The FANTASTIC Features of the SSL 12 Audio Interface

#ssl #audiointerface #fimmaking
In this video for filmmakers, Mark Arnett compares two fantastic Solid State Logic audio interfaces - The SSL 12 and the SSL 2+. Both the SSL 12 and the SSL Plus provide high-quality professional audio inputs to your computer. While the new SSL 12 adds many new features, the question is, "Is it worth the $170 difference." Find out!
The price is now $499 ( I bought it for $399 but the price went up i noticed this when Iwas editing the video - sorry)
➡️ My Music Links:
Apple Music
/ sugar-cubes
Spotify
open.spotify.com/artist/3KaH8...
Amazon Music
amazon.com/music/player/album...
My Music Website:
markwarnett.com/musician
➡️ Time Stamps:
00:00 - Start
00:43 - $270 Price Difference
01:34 - Four Inputs
02:50 - Two Front Panel Hi-Z Inputs
03:16 - Two Front Headphone Jack
03:32 - Three Programmable Switches
05:57 - On/Off Button
06:11 - Silly 4K Buttons
06:38 - A Missing Knob
07:31 - 32-Bit vs. 24-Bit
08:41 - My Big Problem
➡️ Here are the affiliate links
Solid State Logic SSL (Now $499 )
amzn.to/3q6yI10
Solid State Logic SSL2+ ($229)
amzn.to/3QmfQ9b
Solid State Logic SSL 2 ($179)
amzn.to/43PfAlU
Mackie Big Knob Studio +
amzn.to/3rRq5YU
Rode PodMic USB
amzn.to/3JBa4w7
➡️ This is not a sponsored video.
"storybabble" is a production of Two Pod Guys LLC dba Random Acts Production Company. ©2023 all rights reserved.
Learn more about Mark Arnett at MarkArnett.com

[@cesmcmyth]

Man I loved your style. The money attributed to each difference is a cool idea and then you made it funny! Thanks!

[@storybabble]

Awesome! Thank you! It means a lot.

[@djsilent01]

I really really love how you did this review. Just gained a sub..

[@storybabble]

Awesome, thank you!

[@scrashthepunkstar]

Your dollar comparison made it much clearer to me which one I should get. Thank you!

[@storybabble]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the kind words. It really means a lot.

[@godzoo18]

I am absolutely amazed how you took the time and effort to answer and respond to practically every single persons comment and questions. This is becoming so rare these days as KZbinrs grow and start thinking they are 'Rock Stars' and their viewers are beneath them. Compliments to you sir.

[@storybabble]

My pleasure. Thanks.

[@DuncanEduardo]

Actually, having 4 xlr instead of 2 has another benefit. Despite perhaps only using 2 at once, your other sources can be already plugged in and ready. When recording consecutive tracks, for example guitar then voice, this saves time and the hassle with unplugging etc. Have your sources pre-plugged and the recording experience is much smoother. Moreover, this idea is essential when performing live with the unit via a daw like ableton live, in using potentially all 4 inputs simultaneously

[@storybabble]

Good point. Thanks for your insights.

[@R.C.Bullar]

Wonderful review. You are the only person who mentions the removing of the mixer knob. Cheers

[@storybabble]

Thanks. Good to hear.

[@monkmusic5994]

Nicely done. Totally agree with your rating. A basic question has not been answered yet: do the new converters in the 12 sound better???

[@storybabble]

Thanks. I can’t tell a difference in sound but I’m an old man, so there’s that to consider.

[@dk2428]

Great review! New sub.

[@storybabble]

Thanks for the sub!Welcome.

[@osi9567]

Great video!

[@storybabble]

Glad you enjoyed it thanks.

[@MIHAO]

awesome review

[@storybabble]

Thanks! That makes my day.

[@BlueSamMusic]

Hi. Nice Video. What are the ''Game Changing' features you hinted at in the title?

[@storybabble]

Thanks. The “game-changing” feature. would be 32-Bit. I wrote the title after the video using VidIQ title generator but I guess I didn’t make that as clear as I could have. Sorry.

[@danzellisdeman1]

My ssl makes a hissing white noise when i turn up the gain on both channels what do i have to do to fix that. Please help me!

