Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII Series Compared: SSL 2 MKII, SSL 2+ MKII by Official Specs

Solid State Logic’s “SSL 2 MKII” and “SSL 2+ MKII” are USB audio interfaces of the same design; the SSL 2+ MKII is the upper version with more outputs, MIDI ports and more. In this article we compare the 2 models using only the specifications the manufacturer publishes, and rank them on the same criteria as the other 18 audio interfaces on this site.

Disclosure: This site takes part in affiliate programs. Specifications are as of the date we checked them and can change.

In short: which one to choose

• SSL 2 MKII (rank A): a USB audio interface with 2 inputs and 2 outputs. Strong on microphone input quality, ease of streaming and ease of recording guitar and other instruments.
• SSL 2+ MKII (rank A): a USB audio interface with 2 inputs and 4 outputs. Strong on microphone input quality, ease of streaming, ease of recording guitar and other instruments and number of inputs and outputs.

The highest score among the 2 models is SSL 2+ MKII (rank A, average 4.0). But the model you need depends on how many things you record at once and which features you use. You do not need to choose a higher model for inputs, outputs or features you will not use.

Main features of the Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII series

Quiet microphone preamps

They have two microphone preamps designed by SSL, with a published gain range of 64 dB, noise (EIN) of -130.5 dBu and dynamic range of 116.5 dB.

Legacy 4K adds 4000-series-style coloring

Pressing the “Legacy 4K” button adds analog coloring (a flavor in the sound) based on SSL’s classic 4000-series console.

The difference between the SSL 2 and SSL 2+

Both have loopback and two Hi-Z inputs for guitar and bass. The SSL 2+ has four balanced outputs (the SSL 2 has two), two headphone outputs with independent volume, and MIDI in and out.

SSL Production Pack

SSL’s Vocalstrip 2 and Drumstrip plug-ins, Ableton Live 11 Lite, Melodyne Essential, AmpliTube 5 SE, Komplete Start and more are included. Some are three-month free trials.

Where it is useful

• Recording a cover or narration with little noise
• Combining the computer sound and your voice when streaming
• Switching between two pairs of speakers, or using MIDI gear (SSL 2+)

Differences in specifications (comparison table)

Model	Rank	Microphone input quality	Ease of streaming	Ease of recording guitar and other instruments	Number of inputs and outputs	Features for production
SSL 2 MKII	A (3.4)	EIN -130.5dBu / Gain 64dB / DR 116.5dB (4 points)	loopback: yes (5 points)	2 Hi-Z inputs (4 points)	4 analog inputs and outputs (3 points)	0 of 3 (1 point)
SSL 2+ MKII	A (4.0)	EIN -130.5dBu / Gain 64dB / DR 116.5dB (4 points)	loopback: yes (5 points)	2 Hi-Z inputs (4 points)	6 analog inputs and outputs (4 points)	1 of 3 (3 points)

How we score (Audio interfaces)

Criterion	Basis	5 pt	4 pt	3 pt	2 pt	1 pt
Microphone input quality	Quietness (EIN), gain range and dynamic range	Average 4.5 or more	3.5 or more	2.5 or more	1.5 or more	Under 1.5
Ease of streaming	Loopback (send the computer's sound together with the microphone for streaming or recording)	Yes	—	—	—	No
Ease of recording guitar and other instruments	Number of inputs that take a guitar or bass directly (Hi-Z)	3 or more	2	1	—	None
Number of inputs and outputs	Analog inputs plus outputs (headphones excluded)	≥8	≥6	≥4	≥3	<3
Features for production	Built-in DSP, MIDI ports and digital I/O	All 3	2	1	—	None

Scored only on the body specifications published by the manufacturer and the functions listed on the product page. Price and bundled software are not part of the score. "Microphone input quality" is the average of three scores: quietness (EIN: 5 points at -130 dBu or lower, 4 at -129, 3 at -128, 2 at -127), gain range (5 at 72 dB or more, 4 at 65, 3 at 57, 2 at 54) and dynamic range (5 at 118 dB or more, 4 at 116, 3 at 112, 2 at 108). It is scored when two or more numbers are published. "Ease of streaming" depends on whether the interface has loopback, which sends the BGM or game sound playing on the computer to the streaming software together with your voice.

Rating of each model

SSL 2 MKII

• It has loopback. When streaming, you can send the computer’s sound and your microphone voice together.
• It has 2 inputs in total for microphones and instruments. Check that the number you want to record at the same time does not exceed the number of inputs.
• It has 2 Hi-Z inputs that take a guitar or bass directly. When you record without effects pedals or an amplifier, you plug into a Hi-Z input.

SSL 2+ MKII

• It has loopback. When streaming, you can send the computer’s sound and your microphone voice together.
• It has 2 inputs in total for microphones and instruments. Check that the number you want to record at the same time does not exceed the number of inputs.
• It has 2 Hi-Z inputs that take a guitar or bass directly. When you record without effects pedals or an amplifier, you plug into a Hi-Z input.
• It has MIDI ports. You can connect keyboards and gear that have MIDI jacks directly.

Compared with other audio interfaces

Click a heading to sort. On a phone, the table scrolls sideways.

Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII series: connection and getting started

Connection	USB-C (USB 2.0) to a computer
Power	Runs on USB power
In the box	USB cables (Type-C to Type-C, Type-C to Type-A)
Other	Supported OS: macOS 12 or later, Windows 10 and 11 (ASIO / WDM drivers for Windows are available)

Checked on the manufacturer’s official pages on September 27, 2026.

Related reading

• Audio interfaces compared
• USB microphone or XLR with an audio interface: which should you choose?
• How to choose an audio interface
• How we rate specifications