How To Connect And Use An Audio Interface?

[@dans5529]

I love these detailed explanation videos that you make. They’re very helpful! You have a talent for breaking down complicated topics and explaining them in a way that makes sense, which isn’t easy to do.

[@stevenkastner5678]

Excellent basic primer on generic audio interface capabilities. If I was a total beginner, I'd find your video extremely useful.

[@sfn4702]

That talkback mic 😂 👏

[@tariel2k]

video quality improvements are seen

[@proxzi]

purple nails is the vibe

[@MrSRellz]

Very good demonstration of how to use such interfaces. I use RME so all of this applies

[@Whiteseastudio]

RME is the best!

[@Mopsie]

bro just grabbed the fanciest bling mic unit on the planet 16:31

[@PeterMetzger]

This is such a great overview of this format of interface! I have the SSL 12 (which DOES have a built-in talkback mic, by the way) and I think it's quite likely that a future iteration of my home studio will incorporate an 18. I previously had a Scarlett 18i20 and OctoPre, but both died, so I'm now using the 12 and an Audient Evo SP8. The SP8 has great in/out options as well like the Alpha 8, but with mic pre's - eventually (after swapping the SSL 12 out for an 18), I'd like to add an Alpha 8 to use for outboard gear and synth inputs... but that's all a year or two or three down the road.

[@teashea1]

Julian Krause's YT channel has the most comprehensive measurements of audio interfaces.

[@GaragebandandBeyond]

I really want that interface! I got the Pure Drive Octo Pre that I really love and would just love to have more SSL channels. Sent them an email about getting one in for review..fingers crossed! Hope all is well buddy!

[@lyrixFH]

Great video Wytse. You think in the future you could make a video on patchbays?

[@5adb0i]

Omg so glad to see you make a video on this! I saw when this product went live, and got excited to see them take the SSL12 and keep moving that idea onwards. Is nobody talking about the insanely casual TB mic drip??? No, we’re just gonna keep going…? Maximum aura tbh I think the main reason for having that external TB input is because they have the LMC built into the interface (Listen Mic Compressor). I think that’s a great of them to add since they released a plugin of it and the 500 series version is close to about $600. Wish it was stereo though (I’m assuming it’s mono currently, but I can’t confirm either way). I was the same level of disappointed as you were about the word clock since that keeps it at the tier of an 18i20 as opposed to an Apollo x8 Gen 2… The MIDI however drives me insane… 3.5mm TRS??? It’s not part of the USB-C port, from what I understand, and not a 5-pin… I get 5-Pin is a bit outdated; but I still find it highly preferable to this MIDI TRS, but I might just be biased bc the only MIDI I/O gear I have is through 5-pin or USB-B… I honestly didn’t even know 3.5mm MIDI was a thing until this thing got released lol The 67dB of preamp gain and Headphone Impedance options are great and appreciated, but nothing new. I wonder if they’ll do some kind of bundle with PureDrive Octo because that *does* have the word clock I/O and locking Neutrik CombiJacks for XLR and TRS… and even DB-25 I/O/R (for send and return) I’m honestly kind of disappointed in the Alpha 8 because the extra features it has feels like they could’ve just added it to the 18 for just a slightly higher price point and integrated it more heavily with Octo. Feels like that decision was more influenced by a desire to sell 3 products (instead of 2) than to make the best gear possible for consumers. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@loslobosjr]

Fantastic explanation, very well done, thanks!

[@hulk4eto]

what’s with the useful content, I’m here for speculation and drama? 💅

[@smbdyelse_music]

I neeeeeded this video! Thank you! Do you think this would be worth replacing my Apollo 8 interface? UA stuff with my windows computer is just a headache 😔

[@alfblack2]

Thank you for this video! learned alot.

[@chriscancookup]

After using an apogee ensemble with a built in T/B mic, I actually like this option on the SSL better. I ended up using Apogee Control software to select my Maschine MK3 as the talk back source and used a dynamic mic hooked to it, because I’ve never really like the built in T/B mics

[@seok84]

I always love the way he sais shpeakersh 😂 This interface looks very very nice. I was 'wow' then they announced the audient id48 few days ago. Now i am wow-er with this 🎉

[@djGreenALERT]

You asked if it was easy to follow? I've never set up one of these before but yes, I could follow the way you explained it very well indeed.

[@electricwhiterabbit]

Would love to see a review on the new Ferrofish Pulse 8AE. Have that connected to a RME Raydat would be killer with great latency.

