SOLID STATE LOGIC SSL 12

Product overview

The SOLID STATE LOGIC SSL 12 is a 12-in / 8-out USB bus-powered audio interface with four SSL-designed microphone pre-amps, Legacy 4K on every channel, ADAT input, a built-in talkback mic, four balanced outputs and two configurable headphone outputs, all managed from SSL 360.

Building on the success of SSL 2 and SSL 2+, SSL 12 gives you more I/O, more performance and more versatility. Fully integrated with SSL 360, your SSL control room, it lets you assign monitor controls, create multiple independent headphone mixes, choose the loopback source and customise the three front panel user buttons. Big studio features normally reserved for high-end rackmount interfaces arrive in a small desktop footprint, with the SSL Production Pack software bundle.

Key features

• 4 x SSL-designed microphone pre-amps: -130.5 dBu EIN, 62 dB gain range
• Legacy 4K analogue colour enhancement on every channel
• 2 x Hi-Z instrument inputs for guitar, bass or vintage instruments
• 32-bit / 192 kHz AD / DA converters
• ADAT IN: up to 8 more channels of digital audio
• Built-in talkback mic routable to headphones A, B and line 3-4
• 4 x balanced outputs with > 120 dB dynamic range; outputs 3-4 as ALT monitors or line outputs
• 2 x headphone outputs with Standard, High Sensitivity and High Impedance modes, or as balanced / unbalanced line outputs
• Low-latency headphone mixes in SSL 360
• USB loopback with selectable source, MIDI I/O and DC-coupled outputs for CV
• 3 user-assignable front panel buttons and Custom Monitor Control Assignment
• USB bus-powered: power via USB 3.0, audio via the USB 2.0 protocol

Class-leading mic amps

Four beautifully detailed mic pre-amps capture every nuance of every performance. The two-stage design uses specially chosen discrete low-noise transistors in combination with ICs for exceptionally low noise (-130.5 dBu EIN) and a superior 62 dB gain range. Unlike many USB-powered interfaces, the balanced line inputs and outputs work all the way up to +24 dBu for seamless integration with analogue outboard gear.

Record, mix, produce

For tracking, ADAT connectivity, the on-board talkback mic and a powerful software cue mixer with up to four independent near-zero latency performer mixes handle demanding sessions. For mixing, alternative monitor switching and assignable front panel control room functions put everything at your fingertips. For production, USB loopback, MIDI I/O and DC-coupled outputs for CV control of synths keep the creativity flowing.

Total control from SSL 360

SSL 360 hosts the SSL 12 Mixer, a console-style mixer with independent pan, level and mute on every send for headphones A, B and line 3-4. Choose the headphone mode for each output, assign the three front panel buttons (DIM, CUT, MONO SUM, ALT, INVERT PHASE LEFT, TALKBACK), select the loopback source and decide which outputs the monitor control affects.

In the box

• SSL 12
• 1.5 m USB-C to USB-C cable
• USB-C to USB-A adapter
• Quickstart guide
• Safety guide

SOLID STATE LOGIC SSL 12: frequently asked questions

How do I get 12 inputs?

Four analogue inputs plus up to eight digital channels from an ADAT-equipped pre-amp on the optical ADAT IN (8 at 44.1 / 48 kHz, 4 at 88.2 / 96 kHz, 2 at 176.4 / 192 kHz).

Can I connect two pairs of speakers?

Yes. Connect the second pair to outputs 3-4, enable ALT SPK in SSL 360 and switch with the ALT button.

Which headphones can I use?

Choose Standard, High Sensitivity or High Impedance mode for each output to suit the headphones, or use an output as an additional line output.

Is SSL 12 bus-powered?

Yes. Power comes over USB 3.0 and audio over the USB 2.0 protocol, through the supplied USB-C cable.

Where can I buy the SOLID STATE LOGIC SSL 12 in India?

The SOLID STATE LOGIC SSL 12 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Band tracking with ADAT expansion

Studios recording drums and full bands.

Connections

Setup

1. Set SSL 12 clock to ADAT and the pre-amp to internal.
2. Set gains on both units.
3. Record up to 12 inputs.
4. Build performer mixes in SSL 360.

Tip: At 96 kHz ADAT carries 4 channels.

Workflow 2: Independent performer headphone mixes

Producers recording artists.

Connections

Setup

1. Open the SSL 12 Mixer in SSL 360.
2. Set sends to HP A and HP B for each input.
3. Adjust pan and mute per send.
4. Use TALK to speak to the artist.

Tip: Line 3-4 can feed a further mix to a headphone amplifier.

Workflow 3: Alternative monitor switching

Mix engineers checking translation.

Connections

Setup

1. Enable ALT SPK in SSL 360.
2. Press ALT to switch pairs.
3. Use CUT to mute.
4. Assign DIM or MONO SUM to a user button.

Tip: The monitor control can be assigned to any of outputs 1-4.

Workflow 4: Outboard integration at +24 dBu

Hybrid studios with analogue processors.

Connections

Setup

1. Send the track to outputs 3-4.
2. Engage LINE on channels 3-4.
3. Return the processed signal.
4. Record the result.

Tip: Line inputs and outputs work up to +24 dBu.

Workflow 5: Streaming and podcasting

Content creators.

Connections

Setup

1. Choose the loopback source in SSL 360.
2. Set mic gains and HPF.
3. Mix voices and computer audio.
4. Go live.

Tip: Legacy 4K adds presence to voices.

Workflow 6: Synth production with MIDI and CV

Electronic producers.

Connections

Setup

1. Sequence the synth over MIDI OUT.
2. Record it on the line inputs.
3. Send CV from a DC-coupled output.
4. Monitor through the SSL 12 Mixer.

Tip: Never send CV to loudspeakers.