If you're looking for comparison as far as sound quality is concerned, I replaced my steinberg UR824 that I used for many years with this interface. The SSL12 sounds cleaner and fuller. Pre-amps are really good. Converters are good. Drivers are solid. SSL 360 mixer is really easy to use for routing, and it's really nice. I've also used the focusrite 18i20 and an avid mbox 3 mini, If that helps. The SSL 12 sounds better to me. Really close to the mbox 3 sound, but still cleaner, more detailed and richer in sound. Better than the focusrite for sure. Don't let the price fool you, it's a really good interface. The rest depends on your in/out needs.
Been looking around for a new interface -- this video was super helpful! I've never upgraded beyond my Scarlet 2i2, but this seems like a worthy consideration for some new gear.
Your laptop keeps the USB ports powered for charging, your phone for instance. That's a setting that could be in the BIOS or in software of your laptop. Every USB audio device or controller should have a power switch. My Arturia Minilab 3 doesn't and is on 24/7 (lol), my interface has a power switch (iostation 24c)
Ohhhh, I’m going to look into the setting of my USB ports! This interface has a power switch, but I hate switching a ton of stuff on and off, lol. Thank YOU!!! I’ll report back!
@@JCruzProject Glad I could help ! On my Win desktop it's a software setting of the motherboard manufacturer (Gigabyte). My MSI laptop powers off the USB ports so I don't know
I agree - I recently had a recording session at home...used the 4K button...compressed vocal plug-in from LPX and added a slight touch of reverb...and awesome sounding vocal was recorded...alot of folks should look into the SSL+2...it works!!
@@celsiusmusic1204 probably the most useful peace of gear I've bought in a long time. The midi jacks are handy too. I run my Alesis e drums into that and then run Steven Slate drums, in my DAW. Saves me a USB port on my computer and works better than the USB midi, for some reason.
Hello again from Dublin, I hope you are well I hooked up my Bass Guitar to my new SSL12 today and connected it to my DAW (pro tools artist) and monitored it via Headphones. Unusually, while the Bass tone sounded really great on my headphones prior to hitting “record” on my DAW, once I actually started recording, the Bass Tone changed significantly and emanated a very “hollow” sounding tone. Even more unusually, I went ahead and recorded anyway, and during subsequent playback, the tone sounded great again, exactly as it did prior to the recording. So I’m wondering, would you have any idea, why would the great SSL12 tone that I’m hearing in my headphones reduce in quality, once I engage the record switch on my DAW? Thanks for reading Cheers Niall 🎸
Great video! Any latency issues when tracking in large track count sessions? The only reason I'm holding on to my Apollo is for the extremely low latency tracking while monitoring through the interface.
Hey good review, I was curious as if you can use all 4 outputs (2 pairs of speakers) at the same time? It sounds like the alt switch just toggles between the two pairs, not using them simultaneously. I would like to channel the output to higher frequency set of speakers and then a midrange and subwoofer pair at the same time but it sounds like you can’t do that. Please clarify.
Hello. It's my understanding that all 4 can be used at the same time. I now use a monitor controller (another addition/option) that can easily incorporate extra monitor setups/options.
I bought SSL12 about two months ago, but I couldn't produce a professional sound through the Studio One program. Do you have a solution to output the sound directly in a professional way? Please help me 😔
Is it just me, or there's someone else who's their SSL12 wont handle the buffer size on his bigger sessions? 🤔 My 2+ was doing just fine. Is it my laptop ??
Hey from Dublin. A very cool and useful video, thank you I ordered an SSL 12 today A technical question….if I may ask, please I’m a Bass Player and will use this product for recording bass covers with my DAW (pro tools) and an Ampeg SGT DI Box I will be plugging my Bass into my Ampeg SGT DI Box pedal My question is, If I want to avail of the tones from my Ampeg DI and thus connect my Ampeg SGT DI Bass pedal to my SSL12 Audio Interface, should I connect my balanced line out cable from my Ampeg DI Box into the “Inst 1” or “Inst 2” slot on the front of the SSL12 OR should I connect it into one of XLR slots at the back of the SSL 12? Cheers. Niall 🎸
Hey Niall! So essentially the back of the interface can work as instrument inputs as well. No need to worry about plugging directly into the face. That placement is there for convenience. Now, your pedal is a DI pedal, I would personally use the XLR Output (Line Level) into the back of the interface.
