SOLID STATE LOGIC SSL 18 | 26-in/28-out Usb-c Audio Interface

SSL 18

USB-C Audio/MIDI Interface

SSL 18, is the first-ever rackmount USB-C audio/MIDI interface from the legendary audio company, built on decades of expertise in analog and digital design. Delivering the signature SSL sound and premium quality trusted by professionals, the SSL 18 26-in / 28-out interface is a powerhouse for recording, producing, and mixing with confidence and precision.

Featuring cutting-edge 32-bit next-generation converters, eight high-performance SSL-designed mic preamps, two Hi-Z instrument inputs, the versatile SSL 360° advanced digital mixer, Legacy 4K analog enhancement, comprehensive ADAT and S/PDIF I/O, and MIDI I/O, the SSL 18 streamlines your workflow while expanding the capabilities of your studio setup.

Best-in-Class Audio Performance

• Next-generation 32-bit/192 kHz converters provide the platform for SSL 18’s analog design to shine, with unrivaled dynamic range performance of 120 dB across all microphone, line-level, and instrument inputs.
• Experience 125 dB dynamic range on the monitor and line outputs to hear your music with uncompromised fidelity.
• The dual-headphone outputs offer 120 dB of dynamic range for accurate monitoring in any environment.

Eight SSL-Designed Mic/line Inputs

• SSL 18 features eight high-performance SSL-designed mic preamps with switchable Mic/Line configuration. The preamps deliver ultralow-noise recordings and a huge dynamic range, making sure you capture every detail of the performance with stunning accuracy.
• The 2-stage circuitry ensures ultralow distortion while maintaining the natural character of the source—or flip them into Legacy 4K mode to add real analog saturation and the iconic 4000 Series sound to vocals, drums, and more.
• Located on the front panel, inputs 1 and 2 also offer instrument/Hi-Z inputs to capture DI’d guitars and vintage synths/drum machines.

10 Line Outputs

• SSL 18 comes equipped with ten balanced line-level outputs located on the rear panel. To ensure optimal signal integrity and maximize headroom, line outputs 1&2 and 3&4 can be configured between +9 and +24 dBu. This ensures seamless compatibility with a wide range of studio monitors and vintage equipment operating at lower levels.
• Outputs 3 to 10 operate at +24 dBu, perfect for integrating professional outboard equipment.
• For producers, all outputs are DC-coupled and capable of sending control voltage to synthesizers and modular rigs.

Dual High-Performance Headphone Outputs

• Custom headphone mixes with two independent headphone outputs, configurable for different types with Standard, High Sensitivity, and High Impedance settings.
• SSL 18's headphone outputs can also be repurposed as line-level outputs for added flexibility.

4K Legacy Analog Enhancement

• The SSL 4000 series consoles (often referred to as "4K") are renowned for imparting a unique "mojo" to sounds and instruments that pass through them. This mojo comes from multiple stages of harmonic distortion from compressor VCAs, VCA faders, and other crucial components such as the transistor mix amps.
• Using modern components, SSL has developed a circuit that distills the two essential characteristics of the 4K sound into a single design. Legacy 4K Analog Enhancement injects a controlled amount of finely tuned, sweet-sounding harmonic distortion and a "forward" yet musical high-frequency EQ boost into the signal path, giving your sound the 4K mojo and presence that artists and engineers have loved for decades.

Complete Digital I/O + MIDI I/O

• A host of digital audio connections means that SSL 18 is ready to expand your I/O count whenever you are, with an additional 16 channels via ADAT and a further two via S/PDIF.
• SSL 18’s dedicated Word clock output provides rock-solid clocking for integrating external digital devices into your system.
• MIDI I/O are available on 3.5mm TRS jacks.

Monitor Controller + Talkback with Listen Mic Compressor

• SSL 18 features a full monitor controller section with built-in talkback input.
• Line outputs 1&2 and 3&4 offer alternative speaker switching with Alt, Talk, and Cut accessible via the monitor controls located on the front panel.
• Alternatively, customize the monitor controls via SSL 360° and tailor them to your workflow.
• Switch the talkback input into Line Mode and reprocess audio through the classic Listen Mic Compressor, perfect for crushing drums, parallel vocals, and more.

