Many confuse Solid State Logic’s SSL 2+ with its SSL 2 audio interface.
While these interfaces are similar, the SSL 2+ offers various useful features such as 4K Legacy mode, separate phantom power controls for each input, and more, making it one of our favorite audio interfaces under $300.
Here’s a complete review of its recording quality, preamps, features, and other factors.
We’ll explain what we like about this interface and compare it to other models to help you decide if it’s the right choice.
Let’s take a closer look at what the SSL 2+ has to offer!
Overview
The Solid State Logic SSL 2+ is a two-input, four-output audio interface, mostly known for its unique 4K Legacy feature and exceptional recording quality.
It’s not the most mobile-friendly, but its large, spaced-out top panel design makes it very easy to navigate.
Overall Grade: A-
Build Quality: B+
Design Quality: A-
Recording Quality: A-
Preamps: A
Features: A-
Software Bundle: B+
Who is the Solid State Logic SSL 2+ Best for?
- Home Studio Recorders
- Beginners
- Advanced Musicians
- Podcasting
- Streaming
The SSL 2+ is best for home studio recorders.
There are better options if you need a compact interface for the road. But this unit has a spaced-out, intuitive layout that’s easy to navigate while recording.
It also has excellent mic preamps that work great with low-output dynamic mics making this unit ideal for podcasting and streaming.
Pros
- 4K Legacy Mode
- High-gain, low-noise mic preamps
- Separate phantom power controls for each input
- Intuitive, easy-to-navigate layout
Cons
- No clipping indicator
- LED indicators aren’t that useful
- Build quality could be slightly better
Solid State Logic SSL 2+ Review
Layout and Controls
The SSL 2+ has two mic/line/instrument inputs.
Each input has corresponding controls and a recording level meter on the top panel. These controls include a button to toggle phantom power.
There are also separate buttons to switch each ¼ inch to a line or instrument input. Below are gain knobs and a 4K Legacy button for each input.
Next, you’ll find a large main output and two headphone volume knobs. Plus, there’s a Monitor mix knob with a button for mono or stereo.
This unit also has two RCA and two ¼ inch main outputs, two ¼ inch headphone outputs, and a MIDI input and output.
Lastly, it connects via USB-C.
Build Quality
Grade: B+
This unit’s build quality is pretty good.
The top panel is made of metal, while the sides are made of plastic.
The plastic around the sides makes this interface more susceptible to damage from bumps and drops. But overall, it’s pretty hefty, and its knobs and controls feel very well-constructed.
Design Quality
Grade: A-
The SSL 2+’s large top panel design makes adjusting settings on this interface a breeze.
With easy-to-read labels, well-organized controls, and a large volume knob, many users appreciate the SSL 2+’s clear and concise design compared to similar units.
Recording Quality
Grade: A-
Frequency response is one way to measure recording quality.
It tells us how accurately an interface can reproduce sounds within the hearing range without unwanted changes in certain frequencies.
The SSL 2+ excels in this category with a nearly flat frequency response, meaning you can count on it to produce transparent recordings.
This interface also has high dynamic range mic inputs and low total harmonic distortion (THD+N).
Overall, some higher-end units may perform slightly better, but we’ve never been disappointed with this interface’s recording quality.
Related Post: How to Read Audio Interface Specs
Preamps
Grade: A
The SSL 2+ has excellent high gain, low-noise mic preamps.
What we like about its preamps is they work great with dynamic mics like the Shure SM7B. This microphone produces a low output, so it requires more gain to deliver a clean signal.
The SSL 2+’s mic preamps have a gain range of 62 dB and an equivalent input noise measurement of nearly -131 dBu.
In other words, they provide plenty of headroom to help you record loud, clean audio signals with different mics.
Features
Grade: A-
This interface has a nice set of features for beginner and advanced users.
The Legacy 4K button, inspired by SSL 4000 series consoles, boosts high frequencies while adding a touch of harmonic distortion. It’s perfect for adding brightness or clarity to your audio without extra processing.
We also like how this interface has separate phantom power controls for each input.
While this may seem like a small detail, having separate controls allows you to connect a condenser and dynamic simultaneously without damaging your equipment.
Condenser mics need phantom power, while dynamic mics don’t. However, many entry-level units have one phantom power setting for each input.
While this interface has a pair of LED level meters, I don’t find them that helpful. Plus, it would be nice if they had a clipping indicator.
Software Bundle
Grade: B+
The SSL 2 comes with an incredible selection of software tools, including Ableton Live 11 Lite.
You’ll also get plug-ins like Vocalstrip 2 and Drumstrip, as well as virtual instruments from AAS Session Bundle.
Other tools include Melodyne Essential – a pitch corrector – and access to Loopcloud samples.
Audio Interface Comparison
Solid State Logic SSL 2+ vs. Solid State Logic SSL 2
The SSL 2 and the SSL 2+ are very similar.
The main difference is the SSL 2+ has an extra set of main outputs, an additional headphone output, and a MIDI I/O. Otherwise, these interfaces have similar audio quality and features.
If you don’t need extra outputs, we recommend the SSL 2 since it’s about $100 less expensive.
Related Post: Solid State Logic SSL 2 Complete Review
Solid State Logic SSL 2+ vs. Motu M2
While the SSL 2+ and the Motu M2 produce excellent audio quality, the SSL 2+ is more versatile and user-friendly.
We give the edge to SSL 2+ since it has 4K Legacy mode and a Monitor mix knob.
In comparison, the M2 has limited features and on/off switches for direct monitoring, which offers less control.
Related Post: Motu M2 Complete Review
Solid State Logic SSL 2+ vs. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
The Focusrite Scarlett is the most popular audio interface, but we think the SSL 2+ is better all around.
Both perform well across the board. But the SSL 2+ has better mic preamps. It’s also more flexible since it has separate phantom power buttons for each input.
If you need a mobile interface, we recommend the Scarlett 2i2, but otherwise, we prefer the SSL 2+.
Related Post: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Review
Takeaway: Solid State Logic SSL 2+ Review
The Solid State Logic SSL 2+ offers excellent value for its price.
It has two mic/line/instrument inputs, four line outputs, and MIDI I/O.
The build quality is excellent, and it comes with 4K Legacy mode and some great software bundled in.
The SSL2+’s only downsides are its build quality could be slightly improved, and it doesn’t have a clipping indicator. But otherwise, the SSL 2+ is a great choice for those looking for a top-of-the-line entry-level audio interface.