@@JCruzProject Ah thanks so much. I really appreciate your swift response and advice. I will try that and hope to upload my first bass cover video using my SSL in 2 weeks time. Cheers. Niall 🎸
@@JCruzProject Hey man, one last question if you don’t mind… I see from some SSL 12 promotional videos that there is a cool USB adaptor for type A and type C USB laptops/desktops etc which is a great feature If I acquired one of those USB “multi-adaptors” that enables a connection from the USB A/C to a “lightning” source, would I be able to connect my SSL 12 to my iPhone 12 Pro Max? Cheers Niall 🎸
Hey. It’s my understanding that using the “Line Input” bypasses the preamps allowing use of outboard mic-pres. And I personally don’t use plug-in’s for my guitar inputs.
is it possible to output every single inputs separately with those outputs.....like just let the sound through? maybe with some effects but separatey every track
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?
Hi thanks for the video. in the 360 software can I route a reverb or compressor back to the 12 interface? If i am going to record vocals i like a little reverb and compression.
Do you need the 360 app open for the last changes you made to be saved? Like if you set up headphones A to get -20 dB of input 1 and you close the app/reboot the ssl12, does that save to the hardware? Or do you have to open up the 360 software again
Depends on what your needs are. I don’t think you can go wrong either way. But I prefer the SSL 12 when comparing units within the same price range/features.
I have just changed from the Clarett to this. I'm really impressed so far and the 360 software is immense and offers so much more than the Focusrite control app. 😎
Was this demo recorded using 32bit sampling? Is it possible to normalize clipping instrumental input, after in session, to have undamaged guitar track as others advertise 32bit recording?
I guess I'm just old school. Seeing $500 attached to the SSL name made me worried initially. Made me feel like it'd be cheap garbage. It seems like a great interface of course, on par with any other brand for $500. Having worked with SSL consoles worth hundreds of thousands of dollars and channel strips worth thousands alone...$500 is suspiciously "cheap". $500 Focusrite? Fairly high end investment. $500 SSL? "Why so cheap?"
I will say, the casing is not as “sturdy” feeling. It appears to focus was on the pre-amps and not so much on the quality of the casing. Good unit overall.
not on par with 500, dude! lol. on par with 1500 interfaces, just less inputs. But it has SSL UF1 and UF8 to integrate with so it is part of top luxury. NO 4 input interface should cost more than 500 in 2023.
Hey, thats great news. Gives me pleasure to know that you're creating music with this unit. We all have our preferences. I may need a different thing to look at. Or…. shall I give it one more try with my Mac tonight? Maybe! I just finished my Ableton live course and I hated that when I started, but I still completed. Enjoy creating!@@JCruzProject
If you're looking for comparison as far as sound quality is concerned, I replaced my steinberg UR824 that I used for many years with this interface. The SSL12 sounds cleaner and fuller. Pre-amps are really good. Converters are good. Drivers are solid. SSL 360 mixer is really easy to use for routing, and it's really nice. I've also used the focusrite 18i20 and an avid mbox 3 mini, If that helps.
The SSL 12 sounds better to me. Really close to the mbox 3 sound, but still cleaner, more detailed and richer in sound. Better than the focusrite for sure. Don't let the price fool you, it's a really good interface. The rest depends on your in/out needs.
Hey man! Phenomenal straight to the point video! Subbed immediately! Just got mine today can’t wait to dig into it!
Just got one after starting a home studio last year. Absolute class with it. No regrets.
Very cool. Glad you like it!
that high pass for guitar cleaned it up a lot.
Been looking around for a new interface -- this video was super helpful! I've never upgraded beyond my Scarlet 2i2, but this seems like a worthy consideration for some new gear.
So glad I could help 🙏🏼
I've just changed from the Clarett to this. Really impressed so far and the 360 software is a massive improvement on the Focusrite control app. 😎
Good review, got one on the way, looking forward to getting to grips, cheers 😎
Nice! Enjoy it.
Your laptop keeps the USB ports powered for charging, your phone for instance. That's a setting that could be in the BIOS or in software of your laptop. Every USB audio device or controller should have a power switch. My Arturia Minilab 3 doesn't and is on 24/7 (lol), my interface has a power switch (iostation 24c)
Ohhhh, I’m going to look into the setting of my USB ports! This interface has a power switch, but I hate switching a ton of stuff on and off, lol. Thank YOU!!! I’ll report back!
