SSL 18

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SSL 18

SOLID STATE LOGIC 18 - HIGH-END 26-IN / 28-OUT USB AUDIO INTERFACE

The beginning of a new era

The SSL 18, is the first rackmount USB audio interface from Solid State Logic. It is based on the signature analog and digital audio technology of all SSL brand devices. The SSL 18 interface is all about superior sound quality, exceptional performance and unparalleled functionality. That is, exactly what professionals expect during studio or away recording sessions. The latest interface has all the best of Solid State Logic. The SSL 18 marks the beginning of a new era of rackmount audio interface performance.

SSL 18

The SSL 18 raises the bar in its class. This USB audio interface features superior next-generation 32-bit converters, SSL-designed high-performance microphone preamps, an advanced digital mixer, the iconic Legacy 4K mode and a complete set of digital I/Os. Whether you're recording, producing or mixing, the SSL 18 will let you achieve phenomenal results even easier and faster - the ultimate centerpiece for your studio.

Unrivaled sound quality in its class

Next-generation 32-bit/192 kHz converters allow you to transfer every detail of the SSL 18's analog design sound to the digital domain with unparalleled 120 dB dynamic range on all microphone, line and instrument inputs. The 125 dB dynamic range on the monitor and line outputs allows you to control the effects of your work with incredible precision. Want to work on headphones? No problem, thanks to the unrivaled 120 dB dynamic range offered by the dual headphone outputs. 

32-bit / 192 kHz / Unparalleled analog and digital performance

 

 

 

8 SSL analog microphone/line inputs

The SSL 18 features eight high-performance SSL-designed microphone preamplifiers with source level selectors between microphone and line level. They allow recording sound with almost zero noise while maintaining tremendous dynamic range, which ultimately results in an incredibly precise sound. What's more, the use of a two-stage circuit preamp ensures negligibly low distortion for natural sound character, or in Legacy 4K mode the true analog, saturated, iconic character known from the SSL 4000 consoles. Located on the front of the unit, inputs 1 and 2 also offer level selection between instrumental and high-impedance dedicated to recording guitars and classic synthesizers or drum machines.

Dynamic range 120 dB / -130.5 dBu EIN / Legacy 4K mode

10 line outputs

The SSL 18 is equipped with ten symmetrical line outputs located on the rear of the unit. To ensure optimal signal matching and maximize headroom, line outputs 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 can be configured from +9 to +24 dBu. This ensures seamless compatibility with a wide range of studio monitors and vintage equipment operating at lower levels. Outputs 5 through 10 operate at +24 dBu, ideally suited for connecting a professional outboard. Important from the producers' point of view is that all outputs are DC-coupled and can send control voltage to synthesizers and modular kits.

Dynamic range 125 dB / Operating levels +24 dBu / Switching of main and alternative speakers / DC-coupled outputs

 

 

 

Dual high-performance headphone outputs

The SSL 18„s two independent headphone outputs are ideal for creating listening mixes for artists. They can be configured to provide the best possible sound and dynamics depending on which headphones you use. There are ”Standard„, ”High Sensitivity„ and ”High Impedance" modes available. The SSL 18's headphone outputs can also be used as additional line outputs.

Dynamic range 120 dB / Two independent outputs / Configurable headphone modes

Legacy 4K mode

The SSL 4000 series consoles (often referred to as „4K”) are known for imparting a unique character to the signals that pass through them. This character is due to the harmonic distortion added at multiple stages from VCA compressors, VCA attenuators and other key components such as transistorized mixer amplifiers. Using state-of-the-art components, SSL has developed a circuit that brings out the essence of the two fundamental characteristics of 4K sound. Legacy 4K Analogue Enhancement adds a controlled amount of finely tuned, pleasant-sounding harmonic distortion and a brightening but musical high-frequency boost, giving the signal the 4K character and presence that artists and engineers have loved for decades.

True analog saturation / Musical high frequency boost / Immortal 4K sound.

 

 

 

Full digital I/O

The SSL 18 has a number of digital inputs and outputs that will allow you to further enhance the interface's capabilities whenever needed. There are 16 channels in ADAT format and two via S/PDIF. The SSL 18's dedicated Word Clock output provides a stable clock for integrating external digital devices into your system.

16 channels ADAT I/O + 2 channels S/PDIF I/O / Word clock output

Listening Controller + Talkback with Listen Mic Compressor function

The SSL 18 features a full listening controller section with built-in talkback input. Line outputs 1 and 2, and 3 and 4 are controlled via physical Alt, Talk and Cut buttons on the front panel, making managing your listening simple and quick. Alternatively, you can customize the functions of the controls to suit your needs using the SSL 360 software. Switch the talkback input to LINE mode and reprocess the sound with the classic Listen Mic Compressor, ideal for compressing drums or vocals.

Configurable monitor section / Alt Monitor switching / Talkback input with Mic or Line mode + Legendary LMC analog compressor.

 

Managing SSL 18 with SSL 360 software

The SSL 18 mixer offers comprehensive management of all inputs and outputs, as well as detailed, scalable input metering in 360 software, and allows the creation and management of director listening mixes and four independent monitor mixes for artists. In addition, a flexible Mirror Routing system allows you to route any input or aux master directly to the output - ideal whether for use in IEMs, external meters or external FX processors. You can create various snapshots and save them as profiles in the SSL 18 mixer.

SSL Production Pack

SSL has been helping world-class artists, producers and engineers create greatest hits and iconic sounds for years. Because it's crucial to have the right tools for the job, SSL has partnered with some of the biggest names in the industry to offer the SSL Production Pack, bundled free of charge with registered SSL 18 audio interfaces. The SSL Production Pack (valued at more than $1,400) includes compilations of the best virtual instruments, plug-ins, samples and DAW programs essential to the production process.