[@JimGramze]

My needs are so much simpler. As a hobbyist I do everything solo, exclusively using virtual instruments and sometimes using a single mic. So my concerns are that the interface sounds good and that it is Mac CoreAudio compliant so it doesn't need any driver or other software and also won't crash and burn with the next system update. Different needs for different people. I use the SSL 2 audio interface and it is everything I need.

[@GiuseppeDeRosaDRStudio]

I congratulate you for the videos, always interesting. I have a question for those with more experience than me. I have an RME Raydat and currently use Ada8200 as preamps. I wanted to change and get an SSL8 or an Aida 8. Is it really worth it to get an SSL18? Or should I keep my RME and get an SSL Aida8? what do you recommend?

[@MellowXBrew]

I’m glad companies are embracing 32 bit like they are USB-C/TB. Basically it gives users faultless features. Dynamic Range becomes a literal thing of the past, even if you accidentally record at low levels and allows us to just focus on things to improve and innovate like aliasing filters.

[@nicolasmasset]

I think the manual states word clock in is possible through the digital ins?

[@tube-2025]

good to see you prepared and not doing the snake-oil ranting routine. 👍🏻

[@SeemoreDunkan]

2:10 I thought it's exactly the other way around with audio interfaces like Audient that sound better at a higher sample rate than lower ones. I thought that's the biggest difference between pro studio-grade converters (where it doesn't matter what sample rate you us as they all sound great) in comparison to the more home-studio budget interfaces where they just don't sound as good unless you use a higher sample rate

[@Whiteseastudio]

Some sound better, some don't sound better...

[@leofaulhaber5641]

Great explanations! Thanks!

[@CharlesTsaiE]

From the user manual, SSL12's line in&out THD+N specification is @-1dBFS, but on the SSL18, it change to @-8dBFS on input and @-10dBFS on output. Certainly lower the level results better THD+N performers, SSL used this trick.

[@Whiteseastudio]

There seems to be a standardised way to test these things, it's described in the AES-17... Guess who's going to do those standardised tests on a lot of interfaces soon...

[@bioglassmusic]

would have loved to see new AVB interfaces from MOTU.

[@brunohenriquenascimentosiq3966]

Increíble video con explicaciones excepcionales, la interfaz de ahdient id48 hace más sentido que está de ssl? Saludos desde España!!!

[@theweaz9975]

Does it work in standalone so you can just use it for the SSL sound with another interface through the adat

[@lucasjuniorproducer]

Why nor WC in? How do i clock with my Antelope OCX? Is it the same to clock via ADAT or SPDIF as BNC? Thank you..

[@Z3Chosen1]

Can you do please or mention how you process your audio to make it loud but at the same times pleasing.. ? Can you share you process? ?

[@MaFaKeys]

If I run Jamzone on an iPad, does it show the SSL as a multi channel device where I can see all channels from JZ as individual in the mixer on SSL? And if yes, can I still plug in additional synthesizers and a mic and have their own channel? If this works, it would be great! But then what if JZ has like 16 channels of output and I need 2 stereo synthesizer inputs and a mic input? How would it determine on what channel each of the inputs from JZ would go? This would go through USB.

[@mndcft_tv]

if you could connect the ssl 12 to the setup, that could solve the talkback problem?

[@gettingstuffdoneright5332]

Some strange decisions made, like why word clock input isn't included, and what are we doing with coaxial spdif?

[@SeventhSonMusic]

I wonder if the 18 has the same converters that are in the 2+ mkll or even higher end converters..

[@TheGurner1]

I'm considering that interface - after I grab new MacBook Pro M4 to replace, gradually, the 2010 Mac Pro

[@Nexustini]

This has to be a focusrite 18i20 killer right?

[@zakaroonetwork777]

Can you Mult the inputs. To monitor a vocal reverb via insert and record both wet and dry?

[@thunder-studios6255]

I am searching for this particular anwerfen, too. If you get it, please tell me.

[@FelipeHernandezCA]

Great video! I am curious on how do you like the SSL 18 in comparison to another unit, like the Apollo X8? The only videos I've seen on the SSL18 are promo videos but I'd like to get someone's unbiased honest opinion on the unit on whether it's worth it? The Apollo X8 is way more expensive but seems to have stood the test of time and is the standard. What do you think of the SSL 18 for a band and home studio set up with some analog gear? Thanks!

