BLACK LION AUDIO REVOLUTION 2X2 VS SOLID STATE LOGIC SSL2+

[@delatronics3257]

Just discovered BLA and as a senior electronics engineer working 32 years in this field (Roland, Yamaha and Alesis senior engineer), in my opinion the BLA wipes the floor with anything else I've heard including Audient iD14 Mk2, Motu M2, SSL, Volt 2 etc.

[@gigiborza1151]

I’ve always wondered why Alesis have never come up with a modern-day i|O 26. That interface ticked all the right boxes: great transparent pre-amps and conversion, and unmatched connectivity (8 combo inputs AND inserts, Spdif, ADAT, MIDI, phono, and 2 headphone outputs... still no company offers this today).

[@A.o.D1991]

What about the lewitt connect 6,apogee boom, or the rodecaster pro 2 against this thing

[@chatter7653]

I concur…having owned most of those you mentioned and several, others too, BLA sounds better

[@kb9788]

You're deaf.

[@dannymolns3573]

What about vs Apollo twin??

[@luxuriousfir]

I'm just stoked that there are so many awesome sounding affordable options out there!!!!

[@RadiAsian]

Wow the BLA pre's, I can hear the difference for sure. Thanks for this.

[@nathanielbrice8725]

Just waiting for Black Lion to mod the SSL 2+... best of both worlds!

[@ShadovvV]

I'd just like to say there's a simple solution for the 'noise floor' issues some owners have seemed to have with this box. In a nut-shell, it's called a gain knob. However, if you need more gain, then I'd say try something more like a rack type, but I've even owned several different types of higher end rack preamps over the years and I can tell you for certain that cranking the gain up say +65, there's still going to be noise coming from certain frequencies, so I think that's where the confusion comes in. Meaning, if you dial out certain frequencies at higher gain levels, you'll suddenly notice the noise will completely disappear.. and therein lies the key to ending this type of debate. Point being, the noise is almost always limited to a specific area or frequency range when jacking up the gain. That said, in the case of the BLA Rev, I'd say the "noise" is originating in the upper range with the rise starting at around 2k, then going past 15k-20k. THAT is the issue, which I'm not sure why more people aren't pointing out. The "noise" is simply limited to a specific range, but only when the gain is jacked up. That's what an EQ is for. You kill the 'problem' frequency'.. problem solved. That's why high end preamp/EQ racks became so popular in the past ! The more you learn.

[@midivie]

Received my BLA Revolution interface today and all I can say is wow. This the best interface I have ever used. My previous devices: Motu M4 Id14 Apogee Duet Firewie. Out of the above list I can honestly say that the BLA is clearly and audibly better in-terms of DACs & Headphone output. I am yet to test the Pres and ADCs. I bought because the M4 though on paper should be better did not convince me and also had sound leaking into the speakers when the headphones were plugged despite the speaker volume nob being turned completely down. This is my experience and may defer for others but I believe this will be my interface for a long time until BLA release a bigger brother.

[@ricardoprieto6401]

Great video, thanks for reviewing. Personally I prefer the slanted angled design and desktop form factor of the SSL2+ for easier access to knobs and an overall better view versus the front design of the Black Lion. I like the buttons and knobs on the top instead of the front. Also, like you I despise having the preamp’s on the front and not the back so that makes the audio revolution a no go. Its better cable management. It’s one of the reasons why I returned the Motu M4 and went for the SSL2. Also the SSL 2+ has 62 dB of mic gain with low EIN to properly drive dynamic mics versus the low 55 dB of mic gain for the Black Lion. That’s a pretty big deal for those using dynamic mics like the SM7B or RE-20 as this saves you the extra expense of having to purchase a $150 cloudlifter or $80 fethead. In the video you had both of these devices as a tie but mentioning that the SSL2 has a better form factor, the mic inputs are on the back, the higher mic gain and not to mention the SSL2+ is $100 cheaper and the regular SSL2 is $200 cheaper makes this in my opinion the SSL2 and SSL2+ audio interfaces a much better deal and the overall winner. Once again, thanks for the video. Looking forward to the next one.

