SSL have announced the launch of upgraded versions of their two USB audio interfaces. Building on the success of their predecessors, the SSL 2 MkII and SSL 2+ MkII boast performance upgrades and an enhanced set of features that the company say cater to beginners and professionals alike.
Both interfaces retain the form factor of their original counterparts, combining a pair of mic and line-level inputs with dedicated Hi-Z instrument inputs and balanced line-level outputs. The larger of the two devices, the 2+ MkII, benefits from an additional pair of line-level outputs for hooking up additional monitors or outboard gear, as well as MIDI I/O on five-pin DIN sockets. Both units feature a pair of headphone outputs, and while the pair on the SSL 2 MkII share an amp, the SSL 2+ MkII offers two amps equipped with their own volume control and input source.
The mic pres are capable of delivering 64dB of gain and boasts dynamic range and EIN measurements of 116.5 dB dynamic range and -130.5 dBu respectively, and can be switched to accept line-level sources. As before, they also feature a switchable Legacy 4K mode that introduces some harmonic distortion and a high-frequency boost that emulate the sound of the company’s renowned 4000-series console. The line-level outputs deliver a dynamic range figure of 120dB and are DC-coupled, meaning they can be used to send CV signals to modular synths and other compatible gear.
SSL have also taken the opportunity to upgrade the headphone amps, which employ high-current NJM circuitry that promises to drive any type of headphone and achieves a dynamic range figure of 119.5dB — a significant improvement over the MkI’s 111dB. Finally, the onboard A-D and D-A stages have also been upgraded with new 32-bit / 192kHz converters.
Software Bundle
Both interfaces are supplied with the SSL Production Pack, a software bundle which aims to provide users with a complete ‘SSL studio’ setup that’s portable enough to fit in a backpack. The collection includes the following:
- Three-month free access to the SSL & Slate Complete Access Subscription
- Three-month free access to Auto-Tune Unlimited subscription
- Three-month free access to Arcade by Output subscription
- Perpetual licenses for SSL Vocalstrip 2 and Drumstrip plug-ins
- Harrison Mixbus 10
- IK Multimedia Amplitube 5 SE
- Celemony Melodyne Essential
- Native Instruments Hybrid Keys & Komplete Start
- Ableton Live Lite
- AAS Session Bundle plug-ins
- 1.5 GB of samples from Loopcloud
SOS Review
You can read all about the interfaces in this SOS review: www.soundonsound.com/reviews/ssl-2-2-plus-mkii
Pricing & Availability
The SSL 2 MkII and SSL 2+ MkII are available now, priced at £215.99$229.99 and £287.99$299.99 respectively. Prices include VAT.
