The Solid State Logic SSL 18 is a 26-in/28-out USB-C audio interface that brings SSL’s renowned analogue and digital design heritage into a modern 1U rackmount format. Designed to be the centrepiece of any professional recording, production or mixing environment, the Solid State Logic SSL 18 offers pristine audio quality, advanced monitoring and routing capabilities, and an extensive I/O configuration, all integrated with SSL’s signature sound and workflow.
At its core are eight SSL-designed mic preamps delivering ultra-low noise performance, with an Equivalent Input Noise of -130.5 dBu and a wide 67 dB gain range. These preamps use a dual-stage architecture to ensure low distortion while retaining the natural tone of the source. Inputs 1 and 2 feature high-impedance instrument input options and switchable analogue insert points, making them ideal for tracking through external hardware. All eight analogue inputs offer the Legacy 4K enhancement mode, which adds subtle harmonic distortion and a high-frequency lift, inspired by SSL’s classic 4000-series consoles.
High-resolution 32-bit / 192 kHz AD/DA conversion across the unit ensures exceptional clarity and dynamic range, with 120 dB on all inputs and 125 dB on monitor and line outputs. Ten rear-panel balanced line outputs run at professional +24 dBu levels, with pairs 1–2 and 3–4 switchable to +9 dBu for compatibility with powered monitors and vintage gear. All outputs are DC-coupled, enabling control voltage use with modular and synth systems.
The Solid State Logic SSL 18 includes robust monitoring features such as speaker switching between main and alt outputs, customisable front-panel level and mute controls, and full software-based management via SSL 360°. Two headphone outputs provide independently configurable mixes and support three selectable modes (Standard, High Sensitivity, High Impedance) to accommodate any headphone type. These outputs can also be reassigned as additional line-level outputs.
A dedicated talkback input accommodates mic or line sources and includes the iconic Listen Mic Compressor from legacy SSL consoles. This compressor can be used not just for talkback, but creatively for heavily compressed drum or parallel effects.
Digital I/O includes 16 channels of ADAT, plus stereo coaxial or optical S/PDIF in and out. A Word Clock output allows the Solid State Logic SSL 18 to act as the digital master clock in your system. MIDI I/O is provided on 3.5 mm TRS jacks, rounding out the comprehensive connectivity options.
All routing, cue mixing, and monitor control functions are managed via the SSL 360° software, offering deep customisation, snapshot saving, and the Mirror Routing system which lets users route any input or cue master directly to any output.
The Solid State Logic SSL 18 also comes bundled with the SSL Production Pack, a powerful collection of plug-ins and instruments. This includes six-month subscriptions to Complete Access, Auto-Tune Unlimited and Arcade by Output, alongside perpetual licences for SSL Vocalstrip 2 and Drumstrip, Ableton Live 11 Lite, Melodyne Essential, Native Instruments Hybrid Keys and Komplete Start, IK Multimedia Amplitube 5 SE, the AAS Session Bundle, and 1.5 GB of Loopcloud samples.
Combining SSL-grade audio performance, versatile connectivity, and flexible software integration, the Solid State Logic SSL 18 is an ideal solution for hybrid studio setups, live tracking, electronic music production, and detailed mixing workflows.
Features
- 26-in/28-out USB-C audio interface compatible with Mac and Windows
- 8 microphone/line-level inputs with 4K analogue enhancement, polarity invert, high-pass filters and 48V phantom power
- Configurable analogue insert points on inputs 1 and 2 for tracking with external gear
- Inputs 1 and 2 switchable to instrument-level
- Line inputs bypass preamps for direct connection of external preamps
- 10 balanced line outputs, including speaker switching for output pairs 1&2 and 3&4
- +9 dBu/+24 dBu output level configuration on output pairs 1&2 and 3&4
- DC-coupled outputs support CV control of modular synths
- 2 independent headphone outputs with level control and 3 impedance modes
- Custom headphone mix creation and optional repurposing as line outputs
- +24 dBu operating level on all I/O for pro-grade outboard integration
- 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 mic preamps with –130.5 dBu EIN and 67 dB gain
- 120 dB dynamic range on all inputs and headphone outputs
- 125 dB dynamic range on monitor and line outputs
- Low-latency SSL mixer for managing all I/O
- Control room mix plus 4 custom monitor mixes (HP A, HP B, LINE 3–4)
- Mirror Routing for flexible routing to outputs, monitors, FX or meters
- Customisable monitoring control buttons
- Clocking via internal clock, ADAT or S/PDIF, with Wordclock output
- Dedicated talkback input with analogue Listen Mic Compressor (LMC)
- Talkback input usable in LINE mode for creative LMC processing
- 2-channel S/PDIF via coaxial or optical
- MIDI I/O on 3.5 mm TRS jacks