[@dawoud8013]

nooo ! leave a M4 for a SSL 2+ ? just for the form factor and cable management ? But you have another audio interface with great audio ? You don't regret the "sound" of the Motu ?

[@43audio89]

After a HUGE thunderbolt fiasco on my new i9 build. I ended up foregoing the UAD for this. I've worked on UAD before and of course love it. But I have serious high hopes for this black lion. Will be here sunday! Thanks for your vids brah. Your opinion matters.

[@youcantdothisjack]

Sold my UAD Apollo X and an older Focusrite 18i20 MKII and picked up a Warm Audio BusComp and the BLA Rev. Couldn't be happier. :D

[@43audio89]

@@youcantdothisjack muh man! Welcome to it.. Stunning isnt it? Like listening to music for first time again

[@augustleo7434]

Not a fan of the hyped upper mids of the BLA. To my ears your vox on the SSL2+ without the 4K boost sounded the best. The layout of the SSL2+ is also really hard to beat. I chose the Audient ID 14 MKII over the SSL2+ after a preamp shootout, but I miss the SSL2+ because it is genuinely fun to use. 👍

[@kd0gg77]

Nice review of these 2 devices. I picked up the BLA Revolution and absolutely LOVE the difference! 🔥

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

Same!

[@cedriccarballo658]

BLA sounds warmer and little more musical, but SSL sounds almost like a little analog console. Good separation even with cheap sounding plugns. And the best DI interface, sold my Radial Pro Di and never looked back.

[@ChivasKimber]

My bla had stepped my production quality up 10 fold

[@freesongsmusic]

For me, the BLA preamp is a step higher than SSL has less distortion to my ears, is transparent, and is a true winner for that. I love it.

[@davisone76]

Brother I’m dyin to see the video between Zen Go and BLA! That’s going to be epic. I love BLA but I’m loving the software and flexibility of the Go! It’s a hard decision. Or is it?!?!?! Cant wait! Hurry up 😂

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

It's coming I promise, had some delays and have to pump out another video first, the goal is next week

[@KevinP-jb6ig]

I’m in between this and the new line of audient products, they’re both sick

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

No doubt, all of these units are fire, were pretty spoiled nowadays lol

[@relaxingsounds1386]

A great headphone amp puts the BLA unit far ahead of others, based on the fact that this unit is so heavily marketed toward 'portable' producers

[@Kingchord2000]

One new subscriber here Jacob 👍 very straightforward in-depth review. More power to your channel. 👍👍. I wish you could review the underrated Tascam Series 102i audio interface.

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

I was a huge fan of the UH7000, I'll take a look

[@Kingchord2000]

@@JacobDarkOfficial It’s on the $299 price range at Sweetwaters.

[@Kingchord2000]

UH7000 that’s a classic👍

[@LBJedi]

Just got my BLA Revolution, and I’m LOVING it so far! Really enjoying the recent videos. Looking forward to Revolution vs Zen Go👍 Btw, I thought the BLA pres sound more full and more present, and I’m really trying to not be bias.

[@michaelj.4187]

I have them both and disagree...they both have their own qualities and to categorically say one is better than the other is a misnomer...

[@michaelj.4187]

@@MinisterTravis - AKM converters used in the SSl are top-notch and under extreme conversion samples done had shown they are class-leading...I totally understand your subjective and arbitrary assessment...I have both at the present point in time and like both equally well...

[@mbaudio2574]

Getting confused... just a few weeks ago, I thought the ZenGo was your "ultimate sound interface" way over the SSL2+?

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

It's superior for sure and at the time I preferred it 110%, but the more I tested the SSL the more I preferred a little character in my voice. The Zen is amazing but my vocals aren't the most exciting thing in the world so for me, TOO clean isn't necessarily a good thing. BLA finally has that mix of awesome DAC the SSL lacked but with pre character the other clean interfaces lacked.

[@casadasmelodias3379]

I just ordered Ssl 2+ for the money best choice for home studio. Maybe use it with a preamp

[@kb9788]

Exactly that's how I use it. The 4k is awesome. Have fun with it!.