SSL 18 Low-Latency Digital Mixer, Powered by SSL 360°

• The SSL 18 digital mixer offers comprehensive management of all inputs and outputs, as well as detailed, scalable input metering in the 360° Software.
• Create and manage the control room monitor mix.
• Configure a further four monitor mixes for performers.
• In addition, a flexible Mirror Routing system allows you to route any input or aux master directly to an output—perfect for feeding personal monitoring systems, external metering, and outboard FX.
• Create different templates for tracking, mixing, and more, then save them as a profile in the SSL 18 mixer.
• For podcasts, Stereo Loopback with selectable loopback source enables audiences to hear virtual guests or system audio with ease.

SSL Production Pack

The included SSL Production Pack features a selection of must-have virtual instruments, plug-ins, samples, and DAW to fuel your creativity and bring your productions to life. As an eligible SSL interface owner, claim the 6 months free Complete Access subscription—giving you access to every plug-in from Solid State Logic, Slate Digital, and Harrison Audio.

Software included

• 6-months free Complete Access subscription
• 3-months free access to Auto-Tune Unlimited subscription
• 3-months free access to Arcade by Output subscription
• Perpetual licenses for SSL Vocalstrip 2 and Drumstrip plug-ins
• IK Multimedia Amplitube 5 SE
• Celemony Melodyne Essential
• Native Instruments Hybrid Keys & Komplete Start
• Ableton Live 11 Lite
• AAS Session Bundle plug-ins
• 1.5 GB Samples from Loopcloud

Features 

• 26-in/28-out USB-C audio interface for Mac and Windows
• 8 microphone-/line-level inputs
• 4K analog enhancement, Polarity Invert, High-Pass Filters, and 48V Phantom Power per channel
• Configurable analog insert points for inputs 1 and 2, great for tracking with analog gear
• Inputs 1 and 2 are switchable to instrument level
• Line inputs bypass preamp, perfect for integrating external preamps
• 10 balanced line outputs
• Alternative speaker switching is available for pairs 1&2 and 3&4
• +9/+24 dBu output level configuration options for pairs 1&2 and 3&4 to best match your monitors
• DC-coupled outputs are perfect for sending control voltages to synthesizers and modular rigs
• 2 independent, powerful headphone outputs with dedicated level controls
• 3 mode options to suit different headphone impedances – Standard, High Sensitivity, High Impedance
• Create custom headphone mixes
• +24 dBu operating level for inputs and outputs – perfect for integrating professional outboard gear as hardware inserts
• 16 channels of ADAT I/O at 44.1/48 kHz, 8 channels at 96 kHz
• Next-generation 32-bit/192 kHz converters
• Best-in-class, low-noise microphone preamps with outstanding –130.5 dBu EIN and 67 dB gain range for working with any microphone
• Best-in-class 120 dB dynamic range across all inputs & headphone outputs
• Best-in-class 125 dB dynamic range on monitor and line outputs
• Comprehensive management of all inputs and outputs onto the SSL 18 low-latency mixer
• Create the control room mix, plus an additional 4 custom monitor mixes with ease – HP A (stereo), HP B (stereo), LINE 3-4 (stereo or dual mono)
• Flexible Mirror Routing system to route any input or aux master directly to an output – perfect for feeding personal monitoring systems, external metering and outboard FX
• Customize the monitoring section front panel buttons to suit your workflow
• Flexible clocking options – internal (clock signal available on Word Clock output), or clock from incoming ADAT or S/PDIF
• Dedicated Talkback input with analogue Listen Mic Compressor (LMC) Talkback input can also be used in LINE mode for the creative processing of stems through the LMC when producing and mixing
• 2 channels of S/PDIF (coaxial or optical)
• MIDI I/O on 3.5 mm TRS jacks

