Solid State Logic SSL 4chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Several users report problems after firmware updates or on macOS, including glitching with no audio playing, distorted crackling sounds on startup that persisted across multiple replacement units, and single-channel audio output after an OS update.

@emmfdez812

I have the SSL12 but everytime that I shutdown and turn on my Mac, the soud that comes from the interface is distorted, like a crackling or popping sounds, it happens only when I shutdown my computer completely, after a couple of minutes, it starts to sound normal. Anyone with the same issue? SSL sent me another unit and it has the same issue, also I tested on different Macs with no success.launch

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June 26, 2024

@chrisjsteinke

Hey Mike, great video and review. I was wondering if you’re using Ventura or Sonoma. I bought the 2+ and on Sonoma , I get audio output on one channel. Everything worked fine until I updated to 14.5😢launch

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May 20, 2024

@foundationstudio

I just installed my SSL 12 and everything was running smoothly at 32bit 192KHz but after opening SSL 360, it prompted a firmware update, which I did, and immediately after that it started glitching even without audio playing. Nothing seems to work anywhere and there's no way to revert the firmware or drivers. I even clean installed Windows to see if that was the issue and it persist =( What can I do?launch

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November 6, 2023

Multiple users criticize the absence of an on/off switch, forcing repeated plugging and unplugging that adds wear to the unit and cables. One owner says this practice caused an internal circuit failure on an earlier SSL 2 unit.

@lightning-audio-and-reviews

Great Video Julian - What I want to know is Why can't they put a on / off power button on these things.. Fail, Fail, Fail but besides that its great.. it sucks having to plug it in and unplug it all the time which adds a bunch of wear and tear on the unit and cables. especially if you use it allot or several time a day or something. i run some gaming channels, a audio review channel and i just hate how most smaller interfaces don't have a power button..launch

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November 2, 2024

@castleman170

A negative point about this interface is that it does not have a shutdown button. For that same reason my first generation SSL 2 interface had an internal circuit cut and did not work again. The positive thing is its clean and transparent sound, but I think that not having an on and off option makes me afraid of buying another one and losing my money.launch

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November 2, 2024

Commenters mention past issues with mode/function switches disintegrating and connectors being attached only to the PCB rather than mechanically to the frame, raising concerns about long-term durability.

@charlessmyth

My experience of the original SSL-2 was fine except for the mode/function switches that quickly disintegrated. I wonder if this has been resolved for the SSL-2 MkII via soft/logic switches, like those that apply to the SSL-12. The input impedance for the mic remains at 1.2k. This is a professional studio standard, but it would be better at 3K to apply less of a load for the likes of a Shure beta 58A, AKG C7, AKG C636, or any of the popular economy class condensers that have a low source impedance, but have a limited drive capability. At 3K the gain would not have to turned up so much, which would offer better control of the gain knob as it approaches the end of its travel. Would also help to reduce noise by as much as 6db. For a Windows PC, be sure to select the WASAPI option so that the display on the DAW reads as high as the display on the panel meters of the interface.launch

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January 7, 2025

@riangarianga

I was looking forward to you reviewing these, thank you!\n\nIt's great to know how sound quality improved. Especially the headphone output, key for EQing or mixing with them.\n\nFrom the usability perspective, the 2+ MKII brings the benefit of the additional monitoring outputs, that would be really great to have for my use case. The feature of individually managing A and B headphone outputs is also great.\n\nI see a few cons compared to their MKI counterparts, though:\n- They are much uglier 😛. The first generation had sober, classic albeit modern, overall beautiful design. This one loses colours on the knobs, and that black background isn't great.\n- Connectors aren't mechanically attached to the frame, just to the PCB. This is a point of failure.\n- LED meters would be more practical measuring 3 or 6 dB increments, this was some frequent criticism they didn't address.\n- They have similarly-looking push buttons. It's unclear if they changed them under the hood, because in the MKI they're a source of trouble.launch

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October 30, 2024

Two commenters note the removal of the dedicated monitor-mix knob found on earlier models, calling it essential and asking how to blend a new vocal track with the mix without it.

@juanprivera

Since there is no monitor-mix knob anymore, how do you exactly blend the mix with a new vocal track that you are recording? What exact feature on the 360 mixer does this?launch

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December 30, 2022

@usernameihavechosen289

The Monitor Mix knob is absolutely essential, how come it's been omitted.launch

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December 3, 2022

A couple of users note that measured latency was higher than expected for the interface's class, with one pointing to a competitor's noticeably better latency performance.

@EnricoDePaoli

Hi Julian, congrats for your super detailed in-depth videos. At around 10:20, you mention that \"to your surprise the interfaces performed worse than you expected, and that in lower sample rates the (latency) times are about double of what you'd expect from interfaces in this class\" - however, upon watching your videos on the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th gen, and the MOTU M2, they measured almost twice the times you posted here for the SSLs. Did I miss something? Thank you very much for your time. Best, Enrico De Paolilaunch

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December 9, 2025

@jeremyjohnson7676

Audient EVO have much better latency, I never would expect this when it comes to something from SSL. I got the Audient Evo because of your video by the way, best audio interface for the money in my opinion.launch

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October 30, 2024

One user reports that despite expectations of either one balanced or two unbalanced headphone connections, only a single mono connection is actually supported per jack, and this isn't clearly explained in the manual.

@peergynt9938

ATTENTION: It is often reported that when switching headphones either 1 x symmetrical or 2 x unsymmetrical is available. This is not the case and SSL does not explain this clearly in the manual either. Only 1 x mono (symmetrical/unsymmetrical) is available each. I am not satisfied :-(launch

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November 6, 2025

One new owner felt the included 'Production Pack' software bundle was underwhelming and was disappointed that no discount was offered on SSL's own channel strip plugin.

@eddievanheinous666

Just got mine last week and it sounds amazing. But not at least offering a discount on your channel strip is pretty stingy. The \"Production Pack software bundle\" it comes with is a joke.launch

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April 26, 2023