[@readymade4722]

"Someone call Michael Scott..." Just genius! 😆 Great work/review brotha... From one PROducer/Engineer to another 🤙🏼💯✊🏼

[@staypth3195]

Wow. Good job bro. Keep up the good work.

[@suncworm]

Bro we appreciate the fact that you’re making videos more often now but you don’t gotta talk to us like a robot 😂

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

The robot has since been deactivated, check out. newer vids for improved dialogue 😁

[@suncworm]

@@JacobDarkOfficial Tha is for the review bro. You convinced me to buy 💰💰💯

[@ismailerencetinkaya336]

revolution sounds like already has that 4k button quality in it

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

It's definitely impressed me!

[@michaelj.4187]

the revolution does not have that 4k quality built-in...

[@4brotroydavis]

@@michaelj.4187 that's the point of his comment...sounds like it's already does

[@michaelj.4187]

@@4brotroydavis - I don't think so, I own them both...

[@michaelj.4187]

@@nocomment3590 - I prefer the SSL2 preamps...

[@xPRxMEx]

Bro I can’t wait for this shoot out! Man it’s such a toss up with the Audient id4 mk2 x black lion x zen go! Can’t wait to for the next video!

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

I'm supposed to get another Zen but unforseen delays, I'm currently reviewing the Motu Ultralight Mk5, keep an eye out in a few days, killer unit

[@GIBKEL]

How is it as a phonostage? Not why I would get it but I have a long wait for my proper handmade tube phonostage. Love the function. Feels like a proper pierce of kit! Can you use either dac in real time with a cd player or is it only for converting to analog? How’s the adc for ripping? Yeah…..Game of Disappointment left me wanting. Ehh?

[@EJfromUK]

Preamps BLA Revolution is better for me ... WARMER and the highs are tighter. Over all BLA bigger fatter than SSL2+

[@MrFreaky333]

Can you tell us something about the driver compatibility? The SSL2+ seems to run good on Windows PCs. Is that the case with the Black Lion too?

[@Dante-qf9yd]

How did you determine the DAC was better?

[@jaketanner109]

An interface that "sounds" good is great, but does it translate well when mixing? If the bass is nice and full, are you more tempted to just leave it alone rather than add some bottom end? One reason I hated the old Genelec monitors...they sounded great without doing anything, but you really needed to know them to mix well.

[@AnthonyAnalog]

Was not expecting 'Jacob Dark Z'... auto like... 10/10 would recommend lol

[@noobslayerr9732]

Does the bla sounds much better on mids and more saturated lows or is it just my crap ears? I like it a lot. Thinking of selling my 2pre for it. Never liked clarett's sound

[@reekrodriqguez6552]

Put the Zen go again the new Audient mk 2 Id4/id14

[@davidfabien7220]

Excellent presentation. In my opinion the Black Lion has an edge on the SSL+2 as far as sound quality is concerned - very slight difference indeed nevertheless both great devices for the price.

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

Much appreciated! And agreed

[@tw364]

@@JacobDarkOfficial That's a real stretch regarding higher quality. Plus I'll add the BL design is odd like they ripped off those old M Audio Boxes. Then there's the name. Revolution-hardly , they also make okay mic preamps but not for their price, not a fan of BL.

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

@@tw364 The rip off of M Audio that's how I feel about the Motu M4 lol, the Revolution does have something in the sound that has to be heard imo but honestly there are so many interfaces these days, most of them are solid and nobody is going to listen to your end product and think "this would've been better if it was on a different interface"

[@SnaJKirE]

You say you want a second set of TRS outputs on the SSL to connect additional monitors, but don't RCA out 3 & 4 allow you to do that?

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

You can technically however the the Audient iD14 Mkii I currently use was made with dual monitors in mind and has buttons on the device for switching between them making it much more intuitive

[@boogaethje]

Why only 1 headphone Jack ? Bummin on that.

