SSL on Your Desktop
The SSL 12 is a high end audio interface that bridges the gap between your standard desktop interface and a full rackmount unit. This unit is more portable and affordable than a full rackmount unit but it definitely doesn't compromise on quality! Built on the same platform as the SSL 2 and 2+, the SSL 12 adds four mic preamps, dual headphone outputs, four line outputs, ADAT expansion, MIDI I/O, and a built in talkback mic, all over USB-C without the need for an external power supply. Sound On Sound called it "a cleverly conceived interface with a very attractive price tag" noting what really impressed them is "the way SSL has sneaked in so many professional features and concepts from the world of large-format consoles" in a way that will feel instantly familiar to anyone who's spent time on an analogue desk.
Four SSL Preamps with Legacy 4K
The SSL 12 features four SSL mic pre's, they use a two-stage discrete design using carefully chosen low-noise transistors combined with ICs, delivering exceptionally low noise performance (-130dBu EIN) and superior gain range (62dB). Each channel also features the Legacy 4K button, a nod to the SSL 4000 Series console that defined the sound of countless records. The Legacy 4K button adds a subtle high-frequency presence boost and just the right amount of harmonic distortion. Other preamp controls include phantom power, highpass filter, and five-segment LED meters.
+24dBu Line Levels and Serious I/O
Unlike most bus-powered interfaces that compromise on line level operating headroom, the SSL 12 runs its balanced line inputs and outputs at full +24dBu, the same level as professional studio outboard gear. Patching in external hardware is seamless, with no level matching issues. The ADAT optical input adds up to eight channels of digital expansion, taking the total input count to 12 when paired with an ADAT preamp. MIDI I/O covers hardware synths and controllers, and the DC-coupled outputs send control voltages directly to modular and CV-compatible gear, handy for synth-based setups.
SSL 360° Control Room
The SSL 360° software is where the SSL 12's console heritage really shows. A powerful mixer-style interface lets you create multiple independent near-zero-latency headphone mixes, configure the two headphone outputs for different sensitivities or repurpose them as additional line outputs, route the built-in talkback to any output, and assign the three front-panel user buttons to monitoring functions, talkback, or loopback. This thing is super flexible!
What's in the Box
The SSL 12 includes the SSL Production Pack software bundle, a three-month subscription to SSL Complete giving full access to all SSL plugins, plus tools from Native Instruments, Ableton Live Lite, Celemony Melodyne, Antares Auto-Tune, IK Multimedia, and more.
SSL 12 Features:
- 4 SSL mic preamps, EIN -130.5dBu, 62dB gain range
- Legacy 4K button per channel, high-frequency boost and harmonic enhancement
- Per-channel 48V phantom power, highpass filter, 5-segment LED meter
- 2 front-panel Hi-Z instrument inputs
- 4 balanced TRS line outputs at +24dBu
- 2 switchable headphone/line outputs
- Built-in talkback microphone
- ADAT optical input, up to 8 channels of digital expansion
- MIDI DIN input and output
- DC-coupled outputs for CV control
- 32-bit/192kHz AD/DA conversion
- 120dB dynamic range on monitor outputs
- SSL 360° software, console-style mixer, cue mixes, user-assignable buttons
- USB-C bus powered, no external PSU required
- 3 user-assignable front panel buttons
- Compatible with Mac and Windows
- Includes SSL Production Pack, over $1000 (USD) of software
- Dimensions: 28.67 x 15.49 x 5.86cm / Weight: 1.4kg