SSL announced three exciting additions to their offerings for home and pro studios: the SSL 18 26x28 USB-C Audio Interface, the Alpha 8 8x8 AD/DA Converter, and the 32Classic MS MixStrip analog audio strip. Each of these products is designed to enhance functionality and workflow in modern studio environments.
SSL 18 USB-C Audio Interface
First, let’s take a look at the SSL 18 audio interface. The SSL 18 is the company’s first rack-mounted USB audio interface and delivers the signature SSL studio sound with session-ready features. This audio interface sports next-gen 32-bit/192 kHz converters, eight high-performance SSL-designed mic pres, an advanced digital mixer via SSL 360°, Legacy 4K analog enhancement, and a plethora of digital I/O.
The SSL 18 provides a cavernous dynamic range of 120 dB across all mic-, line-, and instrument-level inputs. The monitor and line outputs deliver an astonishing 125 dB of dynamic range for uncompromising fidelity during critical listening stages. The audio interface features two separate headphone outputs, each of which gets its own distinct mix control on the front panel, and both headphone amps also sport a wide 120 dB dynamic range for those that prefer to work in headphones.
The I/O of the SSL 18 includes eight XLR-1/4” combo mic/line inputs (two in the front, six in the back), all with advanced two-stage circuitry for ultralow distortion while maintaining the natural sonic characteristics of the signal source. Flip them into Legacy 4K mode to add real analog saturation and the iconic 4000 series sound to vocals, drums, and more. The two front-panel inputs also provide instrument/Hi-Z input level matching for DI’ing guitars and vintage synths or drum machines. The unit also has stereo loopback for podcasts.
The interface features 10 balanced ¼” TRS line-level outputs on the rear of the unit. Outputs 1 and 2 as well as 3 and 4 can be configured for +9 or +24 dBu for compatibility with studio monitors and vintage equipment that operates at lower levels. Similarly, outputs 3 and 10 can operate at +24 dBu for professional outboard gear. All outputs are DC coupled and can send control voltages to synths and modular rigs.
But let’s not forget digital I/O, which the SSL 18 has in spades. USB-C is used as the primary host connection, offering up to 32-bit/192 kHz conversion. The interface also includes up to 16 channels of digital audio via two optical ADAT ports and a further two channels via S/PDIF. S/PDIF is supported on both coaxial (RCA) and optical connections. You get full MIDI I/O over 3.5mm TRS for syncing with external MIDI hardware. The unit also sports a BNC wordclock output for integrating external digital devices into your system.
A full monitor controller section is built into the SSL 18, supporting talkback input, alternative speaker switching for line outputs 1, 2, 3, and 4, as well as Talk and Cut functions, all accessible on the front panel. You can also customize monitor controls via the SSL 360 app. Switch the talkback input into Line mode and reprocess audio through the Listen Mic Compressor, ideal for crushing drums, parallel vocals, and more.
Finally, with the SSL 360° software, you can manage all your I/O and get detailed, scalable input metering. Create and manage the control room monitor mix. Configure an extra four monitor mixes for performers. With the Mirror Routing system, you can route any input or aux master directly to an output, ideal for personal monitoring systems, external metering solutions, and outboard FX. You can even create different templates for tracking, mixing, and more.
Alpha 8 AD/DA Converter and Audio Interface
Moving on, the Alpha 8 is a high-performance 8x8 AD/DA converter with analog, ADAT, S/PDIF, and USB connectivity. Building on the acclaimed Alpha Link range of products, the Alpha 8 can be used to address all your analog and digital I/O at once via USB, providing an 18x18 audio interface.
The Alpha 8 features 32-bit/192 kHz converters and SSL-grade audio performance. The unit boasts a huge dynamic range (120 dB input, 123 dB output), exceptionally low THD+N and crosstalk, and an incredibly low noise floor. These specs make the Alpha 8 an ideal choice for line-level signals such as outboard processors, samplers, synths, and drum machines.