[@4brotroydavis]

Facts but you can always throw the lesser needed pair in your monitor Jacks. I'll let the emcee record thru the monitor jack while I track thru the headphones jack

[@boogaethje]

@@4brotroydavis aw nice. Cool Tip man. Thanks . Nice workaround .😀👍

[@4brotroydavis]

@@boogaethje no doubt. You'll need the cable that's like a mono 1/4 inch to a dual joint but it'll make sense when u try it

[@gerisyandrayusman241]

ZEN Go & SSL2+ supporter👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@auramac]

Nah. Audient.

[@b.hornetiii.6771]

S/pdif is a godsend for me with high quality sound and character ... Black Lion wins for me as I want high quality In's If I send my whole mix from outside workstation to the computer (for mastering later...), or put some high end compressor in the middle (and it has analog out's of course) and I don't need to buy 2000 and more dollars audio interface just to "enter the computer" with high quality sound. :)

[@lengwxiong0082]

The BLA has a lower noise floor based on the RTL measurement? Wow!

[@yunussh5385]

I like the sound of voice recorded with BLA

[@kumareshhalder4214]

Ssl😎 using since 7 months upgraded from presonus usb 96 black ⚫ lion is also good but price😒

[@manmusic2559]

I would just like to praise SSL2 + ... I only analyze it for 10 days ... the sound is great ...

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

It is a great sounding unit

[@manmusic2559]

I am fascinated by the depth and present ...

[@manmusic2559]

... for now I'm just comparing _> deja vu

[@gravesg]

I remember my comment on the zen go vid before the bla released ... I TOLD YOU SO!!!!

[@bodhiciva]

Valar Morghulis! Does this work well with windows?

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

Both units have been flawless on my Windows 10 PC

[@bodhiciva]

@@JacobDarkOfficial Perfect! Thanks lots.

[@harrisarp3841]

Thanks for the review Jacob.How will you describe the sound of BLA and especially the highs and mids because for example i have the Audient id4 mkii and in my taste the sound is bright and in most of the songs i cant stand the high frequency its too much for my ears especially when you turn up the volume. Generally i prefer the sound to be sweet and warm.

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

Sweet and warm would be a perfect description of the BLA imo, definitely worth a shot

[@harrisarp3841]

@@JacobDarkOfficial Thank you so much!!!Also congrats for your channel!!!

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

@@harrisarp3841 Thanks! It's very up and down and can be hard to stay consistent but I'm doing what I can

[@DJHoodShaka]

Hey bro do you use a compressor on your voice in the video?

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

I didn't in this video, just light EQ, still trying to find the perfect plugin that doesn't introduce more noise (my PC and light have loud fans as it is)

[@DJHoodShaka]

@@JacobDarkOfficial I understand bro! Much love!

[@43audio89]

Look into getting a couple Slate ML2's great price and fantastic for shoot outs

[@kevinbrandman8893]

Would you please help me with Windows drivers for revolution 2x2. I had the worst experience registering the product in their website. I have even given up on their studio one and izotopes. For me the website is not working properly 😒 for all the times I tried. They don't even have a video guide on how to registering the product in you tube unlike focuslite. I don't have money to buy a Mac. Send me the pc drivers here please for your kindness.

[@TEST-gh4zs]

WOW that interface is amazing compare to ssl2 , I say that great interface for the price Thats a killer in that price

[@user-mb8rf7qk5q]

Maybe I got a dud but my BLA Rev 2x2 has the nastiest noise floor. I'm on the verge of sending it in for a warranty claim bc it's just unbearable....sad.

[@AlexM8384]

driver performance since this review?

[@OlivierGaston]

I’m on fence about these two as well but my only concern is for monitoring. Has anyone compared the DAC only?

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

For monitoring they're both solid imo, the BLA will feel like it has more punch while the SSL goes really loud

[@paweplinta1565]

Full agreement. Thank you

[@jonljacobi]

To be honest, I can barely tell the difference. Barely as in I really can't.

[@pigebear]

Man i have changed my mind 4 times in the last week. Or should i say you have changed my mind

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

Lol, at the end of the day I've found that any interface in the $300 ballpark is going to give great results, if you can't decide based on specs go by the connectivity you need.

