 1 has an instrument input that SSL says can capture the “depth, punch and clarity” of a musical performance while preserving the character and dynamics of the original instrument.
At the rear of the SSL 1 is the XLR and instrument input, plus two balanced TRS monitor outputs and the USB data and power ports.
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Plenty Of Gain
The SSL 1 is an interface that also lends itself for use by singer-songwriters thanks to the SSL-designed mic preamp with enough gain for capturing vocals and acoustic instruments with nuance, even when used with more demanding microphones like Shure’s SM7b, as used by Michael Jackson to record Thriller.
Channel 1 on the SSL has an XLR input with +48V phantom power for driving a condenser microphone. Channel 2 is a dedicated instrument/line input for directly recording of an electric guitar, synthesizer or drum machine. It also comes with the SSL Production Pack, a range of amp-modelling tools and creative processing options that can be used to shape the sound of a guitar or any other instrument.
In addition to studio use, the SSL 1 can also work with live performance applications by providing a high‑quality conversion and stereo output for use at a festival using software such as Ableton Live or in the DJ booth at a club. This high-level conversion ensures the signal reaching the venue’s PA system is as clean as possible.
The SSL 1 has the headphone output at the front with all the other connections at the rear.
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Near-Zero Latency
With its single mic input and high‑current headphone output, offering near-zero-latency monitoring, the SSL 1 is also suitable for live streaming. It includes three stereo loopback channels, making it handy for capturing device audio like gaming sounds or commentary. The fact the SSL-1 can be powered externally means it can easily be hooked up to a phone or tablet without draining the battery of the host device.
The SSL 1 interface includes the SSL Production Pack, a collection of virtual instruments, samples and software tools from brands like Harrison Audio, Slate Digital, Antares, Loopcloud, Native Instruments, AAS, IK Multimedia, Ableton and others. When combined with plug-ins like SSL Drumstrip, VocalStrip 2, Complete Access trial (which features every plug-in from SSL, Slate Digital and Harrison) and other creative tools, the SSL Production Pack has the kind of tools for making music without spending a fortune.
Finally, anyone who buys and registers one of the new SSL 1 interfaces can join the SSL Family. Members can gain access to a range of special offers, from premium EQs, reverbs and compressors, to guitar processing plug-ins and more. Registering the product also unlocks a growing suite of creative tools.
The new SSL 1 USB audio interface is available now and priced at $159.99 / £119.99 / €149.00. All prices exclude VAT or sales tax.
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