SSL 18 and a 6-month subscription to CA Complete Access

As a registered user of SSL Interface, you will receive a 6-month FREE Complete Access subscription including all Solid State Logic, Slate Digital and Harrison Audio plug-ins. Complete Access provides all the software tools you need to work at the highest level.

Key features:

  • USB-C 26-in/28-out audio interface compatible with Mac and Windows.
  • 8 microphone/line inputs.
  • Legacy 4K mode, polarity reversal, high-pass filters and Phantom 48V power on each channel
  • Configurable analog insert points for inputs 1 and 2, perfect for working with an external outboard
  • Inputs 1 and 2 can be switched for instrumental level operation.
  • Line inputs bypass the preamp - ideal for use with external preamps.
  • 10 symmetrical line outputs.
  • Switching function between an alternative set of monitors
  • Output level configuration options of +9 dBu / +24 dBu for pairs 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 to best match listening monitors.
  • DC-coupled outputs can send control voltages to synthesizers and modular kits.
  • 2 independent headphone outputs with dedicated level controls.
  • 3 modes to suit different headphone impedances - Standard, High Sensitivity, High Impedance.
  • Create independent headphone mixes.
  • Can be reused as line outputs.
  • Dedicated Talkback input with Listen Mic Compressor (LMC).
  • The Talkback input can also be used in LINE mode for compression with LMC during production and mixing.
  • Operating level of +24 dBu for inputs and outputs - ideal for professional outboard integration
  • 16 ADAT I/O channels at 44.1/48 kHz sampling, 8 channels at 96 kHz.
  • 2 S/PDIF channels (coaxial or optical).
  • MIDI inputs/outputs on 3.5mm TRS jacks.
  • Flexible timing options - internal (clock signal available at Word clock output) or clock from ADAT or S/PDIF inputs.
  • Next-generation 32-bit/192 kHz converters. Class-leading performance:
  • Best-in-class microphone preamplifiers with low noise, excellent -130.5 dBu EIN and 67 dB gain range for use with any microphone.
  • Best-in-class 120 dB dynamic range on all headphone inputs and outputs.
  • Best-in-class dynamic range of 125 dB on monitor and line outputs.
  • SSL 18 Low-Latency Mixer supported by SSL 360.
  • Comprehensive management of all inputs and outputs on the SSL 18 low-latency mixer.
  • Easily create director listening mixes and an additional 4 individual monitor mixes - HP A (stereo), HP B (stereo), LINE 3-4 (stereo or dual mono).
  • Flexible Mirror Routing system to route any input or aux master directly to the output - ideal for IEM systems, external meters  or external effects.
  • The monitoring section buttons on the front panel can be customized.
  • Save/load SSL 18 Mixer profiles for different modes of operation - e.g. creating recording templates, mixing templates, etc.
  • Stereo Loopback with selectable loopback source.
  • SSL Production Pack software worth more than $1,400 is included.
  • USB-C 26-in/28-out audio interface compatible with Mac and Windows.
  • 8 microphone/line inputs.
  • Legacy 4K mode, polarity reversal, high-pass filters and Phantom 48V power on each channel
  • Configurable analog insert points for inputs 1 and 2, perfect for working with an external outboard
  • Inputs 1 and 2 can be switched for instrumental level operation.
  • Line inputs bypass the preamp - ideal for use with external preamps.
  • 10 symmetrical line outputs.
  • Switching function between an alternative set of monitors
  • Output level configuration options of +9 dBu / +24 dBu for pairs 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 to best match listening monitors.
  • DC-coupled outputs can send control voltages to synthesizers and modular kits.
  • 2 independent headphone outputs with dedicated level controls.
  • 3 modes to suit different headphone impedances - Standard, High Sensitivity, High Impedance.
  • Create independent headphone mixes.
  • Can be reused as line outputs.
  • Dedicated Talkback input with Listen Mic Compressor (LMC).
  • The Talkback input can also be used in LINE mode for compression with LMC during production and mixing.
  • Operating level of +24 dBu for inputs and outputs - ideal for professional outboard integration
  • 16 ADAT I/O channels at 44.1/48 kHz sampling, 8 channels at 96 kHz.
  • 2 S/PDIF channels (coaxial or optical).
  • MIDI inputs/outputs on 3.5mm TRS jacks.
  • Flexible timing options - internal (clock signal available at Word clock output) or clock from ADAT or S/PDIF inputs.
  • Next-generation 32-bit/192 kHz converters. Class-leading performance:
  • Best-in-class microphone preamplifiers with low noise, excellent -130.5 dBu EIN and 67 dB gain range for use with any microphone.
  • Best-in-class 120 dB dynamic range on all headphone inputs and outputs.
  • Best-in-class dynamic range of 125 dB on monitor and line outputs.
  • SSL 18 Low-Latency Mixer supported by SSL 360.
  • Comprehensive management of all inputs and outputs on the SSL 18 low-latency mixer.
  • Easily create director listening mixes and an additional 4 individual monitor mixes - HP A (stereo), HP B (stereo), LINE 3-4 (stereo or dual mono).
  • Flexible Mirror Routing system to route any input or aux master directly to the output - ideal for IEM systems, external meters  or external effects.
  • The monitoring section buttons on the front panel can be customized.
  • Save/load SSL 18 Mixer profiles for different modes of operation - e.g. creating recording templates, mixing templates, etc.
  • Stereo Loopback with selectable loopback source.
  • SSL Production Pack software worth more than $1,400 is included.
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