Compact and competitively priced, the Solid State Logic SSL 2+ desktop 2x4 USB audio/MIDI interface puts legendary SSL analog character, pristine conversion, and intuitive console-style workflow within reach for producers, home recordists, musicians, and songwriters on a tight budget.

Its two SSL-designed mic preamps—accessible via XLR-1/4" combo inputs—feature class-leading gain, headroom, and noise specs for tracking mics, electric instruments, or line-level signals with ultraclean definition. When you want some character added on an input, simply press that channel's Legacy 4K button to add a high-frequency boost and sweet harmonic distortion, both inspired by the classic and heralded 4000-Series consoles used on countless hit records.

Both input channels, which are arranged vertically like a large-format mixing board, also provide 5-segment LED metering and selectable 48V phantom power per channel. The SSL 2+ is equipped with a pair of monitor outputs and two independent high-current headphone outs with high dynamic range, independent level control via Alps pots, and a selectable mono/stereo monitor mix.

Additionally, it features four unbalanced RCA outputs—two mirror the 1/4" monitor outs and two serve outputs 3-4—for routing to external cue amps or effects units. Utilize the rear-panel MIDI I/O ports for hooking up external synths and keyboard controllers without having to integrate a separate MIDI interface.

The layout of the interface harkens back to SSL's classic large-format analog consoles, featuring a prominent monitor level knob and smaller controls for your headphone out and monitor mix. The monitor mix knob can be used to counter any latency while recording at high buffer rates in your DAW by sourcing the monitor signal directly from the input path. Or rotate the knob to the right to introduce more of the USB return from your computer for easy overdubs.

Bundled with the SSL 2+ is the SSL Production Pack, an inspiring collection of software, sounds, and plug-ins that'll not only help you get started, but also keep your work fresh track after track. Included are 1.5GB of loops and samples from Loopcloud, over 2000 sounds from Native Instruments, two DAWs (Pro Tools | First and Ableton Live Lite), and SSL's own Vocalstrip 2 and Drumstrip plug-ins.

Producers, Home Recordists, Musicians    SSL 2+ USB-C Audio Interface    Akai MPK Mini MK3 25-Key MIDI Controller    Audio-Technica AT2020 Condenser Mic    512 AUDIO Academy Closed-Back Headphones    Mic Stand, XLR Cable, Pop Filter    Bus Powered / Mac, Windows    2 Mic/Line/Instrument Preamps, MIDI I/O    24-Bit / 192 kHz Converters by AKM    DAWs, Plug-Ins, Loops, Samples

Both mic preamps on the SSL 2+ provide up to 62 dB of gain to ensure optimal recording levels for your favorite condenser mic, industry-standard dynamic mics such as the Shure SM7B, and electric instruments such as guitar and bass. They incorporate a two-stage design with low-noise transistors and IC circuits to deliver top-of-the-line noise performance and ample gain.

Each input section offers switches for +48V phantom power and selection of line-level or Hi-Z input signal. Plus, you'll find 5-segment LED metering and gain knobs on both channels.

Underneath the gain knobs on both input channels, you'll note the Legacy 4K button. This feature helps you bring dull, uninspiring audio to life as you record it, doing so by adding subtle harmonic distortion and a high-frequency boost. Both are analog processes that take their cue from the sound of the legendary and classic SSL 4000 Series consoles, hence the name 4K.

Presented on the rear panel of the SSL 2+ are 1/4" jacks for the stereo monitor outs and the dual high-current NJM headphone amp outputs. Separate high-quality pots are provided for independent volume control of your speakers and two sets of cans. The second headphone output can be sourced from the main mix or from outputs 3-4, making it ideal for creating different cue mixes for multiple artists.

Also, there are four unbalanced RCA outputs—two mirror the 1/4" monitor outs and two serve outputs 3-4—for routing to external cue amps or effects units.

Packed with the same AKM AD/DA converters as SSL's acclaimed Alpha-Link I/O products, the SSL 2+ offers pristine conversion at up to 24-bit / 192 kHz. Record and mix confidently knowing that the interface captures and reproduces your tracks without compromise

The SSL 2+ integrates smoothly with gear for beatmakers. Utilize the rear-panel MIDI I/O ports for hooking up an external synth and a keyboard controller without having to integrate a separate MIDI interface.

The SSL 2+ is laden with high-grade Neutrik connectors and Alps pots, and all knobs and switches are reminiscent of iconic SSL consoles.

Since the SSL 2+ is powered via USB, there's no need to be concerned with power cables, AC adapters, or batteries. It sports a USB-C connector and includes USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables for interfacing to your Mac/Windows computer.

• DAWs: Pro Tools | First (plus an exclusive collection of 23 plug-ins) and Ableton Live Lite
• Virtual Instruments: Native Instruments Hybrid Keys and Komplete Start
• Plug-Ins: Vocalstrip 2 and Drumstrip, plus a 6-month trial of all SSL Native plug-ins
• Samples and Loops: 1.5GB of curated content from Loopcloud

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. I have a MOTU Traveller firewire unit but no longer firewire connectivity. Is there a way to feed the Traveler into this unit so I can use the additional inputs?

A: Not that we are aware of.

Q: 2. Can you connect it directly to the new IPad Air 4th gen, via USB-C, or do you need an adaptor/CCK?

A: Yes, the MOTU M4 can be connected directly to iOS devices with USB-C running iOS 9 or later using a standard USB-C to USB-C cable.

Q: 3. Can you send one microphone signal to both channels at the same time?

A: You would have to put the mic into a mixer first, and then come out stereo to line inputs 1 and 2, if you want one microphone to go into two inputs on this audio interface.

Q: 4. What's the round trip latency with 64 samples @ 44.1kHz ?

A: This is the only latency specification we could find: Latency: Zero-Latency Direct Monitoring 2.5 ms at 32/96 kHz (Dependent on Buffer Size)

Q: 5. Is this iOS compatible?

A: According to MOTU, this audio interface is iOS compatible (USB audio class compliant), but it would need an Apple Lightning to USB 3.0 Type-A Camera Adapter, BH #APMK0W2AMA to convert the signal and to power the interface.

Q: 6. The company did some simple tests with Linux, but has anyone done extensive recordings with this and Linux? Did it work?

A: Per SSL: OS Compatibility macOS 10.11 / 10.12 / 10.13 / 10.14 / 10.15 Windows 8.1 / 10 Included Software Ableton Live Lite Pro Tools First Compatible Software (Not Included) Any Core Audio (Mac) Compliant Software Supported Drivers/API & Plug-Ins macOS Class-Compliant (No Driver Needed) ASIO Mobile Device Compatibility None

Q: 7. does this interface work with Beyerdynamic DT 990 pro 250 ohms?

A: Yes the Motu M2 headphone output can drive 250 ohm headphones.

Q: 8. Can we output audio from both Input 1 and Input 2 simultaneously to the usb so that we hear both inputs at the same time (mono-mix or stereo mix)?

A: Yes. This will allow two simultaneous inputs.

Q: 9. If I have line 1/2 with microphones, could I connect a music line from another computer? Where?

A: Line level signals can be connected to the interface, back panel; inputs 3/4.

Q: 10. I'm curious if the M2 can properly power a pair of 250 ohm headphones...?

A: We would recommend using an external headphone for 250 ohm headphones. Here's an option BH #FIK5PRO.