[@storybabble]

Sorry to hear that. I would call ssl for support.

[@tommysixstring5094]

I only need to record two condensers at same time. Or one electric guitar. And also power two external speakers. I'm thinking the SSL2 would suffice? I keep hearing RME Babyface is good but seems overkill?

[@storybabble]

I’m sure the SSL2 will be great. Enjoy!

[@mrchedda]

Thanks for this video! It's crazy that today, 9 months later, the SSL 12 is now $499. Unreal

[@storybabble]

I know!! It was a better deal then. Thanks for watching.

[@mrchedda]

@@storybabble Yeah... by definition the price hike was not caused by inflation, it's just literal price gouging. PEOPLE CAN NEVER GET AHEAD!!!!

[@jgm4665]

Any difference in the DA conversion to the monitors?

[@storybabble]

I haven’t noticed a difference, but my ears are old. So, there’s that.

[@poulwinther]

Nice comparison concept. I probably don't need the inputs but the hardware toggle between outputs is worth a lot to me, as well as the assignable buttons. I do think the software is pretty big benefit as well, but my real question is how stable these run? Ever any glitches, cracks and pops?

[@storybabble]

I haven’t had any problem with this unit. But, I will admit that I don’t uses it everyday. Thanks for your comment.

[@poulwinther]

@@storybabble Thanks.

[@pablomeza1093]

Hi there! I´m currently using a Behringer u-phoria umc404hd and planning to switch into a SSL 12. Do you think it´s worth it regarding the SSL doubles the price? I mean, worth it in terms of preamps quality?

[@storybabble]

I tried a Behringer mixer several years ago and the preamps were noticeably horrible. But that was along time ago so I don’t really know. I do know that the preamps on the SSL are great.

[@pablomeza1093]

@@storybabble Thank you! That was an enlightening reply!

[@user-gs9bn9vm3d]

This is great comparison, a bit offtopic - is there an SSL that can get audio from laptop and send it out to my mixer? so 2 way for zoom calls.

[@storybabble]

Great question. All SSL units have stereo out from the computer that can go into a mixer, so I don’t see any problem with your idea. Good luck.

[@MikeSadlerAU]

SSL 360 has ‘loopback’, which means you can combine USB tracks (computer sound) with SSL12 tracks, and (importantly) monitor your ‘live to air’ mix ‘minus’ your own voice mic, to stop feedback. If that is your primary use-case, a Rode Procaster is probably a better choice, but if music is the priority, the SSL is the go… notwithstanding they’re both good for ‘everything’. I have the Ridecaster Pro, but (based on this review AND the fact I need/want/am used to having lots of monitor mixes for ‘talent’ when recording, so 360 is totally an asset to me), but if I was forced to chose one, it’d be the SSL12.

[@gibson2623]

wow, the interfaces are upside down to you and to us....That s pretty amazing man. The 4K is actually awesome.

[@storybabble]

Thanks. I’ve tried the overhead camera both ways, and both look weird to me.

[@gibson2623]

@@storybabble LoL. Take care mate ;)

[@TedBrownMedia]

I got this on sale for 399 and got a used alesis ai3 for the adat only downside cant do 32bit on adat on 24bit

[@storybabble]

I got mine for $399 too. It wasn’t until I finished the video that I saw it was selling for $500. Thanks for letting me know that ADAT is not 32 bit. Good to know. Appreciate it.

[@peterpulpitpounder]

I have enjoyed my SSL 2+, but I will say that I think the "buttons" that control the phantom power, line in, and Hi-z, are of low quality and subject to fail. I had to open my unit up and remove a button and permanently solder it in the "on" position, due to the fact that it was causing my mic to randomly cut out. And the button had not been used all that much at all. A big bummer. I suppose things like this happen, and maybe it was just a rare defect.

[@storybabble]

Thanks for sharing that warning. That is a bummer. So far, so good for me, but you’re right, the buttons don’t inspire a lot of confidence.

[@615AudioTheory]

Recording in 32 bit gives you more headroom which helps you avoid clipping. Very helpful when mixing vocals.

[@storybabble]

I’ve heard that and I’m sure it’s true. However, I’ve never really had an issue with clipping in my home studio. But it is nice to have that insurance. Thanks for you comment.