[@Mopsie]

any headphone amps recommendations for use cases like you described?

[@matteonolli]

Choose your HP amp for correct impedence with your headphones.

[@FadeEcomonics]

Can you do a pt2 on connecting external gear like Pre-Amps, Compressor’s, ect.

[@Biffinnbridge]

Neumann are you watching? MT-48 rack version. Hurry up.

[@nikhilup65]

Can I use two pairs of studio monitors simultaneously for Mixing using SSL 18

[@SiloSoundStudios]

Man, I really wish they had put a remote switch for the TB.

[@Max-bh1pl]

SSL 18 - S/PDIF instead of AES/EBU... why, SSL, why?

[@Whiteseastudio]

Yeah... WHY!?

[@Drumbaseuk]

Cheers for the vid. I was trying to find out if I could get 17 inputs with the 8 pre's and the talkback plus the alpha 8. I'm trying to record drums for atmos and need loads of inputs. I already have a 8 channel pre ready for the alpha 8. Thanks.

[@bothorsen4292]

It's really interesting that this comes a week after the Audient iD48 interface. These are very similar and the price is also in the same area. I'm really looking forward to a head to head review on those two. These are both much cheaper than the similarly featured RME UFX II, or maybe the 802 FS (which is less than the UFX but still substantially more). So an interesting video would also be to explain what you get extra for the money with RME. I liked your description with the drawings on how to set things up. Thank you for that. It wasn't confusing at all, even though all the different options could make it confusing :)

[@Whiteseastudio]

This is exactly why I want to be able to benchmark the sound quality of a converter

[@MarkusOsmers]

Seems like this is finaly an entry class Interface with some IO, also another candidate Arturia AudioFuse 16Rig

[@cl1xor]

The Audient is 300 euros cheaper though, AND it has DB25 inserts on 8 channels. For the rest connectivity is indeed similar

[@gabsauvage]

A thing you did not mention about this interface... The round trip latency performance is shit. 6 ms Mac 3.7 ms Windows At 32 buffer size 96khz latency. This is really bad... Motu 828 (the last one) does less than 2.5 ms RT latency, and is 100 euros more expansive only. But, it does not have 9 pres like the SSL. A shame, i really wanted the drivers to be good, as the hardware specs seem fantastic ; but if the software side does not match the hardware, i don't see what's the point

[@studio42.thelivesessions38]

Hey, thx for the video! I am using a Motu 828ES for years now, using the Adats for connecting my very old analogue Soundtracs Quartz mixing desk for 16 inputs via a ferrofish AD Converter. Stable via wordclock. Additional Line Ins (8) are for external preamps ( i luckily have a portico 2 channel strip) or other analogue stuff.... all works fine after getting used to the routing matrix which can do almost everything but is not soo easy in the beginning.... BUT :) what I would like to know is... how stable are the drivers? (I am on a PC, so i have to use the asio ones) i think this is one of the most important things when recording on a daily basis and doing some heavy inthebox mixing.... i am sure you may did not could say something about it without using it full spot on... RME is known for ages for the best in this game...unfortunately they are at least twice as much the price of the ssl (or my motu)... thought a lot to update my studio situation but well.... there is so much out there... maybe i chould checkout the ssl18 but then i would "lose" 2 inputs, as the motu has 8 line ins and 2 mic inputs extra. sorry for the very long reading. nice explaining overall this unit for people who start to buildup a studio :) thumbs up. thanks, i am watching your channel quite a lot :) cheers from germany!

[@t-y-s7726]

Kafmees is Top man! 😂

[@tekis0]

Ergonomicly, this unit makes a lot sense with its monitoring setup. Bravo SSL; they're good at that!

[@syjwg]

Haha! There wasn't any audio in the video, and I thought you did that intentionally. I had to restart the YT app for it to work.

[@AlexCornier]

I didn't know stereo was the new mono, i was falling behind.

[@TheMyopie]

TB is sooo BIG, mmhhhh.

[@SiloSoundStudios]

That Alpha 8 seems like a stiff. I can't believe it doesn't have DB25. Its basically an Alesis AI3 from 1993.

[@teashea1]

parts are well done - parts are disorganized and would be confusing to a beginner.

