SSL 18

The SSL 18 is the flagship within Solid State Logic's USB audio interfaces. Developed with advanced 32-bit/192 kHz converters, this 26 x 28 USB-C interface delivers dynamic range up to 125 dB on the monitor and line outputs and 120 dB on all microphone, line and instrument inputs. You get eight high-quality SSL microphone preamps with a generous 67 dB gain and -130.5 dBu EIN, so you can use any microphone, including passive ribbon models with low output. Activate Legacy 4K mode to add analog "edge" and presence inspired by the iconic SSL 4000 series.

The SSL 18 is the first 19-inch rack model in this line and is designed for project studios as well as demanding productions. Inputs 1 and 2 are located on the front and are switchable to instrument level (Hi-Z), ideal for bass, guitar, keyboards, drum computers and other DI sources. These two channels also have analog insert points for including hardware directly into your recording chain. The remaining six mic/line inputs are located at the rear. The DC-coupled, balanced line outputs (ten of them) also make the interface suitable for driving CV in synth and modular setups.

For monitoring, you get a comprehensive controller section with talkback, alternative speaker switching (1-2/3-4) and two powerful, independent headphone outputs with three impedance modes (Standard, High Sensitivity, High Impedance). Thanks to the Word Clock output, you synchronize external digital devices stably with your system. Digital I/O consists of 16 channels of ADAT at 44.1/48 kHz (8 channels at 96 kHz) plus stereo S/PDIF (coaxial or optical). MIDI I/O is via 3.5 mm TRS.

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Flexible monitoring and legendary tools
The classic Listen Mic Compressor (LMC) is available on the talkback input. You can also switch the talkback input to line mode to send vocals or buses creatively through the LMC - ideal for solid drums, vocal doubles or parallel compression. The monitor section is fully customizable; you can assign front-panel knobs to suit your workflow, switch alternate speakers and create separate headphone mixes for artists.

State-of-the-art SSL preamps
All eight preamps are designed with two-stage, proprietary SSL topology to combine extremely low distortion with wide dynamic range. This results in transparent, detailed recordings that retain the character of the source. In Legacy 4K mode, you get musical harmonic coloration and assertive high-boost that give vocals and instruments more punch and presence - the familiar 4K character that comes from the way the classic 4000 series could be "bent" with VCA stages and mix-amps.

Unprecedented analog and digital performance
The next-gen 32-bit/192 kHz AD/DA converters deliver consistent 120 dB dynamic range on all inputs, capturing your sources with great accuracy. On the monitor and line outputs, the dynamic range is 125 dB, ensuring detailed reproduction during recording, mixing and mastering. The two headphone outputs also offer 120 dB dynamic range, so working on headphones is as controlled as on speakers. You can also configure outputs 1-2 and 3-4 at +9 dBu or +24 dBu to match the sensitivity of your monitors or outboard.

Supercharge your workflow and expand when needed
With 16 channels of ADAT plus stereo S/PDIF, you expand I/O when the project calls for it. The Word Clock output delivers tight clocking to the rest of your digital chain. DC-coupled outputs let you send control voltage to modular systems in addition to audio. The analog inserts on channels 1 and 2 let you directly deploy hardware compression, EQ or saturation when recording.

SSL 18 mixer, controlled by SSL 360°
Via the SSL 360° software, you control the entire SSL 18 mixer: from extensive routing to scalable input meters. You easily create a control-room mix, plus four additional monitor/cue mixes: HP A (stereo), HP B (stereo) and Line 3-4 (stereo or dual mono). Mirror Routing lets you send any input or aux master directly to any output - useful for personal monitor mixes, external meters or outboard effects. You can save and instantly recall profiles/templates for tracking, mixing and live use. Stereo loopback with selectable source is available for streaming, tutorials or internal recording of playback channels.

Solid State Logic heritage
Since 1969, Solid State Logic has been designing equipment that simplifies workflows and keeps the creative flow going. The SSL 18 brings that philosophy to the modern studio: the sound, tools and reliability professionals rely on, in a compact rack interface that integrates seamlessly with macOS and Windows.

Included SSL Production Pack
Upon registration, you'll receive the SSL Production Pack with plug-ins, virtual instruments and a DAW, developed by the same teams behind the acclaimed SSL consoles. So you can get started right away with studio-quality production tools.

Solid State Logic SSL 18 features:

• 26 x 28 USB-C audio interface for macOS and Windows
• 8 mic/line inputs, front: 1-2 switchable to instrument level (Hi-Z)
• pristine mic preamps with -130.5 dBu EIN and 67 dB gain range
• Legacy 4k mode per channel for analog coloration and presence
• high-pass filters, polarity and 48v phantom power per channel
• analog insert points on inputs 1 and 2 for outboard tracking
• line inputs that bypass the preamp stage
• 10 DC-coupled, balanced line outputs
• alternative speaker-switching for pairs 1-2 and 3-4
• outputs 1-2 and 3-4 adjustable to +9 dBu or +24 dBu
• DC-coupled outputs suitable for CV to synthesizers/modular
• 2 independent headphone outputs with their own level control
• 3 headphone modes: standard, high sensitivity, high impedance
• support for separate headphone mixes
• dedicated talkback input with listen mic compressor (lmc)
• talkback input switchable to line mode for processing via lmc
• 16 channels of ADAT I/O at 44.1/48 kHz, 8 channels at 96 kHz
• 2 channels S/PDIF (coaxial or optical)
• MIDI I/O via 3.5 mm TRS
• flexible clocking: internal (word clock available on WC-out) or via incoming ADAT/ S/PDIF
• next-gen 32-bit/192 kHz converters
• 120 dB dynamic range on all inputs and headphone outputs
• 125 dB dynamic range on monitor and line outputs
• SSL 18 low-latency mixer via ssl 360° software
• comprehensive management of all inputs and outputs with low-latency mixer
• create 4 custom monitor/cue mixes: hp a (stereo), hp b (stereo), line 3-4 (stereo or dual mono)
• mirror routing to send each input/aux master directly to each output
• front-panel monitoring buttons are configurable as desired
• stereo loopback with selectable source
• SSL Production Pack included at registration