[@frezajoe5836]

@@Jimjam4356 can you explaine how the 32 bits recording allow to turn down the mix without loosing detail (when mastering)? can you explaine please? i do not understand ;

[@chamindasamaranayaka2716]

nice video

[@storybabble]

So nice. Thanks.

[@mechpade]

an updated 2+ with Hi-Z ins input and headphones output ports on front panel would make the most sense.

[@storybabble]

That would be cool.

[@jesseaviman]

Honestly I wish the SSL 2+ had ADAT. Then I’d be complete and wouldn’t need the ssl 12. 10 inputs is fine for me when tracking drums. The 8 adat inputs could run off my digimax d8 for the shells and room mics (I sample blend the kit all the time anyway) and the two ssl Pres would be my overheads. I travel with my ssl 2+ now so the smaller and more powerful the interface could be would be great.

[@storybabble]

I hear you. That would be great.

[@tongelsing8570]

I'm very curious what are those many many ways he liked the SSLO12 for, the rest his review is more a kind of unboxing video than a review, he doesn't say that much.

[@storybabble]

Thanks fair.

[@7171jay]

While you do mention a few good details about the units basically the SSL12 is worth it for someone who needs the extra inputs and isn't for someone who doesn't. The extra inputs and outputs are also useful to people who re-amp with external hardware, something you didn't mention so you might not do I guess but it is important to some. For podcasters who need more than two inputs and other features something like the Rode Rodecaster or the Mackie DLZ might make more sense as the SSL12 is really more aimed at music creators.

[@storybabble]

Great insights. I’ve never re-amped, but it’s on my bucket list. Thanks for expertise. Appreciate it.

[@7171jay]

​@storybabble As you mentioned many people need just one or two inputs but there are situations where four or more come into use like with a drumkit or say even two people singing and both playing an instrument as well as re-amping to external hardware. The ADAT input may not be useful to a large number of people who buy the SSL12 but it does open up the possibility of doing really full drum kit mic'ing or even a whole band to those who do that kind of stuff. Honestly you dont have to spend $700 to get those other eight inputs working for you as the Behringer ADA8200 (eight mic input ADAT expander) is only a little over $200 and is really quite decent sounding.

[@storybabble]

Good to know. Thx

[@MikeSadlerAU]

32 bit is useful for *everyone* IMHO... paradoxically, especially those who are NOT pro-audio folk. With 32 bit, it's virtually impossible to clip (or, conversely, undercook) your signal... 'anywhere' in the middle of the level meter will give you a good enough signal without worrying about noise floor/clipping. Long term, especially with OB style recording, it's unlikely you'll ever get back 'home' to find you've not captured enough level to increase without adding lots of noise (usually because you were scared of clipping) or the reverse. This is especially true with recording live music, where you can't really hear the signal through the cans sufficiently to judge if it's distorted or not. FWIW, IMHO, YMMV, break-a-leg 😎

[@storybabble]

Well said. Thanks.

[@udeeksh]

For a mix engineer those 3 programmable buttons are worth additional 200USD

[@storybabble]

I hear you. They are nice.

[@seanmcdonough8815]

I would give them a break on the silk screening it should take you precisely one hour to memorize every function on that

[@storybabble]

Of course you’re right. Thanks.

[@endlessnameless4369]

'does thoughtful review meticulously comparing audio interfaces and then quesitons whether you need one at all'😂

[@storybabble]

What can I say. I’m complex.

[@TheTotonation]

The diference between 12 and 2 is 10 LOL Berhinger ada8200 is 200-300 and sound ok

[@storybabble]

lol. I tried a berhinger over 20 years ago and I hated it. I’m sure they’ve gotten better by now, but I am prejudiced by my bad experience.

[@bodiesands4654]

Please buy/use a better microphone for speaking! Really grating.

[@storybabble]

I hear you. I did get a new mic for that room my Sennheiser shotgun Mike was doing weird things on that room. But I also have a tendency to over compress my voice for clarity and because I hate the sound of my own voice. I do appreciate your criticism. Thank you for your honesty.

[@volanterodas]

good stuff

[@storybabble]

Thanks. I appreciate that.

[@renodigitalservice]

You Drive me Crazy with all those one dollars Bills!!!