Solid State Logic SSL2+ USB Audio Interface Review / Explained (Differences between SSL 2 & SSL 2+)

Today I walkthrough, explain, and review the new Solid State Logic SSL2+ USB Audio Interface, demonstrate what the 4K switch does, test it with the SM7b, test it with electric guitar and electric bass, and even more. I also discuss the differences between the SSL2 and SSL2+ and why you might want this instead of something like the Motu M2. Overall this is a great sounding interface that offers a lot of features for musicians that may prove to be less beneficial for a simpler voice over work flow. 

Buy the SSL2+ (Affiliate Links)
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Buy the SSL2 (Affiliate Links)

Buy the Rode NT1 Kit (Affiliate)

00:00 - Intro / Pricing
00:31 - Signal Chain for Testing
00:51 - What’s in the Box
01:13 - Build Quality
01:34 - Walkthrough of Features
03:54 - Specifications
04:25 - Legacy 4k Switch Demo
04:56 - Neumann U87 Ai Test
05:30 - Shure SM7b Mic Test (No Cloudlifter or Fethead)
06:21 - Preamp Gain Noise Test
07:29 - Latency Test
08:32 - Instrument Input (D.I.) Test
10:04 - Differences Between SSL2 and SSL2+
10:52 - Pros
13:23 - Cons
14:22 - Recommendation
14:42 - Why the SSL2+ Over the Motu M2
15:24 - Outro

NOTE (FULL DISCLOSURE): If you purchase an item using my amazon link, it provides me a small referral fee. For more info check my FAQ page links below.

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[JavierMercedes]

Amazing review as always. I hope people don't get the "4k" confused as a "hit this and get crystal clear 3840 x 2160 4k Ultra High Definition signal."

[LukeIzaak]

Thank you. I stumbled across this review after doing a bunch of research on this unit. reviewers everywhere can learn a lot from you sir. Thank you for the time, effort and detail you put into this. I'm sold. Keep up the good work!

[Legendgamer]

the "audio gets loud" count down was very beneficial to the quality of the video. Thanks man

[TheMillersBibleStudy]

I do a radio program and have used many of the interfaces and microphones over the years. I now use the SSL 2 with a Shure sm7b. I've used the Shure sm7b for years. You are right about the 4K switch I love the sound of my Shure sm7b with it on, it is a great combination. Thanks for your reviews, you do a great job.

[curtisjudd]

That 4K analogue sounds nice on the SM7B. I was skeptical, but I stand corrected.

[NickAlbie]

My Focusrite audio interface shut down after 12 years. I loved that you did a test with SM7B since that is my main microphone for vocal recording, made me order a SSL2+! All love - subscribed! 💙

[moorhertz]

I bought mine last week, I cannot believe how good it sounds. It’s worth it’s price alone as just a DA converter for listen to music. Seriously, I’ve heard numerous high end interfaces and this equals them in terms of sound quality, no doubt about it.

[edwarddsullivan]

I ordered one to use with my SM7B. I was having 2nd thoughts until I watched your video. Thanks for putting my mind at ease. I can't wait to press that 4K button.

[ChrisWoodcox]

I'm watching this video in June of 2023. As I'm about to pick up one of these interfaces for about $170. Very well delivered, thorough and informative. A tip of the hat to you sir. Thanks for the info.

[kyron]

How about do a shoot out between SSL 2 motu M2 and ID14

[BrentOkuley]

Dude, so sick when you had all the tracks together. Great tone and playing.

[youngselfofficial]

I've been using one for a little while, and it runs laps around my previous gen1 Scarlett. The pre amp quality is amazing, the DI guitars sounded terrible and were extremely noisy, but now I can actually use amp sims... and the 4k option is usable in a lot of scenarios, the headphone outputs are clean and much louder (where my Scarlett gen1 was always at almost maximum, this one stays between 1 - 3 with my ash m40x). Knobs are much better, the meters are 1000x better than the halos. USB/input monitoring is a godsend, individual phantom power is also very appreciated.
I always held off upgrading because a lot of people say that pre amps and interfaces are 1% of the sound, but goddamn that old ass Scarlett needed to go.

[CommonCommenter]

Liked for the loud audio warnings. Much love man! Many thanks! 👏🏻👏🏻

[ELEVATETHESKY]

Great review! I just got my SSL2. I love it so far. I use an SM7B and agree that the 4k brings that mic to life. I think it is all you need if you work alone or want to make simple vocal, bass, or guitar recordings. I compared it while mixing with the Apollo Twin MKII and honestly didn't notice much of a difference at all given that the AD/DA specs are quite a bit better on the Apollo. So in other words, I think the SSL2/SSL2+ has a good enough AD/DA to mix with as well as make high quality recordings.

[MadmanAcrossTheWater]

This completely sold me. I bought before the video even ended!

[ThisIsTechToday]

I love mine, think it sounds great, and is super easy to work with. I wish it wasn't so big, and that the buttons were a bitt nicer, but I'm okay with that if they freed up funds to emphasize preamp quality. An extra headphone jack in the front would be nice, for sure.

[wearashirt]

genuinely here for the review. But the monitor button selector is available on the behringer 1820

[chrisbraddock]

Awesome video. My SSL2 is going to be here Tuesday and Ironically I picked up an NT1 that will be here Monday. You demonstrated precisely what I can expect when they arrive. Sounds clean and nearly noiseless.

[foxproduction]

oh man today i bought ssl2 it amazing!!! iv got audient id4 and i cant compare them ssl2 is so clean so (radio ready sounding) cant believe...regards and thanks for your great videos...

[autoazure]

I enjoyed the video despite the exceedingly annoying use of high rising terminal speak!