@@JCruzProject Glad I could help ! On my Win desktop it's a software setting of the motherboard manufacturer (Gigabyte). My MSI laptop powers off the USB ports so I don't know
I started with the SSL 6 and now I have the Big 6, UF1, UC1, UF8, SSL 2 and the 12. It’s probably overkill but I can’t afford the Origin.
Just changed from a Focusrite Clarett to the SSL 12. Now trying to get up to speed with it. 😎
What about sound quality?
What was missing with the Clarett? Not the +?
Claretts are also one of the most underrated interfaces! as well as this one imo@@rjb7569
The 4k switch works great for vocals.
Yeah, I can definitely see that. Adding some nice punch/clarity. 💯
I agree - I recently had a recording session at home...used the 4K button...compressed vocal plug-in from LPX and added a slight touch of reverb...and awesome sounding vocal was recorded...alot of folks should look into the SSL+2...it works!!
@@celsiusmusic1204 probably the most useful peace of gear I've bought in a long time. The midi jacks are handy too. I run my Alesis e drums into that and then run Steven Slate drums, in my DAW. Saves me a USB port on my computer and works better than the USB midi, for some reason.
Great video! Try switching off first SSL and then PC. Should work.
Hello again from Dublin,
I hope you are well
I hooked up my Bass Guitar to my new SSL12 today and connected it to my DAW (pro tools artist) and monitored it via Headphones.
Unusually, while the Bass tone sounded really great on my headphones prior to hitting “record” on my DAW, once I actually started recording, the Bass Tone changed significantly and emanated a very “hollow” sounding tone.
Even more unusually, I went ahead and recorded anyway, and during subsequent playback, the tone sounded great again, exactly as it did prior to the recording.
So I’m wondering, would you have any idea, why would the great SSL12 tone that I’m hearing in my headphones reduce in quality, once I engage the record switch on my DAW?
Thanks for reading
Cheers
Niall 🎸
Great video! Any latency issues when tracking in large track count sessions? The only reason I'm holding on to my Apollo is for the extremely low latency tracking while monitoring through the interface.
I’ve had a very good experience. If I am experiencing latency, it’s extremely low.
@@JCruzProject Good to know. Thanks!
I love my SSL 2+. Also lover my old Focusrite Saffire until it was stolen lol.
Ah man. So sorry to hear that!
resembles a madcat ...nice looking tele
🙏🏼🙏🏼
Hey good review, I was curious as if you can use all 4 outputs (2 pairs of speakers) at the same time? It sounds like the alt switch just toggles between the two pairs, not using them simultaneously. I would like to channel the output to higher frequency set of speakers and then a midrange and subwoofer pair at the same time but it sounds like you can’t do that. Please clarify.
Hello. It's my understanding that all 4 can be used at the same time. I now use a monitor controller (another addition/option) that can easily incorporate extra monitor setups/options.
I bought SSL12 about two months ago, but I couldn't produce a professional sound through the Studio One program. Do you have a solution to output the sound directly in a professional way? Please help me 😔
Hey. Unfortunately, without knowing your exact set up, it would be difficult to know what’s going on.
Is it just me, or there's someone else who's their SSL12 wont handle the buffer size on his bigger sessions? 🤔 My 2+ was doing just fine. Is it my laptop ??
Is it possible to plug preamped mics into those two hi z inputs thus expanding to 6 mic set up?
Well, you actually add up to 8 more mics with ADAT.
I don't need the DSP, I just need record voices with the best quality possible, which do you recommend SSL2 vs Apollo Twin?
Different price points, however if you can afford the Apollo Twin, go for it!
Hey from Dublin.
A very cool and useful video, thank you
I ordered an SSL 12 today
A technical question….if I may ask, please
I’m a Bass Player and will use this product for recording bass covers with my DAW (pro tools) and an Ampeg SGT DI Box
I will be plugging my Bass into my Ampeg SGT DI Box pedal
My question is, If I want to avail of the tones from my Ampeg DI and thus connect my Ampeg SGT DI Bass pedal to my SSL12 Audio Interface, should I connect my balanced line out cable from my Ampeg DI Box into the “Inst 1” or “Inst 2” slot on the front of the SSL12 OR should I connect it into one of XLR slots at the back of the SSL 12?
Cheers.