[@jackhousevibesjhv5506]

My first unit I had trouble with the lights shorting out whenever I touched it. So I figured maybe a bad unit from a batch so I returned and got a 2nd unit and did the same thing. Sad cause I did like the sound quality. I will be going with something else now.

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

Which unit specifically? So people who might read your comment will know

[@jackhousevibesjhv5506]

@@JacobDarkOfficial the revolution 2x2

[@jackhousevibesjhv5506]

@@JacobDarkOfficial took a video of it. It’s very dry here in winter so can be staticky but I touch my other gear with static shock sometimes and nothing happens to them. So I dunno maybe not grounded properly?

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

@@jackhousevibesjhv5506 Maybe but this isn't an issue I encountered, hopefully BLA can resolve the issue for you

[@bonafideguitar]

The black lion rules spdif is very needed by high end converters thumbs up to black lion

[@SAMA-ct2li]

audient vs ssl? which one ?

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

They're both great, I'd go SSL if you need MIDI or Audient if you need ADAT and dual monitors

[@dawoud8013]

Hi ! thank you for your video ! can we have a seperate +48V on the inputs channels ?

[@4brotroydavis]

Right it's the little things u didn't even know u needed

[@martinjohnbutler]

Well done, thanks.

[@JuanPerez-it1bp]

I own a SSL 2 interface , to my ears , blacklion preamps sounded fuller. I feel like the SSL preamps lack warmth

[@michaelj.4187]

SSL preamps are excellent and provide a different flavour when compared to the BLA...I have them both and use them both depending on what my needs are...

[@garyshirinian]

Now of course it's some time later, how about video on VOLT from UA and SSL2+ or Black Lion.

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

Volts are still on preorder, I plan to get one to test tho

[@garyshirinian]

@@JacobDarkOfficial thx for replying, Great.

[@ernieg]

You right! They should aim for a desk top look, like the ssl , if I had to choose I would go for the BLA. They fully modded my digi002 back in 2004 💯💯

[@davisone76]

I have the same Mod! It’s sick sounding! However I am really loving the software and flexibility of the Go!

[@user-jb3ds3wm4c]

The Display show output level only ?

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

SSL shows input, BLA shows both input and output

[@_Trakman]

Can the BLA power DT770 or DT990 250 ohm

[@jonhaber8523]

Yes- easily

[@coreytitus9110]

Why do people judge this interface on specs a lone and try to trash it. I have this machine and think its awesome

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

Uploading a video shortly that addresses this

[@DJHoodShaka]

SSL2+ for the price puts interfaces to shame!!!!! long live the ssl2+!!!

[@DebF124]

I have an ssl2+ and I don’t like it. It was nice to have midi but mine doesn’t sound that great.

[@DJHoodShaka]

@@DebF124 how does it sound? Is the sound muddy? What about the sound don’t you like?

[@DebF124]

@@DJHoodShaka My number one complaint on mine and I’m sure they might not all be standard is the D/a conversion sounds like shit and is weak compared to even my cheaper interface. The preamps sound a little cheap on mine. They sound thin for some reason even with 4k on.

[@DJHoodShaka]

@@DebF124 oh wow big sad face! Mine brakes me sound crisp in the home studio setting. Well much luck to you bro!

[@DebF124]

@@DJHoodShaka thanks man you too

[@TenThousandTacos]

Kwhaddabout the white noise tho?