Alpha 8 can conform to many different routing configurations depending on your needs, including simple bi-directional analog and ADAT/S/PDIF conversion, an 18x18 USB audio interface, or a mixture of the two. You can also expand the connectivity of your SSL 18 by combining it with an Alpha 8, adding eight additional channels via ADAT.
I/O on the Alpha 8 includes eight balanced ¼” TRS inputs and outputs, up to 16 channels of optical ADAT, two channels of coaxial S/PDIF, and BNC wordclock input and output. The operating level of each analog input and output can be individually adjusted to +9, +18, +20, or +24 dBu for maximum headroom with all connected devices.
The workflow can be adjusted as well depending on your needs. Create hardware insert paths for 500-series modules, outboard EQs, compressors, or hardware FX processors. Utilize the S/PDIF I/O for external meters and amp simulators. Or make the Alpha 8 your primary interface, seamlessly connecting analog and digital devices to your DAW via USB-C. Like the SSL 18, the Alpha 8 features DC-coupled outputs for sending control voltages to synths, modular rigs, and CV-enabled FX pedals.
32Classic MS Analog Channel Strip
Finally, the 32Classic MS is an all-analog channel strip that is designed to deliver the signature Harrison Audio sound as well as processing tools from SSL’s flagship 32Classic recording console for your studio. With added hybrid workflow features and an integrated stereo mix bus for summing applications, the 32Classic MS provides a legendary sound whilst adding innovative features to enhance your workflow.
Just like 32Classic console, the 32Classic MS features a Jensen JT0MB-CPCA transformer-coupled mic preamp, character-rich Harrison low-pass/high-pass filters with 3 dB resonant peak, and smooth 4-band parametric EQ control.
The input section is comprehensive, sporting dedicated mic and line XLR inputs on the rear panel. Also featured is a stereo XLR mix output section, XLR Post Fader and Pre Fader channel outputs, and an XLR input and output for FX insert applications. The front panel provides an XLR-1/4” combo input with selectable mic and Hi-Z instrument input options. The mic input features 48V phantom power, a -20 dB pad, phase reversal, and a tri-color LED meter. Both mic and line inputs have independent gain controls for precise adjustments.
The Harrison mic pre is a major feature of the 32Classic MS and provides users with an impressive 70 dB of clean gain for the warm, rich tones that Harrison is known for. This means a full low end, open mids, and ultrasmooth highs. A gentle roll off on each end of the frequency spectrum combines with a delicate phase shift for a sweet and musical sound.
Just like the original 3232 and 32Classic consoles that serve as inspiration, the 32Classic MS sports 12 dB/octave slope low-pass and high-pass filters. The HPF ranges from 25 Hz to 3.1 kHz with a character-rich 3 dB resonant peak, while the LPF spans the range from 160 Hz to 20 kHz, making it ideal for eliminating rumbles or smoothing out high frequencies. When combined with the iconic 4-band parametric EQ control, you can easily tighten the low end and/or bloom the top end while avoiding harsh or brittle sounds.
The 32Classic MS features an integrated mixbus for hybrid workflow configurations. The mixbus allows outputs from multiple units to be cascaded together via rear panel summing connectors and jumper cables. Using the Fader control, you can balance signals and then use the Pan control to pan them across the stereo outputs. Or you can engage the 0 dB Fader Bypass and record at unity gain. This flexible feature is ideal for mobile rigs or tracking rooms. You can even combine multiple 32Classic MS units for a multichannel sidecar to your existing setup.
Furthermore, the 32Classic MS includes a balanced Insert point, located after the mic pre and pre filters, for inserting other outboard processing gear, such as a compressor, into the signal path. The unit also provides useful pre- and post-fader outputs for superior control when feeding into a recording device.
For more information about these new SSL products, including additional features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out their detailed product pages. Or drop us a line below, and we’ll do our best to answer all your comments and questions.
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