In the more affordable range, SSL have produced three cost-effective interfaces, the SSL 2, SSL 2+, and SSL 12.

Interfaces

The SSL 2 are 2+ are perfect entry level interfaces, well spec'd for the price with the 2+ offering additional outputs and MIDI I/O. However, the SSL 12 is where it gets really interesting, it has 4 mic pre-amps, plus two additional line/instrument in's and each microphone input has a 75hz high pass filter with a 18dB per octave slope, which is perfect for removing low rumble from source recordings.

The 12 can also be expanded via ADAT, so we are keeping our fingers crossed that soon a dedicated 8-channel pre-amp will be released for expansion.

It is also compatible with SSL's 360 software, which hosts the SSL mixer software, where you are able to control loopback functiionality, headphone routing and customise the front panel buttons. You are even able to the change the headphone output impedance from this interface, meaning you shouldn't require an additional headphone amp for high impedance headphones.

This is all packed into a very small unit, but it doesn't stop there. The line outputs on the device are also DC coupled, so you are able to send control voltage from the outputs. This is perfect if you want to add analog synths to your rig, and you don't need to build a wall-sized modular setup as most low-cost synths have CV input, such as the Korg Volca series or Teenage Engineering Pocket Operators.

Lastly, all of these interfaces come bundled with software, most notably SSL production pack plugins and Melodyne Essential, which although being the entry-level version, costs €99 on it's own and puts you on a lower-cost upgrade path to versions with extended features. Just make sure to keep an eye out for discounts around Black Friday time.

Legacy 4K

Additionally, all of the interfaces include a switchable 'Legacy 4K' option on each individual microphone input, which is inspired by the 4000 series console and adds a subtle harmonic distortion character to recordings. For alternatives in this price-range it would be impossible not to make comparisons to the UAD Volt series of interfaces which have a similar vintage option on the microphone input, adding harmonic distortion emulating the UA610 pre-amp. Side by side with the SSL 12, the Volt 476P stacks up pretty well, but with only half the amount of headphone outputs and no digital expansion options, the SSL offers a lot more features. However it's worth mentioning that the UAD does include a switchable compressor based on the 1176.

500 Series

SSL has made updates to their 500 series modules to align them with their existing range. The VHD module has been upgraded to the VHD+, now featuring a dedicated TRS input on the front panel. Additionally, the 'Listen Mic Compressor' has been transformed into the LMC+, which includes new 'scoop' and 'split' functions. These enhancements aim to provide better compression control across the frequency spectrum.

To give these modules a fresh look, SSL has updated their naming and faceplates to resemble newer products like the Fusion and Bus+. This strategic move allows SSL to re-release these modules as "new" units, while they remain largely similar to the original 500 series modules under the hood.

Criticism would be unwarranted as SSL is accomplishing something many other "Heritage" companies fail to do: providing their signature sound and value to newer generations of customers in the more affordable market segment, without compromising on sound quality or features.

SSL has also introduced lower-cost 500 series units and interfaces, with no signs of halting their expansion efforts. Notably, they recently unveiled the B-Series DYN module, a colored version of their popular E-Series, catering to different sonic preferences.

Although this article primarily focuses on the affordable range, it would be remiss not to mention the mid-range products that have received significant attention lately—the Fusion and Bus+.

Both the Fusion and Bus+ integrate built-in features from SSL's most renowned products, such as the Fusion's Listen Mic Compressor and the Bus+'s SSL G-Series Bus Compressor. Moreover, these units possess hidden capabilities that expand their functionality beyond initial impressions.

A noteworthy development is taking the revised features of mid-range products and incorporating them into more affordable packages. SSL has achieved this with the 500 series Ultraviolet EQ. The UV EQ borrows the EQ section from the Fusion and introduces additional adjustable Q settings for the mid-band, similar to the E-Channel. Furthermore, it incorporates a focus switch to further widen the bandwidth for precise frequency targeting.

Best Value

Following on from the success of the Big SiX mixers, SSL now have an eye-wateringly affordable 500 series channel strip, SiX channel, our favourite of the newer 500 series modules by far. This is an extremely affordable high-quality channel strip that comes with four bands of parametric EQ, a SuperAnalogue mic-pre, and a one-knob compressor based on the G-Series bus compressor pulled from the SiX and big SiX mixers.

It has a 75hz high-pass filter, the ability to switch the EQ from shelf to bell curve and the compressor is a program-dependent feed-forward style compressor with automatic make-up gain.

This unit has just the right amount of features to enable you to move quickly during recording sessions without becoming overwhelmed by endless settings. We are of the opinion that gear shouldn't stand between you and the recording, and although initially we were skeptical of a one-knob compressor, it's actually a blessing, just turn it until it sounds good and if you need something more heavy-handed you can patch in a dedicated compressor for this purpose. The compressor in our experience, works on mostly everything and you can even push this thing into absolute chaos which works great on drum room mics.

SSL don't have dedicated 500 series power supply, but there are extremely affordable options out there and it's a worthy investment if you want to enhance the your productions with some nice outboard choices.

Overview

Whilst the decision to update the older 500 series modules to look like the newer range doesn't necessarily match the aesthetic of the originals, it's what's inside that counts, and the updated features and lower price point are a great advantage to the ever increasing range.

Overall, the lower cost 500 series modules and interfaces are a welcome and extremely clever move by SSL to create products that put their revered sound into the hands of home and small studio owners, as well as content creators and artists.

We spoke to SSL at Superbooth23 and they weren't prepared to say too much about new products that may be coming, but they gave us a rundown of all of the SSL Bus+ features and the video is now live on our YouTube channel.

As big fans of SSL, we are excited to see what's coming next!