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

If you're setting your gain properly there's no white noise

[@alihanapiyahofficial24]

yes for black Lion

[@manuzid6837]

great good job men thx

[@corypalmer5495]

SSL 2+ sounded clearer and warmer on my phone speakers

[@ConfidenZeTheHumanTorch]

I have a performance video on my channel using this microphone and black lion Rev.2x2

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

If we could use gifs I'd search one up for "Niiice"

[@ConfidenZeTheHumanTorch]

@@JacobDarkOfficial kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6PVpouQap6ni6c

[@stelaband]

4k switch is awesome, it feels saturated

[@bighousemusic628]

Ive own the ssl2 but im not biased the black lion mops the floor with the ssl2 and the zen go and the Uad and the clarette and the prism and the apogee and the focusrite and the rme and the lynx the only contender is the lavry gold not even burl or crane song head doesnt sound like this device only in some gaming manufacturing companies or animation movie studio you would find a device with such sound the capacitors and circuitry and clocking of that black lion audio revolution 2x2 is unrivaled ive known circuit dedign and in this field fo like 20 years now

[@EckertAndras]

SSL +1

[@audiotalk6155]

BLA sounded better and I noticed it immediately

[@rayborysiewicz8102]

Should I get an Apex head pod 4 with s/pdif connection for cans. I also have dbx 386 preamp with same digital connection. Will this pair well with the black lion interface??

[@kevinbrandman8893]

Hello. I just bought my black lion interface. Can't record in Windows 11 PC. Would you please help me with Windows drivers for revolution 2x2. I had the worst experience registering the product in their website. I have even given up on their studio one and izotopes. For me the website is not working properly 😒 for all the times I tried. They don't even have a video guide on how to registering the product in you tube unlike focuslite. I don't have money to buy a Mac. Send me the windows 11 pc drivers here please for your kindness. please don't send me to their website. Send the drivers here if you have them and help your brother who is stuck please 🙏.

[@mikelo303]

SOund QUality - MOTU (M4 or MK5) or Black Lion? Please chec SPL Marc One and RME ( I am looking for best sounding DA converters)

[@deepghai1886]

BLA has lot of noise issue

[@DJHoodShaka]

bro how you gonna tie on the build quality bro!! you know the black lion is built better lol it feels better bro stop it family!!! lol WoW bro i didn't expect black lion to come out on top! I like them both!

[@Anagnorisis25]

Unfortunately the Preamps of the BLA are just huge noise generators. A EIN of around -119 dBU in this price range is ABYSMAL and makes it just unusable for working with dynamic microphones.

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

I haven't had any issues regarding noise, I know how popular SM7Bs are and actually have one on the way and I'd suggest having a cloudlifter regardless of interface which would solve any noise issue

[@Anagnorisis25]

@@JacobDarkOfficial An Interface in that price Range shouldn't have that problem in the first place. A Behringer UMC202HD for 70 Bucks (!!!) has an EIN of less than -129dBa which makes a cloudlifter obsolete to use with it. This just shouldn't be a thing.

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

I hear you I just don't think specs are everything, especially after having so many interfaces over the years, there are quite a bit of interfaces out there in all price ranges that don't have enough quiet gain to supply a SM7B in their own, that doesn't make them bad, I'm willing to bet a majority of users have a Cloudlifter even with enough gain, while I haven't tried the interface you mentioned my past experiences with Behringer products have been underwhelming, regardless every user has different needs and if yours requires the absolute lowest noise, max gain there are plenty of options, however from a musical standpoint the BLA has character I like

[@Anagnorisis25]

@@JacobDarkOfficial I agree specs aren't everything, but the device should at least be usable. This is simply not. Sorry to say but this looks more like a cheap commercial than anything. Didn't saw an "Advertisment" sign and like that it looks a little fishy.

[@JacobDarkOfficial]

I appreciate you keeping it respectful, I've had few trolls overnight pop out of the blue (9AM here) trying to discredit my channel, but I standby my opinion. I'll just say this, everyone has different needs, buy based on that. As far as unusable I bet if I gave this interface to one of my studio buddies and told them to record the same song, once with this interface and once with a better noised interface, no one would ever be able to tell the difference. Your ears and what you perceive should be king imo, we don't buy monitors or mics based on the specs, we buy by what we hear and prefer and my ears (yes it's subjective) like the BLA, anyway man I appreciate your input, it's a great example that no product is for everyone, luckily we have 7 billion interfaces out there to choose from lol

[@_Trakman]

What mic is that

[@kaansangur4860]

Warm audio wa87 r2

[@wenz9099]

BLA ALL THE WAY