Specifications

• Channels of I/O
  • 28 Inputs / 28 Outputs
• Maximum Sampling Rate
  • 192 kHz / 32-Bit
• Number of Microphone Inputs
  • 8
• Input Level Adjustment
  • Knob
• Gain/Trim Range
  • Mic Inputs: 67 dB
  • Line Inputs: 26 dB
  • Hi-Z Inputs: 67 dB
  • Mic Inputs: 30 dB to 50 dB (Talback Input)
• High-Pass Filter
  • 75 Hz, 18 dB/Octave
• Solo/Mute
  • Solo per Input Channel
  • Mute per Master 
• Analog Audio I/O
  • 2x Combo XLR-1/4" TRS Balanced Mic/Line/Hi-Z Input (Front Panel)
  • 7x Combo XLR-1/4" TRS Balanced Mic/Line Input
• Phantom Power
  • 48 V
• Digital Audio I/O
  • 2x TOSLINK Optical ADAT / S/PDIF Input
  • 2x TOSLINK Optical ADAT / S/PDIF Output
  • 1x RCA Coaxial S/PDIF Input
  • 1x RCA Coaxial S/PDIF Output
• Host Connection
  • 1x USB-C
• Sync I/O
  • 1x BNC Word Clock Output
• MIDI I/O
  • 1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Input
  • 1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Output
• Frequency Response
  • Mic, Hi-Z Inputs: 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.06 dB
  • XLR Mic Inputs: 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.04 dB (Talkback Mic)
  • 1/4" Mic Inputs: 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.03 dB
  • Line Inputs: 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.05 dB
  • Line Outputs: 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.05 dB
  • Headphone Outputs: 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.07 dB
  • Analog Inputs: 20 Hz to 20 Hz ±0.05 dB (Insert Return Path)
  • Analog Outputs: 20 Hz to 20 Hz ±0.05 dB (Insert Send Path)
• Maximum Input Level
  • XLR Mic Inputs: -10 dBu (Talkback Mic)
  • 1/4" Mic Inputs: 24.5 dBu (Talkback Mic)
  • Line Inputs: 24.1 dBu
  • Hi-Z Inputs: 15 dBu
  • Insert Inputs: 24 dBu (Insert Return Path)
• Maximum Output Level
  • Line Outputs: 24.1 dBu
  • Headphone Outputs: 18 dBu
• Impedance
  • Mic Inputs: 1.2 Kilohms
  • Line Inputs: 15 Kilohms
  • Line Outputs: 150 Ohms
  • Hi-Z Inputs: 1 Megohm
  • Headphone Outputs: < 1 Ohm
• Dynamic Range
  • Analog Inputs: 120 dBA (Insert Return Path)
  • Mic/Line/Hi-Z Inputs: 120 dBA
  • XLR Mic Inputs: 110 dBA (Talkback Mic)
  • 1/4" Mic Inputs: 112 dBA (Talkback Mic)
  • Headphone Outputs: 120 dBA
  • Mic Outputs: 125 dBA
• THD+N
  • Mic Inputs: -100 dB / 0.001%
  • Line Inputs: -106 dB / 0.0005%
  • Hi-Z Inputs: -100 dB / 0.001%
  • XLR Mic Inputs: 0.007% (Talkback Mic)
  • 1/4" Mic Inputs: 0.001% (Talkback Mic)
  • Line Inputs: -104 dB / 0.0006%
  • Analog Outputs: 0.0007% (Insert Send Path)
  • Analog Inputs: 0.0004% (Insert Return Path)
  • Headphone Outputs: -100 dB / 0.001%
• EIN
  • 130.5 dBu A-Weighted 
• Sample Rates
  • 192 kHz
• Bit Depths
  • 32-Bit
• Sync Sources
  • ADAT, Internal, S/PDIF, Word Clock
• OS Compatibility
  • macOS / Windows
• Power Requirements
  • AC Input Power 100 to 240 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz 
• Rackmount Size
  • 1 RU
• Dimensions
  • 19 x 11.6 x 1.7" / 48.3 x 29.5 x 4.3 cm (Including Controls and Protrusions)
• Weight
  • 8.2 lb / 3.7 kg

In The Box

• Solid State Logic SSL 18 USB-C Audio/MIDI Interface
• USB-C to USB-C Cable
• USB-C to USB-A Adapter
• IEC Power Cord