Solid State Logic SSL18 26-in / 28-Out High Performance USB Audio Interface Overview:

A New Era Has Begun

Introducing SSL 18 – a new era in rackmount production technology from Solid State Logic. Developed from our unmatched expertise in analogue and digital design, SSL 18 offers exceptional audio performance with a studio session-ready feature set, delivered with the signature SSL sound and premium quality that professionals trust. Whether you are recording, producing or mixing, SSL 18 enhances production workflows while elevating the performance of your creative space, its the ultimate centrepiece for your studio. Welcome to a new era in rack mount interface performance.

8 x SSL-Designed Analogue Preamps
Best-in-class, low noise mic preamps

Legacy 4K Analogue Enhancement
Real analogue colour inspired by the 4000-series console

Next-Gen Converters
Accurate, transparent recording and sound reproduction

High-Performance
Class-leading audio performance in every area

10 x Balanced Outs
+24 dBu professional-grade outputs

Flexible Studio Monitoring
Main / Alt outputs with customisable controls

2 x High-Current Headphone Outs
Independent mixes, configurable modes for different headphones

Producer & Creator Tools
MIDI I/O, DC-coupled outs for CV, and stereo loopback

Comprehensive Digital I/O
16 channels ADAT I/O, 2 channels S/PDIF I/O

Listen Mic Compressor
Talkback input with the famous LMC (Smash Everything)

SSL Production Pack
A unique collection of inspiring software

Compatible with Mac and Windows
Plug and play on Mac, ASIO/WDM driver for Windows

Best-In-Class Audio Performance
Next-generation 32-bit/192 kHz converters provide the platform for SSL 18s analogue design to shine, with unrivalled dynamic range performance of 120 dB across all microphone, line-level and instrument inputs capture your sources like never before. Experience 125 dB dynamic range on the monitor and line outputs to hear your music with uncompromised fidelity. Need to work on headphones? No problem, with the unbeatable 120 dB dynamic range on offer from the dual-headphone outputs.

32-Bit / 192 kHz / Unrivalled Analogue and Digital Performance

8 x SSL-designed Mic/Line inputs
SSL 18 features eight high-performance SSL-designed mic pres, with switchable Mic/Line configuration. Leveraging our renowned engineering expertise, they deliver ultra-low noise recordings and a huge dynamic range, making sure you capture every detail of the performance with stunning accuracy. Their advanced 2-stage circuitry ensures ultra-low distortion while maintaining the natural character of the source or flip them into Legacy 4K Mode to add real analogue saturation and the iconic 4000 series sound to vocals, drums, and more. What’s more, in Line mode the mic preamp stage is completely bypassed – perfect for connecting external outboard gear. Located on the front of the unit, inputs 1 & 2 also offer instrument/Hi-Z inputs to capture DId guitars and vintage synths/drum machines.

120 dB Dynamic Range / -130.5 dBu EIN / Legacy 4K Analogue Enhancement

10 x Line-outputs
SSL 18 comes equipped with ten balanced line-level outputs located on the rear of the unit. To ensure optimal signal integrity and maximise headroom, line outputs 1&2 and 3&4 can be configured between +9 and +24 dBu, providing 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.

125 dB Dynamic Range / +24 dBu operating levels / Main & Alt Speaker Switching / DC-Coupled Outputs

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.

120dB Dynamic Range
Dual Independent Outputs
Configurable Headphone Modes

Monitor Controller + Talkback w/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 and Cut accessible via the monitor controls located on the front panel. Alternatively, customise the monitor controls via SSL 360 and tailor them to your workflow. SSL 18 also features a dedicated talkback input channel that can operate in MIC or LINE mode. LINE mode is great for re-processing audio through the classic Listen Mic Compressor – crush drums, parallel vocals, and more.

Configurable monitoring section / Alt monitor switching / Talkback input + Legendary Listen Mic Compressor

Complete digital 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 18s dedicated Word clock output provides rock-solid clocking for integrating external digital devices into your system.

16 Channels of ADAT I/O
2 Channels S/PDIF I/O
Word Clock Output

SSL 18 Mixer, Powered by SSL 360
The SSL 18 mixer offers comprehensive management of all inputs and outputs, as well as detailed, scalable input metering in SSL 360. In the SSL 18 mixer you can create and manage the control room monitor mix, as well as configure up to four independent 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.

Designed to make hit records
Designed by the same engineering teams behind the esteemed range of analogue and digital mixing consoles, SSLs rich heritage can be found throughout the design and feature set. SSL 18 is the only product in its category that is designed to properly integrate with professional outboard gear, thanks to the +24 dBu capable inputs and outputs.

SSL Production Pack FREE with SSL 18 Audio Interface

Weve been helping world-class artists, producers and engineers make great music and audio for decades. It’s crucial to have the right tools for the job, so weve partnered with some of the industry’s key brands to offer you the SSL Production Pack, bundled free with your SSL 18 audio interface.

Featuring a selection of must-have virtual instruments, plug-ins, samples and DAW, let your creativity shine and bring your productions to life with the SSL Production Pack.

Key Features

• 26-in/28-out USB-C audio interface for Mac and Windows.
• 8 microphone/line-level inputs.
  • 4K analogue enhancement, Polarity Invert, High-Pass Filters and 48V Phantom Power per channel.
  • Configurable analogue insert points for inputs 1 and 2, great for tracking with analogue 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 dBu/+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 synthesisers 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.
  • Re-purpose as line outputs.
• +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.
• Class-leading audio performance in every area:
  • 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.
• Customise the monitoring section front panel buttons to suit your workflow.
• Flexible clocking options internal (clock signal available on Wordclock 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:

• System requirements and Specs:
  • Mac OS 13 or later ||| Class-Compliant, Plug-and-play
  • Windows 10, Windows 11 ||| Install included ASIO/WDM driver
• Connectivity
  • USB 2.0 Type C Connector (Box includes Type C to C and Type C to A)
• Mic Preamps
  • 8 x XLR-” combo (Mic/Line)
  • Mic Amp EIN (A-weighted) : -130.5 dBu
  • Mic Amp Gain: 67 dB
• Instrument/Line
  • 2 x ” (Hi-Z)
  • Max Instrument Input Level: +15 dBu
  • Max Line Input Level: +24 dBu
  • Dynamic Range (A-weighted) 120 dB typical
  • Line Level THD+N: -106 dB
  • Specs (Measured to AES17 Standards)
• Line Outputs
  • Dynamic Range: 125 dB
  • Max Output Level: +24 dBu
• Headphone Outputs
  • 2 x ” Ouputs
  • Dynamic Range: 120 dB
  • Max Output: +18 dBu (High Impedance Mode) / 24 dBu (Balanced Line Output Mode)
  • Output Impedance: <1
• Digital Inputs
  • 2 x Optical (ADAT) I/O
  • 1 x S/PDIF I/O
• Sample rates
  • 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz