SSL 2 Interface VS SSL XR627 X-Rack VHD Preamps | Cheap VS Expensive

Today I compare the SSL 2 Interface with some SSL XR627 X-Rack VHD Preamps. More specifically I compare the tonal quality of each preamp to see how they stand up to one another and to see if there is an audible quality difference! These preamps are drastically different price ranges so this was quite the interesting test! We recorded a kick and snare, using an sm57 on snare and Electrovoice RE-20 on kick, to test the preamp pairs. I compared the plain settings on each as the base comparison, then added some examples of the VHD 2nd and 3rd harmonics on the SSL XR627s as well as the 4K switch on the SSL 2 interface.
Let me know what you think! I reckon I might already know what everyone will say.
Follow me on IG: josh.bartel
Hey, my name's Josh and I'm a mastering engineer at Viking Lounge Mastering and a part of the audio team at Tommirock Studios. I want to make videos that help you on your audio journey so you can release better quality music! Let me know if there's any topic you want to know about in regards to audio, production, recording, mixing or mastering and I'd be happy to make a video about it.

[@mittanorath]

Amazing how little difference there is between the two. I think where’d you’d hear it is in the accumulative difference over say 10+ channels. I love those VHD’s but the 2 sounded great for the price

[@Eric_In_SF]

It’s a pretty big difference if you listen on headphones or a good stereo system.

[@piotrkarpienia4779]

@@Eric_In_SF not so much on DT 990 Pro :/

[@piotrkarpienia4779]

@@Eric_In_SF ah yes low end is more detailed in expensive preamps

[@gthevigilant_1811]

Definitely big difference in low end bass on the expensive preamps. I can even tell this on a phone speaker. Much fuller compared to the SSL 2. Don't need 10 channels to tell. The SSL 2 does well in the midrange and isn't too far off from the other. The high end was slightly more detailed on the dedicated preamp. Edit: After listening again the dedicated preamp has a wider frequency range overall. I will say I prefer the SSL 2's 4K vs. the VHD on the XR627 especially with the 3rd Harmonics with Pad in as that took away too much low end. 4K is obviously brighter than plain SSL 2 preamp but not as cut in the low end as with the 3rd Harmonic and Pad in. The 2nd Harmonic has somewhat similar bass response as the 4K.

[@gunjabeans]

It is not very subtle in my opinion. One is crystal clear, the other is warm.

[@amxzngboombap2756]

The differences are noticeable yet so subtle. One could easily use plugins to do the rest of the work for most scenarios. The days of NEEDING to buy expensive gear to achieve a quality sound are gone. It's now based on how experienced the user is. The SSL2 is the way to go. I have the SSL2+ and the now vintage (lol) Apogee Duet 2. Again, very subtle differences. Good video.

[@johannesrupp9767]

Cool shootout, very insightful. What i noticed the most was the kick sounds almost a bit scooped in the mids on the SSL 2. And the snare changing pitch quite a bit, haha! Good work though!

[@jirehjames871]

Thank you so much for doing this! Now I'm sure about what to buy next...

[@Cyberpunk9000]

SSL2 with 4K was my favourite

[@goaway2174]

I could hear a difference and preferred your expensive preamps in this direct comparison. In a final mastered recording I am not so certain that it would be noticeable by the vast majority of people. This new interface has some great preamps for the cost, low noise, good amount of gain, and sounds better than I’d expect. I just wish they had used better push buttons and included an on/off switch.

[@Josh.Bartel]

Pretty much agree with all of that. Although I think the cumulative effect of the expensive preamps over an entire mix would add up to create a bigger difference, but something I’d love to test out one day

[@rowinEDM]

Nice comparison, thanks for sharing :)

[@Eric_In_SF]

The only problem I see here is that at zero gain you’re not pushing the SSL2 4k at all. It’s been noted that the more gain it has the more harmonics and saturation it adds. 80 game you’re just getting the high boost

[@SuspiciousPixels]

I cant see anywhere in the documentation that the 4k saturation correlates with gain. If it was a Tube I'd understand.

[@ronalsteel]

I was wondering your opinion on ssl2 vs ua volt? For recording guitars trumpets and keys. Thanks for the cool video

[@Victor-dt1uq]

I think the VHD-preamps sounds a little meatier, but like someone said, this could be achived in the mix later, for example by adding a neve-eq-simulation. A band member bought this SSL2+ interface (got a good price on a b-stock), and even though I have expensive dedicated preamps in my home studio, I wouldn't mind using the stuff he recorded at home with his SSL2+. The preamp actually sounds great. I also saw a clip here on youtube when they send a signal in and out from the SSL2+ and an Audient i14, testing the AD/DA converters. The signal was looped first 50 times, then 100, then 150, 200, 250 ... all the way up to 500 times. The SSL2+ had much lower reduction in quality, but over all, I mean, you have to send the audio in and out a ridiculously amount of times on both before hearing a noticable reduction.

[@preciseaudioblog]

Awesome vid!

[@Josh.Bartel]

Thanks!

[@judson8441]

What is that rack you have the 500 series in? It’s gorgeous

[@Dante-qf9yd]

I would like to see the test on vocals and instruments.

[@ig8388]

Enjoyed the video thanks mate - I just bought an SSL 2 today to replace my Duet Firewire (oldschool!). I saw a comment below saying you would post your opinion after some time - its been 11 months is that long enough? Hope so keen to hear your thought. Cheers!

[@Josh.Bartel]

Yep I did! Here’s the video kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYrGaIF4rd1jhKs

[@carl-magnusconsitt7389]

SSL2 all the way! 4K-mode sounds clear and very nice on thedrums and on vocals! 👍

[@bigmacmillerlite8775]

Good video dude.

[@Josh.Bartel]

Thanks!

[@abregoja]

why you did not use the trim? to cut those highs from the snare

[@sujja150]

Very in formative.THANKS

[@Josh.Bartel]

Thank you I appreciate it 🙂

[@garyshirinian]

Great comparison thx for sharing. I could hear the difference of course however, the price difference if you are a hobbyist. Definitely ssl 2 which I have myself SSL2+ and I love it .

[@Josh.Bartel]

Absolutely agree, the SSL 2 for a hobbyist is very good bang for your buck

[@Weechoo]

Listening on a pair of ATC speakers, I'd say they are different but one doesn't sound worse or better than the other (here on youtube). The rack preamp is somewhat dirtier (in a good analogue way) and I feel like there's more transient on the snare in every setting. Not significant though. The 4K does seem to improve the sound in this particular situation, however I heard it on vocals and it was just too bright.

[@ronnyskaar3737]

Just bought the SSL2+. I don't regret it.

[@dimensionstudioslondon]

Hi have both. And to be honest the Test was on drums both where wee very close but the xr is slightly fatter sounding. I would loved to have heard some analogue synth through both I’m pretty sure the xr would come out the other end shinning. I do like the 4k feature to on the ssl2

[@therealkruz]

Very very subtle. SSL2 is bang for buck in my opinion. Mind you I’m listening through my apple headphones and not my studio headphones. I’m curious to know your opinion though, what are your thoughts?

[@Josh.Bartel]

I’ll post a comment of my opinions once this video has been up for a bit longer 🙂

[@digitaltrash_]

SSL2 is really has good sound, clear and open. Focusrite 2i2 is really muddy and veiled. So if you want budget interface, buy SSL2.

[@khanartistaudio9207]

The 4K feature adds 2 dB of low end and 4 dB of high end when you look at a frequency response chart compared to it off. It also adds >2% THD. I think across a whole mix. the XR627 may come off more pleasing, as the SSL2/SSL2+ 4K feature may sound a bit "hyped" across a full mix. It definitely adds a sound though and the preamp isn't bad at all for the price. I still hear the magic of the vintage analog gear of the XR627. SSL2/SSL2+ is definitely impressive for the price. 4K is interesting. May work on some, but not all sources.

[@robertw1871]

It’s got a button to turn it off… I’d call it a win… there when you want it, not there when you don’t 😀

[@user-qq3sz6ss3j]

Nice! I have a SSL 12 and love it, had a iD44 great interface but I like the 12 better.

[@taha_mirza]

drums are detuned at the time of tracking with the interface .. every time interface comparison comes they sound detuned .. maybe playing style on both takes is not close enough .. or by the time they were tracked on the interface they got detuned .. so it's hard to compare .. is it the same performance recorded on both preamps at the same time or they are different performances? tnx for the video

[@bunjumun]

i think that's the harmonic overtone difference

[@Echorek]

do you know what a pre amp does? the more u push more harmonic u get...if you not looking for this..go digital.

[@andrewooleongwei3543]

without 4k & vhd, the xr is much more depth... while the 4k & the vhd kick in, the 4k is more air & more infront towards to your face... & they both sound great... i personally own a ssl2+....

[@jordanlmcgrath8815]

The SSL two seems to be lacking a little bit of mid-range clarity however it isn’t a bad sound and a little EQ could go along way. I have the SSL 12 and I’m quite happy with it. I would prefer better preamps but it’s not bad if you’re on a budget and it looks nice with the UF1 and UC1.

[@breezy7578]

audient id14 mkii or SSL2+?

[@macDaddy1118]

Only way to truly tell the difference is to upload the .wav files somewhere for people to listen. KZbin has some pretty noticeable audio compression on their videos and for a subtle comparison like this I think its necessary to hear the full audio quality.

[@LosFicosMusic]

SSL 2+!!!

[@metalfather8139]

Can you please clarify how the mic picked up any sound with the gain at 0?

[@Josh.Bartel]

Yes! Absolutely. The microphone is capturing the signal which is then going to the preamp. Because we’re recording drums, the signal coming from the microphone is already quite loud, which means the preamp doesn’t need to apply any more gain. I hope that makes sense 🙂

[@nicolassoto1605]

Motu M2 vs SSL2 who wins?

[@phinestro]

First off I want to say I am your 1,000 th subscriber!! It was at 999 ! Yay! Secondly I love that your conspired the higher $$ gear of the same company and shows it’s basically the same quality it’s just the 4K button adds more brilliants and harmonics to the sound source !! I’m getting the SSL 2 The expensive one X rack technically is same until it’s being pushed transformer based on gain input from the harmonic. Totally not necessary when the plugins doing that heavy work with the tone The end of the day you want an interface or gear that has the lowest noise floor . My question is which of those recording situation is the lowest noise floor on silence That’s the winner ! Overall this is a brilliant KZbin video! It just opens my eyes there is little differences in the quality It comes down to coloration taste

[@Josh.Bartel]

Woooooo thanks for the 1000! I’m glad you liked the video 🙂

[@arcoins]

Nice Bad Cat amp!

[@phineesrobert417]

SSL interface is clear on 4K more bright and XR more depth/ they both clean 🧼 SSL for the win

[@zanem9022]

I like the ergonomics of the ssl xrack 500 series should of of been the size of these ssl racks (slightly taller) which is perfect.. Not only that 500 series is underpowered (should of been +-24v)and way too small

[@effyiew7318]

It's insane how huge the differences were. You can hear the difference right off the bat, the Xrack VHD pres are way more dynamic. The SSL2 pres are already sounding compressed. You can hear it very clear when you focus on the kick and snare. On the VHD, they have a lot of volume differences, the snare is really dynamic. Once you switch to the SSL2, you can hear how it already sounds compressed and you lose the dynamics in the kick and snare. I'm guessing it's because of the better power supply in the X-rack which would make a huge difference when it comes to preamps. There's probably less headroom in the SSL2. The 4k setting on the SSL2 sounded way too trashy. It added a fuzz on top of everything that almost makes the pre sound broken. If anything, I'd use it more as an effect than a serious alternative setting. In contrast, the VHD 2nd harmonic added a little fatness and also added some compression (it sounded a bit more like the SSL2 dynamic-wise). On the other side though, the 3rd harmonic on the VHD sounded horrible with this drum kit - it really accentuated a metallic ring in the snare and made it pop out. When you flip to the clean and 2nd harmonic VHD settings, the ring disappears.

[@gunjabeans]

The 627’s are much warmer and almost a compression on them but in a musical way. The interface pres were much more clear.

[@maksymgudyma]

Hard to hear difference on KZbin (mp3 - 192 + AirPods) .., need to hear your opinion

[@Josh.Bartel]

A video where I discuss my opinion will be out today 👍🏻

[@johnisrael5183]

man the XLogic...sounds wayyy better than the SSL2+....I ditched my Plus for a UAD476 Volt...Smh...SSL's whole lower end gear is a rip off

[@ihatehumans11213]

4:08 - 4:11 SD pitch drop =].

[@krzysztofgraban]

Super useful comparison. Should be sponsored by a bank😃 Of course XR627 sounds much much better. Would be cool if you compare more gear eg. Apollo twin / Volt / SSL2+ / Komplete Audio 6

[@Josh.Bartel]

Thanks! I appreciate it 🙂

[@arrowintheknee9956]

Get your ears checked.

[@paulthomasbutterfield8619]

Sorry, but the mics used will not show off the true qualities of both these interfaces. Choosing condenser mics with more HF content , and instruments with higher frequency ranges, would show the differences and make better judgement for a shoot out.

[@Josh.Bartel]

I understand what you’re saying but I actually disagree. Ideally it would have been nice to include different instruments and microphones. But a kick and snare comparison with dynamic mics is still a valid comparison for preamps.

[@edmc2]

☕

[@PARISONFIRE]

yeah its exactly what i found out. dont be stupid and invest in room treatment and microphones. this will make a world difference compared to preamps, its just not so fun. sorry

[@truephantomsound]

SSL gave more abient!

[@Serchannel]

Ssl 2 👍🏽

[@hammerscheich]

vhd much better.

[@fbelabel7273]

SSL 2+ was a lot cleaner the high price one was muddier

[@flexile7939]

expensive mixing gear is a biggest scam I saw...how do people throw so much money on those 5k preamps having placebo effect thinking it's better. Clearly SSL2 sounds identical. Minor difference in tonal balance can be fixed with eq in your DAW. Tons of hit songs nowadays are made with cheap gear...Billie Eilish with her TLM103, Joji with a behringer fucking mic...save yourself money and never buy expensive stuff for music, unless you have shitload of cash and buying gear makes you happy.

[@Josh.Bartel]

Haha I know what you mean. Expensive gear isn’t necessary to have a hit song because the actual song itself is way more important as well as the person using the tools. I also wouldn’t say high-end gear is a scam or placebo, because there is an audible difference. It’s just not as essential to have a successful song as some people might think.

[@crookedletta7942]

You get what you pay for lol! At the end of the day if you look at a " average " expensive gear sounds better. But we definitely have to do our research lol!

[@michaeltwiz8477]

Not true at all. You forget about "headroom", distortion at high rms levels and tone. Cheap preamps don't have the headroom.

[@robertw1871]

Absolutely zero people are going to listen to finished music on the radio and say.. you know that mic preamp sure sounded like shit… this difference is not the sound but the flexibility in a professional environment, that’s where there is a huge difference… it’s pretty ridiculous to have 16 channels of SSL2 and a tidy setup…

[@amunnubian7642]

ONLY ON THE 3RD HARMONICS CAN YOU TELL DEFINATELY, BUT THE SSL 2 4K PUTS THE THE INTERFACE IN THE BALL GAME, IS LIKE A BASKETBALL TEAM WHERE THE SSL2 IS THE POINT GUARD BUT THEY ARE THE SAME TEAM.

[@cloud9photography126]

I can't hear one single bit of difference I bet a lot of people are pissed off at they paid $5,000 now LOL