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    Bus Powered, Mac/Windows    2 Mic/Line/Instrument Preamps    2 Headphone, 2 1/4" Line, 4 RCA Line Out    24-bit / 192 kHz Converters by AKM    Legacy 4K Button for Analog Sound    48V, Zero-Latency Direct Monitoring    5-Segment LEDs for Metering    MIDI I/O on 5-Pin DIN Jacks    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 the Adobe Creative Cloud and I work on an HP workstation. Does this supply 16 separate channels of audio to Adobe Audition over a single USB cable? Would I need a special adapter to record the separate channels of audio?

A: No special adapters are needed. And it will supply all 16 separate channels of audio. 8 on XLR connectors and 8 on 1/4" TRS connectors. Make sue all required drivers are installed.

Q: 2. Does the built in software EQ and compression affect the recorded signal, or is this purely for monitoring?

A: Based on the information provided by Tascam, the dsp mixer of this unit is for monitoring only.

Q: 3. Does this come with Mac OS X recording software? If so, will the included software allow simultaneous 16 channel recording? If not, what Mac OS X software can I use for simultaneous 16 track recording?

A: No the Tascam US-16x08 does not come with any software. If you want to be able to record 16 tracks or more at once I would suggest you get Pro Tools 11. Here is the B&H part number for Pro Tools 11, B&H # AVPT11DVDS. You can record 32 tracks at once and have 256 busses at your disposal. I would suggest you go to the Avid website and make sure your computer is an Avid-qualified Mac before you make the purchase. Then you should be good to go.

Q: 4. Does it come with half rack ears?

A: No, the MOTU UltraLite-mk5 Desktop Audio-MIDI Interface does not come with half-rack ears. It is intended to be used on a desktop, but can be placed on a rack shelf like the Auray RS-1U Rack Shelf - 1 RU (B&H # AURS1U),

Q: 5. Is it possible to simultaneously record multi-track to a DAW and have a 1-to-1 pass thru for the first 8 XLR inputs to the first 8 TRS outputs? I'd like to basically put this in front of my 10ch mixer as a "pass thru multi-channel audio interface"

A: The included DSP mixer allows the user to route any input to any output, so this type of "pass-through" recording should be possible with the Tascam US-16x08.

Q: 6. Does nyone know if this is compatable with Reaper ?

A: Reaper has not been officially tested by Tascam, however with the proper drivers installed from Tascam, Reaper should recognize the US-16x08 as an I/O device.Unfortunately we are unable to confirm, but are aware of many users that use Reaper with Tascam interfaces.

Q: 7. Using the Configure button in the Windows Sound Panel, do the drivers support 5.1 and 7.1 surround output through Windows?

A: The MOTU UltraLite-mk5 Desktop 18x22 USB Type-C Audio-MIDI Interface does support 5.1 and 7.1 surround monitoring when using Windows. There are 10 DC-coupled 1/4" TRS balanced line outputs provided on the back of the unit which can be used for this purpose.

Q: 8. I would like to use this unit to both record and monitor at once.Here's my future use case:-2015 Macbook Pro-Logic Pro XAll 8 XLR inputs are drum mics.Other 1/4 inputs are additional instruments.The 8 XLR inputs are separate tracks in Logic, routed to a single headphone mix bus. That bus sends to one of the outputs on the back of the unit. I'll connect that mix to my headphone amp (JAMHUB).Other band signals will be built separately the same way using separate outputs on the Tascam and connecting to the Jamhub for each musician to build their own mix live.Will this work? Or will the latency be too ridiculous monitoring through Logic?

A: Latency = the amount of time it takes an audio signal to travel (at a rate always slower than the speed of light) from the source of the audio (in your case, drum mics) through any cables to your interface, then via USB to your DAW, and then back again to your headphones. The sound waves created by instruments/amplifiers will ALWAYS reach your ear before a processed signal through a monitor regardless of which interface, DAW, or computer you use--it's simple physics. Your easiest solution is to monitor before the DAW and signal processing (and the headphone output on the front of the unit is an easy option for that). Ideally, everyone routes to the same interface to send to DAW. Conversely, everyone can record through their own interface/DAW and then you can edit the tracks together in post, so you can focus on blending the sounds without the distraction of creating them at the same time.The Tascam US-16x08 is a great tool--it will allow you to record several tracks in your DAW simultaneously (unlike some other units which only permit stereo). Continue to consider your intended application and what will best suit it.

Q: 9. How many channels does the optical out support?

A: The optical ports on the MOTU UltraLite-mk5 Desktop 18x22 USB Type-C Audio-MIDI Interface support stereo TOSLink (optical S/PDIF) input and output.

Q: 10. The specs don't mention drivers for using the 16x08 interface with Android tablets. Are there drivers for Android?

A: There are no Android drivers or apps available.