SOLID STATE LOGIC SSL 18 Audio Interface

Description

SOLID STATE LOGIC SSL 18 Audio Interface

The SSL 18 is Solid State Logic's first rackmount USB audio interface. Developed from SSL's unparalleled expertise in analog and digital design, this interface delivers exceptional audio performance and a feature set ready for all studio sessions, maintaining the premium quality and SSL sound that professionals worldwide appreciate. Welcome to a new era for rack USB interfaces. The SSL 18 sets new standards for 19" USB audio interfaces in its category. With next-generation 32-bit converters, high-performance SSL-designed microphone preamps, an advanced digital mixer, the unique Legacy 4K analog emphasis feature, and a full suite of digital I/Os, the SSL 18 optimizes creative workflow and enhances production space performance. The SSL 18 will be the ultimate hub for your studio. Class-leading audio performance. Next-generation 32-bit/192 kHz converters enhance the SSL 18's analog design, with an unparalleled 120 dB dynamic range on all microphone, line, and instrument inputs, capturing sound sources like never before. On monitors and line outputs, the dynamic range reaches 125 dB, allowing you to hear every detail with uncompromising fidelity. Headphone monitoring also offers exceptional performance, with a 120 dB dynamic range on both dedicated outputs. 32-bit / 192 kHz / Unrivaled analog and digital performance. 8 SSL-designed Mic/Line inputs. The SSL 18 features eight high-performance SSL-designed microphone preamplifiers, with selectable Mic/Line configuration. Thanks to their advanced two-stage circuitry, these preamplifiers ensure ultra-low noise recordings and a wide dynamic range, capturing every detail with extraordinary precision. By activating Legacy 4K mode, you can add analog saturation and the iconic sound of SSL 4000 series consoles. Inputs 1 and 2, located on the front panel, also include options for instruments/Hi-Z to record guitars and vintage synthesizers. Dynamic range: 120 dB / EIN: -130.5 dBu / Legacy 4K. 10 line outputs. The ten balanced line outputs, located on the rear panel, are optimized to ensure maximum signal integrity. Outputs 1/2 and 3/4 can be configured between +9 and +24 dBu, for perfect compatibility with studio monitors and vintage equipment. The other outputs operate at +24 dBu, ideal for integrating professional outboard gear. All outputs are DC-coupled, making them suitable for sending control signals to modular synthesizers. Dynamic range: 125 dB / Operating levels: +9 dBu/+24 dBu / DC-coupled outputs. High-performance headphone outputs. The SSL 18 offers two independent and configurable headphone outputs to adapt to different impedances: Standard, High Sensitivity, and High Impedance. The outputs can also be used as additional line outputs for greater flexibility. Dynamic range: 120 dB / Configurable modes / Independent outputs. Legacy 4K analog enhancement. The Legacy 4K feature is inspired by SSL 4000 series consoles, famous for their unique "mojo." This mode adds controlled harmonic distortion and a musical high-frequency boost, giving the sound presence and character. Real analog saturation / Musical high-frequency boost / Iconic 4K sound. Comprehensive digital connections. The SSL 18 includes a full range of digital connections, with 16 additional channels via ADAT and 2 channels via S/PDIF. The dedicated Word clock output ensures stable clocking for integrating external digital devices. 16 ADAT channels / 2 S/PDIF channels / Word clock out. Monitor Controller section with Talkback. The SSL 18's monitor controller integrates advanced features such as alternative speaker switching and a Talkback input with Listen Mic Compressor (LMC). This input can be switched to LINE mode to process tracks through the LMC compressor, ideal for creative effects on drums, vocals, and more. Customizable monitor switch / Legendary analog LMC. SSL 18 Mixer with SSL 360. The SSL 18 mixer, managed by SSL 360 software, allows detailed monitoring and configuration of inputs and outputs. You can create up to four separate monitor mixes for performers, save templates for tracking or mixing sessions, and use the flexible Mirror Routing system for total control over the audio flow. Software included. The purchase of the SSL 18 includes the SSL Production Pack, with virtual instruments, plug-ins, and samples worth over €1400. In addition, you can activate a free six-month trial of Complete Access, which includes all SSL, Slate Digital, and Harrison Audio plug-ins. Key Features. 26-in/28-out USB-C interface for Mac and Windows. 8 Mic/Line inputs with advanced features. 10 balanced line outputs. Low-latency mixer with SSL 360 software. ADAT, S/PDIF, and MIDI support.

Specifications

26-in/28-out USB-C Audio Interface for Mac and Windows.

8 microphone/line inputs.

4K analog enhancement, polarity invert, high-pass filters, and 48V phantom power per channel.

Configurable analog insert points for inputs 1 and 2, ideal for recording with analog equipment.

Inputs 1 and 2 are switchable to instrument level.

Line inputs bypass the preamp, perfect for integrating external preamps.

10 balanced line outputs.

Alternative speaker switching is available for pairs 1 & 2 and 3 & 4.

+9 dBu/+24 dBu output level configuration options for pairs 1 & 2 and 3 & 4 for optimal monitor matching.

DC-coupled outputs are perfect for sending control voltages to synthesizers and modular systems.

2 independent and powerful headphone outputs with dedicated level controls.

3 operating modes to adapt to different headphone impedances: Standard, High Sensitivity, High Impedance.

Create custom headphone mixes.

Can be used as a line output.

+24 dBu operating level for inputs and outputs – perfect for integrating professional external equipment like hardware inserts.

16 channels of ADAT I/O at 44.1/48 kHz, 8 channels at 96 kHz.

Next-gen 32-bit/192 kHz converters.

Class-leading audio performance in every area:

World-class low-noise mic preamps with an exceptional -130.5 dBu EIN and 67 dB gain to work with any microphone.

Class-leading 120 dB dynamic range on all inputs and headphone outputs.

Class-leading 125 dB dynamic range on monitor and line outputs.

Full management of all inputs and outputs on the SSL 18 low-latency mixer.

Easily create your control room mix, plus 4 additional custom monitor mixes: HP A (stereo), HP B (stereo), LINE 3-4 (stereo or dual mono).

Flexible Mirror routing system for routing any input or aux master directly to an output – perfect for feeding personal monitoring systems, external meters, and external effects.

Customize the monitor section's front panel buttons to suit your workflow.

Flexible clocking options: internal (clock signal available on Wordclock output) or clock from ADAT or S/PDIF input.

Dedicated Talkback input with analog Listen Mic Compressor (LMC).

Talkback input can also be used in LINE mode for creative track processing via the LMC during production and mixing.

2 S/PDIF channels (coaxial or optical).

MIDI I/O on 3.5mm TRS jack.

Customizable monitor control assignment: choose which analog outputs will be affected by the monitor control on the front panel. Perfect for surround/immersive monitoring. Can also be set to affect the S/PDIF output.

Configure multiple 18 units as ADAT mic preamp expanders for up to 24 analog mic preamped inputs.