Solid State Logic (Booth 18301) announces at the 2025 NAMM Show that it has launched the SSL 18 rackmount USB audio interface, marking the start of a new era in rackmount production technology from the company. Developed from SSL's expertise in analogue and digital design, the SSL 18 offers advanced audio performance with a studio-ready feature set.
“Designed to be the ultimate studio centerpiece in a single 19” rack unit, SSL 18 enhances production workflows while elevating the performance of almost any recording, production, or mixing space,” the announcement states. “Whether it is powering a desktop set-up or at the heart of a professional studio, SSL 18’s best-in-class conversion specifications, high-performance mic pre’s, flexible I/O, monitor control capabilities, and its signature SSL sound establish it as the new industry standard in rackmount audio interfaces.”
Audio performance coupled with flexible I/O
Next-generation 32-bit/192 kHz converters provide the platform for SSL 18’s analogue design, with dynamic range performance of 120 dB across all of its microphone, line-level and instrument inputs – enabling the capture of sources, with the detail and clarity professionals expect from SSL. SSL 18 features a 125 dB dynamic range on the monitor and line outputs and its integrated high-current amplifier features dual headphone outputs offering 120 dB dynamic range.
Featuring eight high-performance SSL-designed mic preamplifiers with switchable Mic/Line configuration, SSL 18's inputs offer an ultra-low noise floor and a large dynamic range allowing every detail of a performance to be captured with accuracy. A two-stage circuit design ensures ultra-low distortion during recordings while maintaining the natural character of the source. Each input can also be flipped into Legacy 4K Analogue Enhancement Mode, which adds real analogue saturation and a musical high-frequency boost – allowing users to access the 4000 series sonic character for vocals, drums, and more. Inputs 1 & 2 are conveniently located on the front panel and offer instrument/Hi-Z inputs to capture DI’d guitars and vintage synths/drum machines.
“SSL 18 embodies our commitment to crafting a 19-inch rack audio interface that delivers SSL quality. Our engineering team applied their analogue and digital design expertise to exceed expectations. With the powerful SSL 360 sofware, SSL 18 delivers a world-class studio experience to any setup. We’re eager for everyone to experience its sound and workflow,” says Andy Jackson, Senior Product Manager, Studio.
Line outputs and monitor controller
The SSL 18 comes equipped with 10 balanced line-level outputs located on the rear of the unit. Line outputs 1&2 and 3&4 can be configured to +9 or +24 dBu, ensuring compatibility with a broad array of studio monitors and vintage equipment. Outputs 3 to 10 operate at +24 dBu, making them suitable for integrating professional outboard equipment. All outputs are DC-coupled and capable of sending Control Voltage (CV) to synthesisers and/or modular rigs. Additionally, SSL 18 features configurable analogue insert points for inputs 1 and 2, making it easy to track with analogue processing in the chain.
The SSL 18 also features a full monitoring control section with talkback input. Line outputs 1&2 and 3&4 offer alternative speaker switching with Alt Speaker and Cut controls located directly on the front panel. The talkback input can be flipped into Line mode for processing the audio through the classic SSL Listen Mic Compressor - for crushing drums, parallel vocals, and more. Using the SSL 360 software, these features and many others can be customized to a user’s workflow.
Expand and enhance with SSL 18
With a host of possible audio connections and workflows, the SSL 18 is scalable to meet the needs of users and is designed to be a companion to SSL’s forthcoming ALPHA 8 (expected Feb/March 25). The mic or line level I/O count can be increased by 18 channels using its ADAT and S/PDIF connections. Also, SSL 18’s dedicated Word Clock output provides reliable clocking for integrating any external digital devices.
SSL Production Pack and Complete Access
SSL 18 comes bundled with the SSL Production Pack, creating a complete hardware and software ‘SSL studio’ solution. The SSL Production Pack features a selection of virtual instruments, plug-ins, samples and DAWs, including Harrison Mixbus 10 (worth over $1100). Additionally, users receive an extended 6-month trial of Complete Access which includes every plug-in from SSL, Slate Digital and Harrison Audio.
SSL 18 key features:
- 26-in/28-out USB-C audio interface for Mac and Windows.
- Next-generation 32-bit/192 kHz converters.
- 8 x Microphone/line-level inputs with 48V, HPF, and Phase Invert:
- ‘Legacy 4K Analogue Enhancement’ colouration circuit on every input.
- Configurable insert points for inputs 1 and 2.
- Inputs 1 and 2 are switchable to instrument-level.
- 10 x Balanced line outputs:
- Alternative speaker switching is available for pairs 1&2 and 3&4.
- DC-coupled - capable of sending Control Voltage to synths and drum machines.
- Professional +24 dBu operating levels with +9 dBu/+24 dBu level configuration options for pairs 1&2 and 3&4.
- 2 independent, powerful headphone outputs with dedicated level controls:
- 3 mode options to suit different headphone impedances – Standard, High Sensitivity, High Impedance.
- Create custom headphone mixes.
- Re-purpose as line outputs.
- Dedicated Talkback input with analogue Listen Mic Compressor (LMC).
- 16 channels of ADAT I/O at 44.1/48 kHz, 8 channels at 96 kHz.
- 2 channels of S/PDIF (coaxial or optical).
- MIDI I/O on 3.5 mm TRS jacks.
- Clocking options – internal (clock signal available on Wordclock output), or clock from incoming ADAT or S/PDIF.
- Comprehensive management of all inputs and outputs via the SSL 18 low-latency mixer:
- Create the control room mix, plus an additional 4 custom monitor mixes – HP A (stereo), HP B (stereo), LINE 3-4 (stereo or dual mono).
- Flexible Mirror Routing system to route any input or aux master directly to an output –for feeding personal monitoring systems, external metering and outboard FX.
- Customize the monitoring section front panel buttons to suit user workflow.
Those attending the NAMM Show 2025 will be able to experience the new SSL 18 rackmount audio interface, as well as preview the forthcoming ALPHA 8 interface expander. To learn more, stop by the booth or book an appointment with an SSL expert by visiting https://solidstatelogic.com/events/namm-show-2025
SSL 18 is priced at $1199.00 ex TAX / £749.99 ex VAT / €899.00 ex TAX, to find out more about SSL’s new era in rackmount studio technology, please visit the product page: https://www.solidstatelogic.com/products/ssl-18