Niall 🎸
Hey Niall! So essentially the back of the interface can work as instrument inputs as well. No need to worry about plugging directly into the face. That placement is there for convenience. Now, your pedal is a DI pedal, I would personally use the XLR Output (Line Level) into the back of the interface.
@@JCruzProject Ah thanks so much. I really appreciate your swift response and advice. I will try that and hope to upload my first bass cover video using my SSL in 2 weeks time. Cheers. Niall 🎸
@@JCruzProject Hey man, one last question if you don’t mind…
I see from some SSL 12 promotional videos that there is a cool USB adaptor for type A and type C USB laptops/desktops etc which is a great feature
If I acquired one of those USB “multi-adaptors” that enables a connection from the USB A/C to a “lightning” source, would I be able to connect my SSL 12 to my iPhone 12 Pro Max?
Cheers
Niall 🎸
Can the preamps be bypassed if you want to use outboard preamps? And when you played guitar: what plugin did you use?
Hey. It’s my understanding that using the “Line Input” bypasses the preamps allowing use of outboard mic-pres. And I personally don’t use plug-in’s for my guitar inputs.
is it possible to output every single inputs separately with those outputs.....like just let the sound through? maybe with some effects but separatey every track
If I’m understanding you correctly, yes. That would be possible.
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?
Hey! So, though I’ve never used the u-phoria, I would say the preamps alone would be a huge upgrade. Not to mention the features/set-up possibilities.
Hi thanks for the video. in the 360 software can I route a reverb or compressor back to the 12 interface?
If i am going to record vocals i like a little reverb and compression.
Hey. Not sure I’m understanding your question. However, in most cases you can use plugin effects such as delay and reverb within your DAW.
Do you need the 360 app open for the last changes you made to be saved? Like if you set up headphones A to get -20 dB of input 1 and you close the app/reboot the ssl12, does that save to the hardware? Or do you have to open up the 360 software again
Though I have the app loaded, I don’t use/open it when I’m using the unit. So it would appear to be a save on the hardware.
@@JCruzProject sweet! appreciate the reply
which will you recommend between focusrite and SSL12?
Depends on what your needs are. I don’t think you can go wrong either way. But I prefer the SSL 12 when comparing units within the same price range/features.
I have just changed from the Clarett to this. I'm really impressed so far and the 360 software is immense and offers so much more than the Focusrite control app. 😎
@@kadiummusic
Why did you leave the Clarett for the SL 12? Were you using the Clarett+?
Was this demo recorded using 32bit sampling? Is it possible to normalize clipping instrumental input, after in session, to have undamaged guitar track as others advertise 32bit recording?
Hey. I BELIVE I did 🥴. I would need to look into that to learn more about that process. #stilllearning
The permanent power on is your laptop feature and has nothing to do with ssl12
I guess I'm just old school. Seeing $500 attached to the SSL name made me worried initially. Made me feel like it'd be cheap garbage. It seems like a great interface of course, on par with any other brand for $500.
Having worked with SSL consoles worth hundreds of thousands of dollars and channel strips worth thousands alone...$500 is suspiciously "cheap".
$500 Focusrite? Fairly high end investment.
$500 SSL? "Why so cheap?"
I will say, the casing is not as “sturdy” feeling. It appears to focus was on the pre-amps and not so much on the quality of the casing. Good unit overall.
not on par with 500, dude! lol. on par with 1500 interfaces, just less inputs. But it has SSL UF1 and UF8 to integrate with so it is part of top luxury. NO 4 input interface should cost more than 500 in 2023.
The sound is great (huge stars like Estiva use it) but it’s not an intuitive interface
on screen for me to use. It’s confusing. I sent it back.
Sorry to hear that. It's been working out great for me thus far.
Hey, thats great news. Gives me pleasure to know that you're creating music with this unit. We all have our preferences. I may need a different thing to look at. Or…. shall I give it one more try with my Mac tonight? Maybe! I just finished my Ableton live course and I hated that when I started, but I still completed. Enjoy creating!@@JCruzProject
@@JayVucci Hey, you never know!
Bonus: the interface comes with about $300 worth of plug-ins.
Can’t lose!!!!
If you want to run some outboard gear, these small interfaces just don't get it done.
I do run outboard compressors and pre's with this interface. However, I have yet to try running mixes out into outboard gear.
Your device doesn't turn off because your laptop is correctly configured for DAW with USB power management disabled. Doh!