[@berkeleybernie]

I'm a fan of the channel. On this video, I would say you included some very basic info (i.e. connecting monitors to output jacks) as well as more advanced info (i.e. routing). I think the more advanced sections were far too rushed for a beginner and the basic was too basic for a more experienced person. I think the more advanced sections are harder for an experienced person like you to recognize because they are already second nature to you. So it has a bit of a target audience problem. Of course, each interface's software and each DAW are different, so routing is difficult to explain in a generalized non-specific way. Nevertheless, I'm sure some folks were able to learn from it.

[@MaxoticsTV]

I'm going to do a video about this. "Does 32-bit matter?" Let me put it this way, if you broke up a football field--300 feet--in 32-bit values you have 0.00000084 inches per unit inches per unit. (assume half football field neg/pos in audio so center is our 0). If you want to measure 24-bits of audio data on that field you'd need 14.09 inches before and after that halfway mark. The reason SSL is using 32-bit is only because it's easier for the chip maker to work with 32-bit in the chip, for whatever reason. The chip maker says they can do it so SSL puts it in the marketing literature because, what the heck, it's a big number. And IT IS... A BIG NUMBER ;) But in the real world not relevant to audio. That's my answer to your question.

[@emanuelrodriguez5488]

Please give me that interface 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@johnmcreason]

It's a shame that you can't plug in sources from synthesizers into the back of this sound card.

[@Whiteseastudio]

Why not?

[@johnmcreason]

@@Whiteseastudio I read the technical sheet on the site, it specifies Jack or XLR microphone input, it does not mention instruments but audio source, someone should test to check if we can use the inputs with something other than microphones...

[@dahlbaker]

Does the talk back mic have the built in compressor for smashing things (e.g. drums)?

[@m15km]

Talkback mic is on the engineer side so I'm not sure why you would want this? 🤔 If you stick a basic mic like an SM57/58 you should be all set.

[@dahlbaker]

@m15km It's a Solid State Logic drum hack.

[@5adb0i]

Yes it does, but I can’t confirm whether it’s mono or stereo.

[@beehype46and2]

Comment for da algorithm Streak count: 299 One more to go

[@SammiLucia]

something that's always annoyed me is a company makes a great audio interface, but just say "good luck!" with finding ADATs. i WISH they would make the main interface, AND maybe 1 or 2 options of ADAT so if you need 26/28 analog channels, it's EASY i've spent days or weeks trying to match ADATs to audio interfaces there's so few good ones

[@SammiLucia]

OMG they have an ADAT expander!! ... right! back to being an SSL fangirl, tysm SSL! 😊💕️

[@TropicIslandMusic]

Just had to clock in in case after all these years I was doing something wrong 😅

[@Drake21339]

I think the most important question that came up for me from watching this is… is .wav pronounced WAVE or WAHV??!!

[@dykodesigns]

Whytse is pronouncing it the way it is often pronounced in dutch. It’s kind of a literal phonetic pronunciation of the letters as a word. (Basically it’s turning an abbreviation into a word).

[@Drake21339]

@ oh good, I thought this was another “is it pronounced gif or jif” situation 😘

[@alainjulot3490]

All this talking is good but how about the sound quality?

[@ZikiMusicWHV]

For 1200€ you should not expect anything in quality

[@PeterPan-lu7cw]

I Never had the feeling on you channel the last 7 years, but this one really seems bought. I don’t care actually because I wouldn’t buy this product anyway but Id maybe more careful in the future

[@Whiteseastudio]

Interesting… it wasn’t bought, I just wanted to try something different. What made it feel that wat?

[@PeterPan-lu7cw]

It makes sense, maybe the way you presented this thing :-) I think your videos normally are brutally honest, or realistic towards products, and this one seemed a bit like the opposite, almost a bit “protective” Actually I believe you that I wasn’t a promotion and even if so it’s fine. I don’t wanna be a hater You put a lot of effort in the videos and I appreciate the work. Just telling you it seemed like you would recommend the product which you normally don’t really do. Though it would be a pitty Because Where else can I go to get unbiased opinions then 😂

[@Whiteseastudio]

Yeah, the thing is, there are product categories where it is super easy for me to be brutally honest because the proof is in the audio. You can listen along to it. For interfaces, this is a bit more difficult, but as I said, I’m working on benchmarking for interfaces so that I can also make the quality statements about that product category a bit more tangible. For this video, I just wanted to make the best out of what I currently can do. My idea for this video in particular was to make it interesting for a wider audiience then the interface was meant for.

[@allkindsofthings673]

No thunderbolt......no thanks