Solid State Logic SSL 18

Introducing the SSL 18 - a new era in rackmount production technology from Solid State Logic. Developed from SSLs unmatched expertise in analogue and digital design, the 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 recording, producing, or mixing, the SSL 18 enhances production workflows while elevating the performance of any creative space. It is the ultimate centrepiece for any studio. Welcome to a new era in rackmount interface performance.

• 26-in/28-out USB-C audio interface for Mac and Windows.
• 8 microphone/line-level inputs.
• 10 balanced line outputs.
• 2 independent, powerful headphone outputs with dedicated level controls.
• +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:
• 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).
• 2 channels of S/PDIF (coaxial or optical).
• MIDI I/O on 3.5 mm TRS jacks.

Next-generation 32-bit/192 kHz converters provide the foundation for the SSL 18’s analogue design to excel, delivering an unrivalled dynamic range performance of 120 dB across all microphone, line-level, and instrument inputs - capturing sources like never before. Experience a 125 dB dynamic range on the monitor and line outputs, allowing music to be heard with uncompromised fidelity. Need to work with headphones? No problem, as the dual-headphone outputs offer an exceptional 120 dB dynamic range.

The SSL 18 is equipped with eight high-performance, SSL-designed mic preamps, featuring a switchable Mic/Line configuration. Drawing on renowned engineering expertise, these preamps deliver ultra-low noise recordings and an impressive dynamic range, ensuring every detail of the performance is captured with exceptional accuracy. Their advanced 2-stage circuitry guarantees ultra-low distortion while preserving the natural character of the source. Alternatively, switch to Legacy 4K Mode to add genuine analogue saturation and the iconic 4000 series sound to vocals, drums, and more. In Line mode, the mic preamp stage is entirely bypassed, making it ideal for connecting external outboard gear. Inputs 1 and 2, located on the front of the unit, also provide instrument/Hi-Z inputs for capturing DI’d guitars and vintage synths or drum machines.

The SSL 18 features ten balanced line-level outputs 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, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of studio monitors and vintage equipment operating at lower levels. Outputs 3 to 10 are fixed at +24 dBu, perfect for integrating professional outboard gear. For producers, all outputs are DC-coupled and capable of sending control voltage to synthesizers and modular rigs.

Custom headphone mixes are made possible with two independent headphone outputs, each configurable for different types with 'Standard', 'High Sensitivity', and 'High Impedance' settings. Additionally, the headphone outputs can be repurposed as line-level outputs for increased flexibility.

The SSL 18 is equipped with a comprehensive monitor controller section, including a built-in talkback input. Line outputs 1&2 and 3&4 provide alternative speaker switching with Alt and Cut options, easily accessible through the monitor controls on the front panel. For further customisation, the monitor controls can be tailored via SSL 360 to suit specific workflow needs. Additionally, the SSL 18 includes a dedicated talkback input channel that can function in either MIC or LINE mode. LINE mode is perfect for re-processing audio through the classic Listen Mic Compressor, ideal for crushing drums, parallel vocals, and more.

The SSL 4000 series consoles (commonly known as ‘4K’) are celebrated for adding a distinctive ‘mojo’ to sounds and instruments that pass through them. This mojo stems from multiple stages of harmonic distortion, created by compressor VCAs, VCA faders, and other key components such as the transistor mix amps. By utilising modern components, SSL has crafted a circuit that captures the two essential qualities of the 4K sound in a single design. Legacy 4K Analogue Enhancement introduces a controlled amount of finely-tuned, sweet-sounding harmonic distortion along with a ‘forward’ yet musical high-frequency EQ boost into the signal path, delivering the iconic 4K mojo and presence that artists and engineers have cherished for decades.

A range of digital audio connections ensures the SSL 18 is ready to expand your I/O capacity whenever needed, offering an additional 16 channels via ADAT and two more via S/PDIF. The SSL 18 also features a dedicated Word Clock output, providing reliable clocking for seamlessly integrating external digital devices into your system.

The SSL 18 mixer provides complete control over all inputs and outputs, along with detailed, scalable input metering via SSL 360°. Within the SSL 18 mixer, users can create and manage the control room monitor mix, as well as configure up to four independent mixes for performers. Additionally, the flexible Mirror Routing system allows any input or aux master to be routed directly to an output - ideal for feeding personal monitoring systems, external metering, and outboard FX. Users can create different templates for tracking, mixing, and more, and save them as profiles within the SSL 18 mixer.

For decades, SSL has been supporting world-class artists, producers, and engineers in creating exceptional music and audio. Understanding the importance of having the right tools, we’ve partnered with some of the industry's leading brands to offer the SSL Production Pack, bundled free with the SSL 18 audio interface. The SSL Production Pack includes a carefully selected range of essential virtual instruments, plug-ins, samples, and DAW, allowing your creativity to flourish and bringing your productions to life.

• 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.

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-¼" combo (Mic/Line)
• Mic Amp EIN (A-weighted) : -130.5 dBu
• Mic Amp Gain: 67 dB

Instrument/Line

• 2 x ¼" (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 ¼" Ouputs
• Dynamic Range: 120 dB
• Max Output: +18 dBu (High Impedance Mode) / 24 dBu (Balanced Line Output Mode)
• Output Impedance: <1 Ω

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