Compact and competitively priced, the SSL 2 USB-C Audio Interface Kit with MIDI Keyboard, Mic, Headphonesdesktop 2x2 USB audio interface puts legendary SSL analog character, pristine conversion, and intuitive console-style workflow within reach for producers, home recordists, musicians, and songwriters on a tight budget.

Its two SSL-designed mic preamps—accessible via XLR-1/4" combo inputs—feature class-leading gain, headroom, and noise specs for tracking mics, electric instruments, or line-level signals with ultraclean definition. When you do want some character and pizzazz for an input, simply press that channel's Legacy 4K button to add a high-frequency boost and smooth harmonic distortion, both inspired by the classic and heralded 4000-Series consoles used on countless hit records.

Both input channels, which are arranged vertically like a large-format mixing board, also provide 5-segment LED metering and selectable 48V phantom power per channel. The SSL 2 is equipped with a pair of monitor outputs and a high-current headphone out with high dynamic range, independent level control via Alps pots, and a selectable mono/stereo monitor mix.

The layout of the interface harkens back to SSL's classic large-format analog consoles, featuring a prominent monitor level knob and smaller controls for your headphone out and monitor mix. The monitor mix knob can be used to counter any latency while recording at high buffer rates in your DAW by sourcing the monitor signal directly from the input path. Or rotate the knob to the right to introduce more of the USB return from your computer for easy overdubs.

Bundled with the SSL 2 is the SSL Production Pack, an inspiring collection of software, sounds, and plug-ins that'll not only help you get started, but also keep your work fresh track after track. Included are 1.5GB of loops and samples from Loopcloud, over 2000 sounds from Native Instruments, two DAWs (Pro Tools | First and Ableton Live Lite), and SSL's own Vocalstrip 2 and Drumstrip plug-ins.

Producers, Home Recordists, Musicians    SSL 2 USB-C Audio Interface    Akai MPK Mini MK3 25-Key MIDI Controller    Audio-Technica AT2020 Condenser Mic    512 AUDIO Academy Closed-Back Headphones    Mic Stand, XLR Cable, Pop Filter    Bus Powered / Mac, Windows    2 Mic/Line/Instrument Preamps    24-Bit / 192 kHz Converters by AKM    DAWs, Plug-Ins, Loops, Samples

Both mic preamps on the SSL 2 provide up to 62 dB of gain to ensure optimal recording levels for your favorite condenser mic, industry-standard dynamic mics such as the Shure SM7B, and electric instruments such as guitar and bass. They incorporate a two-stage design with low-noise transistors and ICs (integrated circuits) to deliver top-of-the-line noise performance and ample gain.

Each input section offers switches for +48V phantom power and selection of line-level or Hi-Z input signal. Plus, you'll find 5-segment LED metering and gain knobs on both channels.

Underneath the gain knobs on both input channels, you'll note the Legacy 4K button. This feature helps you bring dull, uninspiring audio to life as you record it, doing so by adding subtle harmonic distortion and a high-frequency boost. Both are analog processes that take their cue from the sound of the legendary and classic SSL 4000 Series consoles, hence the name 4K.

Presented on the rear panel of the SSL 2 are 1/4" jacks for the stereo monitor outs and the high-current NJM headphone amp output. Separate high-quality pots are provided for independent volume control of your speakers and headphones.

Packed with the same AKM AD/DA converters as SSL's acclaimed Alpha-Link I/O products, the SSL 2 offers pristine conversion at up to 24-bit / 192 kHz. Record and mix confidently knowing that the interface captures and reproduces your tracks without compromise

The SSL 2 is laden with high-grade Neutrik connectors and Alps pots, and all knobs and switches are reminiscent of iconic SSL consoles.

Since the SSL 2 is powered via USB, there's no need to be concerned with power cables, AC adapters, or batteries. It sports a USB Type-C connection and includes USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables for easy hookup to your Mac/Windows computer.

• DAWs: Pro Tools | First (plus an exclusive collection of 23 plug-ins) and Ableton Live Lite
• Virtual Instruments: Native Instruments Hybrid Keys and Komplete Start
• Plug-Ins: Vocalstrip 2 and Drumstrip, plus a 6-month trial of all SSL Native plug-ins
• Samples and Loops: 1.5GB of curated content from Loopcloud

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. If a phantom button is pushed on, will it be memorized after the unit is turned off or disconnected?

A: As per MOTU, the unit would default to it's last settings prior to being powered down. The Phantom Power should remain on.

Q: 2. Is the software Mac compatible?

A: This device and it's software are Mac compatible.

Q: 3. does this interface work with Beyerdynamic DT 990 pro 250 ohms?

A: Yes the Motu M2 headphone output can drive 250 ohm headphones.

Q: 4. Can you connect it directly to the new IPad Air 4th gen, via USB-C, or do you need an adaptor/CCK?

A: Yes, the MOTU M4 can be connected directly to iOS devices with USB-C running iOS 9 or later using a standard USB-C to USB-C cable.

Q: 5. My source audio will be L/R line level Stereo going in to the SSL 2... coming out I will want it to go via USB into to my laptop W10. Is this possible? I normally use my W10 Desktop with a high end sound card to accomplish this, but I have to go on location. Many thanks

A: Yes that will work.

Q: 6. Can you apply EQ and then listen live using loop back with no latency?

A: Yes, you can. Round trip latency is just 2.5 ms, so while it is not no latency, it is about as fast as it can get in this class of interface.

Q: 7. Can I use the TRS outputs and RCA outputs at the same time(4 speakers)

A: Yes you can use both at same time

Q: 8. Is this device compatible with the new Apple M1 computers?

A: As of December 2020, SSL 2 will work on new M1 ARM processors, but the extra bundled plugin software is not currently tested on Big Sur.

Q: 9. This is similar to a previous question about Outputs 3&4. You answered that 3&4 will mirror 1&2 and you can use them for a separate set of monitors, which is what I plan to do. My question is can you switch between the two sets, like an A/B switch or something? Since there isn't a hard switch, is there a control panel which will do this? I'm in the Mac universe.

A: After doing some research, I see that other M4 users have asked MOTU about the same thing (switching between two sets of monitors) but it seems that the M4 does not offer that feature at this time. The only option for now is to route the two outputs to a separate mixer or A/B switch. You may want to contact MOTU directly to let them know that having the ability to switch between two sets of monitors is a desirable feature that users would like to have on the M4. You can reach MOTU by phone at 617-576-2760. Their offices are based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Q: 10. Can the headphone output be assigned as a 5th and 6th output?

A: No, the headphones are summed stereo returns mixed with inputs.